12 DIY Dog Gate Designs [Guides For Beginners And Experts]

Keeping furry friends contained in certain areas inside (or even outside) the house can benefit both the dog and dog owner—enter dog gates! Some common DIY dog gate designs you can try include a freestanding gate, pallet dog gate, sliding dog gate, and PVC DIY dog gate.

If you are a dog lover, you know that dog gates are as essential for families with a four-footed member as dog ramps and dog crates. A dog gate is extremely similar to a baby gate, only they are used for your furry friends and not a child. Dog gates are available in a variety of styles and materials such as plastic and metal. However, while you can purchase one, many people choose to go the do-it-yourself route since it can be a relatively easy way to save money while making something that fits your home’s layout and style. 

Whether it is to save some money, match the decor, or build a custom solution for an odd-shaped area of the home, building a DIY dog gate yourself can be fun and as easy or complex as you want using supplies from your local hardware store. Nonetheless, construction and woodworking skills aren’t something that everyone has, so picking a gate design within your ability to build and work for your and your pup’s needs is vital.

Through this article, I will explain the benefits of dog gates, the necessary measures you need to take to make sure the gate fits your dog’s size and needs, and the different designs you can try building

The Benefits of Dog Gates

We love our pups, but sometimes their boundless energy necessitates the need for boundaries and extra safety precautions. Dog gates can serve multiple purposes:

• Potty Training: Your cute new furball is adorable but they will need some training before they can have free reign in your home. Gates and doors are a great way to protect your carpets and floors while housebreaking them.
• Protect Furniture: Just as Spot will need some time to learn where they should and shouldn’t go potty, they will have to learn what they can’t jump, chew on, or scratch.
• No-Go Zones: There may be some places in your house you don’t want a dog in at all, like the kitchen or your bedroom. Or, you may need a temporary solution to keep them in the other room, like when you are cleaning. This helps to create a small personal space for your pup to play in while you work or clean.
• Keeping Him Safe: Slick floors and stairs can both be potential dangers for puppies or older dogs that don’t get around as well anymore. A DIY pet barrier can reduce the risk that they will get hurt and keep them safe and sound.
• Saving Guests: While working on training your dog not to jump and slathering guests with wet sloppy kisses, keeping a dog gate in place can keep them from unsuspecting guests who may not want kisses from your furry friend.
• Feeding Time: Sometimes, a pup likes to eat their dog food alone in peace. Especially if there are small children in the home, other dogs, or resource guarding issues, a DIY gate can prevent mishaps or territory conflicts between pets. Gates can also allow humans to eat without puppy dog eyes staring longingly at their dinner.

Dog Gate Safety 101

Dog gates are great at keeping your furry friend safe, but they can be dangerous if improperly utilized. These gates can also work as a baby gate if you have a child so it is important to make a gate that fits your dog and your child’s needs. If you are struggling with questions like “how high is high enough for a DIY dog gate” or “how can I keep my older dog from falling down the stairs,” these tips can help you out:

• Consider the dog’s size. If they are still a puppy, consider how big they will get when they are done growing and size the gate accordingly. 
• Don’t aid and abet. Some pups are Houdini in disguise and can easily escape chain link gates or those with any horizontal bars they can climb. Vertical slats and small gaps are usually the way to go, especially when you are raising puppies or small dogs. 
• Only use hard-mounted gates around the stairs. A pressure-mounted gate can easily give way, causing a safety hazard and accidents. 

Now that you have learned some tips, carefully consider your home, the area you are turning into their play space, and your dog’s size before taking the plunge into building your own DIY dog gate. 

Is your pooch among the small dogs of the world? You don’t want wide slats since they could easily slip through. Jumpers will need higher gates in order to prevent any injuries, and wall-mounted gates with latches are a must for more powerful dogs who could easily move the gate out of the way. And, if you have a chewer, consider something other than wood for your building material. 

Once you have figured out what will work for you, you can pick your favorite from the list below and get to the building!

