Dog crates help our dogs stay out of trouble and give them their own space to relax and be comfortable. However, the prices of dog crates are just absolutely ridiculous. These easy steps for turning an old crib into a dog crate will fix this problem. You'll be amazed by how well it turns out!

The Steps For Turning An Old Crib Into A Dog Crate Include:

I went for the smallest XL option, because it had to be able to fit through the doorways in my house.
I made it 27 inches wide, 46 1/2 inches long, and 33 inches tall. I cut the crib ends above to 27 inches wide. I cut one crib top off , then measured where to cut the second.

I got rid of the long side boards as well, they made it too wide.

Once the ends were cut to size I was able to figure out how to make the sides. I placed a crib rail over the end piece and added boards until I had what I wanted. I was using the cut end to know how tall to make the sides, since they need to be the same height. The top white board (a 1×3) came with the crib, and then I used 1×2’s for the side and bottom.

I cut down the crib rails and my 1×2’s and 1×3’s to make the sides. I laid it out on the lawn and was so proud of my self until I realized what I had done.

I forgot to measure with my crib end and I cut my side 1×2’s too short. I barely had enough 1×2’s to re cut. I am using the crib end to make sure my cuts are the right height.

Next up? Pocket holes!!  I used my Kreg Jig to drill all the frame pieces. I also added pocket holes on the long pieces for attaching my top and bottom boards.

Then I drilled some in the crib ends and the crib rails.

I only drilled pocket holes in the back crib rail. The front rail will be on hinges so it didn’t need them, but it did need to be cut in half. I measured and used my miter saw to do the job.

Using my Kreg Right Angle clamp to help me out, I attached the frames with gorilla wood glue and 1 and 1/4 inch pocket hole screws.

Add the crib rails.  I added hinges on all four ends, so both sides open.

Next, I attached my sides to the ends, again using the right angle clamps.

My father in law gave me some free plywood that his neighbor was throwing out and I used my biggest piece for the bottom of the crate. I set the crate on top and traced my cut lines.

After I cut it with my circular saw I brought it in to see how it fit. I just popped it on the top.

Since I didn’t have any wood big enough for the top of the crate, I had to improvise. Barn wood top.
I made sure to cut my pieces to the same size as my plywood bottom. I had to cut one piece in half to make it fit.

For my gate I needed a way to make it so the doors didn’t swing in or out. I put a piece of wood on the bottom with a screw and washer  so I could turn it up to help keep the doors closed. I also put a stopper on the top inside to keep the doors from swinging inside the crate.

Then I painted it white.

While the paint was drying I glued and used bar clamps on a couple of my top boards that needed some TLC.  I painted the edges of the plywood but not the middle.

A friend of mine said they had lined the bottom of her puppy’s crate with peel and stick vinyl to cover the wood. It not only protects the wood, but makes a quick clean up if there was an accident.

I simply placed them in the crate on the plywood,

At the last minute I decided to add casters. I have had a stash of them hiding in my garage for almost 2 years.

I ended up just nailing the top wood pieces on. I sanded them and sealed them with 3 coats of poly. I also nailed support boards on the underside to attach them together.

Wow! This process is incredible. All it takes is some measuring, cutting, drilling and painting. Then you have a dog crate that is not only inexpensive but looks great and works amazing too. Will you be turning an old crib into a crate for your dog?

Let Us Know Your Thoughts!

To learn more about how to turn old an old crib into a dog crate, please visit:

My Repurposed Life 

Photo Source: My Repurposed Life