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

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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
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Mark Powers attaches the latch to the face frame of the finished dog crate

Photo: Laura Moss

Introduction
Overview
Steps:
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19. Attach the Latch and Finish the Crate

Hold the latch centered on the door, opposite the pivot hinges, and mark its position on the door and the face frame. Drill pilot holes and attach the latch using a screwdriver and the fasteners provided. Fill nail and screw holes with stainable filler. Sand the crate with fine-grit sandpaper. Finish the crate with a coating of shellac to bring out the grain of the wood. Place the plastic tray inside, and add a cushion to help your pooch stay cozy.