25 DIY Dog Gate Plans You Can Build Today (With Pictures)
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There are times when you need to keep your dog or new puppy contained or out of certain rooms. Perhaps you have an older dog who really shouldn’t be using the stairs. When you need a barrier, a dog gate is the best solution. You could spend money buying one, or even better, you can spend a few hours learning how to build a dog gate of your very own.
We’ve found free and easy-to-build DIY dog gate plans that you can make yourself. There are a variety of plans, from wood to fabric and PVC pipes, so you’re sure to find one that matches your DIY skill level. We’ve also included a list of the tools and supplies you’ll need.
Top 25 DIY Dog Gate Plans:
1. PVC Dog Gate by Sew Many Ways
| Materials: | PVC pipe, Corner pieces, Fabric, Thread |
| Tools: | Measuring tape, Saw, Scissors, Sewing equipment |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy/Moderate – requires sewing ability |
Our first set of plans from Sew Many Ways is low-cost and ideal if you need to keep your dog off the stairs. It’s constructed with PVC pipes and fabric, with some sewing required. This gate works best if you have stairs with spindles to hold it upright.
2. DIY Dog Gate by Saws on Skates
| Materials: | Wood, Two hinges, Paint, Stain with a clear finish |
| Tools: | Miter saw, Drill, Kreg jig, Clamps, Paint supplies |
| Difficulty Level: | Expert – woodworking skills |
If you have experience with woodworking, then you’ll be able to construct this sturdy and attractive dog gate from Saws on Skates. This dog gate stands on its own using a hinge in the middle. Keep in mind that if your dog is serious about entering the blocked room, this gate can be knocked over.
3. How to Build a Dog Gate by This Old House
| Materials: | Wood/plywood, Molding, Stain or paint, Wood glue, Nuts and bolts, Hinges |
| Tools: | Miter saw, Circular, Combination square, Bar clamps, Pneumatic pin nailer, Allen wrench set, Drill with drill bits |
| Difficulty Level: | Moderate/Expert – woodworking experience necessary |
For a solid wood gate that you can construct, check out the detailed plans from This Old House. If you have basic woodworking understanding, you’ll be able to follow the step-by-step instructions, which come with helpful pictures.
4. DIY Modern Baby Gate or Pet Gate by Crafted Workshop
| Materials: | Wood, Gate hinges, Latch and stop, Screws, Wood glue, Lacquer, Drywall anchors |
| Tools: | Miter saw, Cordless drill, Planer, Jointer, Countersink bit, Woodpeckers square, Sander, Block plane, Parallel clamps |
| Difficulty Level: | Moderate/Expert – woodworking knowledge essential |
This gate designed by Crafted Workshop can affix to the top of your stairs or to a doorway in order to block both your dog and a small child. Best of all, you can conveniently open and close this gate as you would a door. Two hinges allow it swing open, while a latch holds it closed.
5. DIY Pet Gate/Baby Gate by Jennifer Maker
| Materials: | Plastic lattice panel, Lattice caps, Lattice screws, Hinges, Latches, Sticky felt roll |
| Tools: | Screwdriver, Table saw or hand saw |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy/Moderate |
This freestanding, extra-wide and tall pet and baby gate by Jennifer Maker is an excellent design for rooms with wide openings that need to be blocked. Made out of a large plastic lattice panel, you can see through this gate. When it’s not in use, you can fold it up. Once you have all the materials, you can easily make this gate in one night.
6. DIY Cardboard Dog Gate by Two and Three Quarters
| Materials: | Cardboard box or boxes, Measuring tape, Duct tape, Contact paper, 3M Command Hooks, Ribbon |
| Tools: | Scissors |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
If you’re not a woodworker nor have any idea how to work a sewing machine but you need a quick fix on a low budget for a dog gate, search no further than these plans from Two and Three Quarters. Believe it or not, you can fashion a rather sturdy and crafty cute dog gate out of a cardboard box. You’re welcome!
