How to Make a Dog Gate for an Apartment

Inviting a dog into your home is a big decision and one that certainly has pros and cons. While having a furry companion is exciting, you may be wary of the potential damage dogs can cause, from peeing on the carpet to chewing your things. A dog gate is a way to keep your dog in approved areas of your appartment. If you are proficient in woodworking, you can make your own dog gate.

Things You'll Need

  • Screw gun
  • 1-inch screws
  • 2-by-4's cut to 22 1/2 inches, 4
  • 2-by-4's cut to 26 inches, 4
  • 2-by-4's cut to 6 inches, 4
  • Wooden lattice cut into 2 26-by-22 1/2-inch panels
  • Wood stain or paint (optional)
  • 2 hinges
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Instructions

    • 1

      Make a frame using two of the 22 1/2-inch pieces and two of the 26-inch pieces. Use the 26-inch pieces for the sides and slide the 22 1/2-inch pieces on the inside of the side pieces at the top and bottom. Line up all the pieces and drill screws at the corners to hold all the sides of the frame in place.

    • 2

      Center a 6-inch piece over one of the corners and secure it with screws.

    • 3

      Repeat on the opposite corner.

    • 4

      Turn the entire frame over so the 6-inch pieces rest on the ground, allowing the frame to stand on its own.

    • 5

      Lay the lattice over one side of the frame so all the corners line up and attach the lattice to the frame using screws. The lattice will allow your dog to see the activities on the other side of the gate, so it is less stressed.

    • 6

      Repeat Steps 1 through 6 to make another frame.

    • 7

      Apply any wood stain or paint to the frames, if desired. Allow it to thoroughly dry before proceeding.

    • 8

      Place the frames side by side with the lattice sides facing in the same direction.

    • 9

      Attach the frames together using the hinges and the screw gun, placing one hinge 6 inches from the top of the frames and the other 6 inches from the bottom.