12 DIY Dog Gate Designs

Here are some pet barrier ideas that work for different sizes of dogs and different styles of houses. These DIY gates are perfect to create a play space for your furry friend, removing any begging and whining while you eat at the dinner table, or if you want to separate your dog from any other pets. If you don’t have some of the supplies needed for one of the designs, you could pick them up at any local hardware store. Although some of the designs may require woodworking skills, other designs are made to be completely beginner friendly. If you like the outcome, you can also use it as a baby gate if you have a child, or plan to have one in the future.

Freestanding DIY Dog Gate

A freestanding DIY pet barrier is excellent if you need a portable indoor dog gate. However, it may not be well-suited for bigger or stronger dogs. There is a solid base to this one, which may not fit in with your home’s aesthetic and is something to consider. 

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 saw
• Sander 
• Sanding block
• Pin nailer
• Measuring tape
• Allen key
• Clamps
• Drill and drill bits
• Marking pencil

DIY Pallet Dog Gate

Pallets are all the craze, so I had to include this wall-mounted design made from extra shipping pallet wood you can pick up for free from a lot of local stores. The slats on this one are close together which is good for stopping small dogs, and the height should stop most jumpers. You may need to drill pilot holes for this project, so if you don’t know how to do this you can check out this YouTube video by Lauren Comer to get some tips. You could also choose to make it more aesthetically pleasing by using wood stain or spray paint.

Skill Level: Medium

Materials Needed:

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

Tools Needed:

• Table saw or handsaw (to trim pallets)
• Sander
• Drill

Sliding DIY Dog Gate

It would be hard to beat this sliding DIY pet barrier for areas you want to be closed off for long periods. This sliding design will be a bit trickier to build, as there is quite a bit of carpentry involved. Luckily, Matt Mecham has a YouTube video that will show you the ropes. Keep in mind that this particular DIY pet gate might not be the one you want for smaller pups or chewers.

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

PVC DIY Dog Gate

If the last DIY pet barrier doesn’t work because you have a chewer, then this PVC indoor dog gate could be the one for you! It doesn’t take as much skill, and the material is durable enough for everyday use. PVC pipes are also much cheaper than wood, but it isn’t as attractive as wood so they may not fit in with your home’s aesthetic. Two things to consider with this option are the cable ties, which may be a choking hazard to your pup, and that this is a pressure-fit build, so you should not use it around stairs.

Skill Level: Medium

Materials Needed:

• 4 pieces of 1-inch PVC pipes
• Four 1-inch PVC tee connectors
• 2 strong tension rods
• Hardware cloth 
• Cable ties

Tools Needed:

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

Extra Wide DIY Dog Gate

Do you have a tall or extra-large dog breed? This extra-wide freestanding DIY pet barrier may be just what you need to keep them in place. If you want to mount this one, pick up a hinge kit. This gate will work for chewers since it isn’t wood, but climbers will likely get over the lattice design.

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 or hand saw
• Screwdriver or drill 
• Measuring tape

Barn Door DIY Dog Gate

Who doesn’t love the rustic look of a barn door? This gate is perfect for any rustic or old house. This sturdy option will keep canines large and small contained. The mounting mechanism and the door latch make this design suitable for stair use. However, it is made out of wood, so beware if you have a chewer. Also, be sure to check out the required tools and skills necessary to pull off this stylish design.

Skill Level: Expert

Materials Needed:

• Two 1″ x 6″ x 96″ boards
• Six 1″ x 4″ x 96″ boards
• One 1″ x 3′ board
• Box of 1 ¼ inch drywall screws
• Wood glue
• Wood paint or stain
• 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

10-Minute DIY Pet Gate

Sometimes, you just need a simple solution, and this traditional slatted DIY pet barrier design offers that up in spades. You can customize this pet gate based on the space you need for your home, and it is suitable for all sizes of pets. However, if you have a really little pup, you will want to mind the gaps so she cannot slip through them. The height is customizable, and this choice can be used as a pet or baby gate at the staircase, too.

