rainakennedy

DIY: Pet Kennel for kids playroom

2/5/2014

I'm building the kids a Pet Clinic in their playroom. I really wanted to incorporate a kennel area but didn't want to use actual dog kennels. They cost so much and weren't safe for the kids. I'm so happy with the way this came out. It's an Ikea expedit shelf with gates added to the shelf openings. Here's how I did it.

EXPEDIT Shelving unit, white $39.99 Article Number: 201.353.00 Size 31 1/8x31 1/8"

These were the perfect fit to cover the openings of the expedit. Store Supply Warehouse, 14"X14" Mini Grid Panel-Black SKU # 30103 Price:$0.95 each

Home Depot: $.98 Liberty Double Roller Catch with Spear Strike Model # C08820C-STB-P1 Internet # 100114919 Store SKU # 775679

Here I screwed the double roller catch onto the inside of the the expedite shelf. I made sure that it was aligned with one of the gate rails prior to securing it.

I flattened the spear strike so that it would cover both gates and bent it back so I could fasten it to the inside walls of the expedit.

8 Comments

Andrea

7/2/2014 01:52:56 pm

Our Houston children's museum has this and my daughter loves it! We were all excited to go buy an expedition shelf because we knew what it was, but I had trouble finding doors sized the right way. This info was very helpful! Thank you.

Raina Kennedy

7/3/2014 12:38:33 am

Yay. I did a lot of research to find the right fit ;). My kids still love it. So happy it worked for you too. We switch the pets out regularly. Right now we have a fun Mexican dog who dances with maracas and other battery operated pets. They bring the pet clinic to life.

Jess

12/5/2014 12:36:54 am

How is this holding up? Would you change the design at all? What did you use to secure the spear strike over the doors? I'm going to attempt this next week and wanted some advice! Thanks so much!!

Raina

12/5/2014 10:28:33 am

Hi Jess.

It's holding up remarkably well. Especially considering I have somewhat destructive kids. The one thing I would recommend is using a bolt to secure the spear strike system. It's a safer and more secure way to install them. I'm excited for you guys. My kids and all their friends love this activity area. To keep the fun going, I change out the animals. Dogs one week, dinosaurs another. The interactive battery operated animals are their favorites

What I like most about the dimensions of the cages, is that the kids really can't fit in them too well. This was a problem for me with the other types of kennel systems I tried to create for them. It just seemed wrong for them to be in cages, even if playing ;)

Trena Boan

8/30/2016 08:14:48 pm

I love this! I am making it for my 2 year old daycare classroom.

Jolene

12/27/2016 07:22:15 pm

I have the mainstay 9 cube shelving unit. The cubes are 12x12. Do they have smaller grid units? And im worried about the double roller and spear strike cause the wood on mine is not as thick..

Karen Smith

5/23/2017 10:34:15 am

I Need to find the Mini Grids to fit a 12 x 12 Hole! Any suggestions??

Jennifer dale

9/25/2020 09:54:04 am

If the grid doors are metal, do you think I could use gorilla glue to place a magnet where it closes? Perhaps media cabinet door magnets or just a strong generic magnet?

Raina Kennedy

DIY: Pet Kennel for kids playroom

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Raina Kennedy

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