Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Dogs

5 amazing DIY dog crate ideas you can build this weekend

By

It may sound daunting to build your own dog crate, but this project can be totally doable in just one weekend. Even novice woodworkers can do this! Each specific build will have a shopping list and timeline that are completely unique, so you’re sure to find a DIY dog crate that’s perfect for you and your schedule.

With your four-legged helper by your side (except not actually next to you when there are power tools involved), this weekend’s project will be both successful and helpful! Trust us, your dog will love it. If he could say “thank you,” he would!

a dog sleeps on a bed in his crate
Image used with permission by copyright holder

DIY Dog Kennel Cover

This tutorial from DesignCompany puts a time-saving spin on this project. Instead of building a whole crate, you can build an attractive, dog-friendly cover for any wire crate you already have. The cover has the look and function of an end table, so it’ll be perfect for any home. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

  • 1-by 2-inch wooden boards
  • 1- by-4-inch wooden boards (optional, can use more 1 by 2s instead)
  • Hammer and nails
  • Sander
  • Wood stain
  • Tape measure
Recommended Videos

Yep, that’s it! Heather of Heather’s Handmade Life finished this entire project in one day, so you should have no trouble completing it over a weekend. By this time on Monday, your home could be one end table cuter!

Basic One-Day Dog Crate

For another straightforward DIY that you can create in a weekend — or even a day — check out this geometric dog crate build from My Outdoor Plans. These woodworkers recommend using a high-quality material like cedar or redwood to ensure safety for your dog. Once you adjust the measurements to the needs of your dog, you’re ready to go!

What you need:

  • For the sides: 1-by-3-inch boards, 29½ inches long (4 pieces); 1-by-3-inch boards, 26 inches long (4 pieces); 1-by-2-inch boards, 29½ inches long (12 pieces)
  • For the faces: 1-by-3-inch boards, 19 inches long (4 pieces); 1-by-3-inch boards, 26 inches long (4 pieces); 1-by-2-inch boards, 19 inches long (6 pieces)
  • For the top and bottom: ½-inch plywood sheets, 24 by 36 inches (2 pieces)
  • For the door: 1-by-2-inch boards, 20½ inches long (2 pieces); 1-by-2-inch boards, 17½ inches long (4 pieces); 1-by-2-inch boards, 15½ inches long (2 pieces)
  • ½-inch screws (2)
  • ¼-inch screw (1)
  • Wood stain
  • Wood filler
  • Wood glue
  • Metal hinge for door

This project takes advantage of more materials and tools, so you may need to spend a little part of your weekend gathering everything you need. Once you’re ready, it won’t take long to assemble the dog crate you never knew you needed.

DIY Barn Door Dog Crate

Although this cute crate has the basic shape and purpose of the others on this list, it has an aesthetic appeal all its own. The last steps of this project include building and attaching the rustic barn door that makes this crate so unique, though experienced crafters may want to get creative with this piece of the process.

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 2-by-6-inch boards, 96 inches long (6 pieces)
  • 2-by-4-inch boards, 96 inches (4 pieces)
  • 1-by-2-inch board, 96 inches (1 piece)
  • ¾-inch plywood sheet, 48 inches (1 piece)
  • ½-inch plywood sheet, 24 inches (1 piece)
  • Pocket hole jig
  • Barn door hardware (the tutorial uses wooden planks)

It’s going to be a productive weekend — ready to get started?

a Corgi puppy lies in her crate surrounded by blankets and toys
Image used with permission by copyright holder

DIY Square Dog Kennel

This adorable DIY has both written and video instructions, so you can get all the info you need to get started. Since one of the very first steps is to treat the wood with a preserving stain, it can be used both indoors or outdoors.

The shopping list for this project is rather long, so you’ll want to visit the written instructions for a full roundup. Here are the essentials:

  • Clout nails
  • Wood preserver
  • Roof felt
  • 1/3-inch plywood sheets (2 pieces)
  • C16 CLS treated wood for base, 3 pieces
  • And more

Large Wood Kennel End Table

This is another fashionable crate that doubles as a table, though this one needs to be built from scratch (unlike the crate cover DIY). Thankfully, this project also has a shorter shopping list, so you can get started right away! You’ll want to be on the lookout for products like these:

  • 24-by-36-inch pine project panel or ¾-inch plywood or MDF (1 piece)
  • 1-by-3-inch boards, 8 feet long (5 pieces)
  • ¼-inch plywood sheet (1)
  • 1-by-2-inch boards, 8 feet long (4 pieces)
  • Set of hinges (1)
  • Latch (1)
  • 1¼-inch pocket hole screw
  • Wood glue
  • ¾-inch brad nails

The measurements on this project plan will build a crate for a medium-size dog. This kennel features a solid frame and walls to keep your pup secure in addition to a cute, modern look for you. What else could you possibly want in a crate?