Skill Level: Medium

Materials Needed:

• 1″ x 4′ wood pieces
• Wood screws
• Hinge kit
• Latch kit
• Paint or stain (optional)

Tools Needed:

• Miter saw
• Measuring tape
• Drill
• Sander

Hole-Free DIY Dog Gate for the Doorway

You may not love the idea of drilling holes in your walls or your front door for your dog gates. We have you covered with this freestanding DIY baby dog gate. While it won’t be suitable for stairs or households with large dogs, this chic piece can keep smaller pets cooped up where you want them.

Skill Level: Medium

Materials Needed:

• Three 1″ x 3″ x 8′ pieces of wood
• 1 1/4-inch screw
• Two hinge kits
• Wood glue

Tools Needed:

• Drill
• Miter saw
• Kreg jig
• Measuring tape

Modern DIY Dog Gate

YouTuber Crafted Workshop puts a modern spin on the classic pet gate with this choice. There are no wide gaps, so little pups won’t slip through, and the wall-mounted design makes it perfect for the stairwell. That said, it is made of wood, so chewers may destroy it. Furthermore, the horizontal slats certainly add an aesthetic flair, but climbers may easily scale this one and could get hurt if they climb over it at the top of the stairs. You may also want to pass on this choice if you are more of a novice when it comes to carpentry.

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 trim head 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

Chic Chevron DIY Dog Gate

If you want a chic and modern design that is entirely different from what you would find in stores, this DIY pet barrier could be the style for you. 

While not a beginner-friendly choice, this dog gate would work well for small and big dogs, although not so much for climbers or jumpers. More experienced carpenters will appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into the precise cuts necessary to make the chevrons.

Skill Level: Advanced

Materials Needed:

• Four 1″ x 2″ x 8′ pieces of wood
• One 1″ x 4″ x 6′ strip of wood
• 1-inch hinges
• 1-inch brad nails
• 1-inch drywall screws
• Surface bolt
• Primer 
• Wood stain or paint

Tools Needed:

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

Sliding Reclaimed Futon Frame DIY Dog Gate

If you jumped on the futon craze but now find it is collecting dust, you can turn it into a new sliding DIY pet gate! This barrier features wheels, so you can move it quickly to wherever you need it. It is sturdy, so it will contain larger animals, but smaller ones may slip through the slats. And while some carpentry skills are required, this build is less labor-intensive than other picks on the list.

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

Fabric DIY Dog Gate

If you have a small dog and aren’t very handy, this DIY pet gate may be perfect. It is easy to make from cheap fabric, and it is highly customizable. It is portable but will not be a suitable solution for larger dogs, since they can just topple it over. It may also pose a trip hazard for humans, so really analyze your family’s needs before choosing this dog gate.

Skill Level: Beginner

Materials Needed:

• Two spring rods (that fit the doorway)
• Heavy material of your choice

Tools Needed:

• Sewing machine
• Clothes iron

DIY Dog Gate Final Thoughts 

Finally, in a bind, you can create a makeshift DIY baby pet gate with cardboard that you wedge in the space or tape together for a custom size. Likewise, you can use furniture like kitchen chairs or a couch. And if your pup is afraid of the vacuum? Lay that sideways across the dog’s path and see if that works!

DIY Dog Gate FAQ

What can I use as a dog gate?

You can use anything like furniture or even appliances to make a quick dog gate. You could even make a DIY cardboard dog gate if you wanted to! However, if you want to get fancy, you can use fabric, wood, reclaimed futons, PVC, and much more to create custom DIY pet gates for your home.

How do you make a homemade dog gate?

A homemade DIY pet gate can be as simple as blocking off an area with cardboard or a chair. They can also be as complex as building a beautiful, custom-made wooden barn door baby gate that keeps the little ones out as well as the fur babies. 

How do I block an area off my dog?

You can use what is around your house, like furniture or vacuums, for a DIY pet gate. If that doesn’t work or you need long-term solutions, you can purchase a pet gate locally or online. Lastly, you may choose to break out your tools and make a customized DIY pet gate for your space.

What can I use instead of a baby gate?

Pet gates can be used instead of a traditional or DIY baby gate, as can furniture, appliances, cardboard, and anything that blocks off an area. Just be careful that you do not create gates with extremely sharp edges or any falling hazards, especially around dangerous areas like stairs!