7. DIY PVC Pipe Pet Gate by eHow
| Materials: | PVC pipe, PVC tee connectors, Hardware cloth, Cable ties, Tension rods, Protective gloves, PVC cement |
| Tools: | PVC pipe cutter or saw, Metal snips or wire cutters |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy/Moderate |
For an easy-to-construct project that you can build after a quick trip to your local hardware store, consider these simple-to-follow plans from eHow. Along with a PVC pipe frame, galvanized-steel hardware cloth provides the screen, and tension rods on the top and bottom cleverly hold it in place.
8. DIY Doggie Gate by Yellow Brick Home
| Materials: | Wood, Hinges, Bolts, Nails, Screws, Paint |
| Tools: | Brad nailer, Compound miter saw, Mini Kreg jig, Screwdriver or drill, Square, Tape measure or ruler, Putty knife, Sanding blocks (medium and fine), Mouse sander, Paint supplies |
| Difficulty Level: | Expert – woodworking expertise |
If you’re looking for an eye-appealing gate to fit in a doorway and you have strong woodworking skills, you may want to try the plans provided by Yellow Brick Home. This gate affixes to your door post, allowing it to swing open or lock closed as needed.
9. Baby/Pet Gates from Pallet Wood by Instructibles Workshop
| Materials: | Wood pallet, Wood blanks, Barrel bolt lock, Hinges, Screws, Nails, Paint or stain |
| Tools: | Miter saw or circular saw, Drill and bits, Hammer, Sander, Paint supplies, Tape measure |
| Difficulty Level: | Moderate |
Pallets are a fantastic shortcut for getting the structure of your dog gate in place. This pallet wood dog gate plan from Instructables Workshop breaks down the steps you’ll need to follow for a solid wood gate.
10. DIY Pet Barrier from A Creative Life by Debbie Saenz
| Materials: | Fabric, Sewing supplies, Spring tension rods |
| Tools: | Sewing machine, Iron |
| Difficulty Level: | Moderate |
If you’re handy with fabric and a sewing machine, you can easily stitch together this dog gate designed by Debbie Saenz of A Creative Life blog. With tension rods anchoring the top and bottom, you can adjust this fabric-covered gate to the width of your doorway or room opening.
11. DIY Wooden Barn Door Baby Gate from REMODELaholic
| Materials: | Pine boards and lumber, Drywall screws, Wood glue, Stain, Hinge, Latch, Handle |
| Tools: | Table saw, Miter saw, Drill, Brad nailer, Sander, Utility knife, Framing square, Tape measure, Pencil, Sander block, Sandpaper, Foam brush, Old rag |
| Difficulty Level: | Expert – Woodworking skills are a must |
When you’re installing a gate into your home, you’ll most likely want it to match your home’s overall style. This wooden barn baby or dog gate from REMODELaholic has a warm, rustic look. As long as you have proficient woodworking skills, you can learn how to build a dog gate, which is both functional and attractive.
12. DIY Baby Gate With Fabric from The DIY Playbook
| Materials: | Quilted fabric, Heat activated adhesive, Bias tape, Cord bundles, 3M Command strip |
| Tools: | Iron |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
For a soft fabric option as a dog gate, The DIY Playbook offers step-by-step plans to create a colorful barrier. This clever design resembles a quilt stretched across a doorway. The fabric loops make it easy to set up and pull down as needed. Best of all, you don’t need fancy sewing skills to assemble it!
13. DIY Gate for Bottom of Wide Staircase by Your Modern Family
| Materials: | PVC pipe and connection pieces, PVC cement, Wood, Hinges, Zip ties, Eye screw, Small bungee and hook |
| Tools: | PVC pipe cutter or saw, Ruler or measuring tape, Screwdriver |
| Difficulty Level: | Moderate |
This PVC pipe gate plan from Your Modern Family can span your wide staircase or perhaps a broad opening on a doorway. If you’re good at puzzling pieces together, this project is for you!
