If you are wondering how to build a dog crate, you will first need to know the basics of building dog crates. Dogs love to be in a safe, warm, dry, and comfortable place. A wooden crate is one of the best choices for providing this security for your pet. Here’s how to build a dog crate using materials you probably already have.
The first step in how to build a dog crate is to gather the basic materials you will need. You will need enough material for a door (unless your dog crate plan calls for an enclosed bottom pan), a wire mesh floor, a plywood board, nails, screws, anchors, and a level. Cut strips of scrap wood of the same size as the base and sides of the dog crate. These should be used as guides to lay your wires, nails, and plywood on. Be sure to leave a couple of inches of space between the wall and the walls of the crate.
Now it’s time to start putting things together. The plywood should be laid along the floor, and the boards placed on top of the walls in the crate. The sides and top of the crate should be secured with Brad nails or with screws. Now attach the door to the face frame by drilling pilot holes and gluing them in.
Next attach the front and back panels of the crate to the side frames using Brad nails or screws. Use the same method for attaching the side panels to the other side of the face frame. Finally, attach the side panels to the front and back panels by nailing or screwing them together. Use the same method you used to attach the door to the face frame. Once you’re finished, test fit your stiles. If the stiles run across the top of the crate or are not attached securely to the floor, adjust them to sit properly.
After that it’s time to assemble the side panels. Use the same method as was used to attach the door, but make sure they are attached to the wall in the right places. Use a spirit level to ensure the corners are straight. Then attach each panel to the next panel by gluing or screwing them together. Use the same spirit level to check that the floor is straight and level.
Next you need to build the four corners of the face frame. This will ensure that your puppy doesn’t get his leg caught between the bars. Use a spirit level to make sure that the corners are exactly even. Then apply glue to the corners of each corner of the face frame using a rag or paper towel. Make sure the glue dries completely.
Then it’s time to assemble the four sides of the crate. Use the same spirit level to ensure the seams are straight. Line up the corner stiles with the panel at the bottom. Glue or screw the side panels to the sides of the frame using Brad nails or wood screws.
Lastly you need to attach the doors to the face frame. Use the same spirit level to ensure that the seams are straight. Use the same Brad nails or wood screws to attach the doors to the side panels. Finish by attaching the shutters to the exterior of the crate.
To finish, you must attach the “hinge” brackets to the bottom panel of the door. Use the same spirit level to ensure the seams are straight. Use Brad nails or wood screws to attach the hinges to the hinges on the interior face of the door. Finish by attaching the valance and any other decorative trim you have chosen to the exterior.
The next step is to build the sides and back panels of the crate. You should be able to secure each side panel to the bottom rail using Brad nails or wood screws. Use an awl to mark the positions of the screws. Use enough nails or screws so that you won’t have a difficult time removing them when you are ready to assemble the sides and back panels. Make sure the sides are at least 21 inches long. This will give you enough room for walking your dog.
After assembling the side panels, you will have to attach the top edge of the crate to the door. This can be done using screws or nails. The screw or nail should be centered on the top edge so that the top edge will be even. You can use a spirit level to ensure that the seam you have created is straight.