The Ultimate Guide to Wooden Dog Crates

Comfort, Design and Craftsmanship for Modern Homes

For many dog guardians, the crate is more than just a training tool, it’s a place of comfort, calm and safety. But for years, crate design hasn’t kept pace with how we live. Cold metal bars, rattling doors and bulky frames can feel out of place in our homes and, for sensitive dogs, can even heighten stress.

That’s where wooden dog crates come in.

At The Pet Carpenter, we believe that your dog’s space should reflect the same care and design you give to every part of your home. Wooden dog crate furniture blends craftsmanship, comfort and style, giving dogs the safe space they need and homes the beauty they deserve.

This guide will help you understand why wooden dog crates have become a must-have for modern pet owners, and how a bespoke piece can transform both your home and your dog’s wellbeing.

Why Choose a Wooden Dog Crate? (For You and Your Dog)

Aesthetic and Lifestyle Benefits

Unlike traditional metal crates, a handcrafted wooden dog crate complements your interior rather than clashing with it. Each piece is designed to integrate seamlessly into your home, whether as a sideboard, media unit, or kitchen island.

Built from solid, sustainable wood, every crate offers durability and long-lasting quality, finished in colours and materials that reflect your personal style.

“We matched the colour of our kitchen and added drawers for storage, it looks built-in, and the dogs go to bed happily every night.” Beverley, Client

Benefits for Dog Wellbeing

Wooden crates aren’t just beautiful, they’re better for your dog.

• Noise dampening: Unlike metal crates that amplify sound, solid wood absorbs it. That means fewer clangs, rattles and echoes, which can be especially comforting for nervous or noise-sensitive dogs.
• Designed around your dog’s needs: Every crate can be built with specific features — extra ventilation for warm-blooded breeds, more enclosed panels for anxious pets, or even internal partitions for multi-dog homes.
• A calm, den-like retreat: Wood’s natural warmth and texture help create a secure, cocooning environment — the kind of space dogs instinctively seek when they need rest or reassurance.

A wooden crate gives your dog not just a bed, but a bedroom.

How Wooden Dog Crates Support Emotional Wellbeing

Creating a calm, consistent environment is one of the most effective ways to support your dog’s emotional health.Studies such as the Generation Pup longitudinal study show that dogs who have access to a designated, secure space experience fewer separation-related behaviours and recover more easily from stressful situations.

A thoughtfully introduced crate can:

• Help dogs switch off and rest when overstimulated.
• Reduce anxiety during fireworks or thunderstorms.
• Support recovery after vet procedures or surgeries.
• Offer a familiar space during travel or home moves.

For dogs with noise sensitivity, the difference can be life-changing. Learn more in our article: Why Wooden Crates Are Ideal for Noise-Sensitive Dogs.

Our Gift Crate Confidence approach helps dog guardians understand the power of creating a safe, positive relationship between their pet and their crate — helping dogs feel at ease when resting or being confined.

“Our boy Beau takes himself into his crate when the house gets noisy or busy. It’s his safe space, he knows it’s his.” Grania, Client

Why Wooden Dog Crates Are Great for Your Home

Style Meets Function

A wooden dog crate is a design statement as much as a pet necessity. Our clients use theirs as:

• Kitchen islands or breakfast bars
• Media units beneath wall-mounted TVs
• Hallway benches with storage beneath
• Bedroom sideboards or alcove fits

Every piece is handcrafted to your measurements and finished to suit your décor. No two designs are the same, because no two homes or dogs are the same.

Vertical Innovation and Smart Storage

Today’s pet furniture should work hard for your lifestyle. That’s why our designs can include:

• Built-in drawers for leads, toys and treats
• Wine racks, cupboards or pull-out storage
• Shelving above or beside crate spaces
• Hidden panels or lift-up tops for multi-use functionality

We call this vertical innovation, finding beauty and purpose in every inch of your furniture.

Beyond Dogs

While 90% of our commissions are designed for dog guardians, we also create beautiful, practical furniture for cats, rabbits, and even tortoises. Each piece is designed around the animal’s behaviour, comfort, and enclosure needs, all while maintaining the elegance and craftsmanship The Pet Carpenter is known for.

Our cats adore their sleeping nook beside the fire, stylish, safe and perfectly matched to our oak flooring.” Sam, Wiltshire

Designing Your Own Wooden Dog Crate

Designing your pet’s wooden crate should be an enjoyable, collaborative process. Start by exploring our Pet Furniture collection for a comprehensive guide on how to design with us, and use our Pet Furniture Size Guide to understand how to size your furniture.

From there, you can:

1. Choose your features – including door styles, feeding solutions and storage options.
2. Select your finish – painted, oiled, natural wood, or colour-matched.
3. Add bespoke touches– handles, hidden storage or soft furnishings.

Bring it all together with the help of our expert team via the Design With Us form.

“The Pet Carpenter made the design process simple — they listened, tweaked, and helped us find the perfect solution. Now it’s the heart of our home.” Helen, Client

What Our Customers Say

“We wanted something for both our young and old dogs, and Harry helped us tweak every detail. The build quality is excellent, it’s now the centrepiece of our snug.”

“Even with international shipping, it arrived perfectly. It’s beautifully made and feels like it will last forever.”

“The colour was matched to my kitchen and topped with quartz, it looks built in, and my dogs go to bed happily every night.”

“Two years on, it’s survived three house moves and still looks brand new. The dogs love it as much as day one.”

“Our three poms share a triple space, perfectly fitted to our hallway.”

These are just a handful of the stories from hundreds of happy homes across the UK (and beyond). Each design is a reflection of love, for craftsmanship, for home, and for pets.

FAQs about Wooden Dog Crates

Are wooden dog crates safe?

Yes The Pet Carpenter’s wooden dog crates are safe. Each piece is handcrafted from durable hardwoods and sealed with pet-safe finishes. Wooden crates are sturdy, secure and provide a more calming environment than metal alternatives.

Can wooden dog crates help with noise sensitivity?

Yes. Wood naturally absorbs sound, making it ideal for dogs who are nervous around noise. Learn more in our Noise Sensitivity article.

How do I measure my dog for a wooden crate?

You can follow our Pet Furniture Size Guide for accurate measurements, ensuring your dog has room to stand, turn, and lie comfortably.

Can I add storage or features to my wooden dog crate design?

Yes, The Pet Carpenter’s bespoke design service offers the ability to include storage. For example you can choose drawers, cupboards, wine racks or additional shelving and these can be tailored to your home layout and storage needs.

Do you make furniture for other pets?

Yes. While most of our work is for dog guardians, we also create bespoke pieces for cats, rabbits and tortoises, with the same attention to safety and design detail.

Ready to Create Your Dog’s Dream Space?

A wooden dog crate isn’t just a piece of furniture, it’s a reflection of care, comfort and craftsmanship.
Your dog deserves a space that feels safe and looks stunning, and your home deserves design that works beautifully for both of you.

Start Designing With Us Today or browse our Pet Furniture Collection.

Because every pet deserves a space to call their own, and every home deserves to look its best.