14. DIY Wood Dowel Door by Newly Woodwards
| Materials: | Wood dowels, Wood boards or plywood, Wood glue, Screws, Hinges, Latch or lock mechanism |
| Tools: | Circular saw, or miter saw, Drill, Screwdriver, Clamps, Measuring tape, Pencil, Sandpaper or sander |
| Difficulty Level: | Moderate |
If you’re looking for a cost-effective solution to keep your dog off the stairs, the DIY Wood Dowel Door from Newly Woodwards is an excellent choice. This gate plan offers a sturdy and reliable barrier using wooden dowels. The gate is designed to mount to the wall and swings open like a door, allowing easy access when needed.
15. DIY No-Hinge Dog Gate by Maison De Pax
| Materials: | Wood boards, Wood dowels, Wood glue, Screws or nails, Eye hooks, Chain or rope, Decorative hooks |
| Tools: | Circular saw, or miter saw, Drill, Screwdriver or hammer, Measuring tape, Pencil, Sandpaper or sander |
| Difficulty Level: | Moderate |
If you have a traditional banister and post, you probably don’t have anywhere to attach hinges for your dog gate. In that case, the DIY No-Hinge Dog Gate by Maison De Pax is all you need. It fits seamlessly into any staircase without interrupting the aesthetic flow of your home.
16. Under $5 Dog Gate by Little Victorian
| Materials: | Wooden lattice panel, Zip ties or wire, Hooks or eye screws, Paint or stain |
| Tools: | Measuring tape, Wire cutters or scissors, Drill or screwdriver |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
Some DIY projects are only enjoyable when they’re under budget. With this Under $5 Dog Gate by Little Victorian, you won’t have to worry about spending an extra dime on your project. It only requires some basic woodworking skills to build.
17. DIY PVC Dog Gate by Instructables
| Materials: | Furniture grade PVC and fittings, Plumbing Grade PVC pipe, Hitch Pins, Bag of 3/4″ Wood Screws, PVC Cement |
| Tools: | Power Drill or Power Screwdriver, Phillips Head Bit, Hacksaw, Measuring Tape, 3/32″ drill bit, 1/4″ drill bit, Countersink Bit, Knife or Deburring Tool |
| Difficulty Level: | Moderate |
If you have some old PVC pipes lying around, you can use them for the perfect industrial-style DIY today. This DIY PVC Dog Gate by Instructables is easy to build, and the result is a unique dog gate you won’t find anywhere else. Plus, the plan has some of the most detailed instructions on our list.
18. DIY Little Red Dog Gate by The Girls With Glasses
| Materials: | Plywood, Lumber, Wood glue, Screws, Gate latch, Hinges, Wood filler, Sandpaper, Paint or stain |
| Tools: | Circular saw, or miter saw, Drill, Screwdriver, Clamps, Measuring tape, Pencil, Wood chisel, Sanding block or electric sander, Paintbrush or foam brush |
| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate |
This DIY Little Red Dog Gate by The Girls With Glasses is the perfect way to add a practical pop of color to your home. The instructions are simple, and you can even swap out the red for any paint of your choice. The result is a minimalistic yet eye-catching pet barrier with golden accents.
19. DIY Plexiglass Dog Gate by Chris Loves Julia
| Materials: | Plexiglass sheets, Lumber, Wood screws, Hinges, Gate latch, Wood filler, Sandpaper, Paint or stain |
| Tools: | Circular saw, or miter saw, Drill, Screwdriver, Measuring tape, Pencil, Clamps, Chisel, Sanding block or electric sander, Paintbrush or foam brush |
| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate |
Plexiglass combines the durability of plastic with the beauty of real glass. If you’re looking for something shatter-proof, the DIY Plexiglass Dog Gate by Chris Loves Julia will get the job done. It guarantees your pet’s safety without compromising your home’s aesthetics.
