Say Goodbye To The Eyesore Of A Dog Crate With A Stylish Multi-Purpose Solution

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Benches are one of the most versatile pieces of furniture in your home and are great way to make your mudroom more practical. You can find them in any room, and they serve multiple purposes no matter where you put them. In the entryway, benches become shoe storage, and as a window seat in your living room, they store extra blankets. 

One of the most practical ideas for pet owners combines a bench with a dog crate, turning an eyesore into a practical dual-purpose solution that can be used in the rooms you enjoy with your pet. Since bench seating is usually about 16 to 18 inches tall, this is a great project for owners of small dogs. 

Many pet owners use kennels in various parts of the house, and since dogs want to be near you, having a bench crate in the living room or at the foot of your bed makes sense. Kennels are where many pets feel comfortable and settled, but because they're an eyesore, people often cover them with blankets, which doesn't really help. Even if you use a kennel cover, which is another smart solution to hide the eyesore of a dog crate, it will still take up floor space. With a multi-purpose bench and crate solution, you can create additional seating and give your dog a built-in place to stay.

There are a few ways to build a DIY dog crate and bench combination, depending on your woodworking skill level. Some start with an existing crate and build around it, but you can also build one from scratch, making it look like a piece of furniture with an intentional design. The first step is to measure your dog to ensure the right size crate, determining their standing height and nose-to-tail length. Add 3 to 4 inches to those dimensions for the minimum size dog crate for your dog.

YouTuber Nurse Fix-It or Build-it created a dog crate entirely from scratch. To build a spacious dog crate bench for a small dog that looks like it has storage cabinets on either side of the crate, start with a rectangular frame for the base. You can build with 2x4s, or trim them down to 2x2s or 2x3s to provide the support you need without the bulk. You will need 8 vertical posts, and their placement will create a doorway in the center. The sides, back, and bottom can all be made with ¼-inch plywood or MDF. Once you have the vertical supports on, you can install the bottom.

After the bottom is in, add a rectangular frame for the top rail, then cover the back and sides. For the sides, cover them partway with plywood, and leave room at the top for ventilation, such as drilling holes into horizontal braces for the sides and inserting vertical pieces of rebar to ensure plenty of airflow.

The dog crate also needs a door, and to say goodbye to the dog kennel eyesore, it's best if you make it look as polished as possible. Choose a door style based on your woodworking skill level. Shaker styles are among the easiest to build. Or, if you're not comfortable doing this part on your own, you could upcycle an old cabinet door by taking out the panel and installing wire mesh. For the wire on the door, you can choose anything from hardware cloth to sheet metal, such as Home Depot's stylish Cloverleaf Aluminum Sheet Metal. Just make sure it is breathable and offers good ventilation for your dog.

For the top, you could use a heavier piece of plywood and put it on hinges, giving you complete access to the crate. Whether you make it cushioned or hide the hinges and stain it depends on the aesthetic you're trying to achieve and how you will use the bench. 

There are many different finishing touches you can consider for a dog crate bench combination. You can work storage for leashes, treats, and pet food into the design. Or, paint the inside and add a bit of vinyl tile to the floor to make it easier to clean. The entire cabinet can be painted or stained, but if you plan on using stain, consider constructing it with a higher grade of plywood, such as birch or maple, and make sure the stain is pet-safe and fully dried before use. With trim and molding details to match, a higher grade of wood gives a much more professional look.