Introduction
When it comes to providing a comfortable and stylish space for your furry friend, DIY dog furniture crate designs are a perfect blend of functionality and aesthetics.
A well-designed crate offers a safe, cozy place for your dog while also fitting seamlessly into your home’s decor.
Whether you’re looking for something sleek and modern or rustic and homey, creating your own dog crate allows you to customize it according to your dog’s needs and your style preferences.
In this guide, we’ll explore 11 DIY dog furniture crate designs that not only keep your pet safe and cozy but also enhance the look of your living space.
These crates can be adapted for various sizes and purposes, ensuring your dog has a comfortable space that fits perfectly in your home.
11 DIY Dog Furniture Crate Designs.
1. Rustic Wooden Dog Crate with Storage.
A DIY dog furniture crate with a rustic wooden design is not only functional but also adds a farmhouse charm to your home. You can build this crate with a flat top that doubles as a storage space for dog toys, leashes, and treats.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Choose the Wood: Opt for sturdy, rustic wood like pine or oak.
- Build the Frame: Create a basic rectangular frame using wooden planks and screws.
- Add Slats for Ventilation: Space wooden slats along the sides for air circulation.
- Create a Flat Top: Add a wooden top to double as a surface for storage or display.
Expert Tip: This crate design pairs well with a DIY dog bed ramp to help your pet easily access higher areas like couches or beds.
2. Modern Dog Crate Furniture with Sliding Doors.
For a sleek, modern look, create a DIY dog crate with sliding doors. This space-saving design works well in contemporary homes and provides easy access to your dog’s crate.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Construct the Frame: Use wood or metal to create a sturdy frame.
- Install Sliding Doors: Attach sliding barn doors to the front of the crate for easy opening and closing.
- Decorate the Top: Add a decorative top surface for books, plants, or decor to make the crate blend into your living room setup.
Expert Tip: Add a plush bed inside the crate to make it even cozier for your dog. You can also complement this crate design with a DIY dog wash station to keep your pet clean after outdoor playtime.
3. Dog Crate TV Stand Combo.
Combine a TV stand with a DIY dog furniture crate for a dual-purpose piece of furniture. This design is great for smaller spaces, as it provides a functional entertainment center while doubling as a cozy crate for your dog.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Build the Crate Base: Construct a crate at the bottom half of the TV stand using wood and metal bars.
- Add the TV Stand Top: Attach a sturdy top to support the weight of your TV and other media equipment.
- Ensure Ventilation: Leave enough gaps in the crate for air circulation to keep your pet comfortable.
Expert Tip: If you have multiple pets, consider incorporating spaces for other small animals, such as DIY bunny cages or even a small shelf for DIY cat toys, into the design.
4. Crate-End Table Combo.
For those who want their dog’s crate to seamlessly blend into their living room, a crate-end table combo is a stylish solution. This design turns your dog’s crate into a functional side table that can hold lamps, books, or drinks.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Build the Crate Frame: Use wood to create a solid crate that can support the weight of typical end-table items.
- Decorate the Exterior: Stain or paint the crate to match your room’s decor.
- Add a Tabletop: Secure a sturdy wooden top to the crate to act as an end table.
Expert Tip: Add a drawer or shelf under the tabletop for extra storage, perfect for stashing your dog’s treats, leashes, or DIY cat toys.
5. Sliding Drawer Dog Crate.
A sliding drawer dog crate is a brilliant solution for those who want a hidden dog space. This design allows you to pull out a crate from a piece of furniture, such as a kitchen island or hallway console, keeping your dog’s crate discreet when not in use.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Build a Hidden Drawer: Construct a pull-out drawer large enough to house your dog’s crate.
- Add Casters: Attach casters to the bottom for easy sliding in and out.
- Include Air Vents: Drill holes or leave gaps in the sides to ensure proper ventilation for your pet.
Expert Tip: This design works well in multi-pet households, and you can even create a similar hidden area for an indoor DIY outdoor cat run.
6. Outdoor Dog Crate with Roof.
If your dog spends a lot of time outside, an outdoor dog crate with a roof can provide shelter and comfort. This DIY dog furniture crate is durable and weather-resistant, making it perfect for outdoor use.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Choose Weatherproof Materials: Use treated wood and metal that can withstand the elements.
- Build the Frame: Create a large, sturdy crate with plenty of room for your dog to move around.
- Add a Roof: Include a sloped roof to protect your dog from rain and direct sunlight.
Expert Tip: You can pair this outdoor crate with a DIY dog wash station nearby, making it easy to clean your pet after outdoor play.
