Wooden Car Crate for Dogs

This is a project I started after getting a new car. I couldn't find a affordable dog crate for my car that fitted so I could still use the luggage net in the back. The cheap metal crates rattled and I know that would drive me crazy :) and the sturdy (and really safe) ones was above my budget, so decided to build one myself. :)

I built this in my living room and the tools i used was a jigsaw, a power drill, an hand saw and a screwdriver.

Step 1: Mesure the Space

I measured the space in the trunk and used a piece of cardboard and made myself a template. In Sweden we got laws that tell you the minimum space required depending on the size of your dog. Even if you don't have to follow such a law, make sure you give your dog some space!

Here are the recommendations for minimum dimensions that I used:
Length = length of the dog from nose to point of buttock when the dog stands in the normal position. times 1.10.
Width = dog's chest width by 2.5 . The dog should be able to lie down and turn around freely.
Height = the dog's height above the top of the head when the dog stands in the normal position.

After measuring I got the materials.

Step 2: Cutting Out the Template

I used 10mm Plywood and when cutting out the template for the sides of my crate I used two layers of wood. That way I got the right side and left side to be identical.

Step 3: Ventilation and Windows

I wanted good airflow in the crate so i drilled a bunch of 70mm big holes in the sides. I made sure to make them big enough so the dog wouldn't get stuck if putting it's paw out. I also left a strip without holes in the bottom so the dog could lay down without the legs slipping out by accident.

I didn't want the crate to feel like a dark "Raiders of the lost ark-crate", so I cut out some big windows (they actually became a bit to big and I had to but in some extra bars afterwards so the dog wouldn't slip out :) ).

I drilled the corners with a 10mm drill so I could get in with the jigsaw.

Step 4: Putting the Pieces Together

After cutting out the Plywood pieces I started putting them together. I used 40x20mm wood studs to get the construction sturdy (I could probably have used some thinner stuff and ended up with an as durable but lighter crate).

I used 10mm wooden rods as bars in the door.

Step 5: And There It Is

All that's left now is some sandpaper and paint. I'll add pictures of that as soon as it's done :) Thanks for looking.