14 Cool Dog Crate Table DIY Transformations That Will Save Space and Look Amazing
If your dog’s crate is currently an eyesore taking up half your living room, I feel you. I used to hide mine behind a plant, but then I realized: with a little woodworking, that ugly crate can become the most useful piece of furniture in your home.
These 14 DIY dog crate table transformations are practical, budget-friendly, and Pinterest-approved. Whether you rent or own, there’s a design here that will give your pup a cozy den and give you a stylish side table, desk, or bench.
Let’s turn that crate into something you’ll actually want to show off.
1. Farmhouse X-End Side Table
This is the classic starter project. You build a simple wooden frame around the crate with X-shaped cross supports on the sides. The top becomes a wide shelf for your coffee mug, a lamp, or a stack of books.
Use pine boards and white paint for a shabby chic look. Add casters on the bottom so you can roll the crate out for cleaning. Your dog will love the enclosed feel, and you’ll love the extra surface.
2. Console Table with Hidden Kennel
Perfect for a hallway or entryway. Build a long, low console table that wraps around the crate. The crate sits in the center, and you add cabinets or open cubbies on either side.
I used this design to store leashes, poop bags, and shoes in the side cubbies. The top is wide enough for a key bowl and a small plant. Your dog gets a quiet spot that’s out of the main walkway.
3. Mid-Century Modern Dog Crate End Table
Give your crate a retro makeover with tapered wooden legs and a walnut stain. The crate sits inside a simple box frame, and the legs lift it off the floor for a floating look.
Add a thick plywood top with rounded edges. This design works great in a living room with mid-century furniture. Your pup gets a stylish hideout that matches your aesthetic.
4. Bookshelf Crate Combo
Turn an entire wall into storage. Build a tall bookshelf unit and leave a cutout space at the bottom for the crate. The crate becomes the base of the bookshelf.
Fill the shelves above with books, photos, and decor. The crate door can face forward or to the side. This is a huge space-saver for small apartments. My dog loves having a “cave” under the books.
5. Nightstand with Crate Drawer
Yes, this is real. Build a nightstand that is actually a wooden crate on legs. The front opens like a drawer or a hinged door for your dog to climb into.
This is ideal for small bedrooms. You get a bedside table for your phone and glasses, and your dog sleeps right next to you. Use a soft cushion inside and a dark paint color for a cozy den feel.
6. Bench with Storage and Dog Den
Create a long bench for your entryway or mudroom. The bench seat lifts up for storage, and the space underneath is divided: one side is the crate, the other is a cubby for shoes.
I added a cushion on top so guests can sit down to take off boots. The crate section has a removable front panel. This is a total workhorse of a project.
7. Industrial Pipe Dog Crate Table
For an urban loft vibe, use black iron pipes and fittings to build the frame. The crate sits inside, and a thick wood plank sits on top as the table surface.
This is surprisingly easy to build because you just screw the pipes together. No welding required. The open design lets air flow, and the industrial look hides the crate beautifully.
8. Crate-In-A-Cabinet Transformation
Build a simple cabinet that completely encloses the crate. The cabinet has doors on the front that match your kitchen or living room cabinetry. When the doors are closed, no one knows there’s a crate inside.
I used this in a kitchen to hide the crate under a counter. The top of the cabinet is extra counter space. You can even add a small dog door in the side panel so your pup can come and go.
9. Crate Table with Fold-Down Front
Make the front of the crate table double as a ramp or a step. The front panel is hinged at the bottom and folds down so your dog can walk right in. This is great for senior dogs or puppies.
The top stays solid for your lamp or decor. When the front is folded up, it looks like a regular side table. Add a soft fabric liner for extra comfort.
10. Two-Tier Dog Crate Desk
Build a desk that has the crate underneath and a workspace on top. The crate sits on one side, and the other side has a drawer or a shelf for your laptop.
This is a game-changer for home offices. You can work while your dog naps right below you. The desk surface is wide enough for a monitor and a coffee cup. Paint it a light color to keep the room feeling open.
11. Modern Crate Cube with Hairpin Legs
Attach hairpin legs directly to a wooden crate or a crate-shaped box. The crate becomes a floating cube with a sleek, modern look. The top can be a simple slab of wood or a thick piece of marble-look laminate.
This is one of the easiest builds because you don’t need to build a full frame. Just reinforce the crate, add legs, and attach a top. Great for a first-time DIYer.
12. Crate Table with Built-In Feeding Station
Design the table so it has a pull-out tray or a drawer for food and water bowls. The crate sits on one side, and the bowls slide out from the other side.
I love this because it keeps the bowls off the floor and makes feeding time tidy. You can even add a towel rack on the side for wiping muddy paws. The top is perfect for a plant or a stack of dog toys.
13. Rustic Barn Door Crate Table
Use sliding barn door hardware to create a front door for the crate. The door slides open to reveal the kennel. The rest of the table is a simple wooden box with a thick top.
The barn door adds a rustic touch that looks great in farmhouse decor. You can use reclaimed wood for the top. The sliding mechanism is surprisingly easy to install and very satisfying to use.
14. Crate Table with Planter Top
Build a crate table with a recessed top that holds a planter box. The crate is underneath, and on top you have a built-in garden for succulents or herbs.
This is a conversation starter. The planter hides the crate while bringing life to the room. Use a waterproof liner inside the planter section. Your dog will have a cool, shaded spot beneath the greenery.
Conclusion
These 14 dog crate table transformations prove you don’t have to sacrifice style for function. Whether you want a farmhouse side table, a modern desk, or a bookshelf base, there’s a project here for every home and skill level.
Your dog gets a safe, cozy space, and you get beautiful, useful furniture. Pick one design, grab some wood, and start building. Your living room—and your pup—will thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What kind of wood should I use for a dog crate table?
Pine is the most affordable and easy to work with. For a more durable option, use plywood with a hardwood veneer. Always sand edges well to prevent splinters.
2. How do I make sure the crate is safe for my dog?
Ensure there is adequate ventilation on at least two sides. Use pet-safe paints and sealants. Avoid sharp corners or loose hardware. Test the structure to make sure it’s sturdy before letting your dog inside.
3. Can I build a crate table if I’m a beginner?
Absolutely. Start with the farmhouse side table or the hairpin leg cube. Both require basic tools like a saw, drill, and sander. Watch a few tutorials and take your time.
4. How do I clean the crate when it’s inside a table?
Add casters to the bottom so you can roll the whole unit out. Or build the crate section so it slides out like a drawer. Removable front panels also make cleaning easier.
5. Can I use an existing crate or do I need to build a new one?
You can build the table around an existing wire or plastic crate. Just measure carefully and build the frame to fit snugly. Many of these designs work with a standard 30-inch or 36-inch crate.