Ready for an awesome weekend? With these simple DIY project ideas up your sleeve, you can build a new space for your furry friend faster than you can binge your favorite Netflix show. Plus, how good will it feel to bond with your dog over his perfect new crate?

Editors’ Recommendations

Topics
Gabrielle LaFrank
Gabrielle LaFrank
Contributor
Gabrielle LaFrank has written for sites such as Psych2Go, Elite Daily, and, currently, PawTracks. When she's not writing, you…
Can dogs eat asparagus? Consider these things before mealtime
You definitely need to prepare it for them first
Black and brown dog sniffing asparagus

It's usually pretty easy to tell a dog's favorite food. Sometimes it's a special treat like a Greenie, other times it might be a favorite brand of kibble, or perhaps just anything bacon flavored. While they may hoover up the occasional dropped broccoli floret or bit of celery root, there are some fruits and veggies that dogs can't eat and others that must be prepared in certain ways beforehand. Grapes and avocados top the never list, but can dogs eat asparagus? It depends on how much and how it's made.
Can dogs eat asparagus?

Usually when we talk about vegetables, we encourage pet parents to provide them raw. In addition to the nutritional benefit, giving plain veggies also ensures that nothing else gets in there with the healthy snack. As in, we shouldn't feed our pups buttered carrots because they won't process that extra fat and dairy well.

Read more
Why does your dog like stare at you?
There are a few reasons why your dog might not take their eyes off you
A dog lies on the floor making sad eyes up at the camera

Have you ever had an indescribable feeling of tiny, beady eyes on you? You look up from work or chores and see your dogs staring at you intently, only to wonder what they're thinking. It's impossible to know for sure the minds of our pooches, but we do have some ideas. So if you're wondering, "Why does my dog stare at me?" - never fret — it's both normal and explainable. The exact cause depends a bit on the circumstances, so read on to figure out exactly what's going on.
Why does my dog always stare at me?

It's hard to guess precisely what goes on in your beastie's noggin, especially when they look up at you, seemingly asking a question. We can't promise that we're dog psychics, but we do have some idea what they might be getting at.
Your dog wants something
If Fido looks you dead in the eyes around dinner time every day, we think you already know the answer here. Of course, your little buddy will stare right through you when looking for a meal or a snack. Alternatively, sometimes pups learn to gaze at you when they need to potty — a great way of saying that it's outside time.
It's true love
You may occasionally look down at your fur baby with pure love in your eyes, and they do the same right back. Watching you can be a part of showing affection and devotion. Make sure that this habit hasn't turned into anything too clingy, since sometimes an intense stare means your animal suffers from separation anxiety.
They're feeling aggressive
In most households, you'll never encounter this reason, but sometimes dogs glare at people because they feel threatened. This could happen when a new person comes over or a stranger walks too close to them on the sidewalk. It also can be a symptom of resource guarding, which is when your pup pup decides that they don't want anyone coming near their treat.
Your dog wants to know what you're doing
Ever do something ridiculous and realize your furry friend was watching you the whole time? Because our canine companions are so in tune with us, they seem to know when we have done something out of step. This particular stare may also accompany a head tilt and upright ears, indicating that they want to suss out your actions.
They need to tell you something
Maybe not literally, but the idea is there. We already covered that a fuzz ball might look intently when they need a bathroom break, but they could ask for other things, too. When your pet looks up at you and then picks up a toy, you should instantly get the message: They need playtime.
How do you know why your dog is staring?

Read more
Can dogs eat potatoes? Read this before feeding your pup this food
How to prepare potatoes for dogs
A French Bulldog lies on the ground between packs of French fries

There are few foods as diverse and delicious as the humble potato. This starchy vegetable can be mashed, baked, or even fried, and it complements just about any flavor combination. Whether you like to eat them as hash browns during breakfast or as a hearty soup for dinner, there's no wrong way to prepare spuds of any size.
But can dogs eat potatoes? It's only normal to want to share a bite of your food with your begging buddy, but it's important to double-check that whatever's on your plate is safe for dogs to eat, too. The last thing you want is to make your dog sick.
Luckily, potatoes aren't likely to cause any kind of digestive upset as long as you follow a few rules. Here's what you need to know about dogs and potatoes.

Can dogs eat potatoes?

Read more