Regalo Easy Step Walk-Through Gate

There are times when you need to keep your dog or new puppy contained or out of certain rooms. Perhaps you have an older dog who really shouldn't be using the stairs. When you need a barrier, a dog gate is the solution. You could spend money buying one, or even better, you can spend a few hours learning how to build a dog gate of your very own.

We've found 15 free and easy-to-build DIY dog gate plans that you can make yourself. There are a variety of plans, from wood to fabric and PVC pipes, so you're sure to find one that matches your DIY skill level. We've also included a list of the tools and supplies you'll need.

divider 10

15 DIY Dog Gate Plans

1. PVC Dog Gate, by Sew Many Ways

Our first set of plans from Sew Many Ways is low cost and ideal if you need to keep your dog off the stairs. It's constructed with PVC pipes and fabric, with some sewing required. This gate works best if you have stairs with spindles to hold it upright.

  • Difficulty level: Easy/Moderate – requires sewing ability

Materials

  • PVC pipe
  • Corner pieces
  • Fabric
  • Thread

Tools

  • Measuring tape
  • Saw
  • Scissors
  • Sewing equipment

2. DIY Dog Gate, by Saws on Skates

If you have experience with woodworking, then you'll be able to construct this sturdy and attractive dog gate from Saws on Skates. This dog gate stands on its own using a hinge in the middle. Keep in mind that if your dog is serious about entering the blocked room, this gate can be knocked over.

  • Difficulty level: Expert – woodworking skills

Materials

  • Wood
  • Two hinges
  • Paint
  • Stain with a clear finish

Tools

  • Miter saw
  • Drill
  • Kreg jig
  • Clamps
  • Paint supplies

3. Baby and Pet Gate, by The DIY Hubs

This gate designed by The DIY Hubs offers a solution if you also own a cat. This dog gate works well to block dogs, as well as young children while allowing your cat to slip through a small opening at the bottom. Genius!

  • Difficulty level: Expert – woodworking skills required

Materials

  • Wood
  • Nails
  • Screws
  • Self-closing gate kit
  • Bolts
  • Discs
  • Wood glue
  • Wood filler
  • Paint or stains

Tools

  • Jigsaw
  • Drill
  • 5″ orbital sander
  • Miter saw
  • Circular saw
  • Paint supplies

4. How to Build a Dog Gate, by This Old House

For a sold-wood gate that you can construct, check out the detailed plans from This Old House. If you have basic woodworking understanding, you'll be able to follow the step-by-step instructions, which come with helpful pictures.

  • Difficulty level: Moderate/Expert – woodworking experience necessary

Materials

  • Wood/plywood
  • Molding
  • Stain or paint
  • Wood glue
  • Nuts and bolts
  • Hinges

Tools

  • Miter saw
  • Circular
  • Combination square
  • Bar clamps
  • Pneumatic pin nailer
  • Allen wrench set
  • Drill with drill bits

5. DIY Modern Baby Gate or Pet Gate, by Crafted Workshop

This gate designed by Crafted Workshop can affix to the top of your stairs or to a doorway in order to block both your dog and a small child. Best of all, you can conveniently open and close this gate as you would a door. Two hinges allow it swing open, while a latch holds it closed.

  • Difficulty level: Moderate/Expert – woodworking knowledge essential

Materials

  • Wood
  • Gate hinges
  • Latch and stop
  • Screws
  • Wood glue
  • Lacquer
  • Drywall anchors

Tools

  • Miter saw
  • Cordless drill
  • Planer
  • Jointer
  • Countersink bit
  • Woodpeckers square
  • Sander
  • Block plane
  • Parallel clamps

6. DIY Pet Gate/Baby Gate, by Jennifer Maker

This freestanding, extra-wide and -tall pet and baby gate by Jennifer Maker is an excellent design for rooms with wide openings that need to be blocked. Made out of a large plastic lattice panel, you can see through this gate. When it's not in use, you can fold it up. Once you have all the materials, you can easily make this gate in one night.

  • Difficulty level: Easy/Moderate

Materials

  • Plastic lattice panel
  • Lattice caps
  • Lattice screws
  • Hinges
  • Latches
  • Sticky felt roll

Tools

  • Screwdriver
  • Table saw or hand saw

7. DIY Cardboard Dog Gate, by …Two and Three Quarters

If you're not a woodworker nor have any idea how to work a sewing machine but you need a quick fix on a low budget for a dog gate, search no further than these plans from Two and Three Quarters. Believe it or not, you can fashion a rather sturdy and crafty cute dog gate out of a cardboard box. You're welcome!

