Dog Kennel Furniture DIY How To Build Beautiful Designs

A standard wire dog kennel is functional, providing a safe and comfortable den for our furry family members. But let’s be honest it’s often a bulky, unattractive metal box that clashes with our home’s decor.

For years, design-conscious pet owners have tried to hide these crates, tucking them into corners or covering them with blankets.

What if there was a better way? What if your dog’s kennel could be a beautiful, handcrafted piece of furniture that enhances your living space while still giving your pup the secure den they love?

Welcome to the world of DIY dog kennel furniture. This growing trend combines form and function, transforming a simple crate into a stylish end table, a media console, or a chic credenza.

If you’ve been searching for a “dog kennel furniture DIY how to build” guide, you’ve found the perfect starting point.

This article is designed for beginner woodworkers and crafty pet owners who are ready to tackle a rewarding and practical project.

We’ll walk you through the entire process, from planning and gathering materials to a step-by-step build of a classic end table kennel.

Get ready to break out your tools and creativity. It’s time to build a beautiful piece of furniture that you can be proud of and that your dog will adore.

Table of Contents

Why Build Your Own? The Benefits of DIY Dog Kennel Furniture

The idea of building furniture might seem daunting, but the rewards of this particular project are immense. Before we dive into the “how-to,” let’s look at why a dog kennel furniture DIY is such a fantastic idea.

Seamless Integration: The most obvious benefit is aesthetics. A custom-built kennel becomes part of your home’s decor, not an eyesore to hide. It can match your existing furniture, color scheme, and style, whether that’s rustic farmhouse, modern minimalist, or mid-century modern.
Dual Functionality: This is where the magic happens. Your dog’s safe space is no longer just a crate; it’s also a functional piece of furniture. An end table kennel saves space in a small living room. A larger credenza-style kennel can serve as a media stand or a buffet table in your dining room.
Customization for Your Dog: Commercial kennel furniture comes in standard sizes. When you build your own, you can customize the dimensions perfectly for your dog’s needs. You can ensure they have enough room to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably, which is crucial for their well-being.
Cost Savings: High-quality, pre-made dog kennel furniture can be very expensive, often running into hundreds or even thousands of dollars. With a DIY approach, your main costs are lumber and hardware, allowing you to create a high-end look for a fraction of the price.
The Pride of Creation: There is a unique satisfaction that comes from building something with your own two hands. This project is not just about the final product; it’s about the process of creating a beautiful, loving space for your pet.

Planning Your Build: The Blueprint for Success

A successful DIY project begins with a solid plan. Rushing into the build without careful thought is a recipe for frustration. Take the time to consider these key factors before you buy a single piece of wood.

1. Sizing: The “Goldilocks” Rule

The kennel must be the right size for your dog—not too big, and not too small.

Length: Your dog should be able to lie down fully stretched out. Measure your dog from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail. Add 2-4 inches to this measurement for comfort.
Height: Your dog must be able to stand up comfortably without having to crouch. Measure your dog from the top of their head to the floor. Add 2-4 inches to this.
Width: Your dog should be able to turn around easily. The width should be roughly equal to the height.

Crucial Tip: If you are building for a puppy, research the average adult size of their breed to build a kennel they can grow into.

2. Design and Function

What role will this furniture play in your room?

End Table: The most popular choice for beginners. It’s a simple box design that sits next to a sofa or chair.
Media Console: A longer, lower design perfect for placing under a wall-mounted TV. This style is great for housing two dogs in separate compartments.
Credenza/Buffet: A taller, wider design that can be used in a dining room or entryway.

3. Materials for the “Walls”

What will you use for the sides of the kennel to provide ventilation and visibility?

Rebar: Steel reinforcing bars (rebar) provide a modern, industrial look. They are extremely strong and durable.
Metal Balusters: Hollow metal balusters, often used for deck railings, are a great alternative. They are lighter than rebar and come in various designs and finishes.
Hardware Cloth/Welded Wire Mesh: This provides maximum ventilation and a more rustic or industrial feel. It’s a budget-friendly option but may not be as aesthetically pleasing for some designs.

4. Choosing the Right Wood

Your choice of wood will determine the look, cost, and durability of your project.

Pine: Inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to work with, making it a great choice for beginners. However, it’s a softwood, so it can be easily dented or scratched.
Oak, Maple, or Ash: These are hardwoods. They are more expensive and harder to work with but are incredibly durable and offer a beautiful, high-end grain pattern.
Plywood: High-quality plywood (like birch or oak plywood) is excellent for the top, bottom, and back panels of the kennel. It’s stable, strong, and cost-effective for large surfaces.

Tools and Materials for a Classic End Table Kennel

For this guide, we’ll focus on building a classic single-dog end table kennel. Below is a general list of tools and materials. Exact quantities will depend on the final dimensions you choose.

Tool List:

Safety Gear: Safety glasses, hearing protection, and a dust mask are non-negotiable.
Measuring Tools: Tape measure, carpenter’s square.
Cutting Tools: Miter saw (for precise angle cuts) or a circular saw with a guide.
Drill/Driver: An essential tool for drilling pocket holes and driving screws.
Pocket-Hole Jig: A Kreg Jig or similar system is the secret weapon for beginners. It allows you to create strong, hidden joints without complex joinery.
Orbital Sander: For achieving a smooth, professional finish.
Drill Bits: Including a bit that is the same diameter as your rebar or balusters.
Clamps: You can never have too many clamps to hold pieces together while you work.

