DIY Dog Gates: Sectioning Off Canines

Dog gates are pretty much a household essential for four-footer families.

Dog gates are available in a variety of styles, from those featuring pressure-mounted plastic to ones that utilize metal mounting hardware. 

But, some owners are choosing to go the DIY route and make their own dog gates at home.

Building a dog gate is a fun and (relatively) easy way to save money while making something that functions with your home’s layout and style. That said, it may not be the best option for every doggo family.

Construction is hard work, after all, and not all DIY dog gate designs are suited for every situation. Selecting one that works well with you and your pooch is a must for success.

Read on to see 12 of our favorite DIY dog gate designs and learn more about why dog gates are important. We’ll also go over some quick tips for dog gate safety and use.

12 DIY Dog Gate Designs

Now that you know all of the great reasons to add a dog gate to your set of dog-care tools, check out 12 awesome DIY dog gate designs!

1. DIY Sliding Dog Gate

This DIY sliding dog gate from YouTuber Matt Mecham is a high-quality build with a convenient design. As a wall-mounted gate, it’s a great pick for areas you want to restrict long-term, and its height works well even for the big bois.  

While this is an impressive dog gate, it requires a bit of carpentry skills to build. The slat-style is ideal for fence climbers, but the spacing may allow little dogs to slip through easily. The wood material may be tempting for chewers, as well.

Skill Level: Expert

Materials Needed:

• Eight 1” x 4’ wood pieces
• One 3” x 2’ wood piece
• One 1.5” x 2’ wood piece
• One 2” x 2’ wood piece
• Two hinge kits
• Gate latch
• Wood finish
• Wood glue
• Drawer slide

Tools Needed:

• Table saw
• Measuring tape
• Marking pencil
• Sander or sandpaper
• Drill

Just check out the video below to see this project from start to finish!

2. DIY Extra Wide Pet Gate

Extra wide and extra tall, this dog gate from Jennifer Maker is perfect for keeping leggy doggos at bay. While the standard freestanding design is great for portability, it can also be wall-mounted if you install a hinge kit or similar hardware. 

The folding motion makes it easy to use this gate in tight quarters, avoiding the wide swing seen in some gates. The plastic materials are perfect for doggos who like to nibble at wood, though the lattice design isn’t ideal for climbing canines.

Skill Level: Medium

Materials Needed:

• One 4’ x 8’ plastic lattice panel
• Six 8’ lattice caps
• 60 lattice or ⅜ inch screws
• Nine 3-inch hinges
• Two sliding door latches

Tools Needed:

• Table saw or hand saw
• Screwdriver or drill 
• Measuring tape

3. DIY Modern Dog Gate

A modern spin on the classic dog gate look, this DIY gate from YouTuber Crafted Workshop wins in the style department. It is a sturdy choice that’s great for big and small dogs alike, free of the wide gaps seen on some vertical-slat barriers. With its wall-mounted design, it’s perfect for blocking stairways.

That said, its horizontal slats are certainly eye-catching, but they’re not ideal if your pup is a climber. Another potential issue is its wood construction, which some pupperinos may find impossible not to chew. 

This is a heavy-duty gate that requires serious construction skills, so novice crafters may want to keep looking.

Skill Level: Expert

Materials Needed:

• One 4” x 4’ piece of wood 
• Twenty 1” x 2’ wood pieces
• One 2” x 2’ wood piece
• Wood glue
• Structure screws
• One pack 1 ¼ trimhead screws
• Wall-mounting hinges
• Latch kit
• Wood filler
• Paint or stain of your choice

Tools Needed:

• Miter saw
• Table saw
• Sander or sandpaper 
• Measuring tape
• Drill
• Squaring tool

You can see the designer building this DIY gate in the video below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDTRswDGb8U

4. PVC Dog Gate

PVC is a great material to use for this DIY dog gate from eHow. PVC isn’t as tempting for chew-happy canines as wood, and it is durable enough for day-to-day use.