  • Difficulty level: Easy

Materials

  • Cardboard box or boxes
  • Measuring tape
  • Duct tape
  • Contact paper
  • 3M Command Hooks
  • Ribbon

8. DIY PVC Pipe Pet Gate, by eHow

For an easy-to-construct project that you can build after a quick trip to your local hardware store, consider these simple-to-follow plans from eHow. Along with a PVC pipe frame, galvanized-steel hardware cloth provides the screen, and tension rods on the top and bottom cleverly holds it in place.

  • Difficulty level: Easy/Moderate

Materials

  • PVC pipe
  • PVC tee connectors
  • Hardware cloth
  • Cable ties
  • Tension rods
  • Protective gloves
  • PVC cement

Tools

  • PVC pipe cutter or saw
  • Metal snips or wire cutters

9. Doggie Gate DIY, by Yellow Brick Home

If you're looking for an eye-appealing gate to fit in a doorway and you have strong woodworking skills, you may want to try the plans provided by Yellow Brick Home. This gate affixes to your door post, allowing it to swing open or lock closed as needed.

  • Difficulty level: Expert – woodworking expertise

Materials

  • Wood
  • Hinges
  • Bolts
  • Nails
  • Screws
  • Paint

Tools

  • Brad nailer
  • Compound miter saw
  • Mini kreg jig
  • Screwdriver or drill
  • Square
  • Tape measure or ruler
  • Putty knife
  • Sanding blocks (medium and fine)
  • Mouse sander
  • Paint supplies

10. Baby/Pet Gates from Pallet Wood, by Instructibles Workshop

Pallets are a fantastic shortcut for getting the structure of your dog gate in place. This pallet wood dog gate plan from Instructibles Workshop breaks down the steps you'll need to follow for a solid wood gate.

  • Difficulty level: Moderate

Materials

  • Wood pallet
  • Wood blanks
  • Barrel bolt lock
  • Hinges
  • Screws
  • Nails
  • Paint or stain

Tools

  • Miter saw or circular saw
  • Drill and drill bits
  • Hammer
  • Sander
  • Paint supplies
  • Tape measure

11. DIY Pet Barrier, From A Creative Life by Debbie Saenz

If you're handy with fabric and a sewing machine, you can easily stitch together this dog gate designed by Debbie Saenz of A Creative Life blog. With tension rods anchoring the top and bottom, you can adjust this fabric-covered gate to the width of your doorway or room opening.

  • Difficulty level: Moderate

Materials

  • Fabric
  • Sewing supplies
  • Spring tension rods

Tools

  • Sewing machine
  • Iron

12. Ten Minute DIY Baby/Pet Gate, From Finding Purpose Blog

If you're looking for simple, functional building plans, Finding Purpose Blog has a basic design that you can make with minimal materials in a short amount of time. The title claims 10 minutes, but it may take you a bit longer. Either way, you'll have a doorway gate that blocks your dog and opens with ease.

  • Difficulty level: Moderate– Some woodworking skills needed

Materials

  • Pine boards
  • Deck screws
  • Hinges
  • Latch
  • Stain or paint

Tools

  • Miter saw
  • Drill
  • Painting supplies

13. DIY Wooden Barn Door Baby Gate, From REMODELaholic

When you're installing a gate into your home, you'll most likely want it to match your home's overall style. This wooden barn baby or dog gate from REMODELaholic has a warm, rustic look. As long as you have proficient woodworking skills, you can learn how to build a dog gate, which is both functional and attractive.

  • Difficulty level: Expert– Woodworking skills are a must

Materials

  • Pine boards and lumber
  • Drywall screws
  • Wood glue
  • Stain
  • Hinge
  • Latch
  • Handle

Tools

  • Table saw
  • Miter saw
  • Drill
  • Brad nailer
  • Sander
  • Utility knife
  • Framing square
  • Tape measure
  • Pencil
  • Sander block
  • Sandpaper
  • Foam brush
  • Old rag

14. DIY Baby Gate With Fabric, From The DIY Playbook

For a soft fabric option as a dog gate, The DIY Playbook offers step-by-step plans to create a colorful barrier. This clever design resembles a quilt stretched across a doorway. The fabric loops make it easy to set up and pull down as needed. Best of all, you don't need fancy sewing skills to assemble it!

  • Difficulty level: Easy

Materials

  • Quilted fabric
  • Heat activated adhesive
  • Bias tape
  • Cord bundles
  • 3M Command strip

15. DIY Gate for Bottom of Wide Staircase, by Your Modern Family

This PVC pipe gate plan from Your Modern Family can span your wide staircase or perhaps a broad opening on a doorway. If you're good at puzzling pieces together, this project is for you!

  • Difficulty level: Moderate

Materials

  • PVC pipe and connection pieces
  • PVC cement
  • Wood
  • Hinges
  • Zip ties
  • Eye screw
  • Small bungee and hook

Tools

  • PVC pipe cutter or saw
  • Ruler or measuring tape
  • Screwdriver

Featured Image Credit: Pixabay