Material List:

Lumber: 2x4s and 1x4s (for the frame), and a sheet of ¾” plywood or edge-glued panels for the top.
Screws: 2.5-inch and 1.25-inch pocket-hole screws.
Rebar or Metal Balusters: Cut to the required length.
Wood Glue: An essential for strong joints.
Hinges and a Latch: For the kennel door.
Sandpaper: In various grits (e.g., 120, 220).
Wood Stain or Paint: To match your decor.
Polyurethane or Polycrylic: A clear top coat to protect the wood from spills and scratches. Choose a pet-safe, low-VOC option.

Dog Kennel Furniture DIY: How to Build a Step-by-Step Guide

Here is a simplified, step-by-step process for building your end table kennel. Remember to always measure twice and cut once!

Step 1: Build the Front and Back Frames

Cut Your Lumber: Using your miter saw, cut four pieces of 2×4 lumber for the vertical legs and four pieces for the horizontal top and bottom supports for both the front and back frames.
Drill Pocket Holes: Use your pocket-hole jig to drill two pocket holes at each end of your horizontal support pieces.
Assemble the Frames: Apply wood glue to the ends of the horizontal pieces. Use clamps to hold them in place against the vertical legs, ensuring everything is square. Drive 2.5-inch pocket-hole screws through the pocket holes to connect the pieces. You will now have two identical rectangular frames.

Step 2: Assemble the Main Box Structure

Cut Side Supports: Cut four more horizontal supports (from 2x4s or 1x4s) to the desired width of your kennel.
Connect the Frames: Drill pocket holes at the ends of these new supports. Stand your front and back frames up and connect them at the top and bottom with these side supports, using wood glue and 2.5-inch pocket-hole screws. You should now have a sturdy, box-like frame.

Step 3: Drill Holes for the Rebar/Balusters

Mark Your Holes: On the inside faces of the top and bottom horizontal frame pieces, use a tape measure and pencil to mark where you will drill the holes for your rebar. A spacing of 2-3 inches between bars is typical and safe for most dogs.
Drill the Holes: Use a drill bit that matches the diameter of your rebar. To ensure you don’t drill all the way through, wrap a piece of tape around your drill bit to mark the desired depth (about 1 inch deep). Drill all the holes.

Step 4: Install the “Walls” and Bottom Panel

Install the Rebar: This is like a puzzle. Insert all the rebar pieces into the bottom holes first. Then, carefully lower the top of the kennel frame down onto the rebar, guiding each bar into its corresponding top hole.
Install the Bottom: Cut a piece of ¾” plywood to fit inside the bottom of the frame. You can either let it rest on the bottom supports or use additional 1×2 supports to raise it slightly off the ground. Secure it with screws.

Step 5: Build and Install the Door

Build the Door Frame: Create a smaller rectangular frame using 1×4 lumber and the same pocket-hole joinery method. Make sure it is sized to fit within the front opening of your kennel, with a small gap (about ⅛ inch) on all sides.
Add Rebar to the Door: Drill holes and install rebar in the door frame just as you did for the main body.
Attach the Door: Use your hinges to attach the door to the main kennel frame. Install the latch on the opposite side to keep the door securely closed.

Step 6: Create and Attach the Tabletop

Prepare the Top: You can use a single piece of high-quality plywood or join several 1×6 or 1×8 boards together using wood glue and pocket holes to create a solid wood top. A common technique is to create a top that overhangs the frame by about 1-2 inches on all sides for a classic furniture look.
Attach the Top: Secure the tabletop to the main frame by driving screws up from the inside of the top frame supports into the underside of the tabletop.

Step 7: The Finishing Touches (Sanding and Staining)

This step is what elevates your project from a simple box to a beautiful piece of furniture.

Fill and Sand: Fill any visible screw holes or imperfections with wood filler. Once dry, sand the entire piece thoroughly. Start with a lower grit sandpaper (like 120) to smooth out any rough spots and round over sharp edges, then move to a finer grit (like 220) for a silky-smooth finish.
Stain or Paint: Apply your chosen wood stain or paint according to the manufacturer’s directions.
Apply a Protective Top Coat: Once the stain or paint is dry, apply 2-3 coats of a pet-safe, water-based polyurethane or polycrylic. This will protect the wood from moisture and wear and tear. Lightly sand with a very fine grit sandpaper (320+) between coats for the smoothest possible finish.

Your Beautiful Creation is Complete

Stand back and admire your work. You have successfully navigated the “dog kennel furniture DIY how to build” process and created a functional, beautiful piece of furniture that celebrates your pet’s place in your home.

You’ve saved money, learned new skills, and built something with love that will last for years.

The final, most important step is to introduce your dog to their new den. Make it a positive experience by placing their favorite bed, blankets, and toys inside. Leave the door open and let them explore it on their own time, using treats and praise to build a positive association.

This project is more than just a piece of furniture; it’s a statement. It says that your dog is a cherished member of the family, and their comfort and security can and should coexist beautifully with the style of your home. Happy building!