How to Build a Dog Crate

By: Jennifer Stimpson, This Old House magazine

Shopping List

Supplies You Will Need

1. 14-by-14-inch inch reproduction floor heating grate

2. Decorative cabinet grille Get enough to cover the window cutouts on the side and back panels.

3. Dog tray for a plastic or metal crate, sized to your dog's weight.

4. 4-by-4-foot piece of ½-inch oak veneer plywoodfor the crate's sides, back, and top.

5. 8 feet of 1x2 oak

6. 6 feet of 1x3 oak

7. 2 feet of 1x4 oak

8. 5.2-mm Lauan plywood for the crate's floor.

9. ¾-inch square dowels to make floor supports and cleats on the back of the face frame.

10. 3/8-inch square dowels to hold the decorative grille in place.

11. 1 5/8-inch oak crown molding and ½-inch oak glass bead molding to trim the top.

12. Pivot hinges

13. Latch

14. 3-inch finish-head screws for the door and face frame.

15. 1-inch drywall screws to assemble the box and install the decorative grille.

16. 5/8-inch brad nails to secure all trim pieces.

17. 1 3/8-inch brad nails to secure cleats, blocking, and crown molding.

18. Stainable wood filler

19. Shellac and lint-free rag

Close
Tools List
Tools You Will Need
- Pneumatic brad nailer
- Speed Square
- Screwdriver
- Jigsaw fitted with a plywood blade
- Miter saw
- Drill/driver and various bits: 5/16-inch, 3/32-inch, and #6 countersink
- 24-inch bar clamps
- Tin snips or heavy-duty wire-cutters
Close

Mark Powers uses a miter saw to cut pieces for a dog crate

Photo: Laura Moss

Introduction
Overview
Steps:
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1. Cut All the Pieces

Using a miter saw, cut all pieces to length according to the cut list, except for those that will be cut to size.

Next

Helpful Info: Article: 5 Doghouses Crafted in Classic American Architecture; Article: Miter Saws

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