Best of all, it’s a budget-friendly material, leaving room in your budget for more important stuff, like treats. 

The pressure-mounted design is ideal for use around the house, but this is not a gate for use around stairs or other hazards. 

Compared to other projects, this gate is easy to assemble, though some handyman skills are needed to ensure a correct fit. While the design is simple, it isn’t as sturdy or attractive as other DIY options on our list, and the cable ties present a potential choking or ingestion hazard.

Skill Level: Medium

Materials Needed:

• Four pieces of 1-inch PVC pipe
• Four 1-inch PVC tee connectors
• Two strong tension rods
• Hardware cloth (with height equal or more than your desired gate height)
• Cable ties

Tools Needed:

• PVC pipe cutter or saw
• Metal snips or wire cutters
• Protective gloves (recommended)
• PVC cement (optional)

5. DIY Barn Door Dog Gate Plans

Farmhouse fans can rejoice with this fashionable DIY barn door doggy gate from Remodelaholic. A sturdy pick that keeps both big and small dogs contained, this wooden barrier can be used to block staircases, too.

The solid-wood construction is free of pesky slats that little ones can escape through, though it is a risky choice if you have a chewer.

This is, by far, one of the most stylish DIY options we’ve seen, but it also requires advanced handyman skills. Serious tools are needed in its construction, ones that most households don’t just have laying around.

Skill Level: Expert

Materials Needed:

• Two 1” x 6” x 96” boards
• Six 1”x 4” x 96” boards
• One 1” x 3’ board (for optional top capping)
• Box of 1 ¼ inch drywall screws
• Wood glue
• Wood stain or paint
• Gate hinge
• Gate latch
• Pull handle

Tools Needed:

• Table saw
• Miter saw
• Measuring tape
• Drill
• Sander
• Squaring tool
• Utility knife
• Foam brush
• Old rag
• Marking pencil

6. DIY Sliding Dog Gate From Reclaimed Futon Frame

Have an old futon collecting dust? You might just find the gate-building materials you need to make your new dog gate lurking inside! 

This wheeled barrier from Redditor MrResp3ctful is great for high-traffic areas with its sliding design. It’s a sturdy pick that’ll keep large dogs contained, though the slats may be wide enough for small dogs to slip through. 

In comparison to other wood projects on our DIY list, this option is less labor-intensive, though some woodworking skills are needed. The wheeled design is convenient, but the lack of a latch means smart puppers may figure out how to open it on their own.

Skill Level: Medium

Materials Needed:

• Wooden bed or futon frame
• Woodworking screws
• Wood glue
• Four mounting wheels

Tools Needed:

• Drill
• Sander or sandpaper
• Measuring tape
• Table saw or handsaw

7. DIY Chevron Dog Gate

Modern and chic, the chevron look of this dog gate from Yellow Brick Home sure beats the traditional styles often seen in stores. 

It’s a durable design that’s great for big and small dogs, as the angled slats are close together, preventing puppy prison breaks. They can serve as a ladder to sneaky canines, however, so steer clear if your dog is a climber.

This is not a beginner-friendly design, as it needs careful measurement and cuts to nail the chevron look. Most dogs can be kept at bay by its height, but if your dog is a jumping bean, you may want to look at taller options.

Skill Level: Advanced

Materials Needed:

• Four 1” x 2” x 8’ wooden pieces
• One 1” x 4” x 6’ wood strip
• 1-inch hinges
• 1-inch brad nails
• 1-inch drywall screws
• Surface bolt
• Primer and paint or wood stain

Tools Needed:

• Miter saw
• Brad nailer
• Screwdriver or drill
• Mini Kreg jig
• Tape measure
• Sander
• Putty knife
• Squaring tool
• Sanding blocks

8. DIY Pallet Dog Gate

Thrifty owners will love this dog gate made of an extra shipping pallet from Simply Maggie. The wall-mount design prevents the old jump-n-dash where doggos bodycheck the gate to make an escape.

