How To Make A DIY Dog Crate (Indoor Furniture)

Tired of looking at those clunky, unattractive dog crates that don’t match your carefully curated home decor? Well, you’re in luck!

Building your own wooden dog crate isn’t just a fun DIY project—it’s a chance to give your furry friend a comfortable and stylish home that blends seamlessly into your space.

Whether you’re planning to tuck it under a countertop or let it shine as a standalone piece, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step. Scroll down to watch videos with the whole process!

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Step 1: Decide on Dimensions and Gather Materials

The first step in creating your dog crate is deciding how big it needs to be.

Pro Tip: Use your dog’s favorite bed or a plastic tray liner as a size guide. This ensures the crate will be comfortable without being too cramped—or too massive for your space.

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Materials You’ll Need:

  • Plywood for the crate’s main body
  • Pre-primed pine boards (or regular boards if you’re fine painting them)
  • 3/8-inch wooden dowels for the rails
  • Pocket hole screws and wood glue
  • Hinges and a latch for the door
  • Edge banding (optional but makes the edges look cleaner)
  • Paint or stain and a clear coat for finishing
  • Sandpaper and a few clamps
  • Your go-to tools: circular saw, miter saw, drill, and maybe a rubber mallet (trust me, it’ll come in handy).

The video below explains everything step-by-step – make sure to watch it too! However at the bottom of this article you’ll find more tips that will make your dog crate even better and more functional.

Step 2: Build the Cabinet Box (a.k.a. the Main Crate Body)

Think of this as building a simple cabinet—it’s straightforward, even for beginners.

  1. Cut the Plywood:
    Use a circular saw to cut your plywood into the side panels, bottom panel, and top panel. The sides will hold everything together, so make sure your measurements are accurate.
  2. Assemble with Pocket Holes:
    Drill pocket holes into the ends of the bottom panel and the top support strips. Attach the side panels to the bottom panel first, making sure it’s level. Add support strips at the top for stability and to attach the top panel later.
  3. Add a Toe Kick (Optional):
    If you want a more polished look, cut a thin strip of plywood to create a toe kick at the base of the crate. Attach it about three inches from the front edge—it’s purely aesthetic but adds a nice touch.

Extra Tip: Use edge banding to cover any exposed plywood edges. It’s an optional step, but it makes everything look cleaner and more professional.

Step 3: Create the Face Frame and Door

Here’s where things get a bit more customized.

  1. Cut and Assemble the Frame:
    Cut pre-primed pine boards (or regular boards) to create the face frame and door frames. You’ll need one stationary frame for the crate’s front and one frame that will serve as the door.
  2. Add Dowels for the Rails:
    Drill holes into the frames for the dowels. Space them evenly, ensuring the gaps are small enough to prevent your dog from sticking their head through. Use a dowel jig for precision, or just measure carefully and drill straight (no pressure).
  3. Paint Before Assembling:
    Trust me on this one—paint the frames and dowels before putting everything together. It’s a little tedious, but it’ll save you from awkwardly trying to paint tight corners later. (And yes, let the paint dry overnight. I know you’re excited, but patience pays off here!)
  4. Assemble the Door and Stationary Frame:
    Use wood glue and dowels to attach the door frame pieces. For the stationary frame, pocket hole screws work just fine since the back side won’t be visible. Tap the dowels into place with a rubber mallet for a snug fit, then let everything dry.

Step 4: Paint, Sand, and Finish

This is the part we all love to hate.

  1. Sand all the surfaces to smooth out imperfections.
  2. Apply primer and a couple of coats of paint or stain, depending on your style.
  3. Finish with a clear coat to protect the wood and make cleaning easier (especially if your dog has the occasional “oops” moment).

Pro Tip: Use a small roller for an even coat and less frustration. Oh, and wear gloves unless you want to explain your paint-splattered hands to everyone for the next week.

Step 5: Assemble and Attach the Frames

Finally, it’s time to bring everything together!

  1. Attach the stationary frame to the crate’s front with wood glue and brad nails. Leave a small gap (about 1/8 inch) between the top of the frame and the crate’s top panel for clearance.
  2. Install the door using hinges. Make sure it swings smoothly and aligns perfectly with the stationary frame.
  3. Add your latch. A surface bolt or magnetic catch works well here—just something simple to keep the door securely closed.

Step 6: Attach the Top Panel and Add Finishing Touches

Cut the top panel to size, apply edge banding, and paint it to match the rest of the crate. Screw it into the top support strips, and you’re almost done!

For a final touch, consider adding a magnetic catch to ensure the door closes snugly. This is especially helpful if your dog tends to push on the door while inside.

Want To Build A Larger Crate?

Make sure to watch this video too!

Bonus Tips for Success:

  1. Customize for Your Dog’s Needs:
    Have a chewer? Consider using stronger dowels or reinforcing the frame. Have a messy pup? Add a waterproof liner to the bottom of the crate for easy cleanup.
  2. Add Padding:
    Line the bottom with a comfy dog bed or mat to make the crate feel like a cozy den.
  3. Go Slow and Enjoy the Process:
    DIY projects can get frustrating, especially when you’re working with paint and glue. Take your time, have fun, and remember—you’re building something amazing for your furry best friend. 🙂

Final Thoughts

Building your own wooden dog crate is a rewarding project that gives your pup a stylish and functional home. With some careful planning, a bit of patience, and the steps above, you’ll have a crate that’s not only practical but also a beautiful addition to your space.

Ready to get started?

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