20. DIY Barn Door Dog Gate by Remodelaholic
| Materials: | 1/4-inch plywood or beadboard panel, Lumber, Wood glue, Wood screws, Door handle, Barn door hardware kit, Stain or paint, Polyurethane |
| Tools: | Miter saw, or circular saw, Drill, Screwdriver, Measuring tape, Clamps, Wood glue applicator or brush, Paintbrush or foam brush, Sandpaper or electric sander, Level |
| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate |
Farmhouse themes are quite common in today’s homes. Luckily, you can keep the theme consistent with this DIY Barn Door Gate by Remodelaholic. It’s the perfect combination of rustic, timeless, and practical.
21. DIY 10-Minute Dog Gate by Finding Purpose Furniture
| Materials: | 1×4 pine boards, Deck screws, Hinges, Latch of choice, Stain or paint |
| Tools: | Miter saw, Drill |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
Sometimes, you only have 10 minutes to set aside for your DIY project. The DIY 10-Minute Dog Gate by Finding Purpose Furniture is perfect for those days. It’s the quickest project on our list, and the result is a beautiful and traditional pet barrier.
22. DIY Dutch Door Dog Gate by Pine and Prospect Home
| Materials: | Plywood, Lumber, Hinges, Latch, Wood screws, Wood glue, Sandpaper, Stain or paint, Polyurethane |
| Tools: | Circular saw, or miter saw, Drill, Screwdriver, Measuring tape, Clamps, Chisel, Router, Sander or sanding block |
| Difficulty Level: | Moderate |
Dutch doors combine the perfect level of country charm with functionality. If you want a similar rustic finish in your home, this DIY Dutch Door Dog Gate by Pine and Prospect Home is your dream project. Aside from being beautiful and easy to build, this project is also one of the most affordable on our list.
23. DIY Vintage Headboard Dog Gate by Factual Fairytale
| Materials: | Vintage headboard, Lumber (2×2 or 1×2), Plywood or MDF board, Wood screws, L-brackets, Gate latch, Paint or stain |
| Tools: | Saw (circular saw or miter saw), Drill, Screwdriver, Measuring tape, Sandpaper, Level, Pencil |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
If you have the headboard of an old bed lying in your basement, you’re in luck. You can use its historic beauty to create this DIY Vintage Headboard Dog Gate by Factual Fairytale. This is the perfect project for anyone who wants to continue a traditional aesthetic in their home while staying under budget.
24. DIY Easy Custom Dog Gate by The Kim Six Fix
| Materials: | 1×4 boards, 1×2 boards, Wood screws, Gate latch, Paint or stain |
| Tools: | Saw (circular saw or miter saw), Drill, Screwdriver, Measuring tape, Sandpaper, Level, Pencil |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
Needing only basic tools and skills, the DIY Easy Custom Dog Gate by The Kim Six Fix is one of the easiest projects on our list. The gate uses accessible and affordable wooden boards, making it a budget-friendly option. The wooden boards can be customized to match the existing decor or style of the surrounding area.
25. DIY Rustic Indoor Dog Fence by Home Road
| Materials: | 2×4 Wood pieces, Metal screening, Heavy duty stapes, Wood screws, Washers |
| Tools: | Saw, Drill, Screwdriver, Staple gun, Measuring tape, Pencil |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy to Moderate |
The main material in this project is 2x4s and metal screening. The creator stained the wood, but that’s a personal preference. This DIY Rustic Indoor Dog Fence project by Home Road is great for farmhouse decor and can be made with minimal materials.
Final Thoughts
There you have it: plans for skill types, needs, and aesthetics. Hopefully, you’ve found something on this list worth giving a try and that helps you save a few bucks during the process!
See also:
- 13 DIY Pallet Dog Beds You Can Build Today (With Pictures)
- 10 Best Indoor Dog Gates – Reviews & Top Picks
Featured Image Credit: Pixabay
