DIY - Dog Crate/Side Table Knockoff Challenge

Hi there!

I'm so very excited to be joining forces with a group of talented friends to bring you a DIY challenge every month.

This month's challenge, as you read it on the title of this post, is a knockoff and it had to be under $100. At the end of this post, you can find the links to all the projects my friends have created.

As for my project, it's been a few months already that I was looking for a dog crate for our Louie.🐾 We wanted him to have a designated place, close to us, where he could have a little bed to rest and where to keep him behind a closed door. Especially during those times when we have visitors and he doesn't get to relax after several minutes. We usually had to put him inside the laundry room for him to calm down, but that's about to change...

A few weeks ago I spotted this side table/dog crate that our entire family loved. Well, we didn't like its price, but I thought it was a good project for this challenge.

*This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

The materials you'll need:

• A sheet of plywood 4' x 8' - You'll only need about two-thirds of it, but buying the entire sheet is more cost-effective.
• 2 rolls of edge banding - Optional
• 1-1/4 Kreg pocket hole screws
• Stain or paint

The tools you'll need:

• Drill
• Circular saw
• Miter saw
• Jigsaw
• Clamps
• Kreg Jig

Directions:

1. CUT THE MATERIAL
Cut your material following the plan right HERE. I used tape on both sides of the plywood to prevent tear-out.

2. DRAW & CUT-OUT
Follow the plan to draw the cut-out designs.

Again, I used tape to prevent splintering the plywood.

And I used my jigsaw for making all these cut-outs.  The jigsaw creates the splintering on the underside of the material.  Even though I used the tape, I still had lots of chipping on those edges, especially on the crosscutting.
I didn't use a guide to make the cuts, those lines are far from straight, I need to get some more practice with this saw!

3. DRILL POCKET HOLES
You need to drill pocket holes all around the front and back pieces (A & B) and at the top and lower sides of pieces C & D.

Here's a dry-fit, checking that everything was OK.

4. PAINT OR STAIN
Before assembling the table, I decided to stain all the pieces. I used Varathane dark walnut wood stain - 8 oz was more than enough for this table.
I didn't use a wood conditioner or fancy sponges... An old sock worked very well. ;) Only one coat gave me good coverage.
Once dry I gave them a coat of clear poly - mate finish.

5. FINISH THE PLYWOOD EDGES
Call me crazy, but I added tape veneer to all the rough edges of the plywood. Yep. Ironing and trimming the veneer was kinda tricky and time-consuming. Paint might be a faster option.

6. ASSEMBLE THE BASE
The legs and base support pieces were cut at a 15-degree angle and they were put together with pocket hole joinery and glue.

7. ASSEMBLE THE TOP BOX
Place the top board (E) upside down and start installing the front and back pieces, drilling them onto the underside of that top board. I couldn't have done it without my long clamps.
Then, bring the sideboards (C & D), drilling them onto the top board and them connecting them to the front and backboards.

8. ASSEMBLE THE TABLE
Place the top box on top of the base and drill the 1-1/4" Kreg screws all around to connect both pieces together.

Makita Impact Driver

9. THE DOOR

It looks like my inspiration uses guide channels on each side of the door to keep it aligned. I skipped the channels and only used a magnetic door catch on the lower part of the door to keep the door from swinging.

And well, here you have it in my family room!

Here, with our little musketeer enjoying it.

You can see in the picture below, some of the chipping on the edges. Those little windows were the trouble makers when adding that veneer.

Peek-a-boo! Well, he's more like begging me to take him out. :D

He's out fast when that door opens up! :D

When the door's not in use I simply hang it on the back of the table on a screw I drilled there.
I added a leather pull on the door for getting it in and out easier.

And it was the perfect table for that side of the sofa in our family room.

|  Cantilever Floor Lamp  |  Wall Art  | Curtains - similar  | Rug  |  

It looks like this is going to be Louie's favorite spot!!

Now it's time to check out all the other knockoff projects my friends have done, they're all so really good!

Addicted 2 DIY

Woodshop Diaries

The Inspired Workshop

The Awesome Orange

DIY Huntress

Reality Daydream

Not Just A Housewife

For more DIY home ideas check these out:

Family Room Before and After

DIY Coastal Votives with Tray

DIY - Board & Batten

*This post contains affiliate links.

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