10 DIY Dog Crate Plans You Can Build Today (With Pictures)

Deciding to add a canine companion to your household often means sacrificing form for function. But if you think you’re doomed to spend the next several years with an unsightly dog crate taking up space in your home, think again.

While wire crates do their job — and are the most affordable option out there — they just don’t look that great next to everyday home décor. On the other hand, decorative, furniture-style crates can be outrageously priced.

By taking some time to learn how to build a dog crate, you can save money while ensuring that the final product matches your home décor perfectly. Here are 10 (free!) DIY dog crate plans you can build today:

The Top 10 DIY Dog Crates

1. No-Paint Dog Crate Bedside Table, From Popsugar

If you already own a wire crate for your pup but just don’t care for how it looks in your home, Popsugar offers simple, budget-friendly plans for creating a stylish bedside table around an existing crate. All you need are easy-to-find supplies from your local hardware store, a few power tools, and a little bit of time.

• Difficulty: Moderate

2. Upcycled Crib Dog Crate, From My Repurposed Life

When you or a loved one is expecting (a human baby, that is), a crib is one of the key essentials. But once that infant outgrows their crib, what do you do? My Repurposed Life has instructions for how to turn a used crib into an elegant and super-functional dog crate.

If you don’t have an old wooden crib lying around, you might be able to find one on Craigslist or another online marketplace!

• Difficulty: Advanced

3. Sturdy Wooden Dog Crate, From Ana White

Ana White offers plans for building a straightforward dog crate from a few pieces of plywood and lumber. This project is great for intermediate woodworkers wanting to invest in a sturdy crate for their four-legged friends. The final product can easily be painted or stained to match any existing décor.

• Difficulty: Advanced

4. Hidden Dog Crate Table, From Snazzy Little Things

Another great project for hiding a wire crate comes from blogger Snazzy Little Things. This simple cover not only disguises your dog’s crate but also offers them additional privacy and doubles as a functional table. While you will need a few basic woodworking tools, this project is remarkably quick and easy.

• Difficulty: Easy

5. All-in-One Dog Crate, From Shanty 2 Chic

If you’ve ever dreamed of a dog crate that can do it all, look no further than this DIY dog crate project from Shanty 2 Chic. Along with holding two small dogs and offering a functional tabletop, this crate hides away your dog’s food and water bowls inside a hidden drawer. If that wasn’t enough, there are two more drawers for storing treats, collars, toys, and more.

• Difficulty: Advanced

6. Ornate Dog Crate, From This Old House

This Old House knows how to give DIY projects a craftsman’s touch — this dog crate is no exception. The finished product will be so elegant that most guests won’t even realize it doubles as a functional dog crate!

• Difficulty: Advanced

7. Console Dog Crate Table, From Rumfield Homestead

Rustic, barnyard décor has been one of the most popular home décor trends for years. Rumfield Homestead shows how to design your own console table/dog crate hybrid with a few pieces of scrap lumber and chicken wire.

As mentioned in Rumfield Homestead’s blog post, this project can easily be updated with curtains later for additional canine privacy.

• Difficulty: Moderate

8. Rustic Barn Door Dog Crate, From Shanty 2 Chic

On the subject of rustic-inspired chic, Shanty 2 Chic offers downloadable building plans for a stylish barn door dog crate. This DIY dog crate will make your pup feel extra secure, while also offering a tabletop surface for added storage or décor opportunities. When guests are around, you can count on the barn door entrance to be a definite conversation starter!

• Difficulty: Advanced

9. Cupboard Under the Stairs Dog Crate, From Tommy & Ellie

If your home includes an under-the-stairs cupboard, Tommy & Ellie offers a detailed tutorial on how to transform this space into an in-wall dog crate. This is a clever way to take advantage of a space that would otherwise go unused or accumulate household junk.

Of course, this project won’t work if you live in a rental unit or don’t have a built-in closet!

• Difficulty: Easy

10. Converted Cabinet Dog Crate, From measure & mix

YouTuber measure & mix offers easy-to-follow plans for upcycling an old bathroom cabinet and turning it into a multi-purpose dog crate. In this example, the top of this crate doubles as a laundry-folding table. When it comes to designing and building your version of this project, however, the possibilities are practically endless.

• Difficulty: Moderate

Final Thoughts

From upcycling to building from scratch, there are countless great alternatives out there for the dog owner who doesn’t want to be stuck with a clunky, unattractive crate in their home. Whether you choose to disguise an existing wire crate or create one from the ground up, your pup is sure to love their new den!

Of course, not all of these plans will work for all sizes and types of dogs. When learning how to build a dog crate, make sure to measure your dog before getting started. Also, take any chewing or other destructive habits your dog may have into consideration before putting hours into a project that won’t survive more than a few days!

Do you have any clever tips for making a dog crate blend into your home décor? Are you planning on trying one of these projects for yourself?

You might also want to check out: 

• The 10 Best Dog Crates.
• 15 DIY Dog Crate Covers You Can Make at Home: Simple Plans!

Featured Image Credit: Jagodka, Shutterstock