This step by step woodworking article is about dog crate plans. Therefore, if you want to build a simple but sturdy crate for your favorite pet, we recommend you to pay attention to the instructions described in this project. Don’t forget that you should also adjust the design and the shape of the dog crate as to suit your needs and fit within the budget allocated for the project.
Building the dog crate is a straight-forward project if you plan everything form the very beginning. Therefore, we recommend you to work with attention and to invest in high quality materials, such as cedar, pine or redwood. Select the slats that are in a good visual condition and make sure they are perfectly straight. Drill pilot holes before inserting the screws, to prevent teh wood from splitting. See all my Premium Plans HERE.
Projects made from these plans
Cut & Shopping Lists
- A – 4 pieces of 1×3 lumber – 29 1/2″ long, 4 pieces – 26″ long, 12 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 29 1/2″ long SIDES
- B – 4 pieces of 1×3 lumber – 19″ long, 4 pieces – 26″ long, 6 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 19″ long FACES
- C – 2 piece of 1/2″ plywood – 24” x 36″ long TOP AND BOTTOM
- D – 2 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 20 1/2″ long, 4 pieces – 17 1/2″ long, 2 pieces – 15 1/2″ long DOOR
Tools
Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level
Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander
Post hole digger, Concrete mixer
Time
One day
Related
Dog crate plans
Building a dog crate
Top Tip: Adjust the size of the dog crate to suit your needs before starting the actual construction. Make sure the corners are square before inserting the screws.
Building a dog crate
Building the front and back faces
The first step of the project is to build the front and the back faces of the dog crate. As you can easily notice in the image, we recommend you to build the frames using 1×3 slats and th horizontal components out of 1×2 slats. Leave 1 3/4″ between the rails. Use a wood block between the rail to get consistent gaps.
Drill pocket holes at both ends of the horizontal components before inserting the screws. Don’t forget that you shouldn’t add the horizontal components to the front frame, as to leave enough space for the door.
Building the side walls
Continue the project by making the sides of the dog crate. Cut the components at the right size by using a circular saw and smooth the cut edges with sandpaper. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the horizontal components, add waterproof glue to the joints and insert 1 1/4″ screws. Leave 1 3/4″ between the rails.
Top Tip: Check if the corners of the frames are right-angled by using a carpentry square. Repeat the process in the same manner for the opposite side of the crate.
Assembling the frame
Locking the four sides of crate together is a straight forward job, but you need to work with attention.Therefore, we recommend you to drill pilot holes and to insert finishing nails. Alternatively, drill pocket holes and insert 1 1/4″ screws into the adjacent walls.
Building the front door
Build the front door of the dog crate out of 1×2 lumber, as shown in the image. After assembling the door by using pocket holes, glue and 1 1/4″ screws, we recommend you to center it into the opening and to lock it to the frame with metal hinges. Leave about 2″ between the rails.
Don’t forget to add a proper latch to the door, as to close it properly when necessary. Pay attention to this step, as it is essential for the ends result of the project.
Attaching the top and the bottom
One of the last steps of the woodworking project is to attach 1/2″ plywood sheets to the top and to the bottom of the crate. As you can notice in the image, we recommend you cut the pieces of plywood by using a circular saw.
Top Tip: Align the sheets at both ends and lock them into place with 1 1/4″ finishing nails / screws. Add waterproof glue to the joints, if you want to create a rigid structure.
Dog crate plans
After assembling the cat tower we recommend you to check if the components are locked together properly. Insert the galvanized screws properly, making sure they are at the same level with the wooden surface.
Top Tip: Don’t forget to take a cover the components with carpet, if you want to enhance the look of the tower and to make it stand out. Use glue to lock the components into place.
This woodworking project was about dog crate plans. If you want to see more outdoor plans, we recommend you to check out the rest of our step by step projects.
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