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Building a wood crate

DMikeM

Well-Known Member
Not ready for pics just yet but I am using reclaimed shipping pallet wood to build a medium large crate 31w x 35D x 27T. The pallet wood it tough stuff but the door wood looks to be cedar or redwood. Would you go with extruded steel for the front door screen or just continue with the pallet wood slats? Either material will stiffen up the cedar and I have either material to use.
 

karennj

Well-Known Member
Just make sure the pallet was heat treated and not chemical treated. Also it is best to know what the pallet carried. You don't want to be building with wood that was carrying something nasty (chemicals/contaminates). I have also seen recommendations to wash the wood down well with bleach and soapy water as bacteria is another concern.
 

Th0r

Well-Known Member
Hey Mike, isn't your Depth and Height a bit low?
Your Width is great.

I have an aluminium one which is 28"W x 32"H x 40"L and my guy is close to 150lbs and its perfect for him without being too big!
 

DMikeM

Well-Known Member
These were pallets used in the food industry. Also any bacteria that might have been on the wood is killed by just being out in the sunlight.


Yep it is a little small but Crusher is only 80 lbs right now and this one is a test run.
Here is the face with the wood just laid out under it to see how it will look.
20150506_200300.jpg
 

DMikeM

Well-Known Member
I have decided I will need to double up the wood frame. It just seems too fragile to me.
 

Th0r

Well-Known Member
Not sure how determined you pup will be but you may want to consider a piano hinge and double latches.
At least that would eliminate the door as the weak spot!
 

DMikeM

Well-Known Member
I am putting in a 3rd hinge and a second latch. He is not the type to try and escape so I am not really that concerned, yet.

Thanks DeannasMom, after the snow melts and dries up I will finish it off.
 

DMikeM

Well-Known Member
I decided I liked the wood and reinforced the front of the crate build.
The back/inside is a little messy but it is sturdy.
20150509_173520.jpg
 

DMikeM

Well-Known Member
Almost done.
Crusher and Dozer love it.
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20150519_173232.jpg

Need to sand and level the top then stain and seal it. Then I am adding hinges and a 90 degree stop to the lid.
20150519_195639.jpg
 

DMikeM

Well-Known Member
Well I had to reinforce the door so i trimmed it out with hard oak. Then I stained and finished the whole thing with linseed oil.
20150525_153404.jpg

Odi just did not think this was right.
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NYDDB

Well-Known Member
Hey that looks great-- I love anything made out of wood, specially if it is functional as well.

Are you going to make one for each of your dogs? Maybe you should sell them, too.
 

DDSK

Well-Known Member
Looks like you used wood screws for the hinges and latch.
I think with the proper motivation your dogs could rip those off.
I would think about through bolting the hardware with large fender washers
That would be much stronger.
 

DMikeM

Well-Known Member
I have considered doing that but my dogs never try to escape the crates. I am building one for a customer that has a 80 lb lab. I think i will use heavier hardware for that one though. Also i am using brass door hinges for them so they can pull the pins and remove the door if they want.
 

DDSK

Well-Known Member
I've seen your dogs, nothing less than bear proof if they get pissed off lol