Okay, so, I’ve been wanting to make my pup’s crate a bit more, you know, organized. I saw this idea online about a dog box with storage on top, and I thought, “Hey, that’s genius!” So, I decided to give it a shot myself.
First, I gathered all my materials. I already had a standard wire dog crate, which I think most dog owners probably do. Then I grabbed some plywood from the garage, some screws, hinges, and a latch. Oh, and some sandpaper, because nobody likes splinters. And, I chose a nice wood stain to make it look all fancy later.
I started by measuring the top of the crate. I wanted the storage box to fit snugly on top, so I made sure my measurements were accurate, with my dog standing up to measure their length from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail. Then I cut the plywood according to those measurements. It wasn’t perfect, but hey, I’m no carpenter.
After cutting, I sanded down all the edges of the plywood pieces. This part took a while, but it was worth it. Smooth edges are a must, especially when you’ve got a curious pup sniffing around.
Next, I assembled the box. I screwed the sides together, making a simple rectangular box. Then I attached the hinges to what would become the lid of the box and connected it to the main body. It was actually starting to look like a storage box!
To make sure the lid stayed closed, I installed a simple latch on the front. Nothing too complicated, just something to keep it secure.
Once the box was assembled, I applied the wood stain. I chose a dark walnut color because it matched my furniture. I put on a couple of coats, letting it dry in between, and it really gave the box a polished look.
Finally, I placed the finished storage box on top of my dog’s crate. It fit perfectly! Now I have a place to store his leash, toys, and treats, all within easy reach.
- Measure the crate top.
- Cut the plywood.
- Sand the edges.
- Assemble the box with screws.
- Attach hinges and lid.
- Install the latch.
- Apply wood stain.
- Place on the crate.
In conclusion
It wasn’t a super quick project, but it was definitely doable, even for someone like me who’s not exactly a DIY expert. And the result is awesome! My dog’s crate area is so much more organized now, and it looks pretty darn good, if I do say so myself. If you’re thinking about doing something similar, I say go for it! It’s a fun little project, and your pup (and your living room) will thank you.
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