This makes it ideal for staircase applications as well, though the wide range of its opening might be difficult in small spaces.

It works great for pint-sized pups and big floofs alike, as the slats are close together, and the height is enough that jumping is a non-issue for most dogs. Sizing may be an issue, as shipping pallets can be bulky. 

Skill Level: Medium

Materials Needed:

• Wooden shipping pallet
• Wood screws
• Hinge kit 
• Latch kit
• Handle
• Wood stain / paint (optional)

Tools Needed:

• Handsaw or table saw (if pallet needs to be trimmed down)
• Sander
• Drill

9. 10 Minute DIY Pet Gate Plan

Simplicity is a winner with this DIY pet gate from the Finding Purpose Blog, which features a traditional slat design. This will help keep dogs of all sizes in without sacrificing style.

Suitable for novice builders, this gate can be customized to fit your home’s dimensions easily, though you should keep your doggo’s size in mind to avoid making gaps wide enough for little dogs to slip through.

The vertical slats are ideal for daredevil doggos that love to climb, and you can customize the height to prevent jumping escapes. The wall-mount and locking latch make it suitable for staircase use as well. 

Skill Level: Medium

Materials Needed:

• 1” x 4’ wood pieces (amount will vary by the gate size)
• Wood screws
• Hinge kit
• Latch kit
• Paint or stain (optional)

Tools Needed:

• Miter saw
• Measuring tape
• Drill
• Sander

10. DIY Freestanding Dog Gate

This freestanding DIY dog gate from This Old House is a portable pick you can use around the house. It may not be ideal if you have a stronger dog that can push it aside, but wall-mounting is an option as well.

The solid base prevents escapes between slats, though this might be too bulky for some owners. 

The end result is a fashionable dog barrier, though as stylish as this DIY dog gate is, it isn’t for the faint of heart, as it requires serious carpentry skills and time to pull off.

Skill Level: Advanced

Materials Needed:

• Thirty-eight 1” x 2’ wooden pieces
• Two ½-inch plywood sheets
• Panel molding
• Wood glue
• 1 ½-inch wood screws
• Pin nails
• Two 40 mm hex-head connectors
• Two ¼-20 insert nut 
• Hinge kits
• Wood filler
• Paint or primer (optional)

Tools Needed:

• Circular table saw
• Sander 
• Sanding block
• Pin nailer
• Measuring tape
• Allen key
• Clamps
• Drill
• Marking pencil

11. DIY Fabric Dog Gate

A good option for small dogs, this DIY fabric dog gate from A Creative Life doesn’t need a workshop and a giant saw to create. It’s cheap, easy to make, and customizable, making it an ideal design for most owners.

While it works well for smaller dogs, this is not suitable for large dogs as it can easily be toppled and jumped over by the big pupps. 

While its portability means you can take it around the house, it cannot be used around stairways, as not only is it not only a pressure-mounted option, but it’s a serious trip hazard to humans.

Skill Level: Beginner

Materials Needed:

• Two spring rods (sized to suit the doorway)
• Heavy material of your choice

Tools Needed:

• Sewing machine
• Clothes iron

12. DIY Pet Barrier For Home

If you’re not keen on drilling holes in your wall, you’ll love this freestanding DIY dog barrier from Saws on Skates. It can be moved around to cover doorways as needed, and its height and relative sturdiness work well with small doggos.

It is not recommended for large dogs or use around stairs, however, as it can be toppled with enough force.

While it does require a bit of elbow grease, it’s easier to make than other wood gates, and the result is a chic piece. The lack of a pressure-mounting feature or wall-mounting hardware may allow sneaky pups to escape.

Skill Level: Medium

Materials Needed:

• Three 1” x 3” x 8’ wood pieces
• Wood glue
• 1 1/4-inch screws
• Two hinge kits

Tools Needed:

• Miter saw
• Drill
• Kreg jig
• Measuring tape

Handyman Special: Quick Cardboard Barriers & Other Hacks

Sometimes, it can be surprising just how easy it is to make an effective dog gate. 

