🖼️
The project:
We built this double dog crate from Merbau because we couldn't find one that actually looked nice in our living room.
It comfortably fits our two large dogs, with separate spaces and entries for each of them, plenty of airflow and enough room to stand up, turn around and stretch out. They sleep in it every night, or when needed through the day and happily retreat there when we say "crate".
We constantly have visitors asking, "Where is the dog crate?" because they don't even realise it's a dog crate because it looks like a piece of furniture until we point it out. It's become one of our favourite pieces of furniture and the dogs love it too as their safe space.
- Materials:
- Tools:
- Step 1:
Measure and plan the space
- Measure the area where the dog crate will be positioned, making sure to allow enough clearance for both doors to fully open.
- Consider the placement of the crate in the room, including access for cleaning and moving the dogs in and out.
- We used the 2400x900mm Merbau panels as our size guide, as this created a comfortable space for two large dogs while fitting within our available area.
- Step 2:
Build the base frame
- Start with the bottom Merbau multi-use panel as the foundation of the crate.
- Use the internal pine timber to create the supporting frame around the base.
- Build the frame from the bottom upwards, ensuring everything is square and level before securing.
- Add a centre divider at the halfway point (approximately 1200mm) to provide additional support and create separate spaces within the crate.
Build tip: Take your time checking that every section is square before fixing it permanently. Small adjustments early in the build will make the doors and final panels fit much easier.
- Step 3:
Complete and paint the internal frame
- Continue building the internal timber frame, creating the structure that will support the Merbau screening boards.
- Once the full frame is complete, spray paint the exposed pine timber black.
- Painting the internal frame before attaching the Merbau boards helps hide any visible gaps between the boards and creates a cleaner finished look.
- Step 4:
Attach the top panel
- Once the frame is complete and painted, position the second Merbau multi-use panel on top as the lid.
- Check that the panel is aligned correctly and sits flush with the frame.
- Secure the top panel into place using timber screws.
- Step 5:
Install the Merbau screening boards
- Measure and cut the Merbau screening boards to fit between the top and bottom panels.
- Leave approximately 3mm spacing between each board to allow airflow through the crate while maintaining the timber slatted appearance.
- Work around each side of the crate, securing each board individually to the internal frame.
- Continue until all fixed sides are completed.
- Step 6:
Build the doors
- Once the fixed panels are complete, measure the remaining openings for the doors.
- Build the door frames using the same timber structure and Merbau screening boards to match the rest of the crate.
- Ensure there is enough clearance around the doors so they open and close smoothly without catching.
- Ensure big gaps on the doors to allow for airflow.
- Step 7:
Attach doors and finish hardware
- Attach the doors using appropriate hinges, ensuring they are aligned and supported correctly.
- Install the black bolts/latches to securely close the doors.
- Check that both doors open smoothly and that all hardware is tightened.
- Step 8:
Final finish
- Apply Cabot’s Danish Oil to the Merbau timber to enhance the colour and protect the timber long term.
- Allow the oil to dry fully before introducing your dogs to the crate.
- Add the pet beds, and your custom furniture-style dog crate is complete.
- Help and inspiration:
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More pet project inspiration
Bunnings Workshop member LePallet built a dog crate buffet cabinet with sliding door using recycled Pine timber.
Community member havin_a_go created an upcycled puppy crate using a TV cabinet, replacing the glass with black mesh and adding cabinet locks.
Get more ideas from our collection of 25 D.I.Y. projects for pets and 10 ways to make your home pet-friendly.
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