7. DIY Crate Coffee Table.
Turn your dog’s crate into a stylish coffee table with this clever DIY dog furniture crate design. This piece functions as both a crate and a central coffee table, perfect for smaller spaces.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Build a Large Crate Base: Construct a large wooden crate that is wide enough to serve as a coffee table.
- Add a Flat Surface: Secure a smooth top surface for placing drinks, books, or decor.
- Ventilation and Accessibility: Include enough openings for airflow and a door for easy access.
Expert Tip: Make sure to choose a dog bed that fits perfectly inside the crate for added comfort, similar to what you would use in a DIY dog bed ramp setup.
8. Crate-Desk Combo
For those who work from home, a crate-desk combo is an excellent way to keep your dog close while maximizing space. This design combines a spacious desk with an under-desk dog crate.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Build the Desk: Construct a sturdy desk with a large under-space for the crate.
- Design the Crate: Place a crate under the desk, ensuring it’s accessible and comfortable for your dog.
- Add Storage: Include drawers or shelves for office supplies.
Expert Tip: Consider adding a comfy rug or bed inside the crate so your dog can relax while you work. You can even include space for a DIY cat toys section if you have feline friends.
9. Crate with Bookshelf Top
A crate with a bookshelf top offers both storage and functionality. This design works well in living rooms or home offices, allowing you to store books while providing a safe crate for your dog.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Build the Crate: Create a solid crate base using wood or metal.
- Add Shelves: Build shelves on top of the crate for storing books or decor.
- Ventilation: Ensure there are enough gaps or slats for air circulation.
Expert Tip: This crate design can also be used to store items like DIY bunny cages or supplies for small pets.
10. Travel-Friendly Collapsible Dog Crate
For families on the go, a collapsible dog crate is a convenient solution. This portable crate can be folded down for easy transport, making it perfect for road trips or camping.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Choose Lightweight Materials: Use aluminum or lightweight wood to build the frame.
- Make it Collapsible: Design the crate with hinges or foldable joints so it can collapse easily.
- Add Handles: Attach handles to make transporting the crate simple.
Expert Tip: Pair this crate with a portable DIY dog wash station for convenience while traveling or camping.
11. Convertible Crate with Storage Bench
A convertible crate with a storage bench combines functionality with style. This design allows the crate to serve as a bench for extra seating while providing a cozy space for your dog underneath.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Build the Bench Frame: Construct a sturdy wooden frame for the bench.
- Create the Crate Space: Build a crate under the bench, leaving enough room for your dog to comfortably enter and exit.
- Add a Cushioned Top: Add a cushion or upholstered top to make the bench comfortable for seating.
Expert Tip: Incorporating this crate-bench combo in your entryway or mudroom also provides storage space for leashes, dog toys, and even a DIY dog bed ramp.
Conclusion
These 11 DIY dog furniture crate designs are both practical and stylish, offering your dog a safe and cozy space while complementing your home decor.
Whether you’re looking for a modern sliding-door design or a rustic wood crate, these ideas can be customized to fit your dog’s needs and your home’s aesthetic.
With the right materials and a little creativity, you can craft a unique dog crate that both you and your pet will love.
And if you have other pets, consider expanding your DIY projects to include DIY cat toys, a DIY outdoor cat run, or DIY bunny cages to create a comfortable and enriching environment for all your furry friends.
FAQs
1. What materials are best for building a DIY dog furniture crate?
The best materials for building a DIY dog furniture crate include sturdy wood, metal bars, and weather-resistant materials for outdoor crates. Always choose non-toxic, pet-safe paints and finishes.
2. Can I build a DIY dog crate for small spaces?
Yes! Designs like the crate-end table combo or a crate under a desk are perfect for maximizing space in smaller homes while keeping your dog comfortable.
3. How do I ensure my DIY dog furniture crate is safe for my pet?
Ensure the crate has plenty of ventilation and smooth edges to prevent injury. Use durable materials and secure all fastenings, and make sure the crate is large enough for your dog to move around comfortably.
4. Can I incorporate my dog’s crate into my existing furniture?
Absolutely! Many of the designs above, like the crate-TV stand combo or the sliding drawer crate, allow you to integrate your dog’s space into your living room, bedroom, or home office.
5. Are DIY dog crates suitable for all dog sizes?
Yes, DIY crates can be customized to suit any dog size, from small breeds to large dogs. Just be sure to adjust the dimensions of the crate to fit your dog comfortably.