Obviously this is a joke, and you shouldn’t use plastic wrap to build a DIY dog gate.

It won’t work long, and the plastic can present a choking hazard. However, you probably have plenty of things around the house you can use as a dog gate temporarily. 

Cardboard can be taped together to make a force field in a bind, or kitchen chairs can be tilted on their sides to block doorways while you’re mopping. You could even slide a lightweight couch over to block your dog’s path if you like.

My personal favorite is laying the vacuum down across a doorway, as none of my gang will walk within ten feet of the dreaded “vroom vroom” as we call it. You may as well take advantage of your dog’s vacuum cleaner fears!

The Benefits of Dog Gates

While we all love our floofs, sometimes dogs need boundaries. Whether used as a safety tool or as a roadblock to protect furniture, dog gates can serve many doggo duties around the home.  

Some nifty uses for dog gates include: 

• Blocking off potential dangers. Stairs and slick laminate can be serious hazards to young or mobility-challenged pups (although dog booties can help tremendously for some). Barring access to these areas with a dog gate can help prevent falls.
• Declaring no-doggo zones. Whether it’s a temporary restriction during cleaning or a permanent ban, dog gates prevent puppers from wandering into off-limit areas of your home.
• Protecting furniture. Some anxious doggos get destructive when they’re left unattended, while others love couch naps complete with dream drool. Dog gates are a great way to keep your furniture looking (and smelling) great.
• Barring bouncy dogs from bounding on guests. Sometimes pups need a vacation from visitors as they learn the art of keeping paws and mouths off of guests. A dog gate provides stress-free separation where dogs can enjoy looking at company rather than jumping on them.
• Keeping puppies on piddle-proof flooring. While youngins are learning how to potty outside, you can restrict access to carpets and hard-to-clean floors.
• Separating during feedings. Some doggos need a little alone time while they eat – especially if they have resource guarding issues. A dog gate can be a barrier to keep the peace during meals in multi-dog households. It’s also handy for keeping drooling jowls away from the dinner table while humans chow down.

Dog Gate Safety 101

While dog gates can be wonderful tools for corralling your pup away from trouble, they can be dangerous if used incorrectly.

Many owners find themselves overwhelmed with questions, from “how do you block a dog from the stairs” to “how high should dog gates be?” 

To keep everyone’s tails wagging (and injury-free), follow these quick tips:

• Never use pressure-mounted gates on or near stairs. These can be toppled with enough force. Always used hardware-mounted dog gates for these tricky spots. 
• Keep your dog’s size in mind. This includes remembering your pup’s eventual adult size if he’s still a puppy. You don’t want to waste money on a gate he’ll quickly outgrow. 
• Only use vertically-slatted gates for certain doggos. Some Houndinis have a way with escaping. If your pupperino is a master climber, skip gates with a chain-link design that can function as ladders.

Also, if you’re in need of a gate to prevent your dog from accessing a dangerous staircase, you may want to consider simply building a DIY dog ramp instead. This way, you can give your pupper a safe way to tackle the stairs, and alleviate the need for a gate.

Choosing the Right DIY Dog Gate

Now that you’ve got some ideas, you should think about your pup and your home before taking the plunge into building or buying your new dog gate. 

Wall-mounted gates with latches are a must for use around stairs or with large, powerful pups, while smaller dogs and wide slats don’t mix. 

You also want to consider your doggo’s quirks. For instance, if he is a jumper, you should focus on height, but if he’s a chewer, wood might not be the best material. 

Looking for something suitable for the outdoors? Check out our guides to creating your own DIY dog pen or DIY dog run!

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Making your own dog gate is a lot of work, but the end result can be well worth the effort.  Have you ever made your own dog gate? Which DIY style is your favorite? Let us know in the comments.