I'm so excited to show you how to make a DIY Dog Gate out of Crib Rails! It is so versatile for medium and small dogs that co-exist!
I have a baby gate for corralling Louie (left) but with a very strange floor plan in my home, I need more options when Lucy (right) comes to visit. When Lucy is fed, she gobbles her food up really fast, whereas Louie is more of a nibbler. It’s difficult to find a time to let Louie eat. So, as they say, necessity is the mother of invention, hence I need some dog gates.
How To: DIY Dog Gate
While Jamie, Andy and Lucy were here for Thanksgiving, Jamie and I went shopping. We saw this dog gate at Ross. I immediately knew I needed to make one and I knew just how I would do it.
This is a crib I picked up at a thrift store a few months ago.
I removed the hardware from the crib rails and used my compound miter saw to cut the crib sides apart. Then I cut a little off of each end so the spindles would be more evenly spaced when I put them together. (I used a miter saw, but you could do the same thing with a jig saw, or even a hand saw)
Paint & Primer
Doing this, I ended up with four pieces. I painted them with a base coat of DIY chalk paint (as a primer).
Of course, I then gave it a nice protective coat of semi-gloss paint with my Finish Max on the very last day that I was able to work outside. Winter has set in, and my paint booth days are over for awhile. 
Add Hinges
I had to finish this project inside. I drilled pilot holes for the strap hinges.
These hinges worked great for this DIY dog gate.
See? I of course put one at the top of the rails and the bottom.
This doggate is going to come in very handy, and it’s much easier to pass through than those that lock in place. I am very aware that this might not be the solution for every dog. Lucy and Louie are both well behaved and will not force the issue of trying to breach the little enclosure.
Easy DIY Dog Gates
Initially I was going to attach all four pieces with hinges, but because of my strange floor plan, I decided to leave the two pieces separate of the other two identical pieces. I have doorways on either side of the fireplace that lead from the living room into the kitchen. With the snow we had over the weekend, I was able to easily block Louie out of the living room when he came in with those little snowballs all over his feet.
I set all four pieces up in the living room so I could take pictures. Louie would only cooperate and let me take his picture if I offered him treats. He should be holding a sign “will work for food”.
The only way I got this picture was to bait him with a milk bone.
With the strap hinges, the dog gate easily folds for storage.
This is what it would look like if I had connected all four pieces together with hinges. These dog gates are very versatile. The possibilities of sizes are endless, especially if you’re like me and have a stash of these side rails. 
I think this even has outdoor uses. Is there a particular place you don’t want your pooch to go?
EDITED to ADD:
I now use these gates with Lulu Mae! I cut a little doorway that allows Lulu Mae to go through, but will keep the Grand Dog Lucy from bothering her. Simply flip it upside down and Lulu and her new friend Katy are kept out of harm's way!
Now that Lulu Mae is older, this one comes in handy when Lucy visits. It keeps her from eating Lulu's food. Because it's so easy to handle, I also take it with me when I use the guest room at my daughter's house.
Will you be making one?
gail
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Hi, there! Iām Gail, the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. Iām obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believe that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful againāmyself included! I hope youāll enjoy the journey and pick up a few tools along the wayā¦ literally!
MrsSW
Gail, what keeps the dog(s) from knocking it over?
Thanks,
Sheila
Gail Wilson
Shelia,
I made this years ago, and still use it for my little Lulu Mae when the grand dog Lucy (big one) is around. I've had Lucy for the last 10 days, and she hasn't tried to breach it once. I use it so that Lulu can eat in peace without fear that Lucy will try to get her food. If you have a crib rail, give it a try. I love, love, love having it when I need it. Bonus, it's so slim, it easily stores behind the guest room door.
gail
Kathy
Years ago I picked up two crib sides from the curb when walking our pup. We needed a gate for the front porch. We used the full size for one side and cut they other shorter for the other side. They slide to the sides when we arenāt using them. My husband drilled holes on the sides of the top railings. We use a bolt with a wire flip top ( not sure what is exactly called ) and secure the railings together. We didnāt need a gate there all the time so this was the perfect arrangement. I like how you added hinges to connect the crib sides.
Gail Wilson
Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment about YOUR work around Kathy. I appreciate it. I used mine outside recently while the grand dog was here. I was able to allow my little dog to enter and leave the yard, while the big grand dog was stopped by the tiny baby gate! I had never used it outside before. š
gail
Brette
My Shih Tzu, who had little, tiny teeth, chewed through a plastic mesh kiddie gate. Iām afraid he might have tried to chew through wood as well. So, watch out for gnawed wooden bars if you have a dog that gets frantic when left alone.
Gail Wilson
Good point Brette! My dog and grand dog are 6 and 10, so they are mostly trained, but the big one will eat the kibble of the little one. So this is perfect to allow my little Schnoodle to get away from the monster grand dog. It's a win/win for me. š
gail
Karol
I use a fireplace screen in my hall to block my little dog in or out of where I want him. It is tri fold.
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
That's an awesome idea Karol! Thanks for sharing.
gail
Connie Moore
Would you please consider putting a warning on all creative projects using crib rails that you post after checking out this website- this organization was started by my friend after her baby died from getting his head caught between old crib rails.
http://keepingbabiessafe.org/
Gia Lyons
I repurposed crib rails as baby gates for both the top and bottom of my stairs. I used lift off hinges so they can be completely removed should I need them out of the way. The white finish matches the existing railings and bannisters. We are very pleased with the results. I have also used crib rails as trellis in the garden. If I come across any more I might use them to make a play enclosure for the baby. It might take 6 panels for it to be large enough. Again, I'd use lift off hinges to make it collapseable.
Your barrier would be good to keep pups out of the Christmas tree too!
Sandra
Note of caution: the sale of many cribs have been banned for use as cribs due to the danger to children getting stuck in the rails. Just because it's on the floor and meant for dogs, does not mean it would be safe for toddlers.
Connie Moore
Amen
Laurel Stephens
You are brilliant. I'll be passing this along to my daughter for her West Highland Terror (and no, that's not a typo.) š
Pat
I could see this working for small toddlers... (if secured, like you mentioned) I also see it working for the pups too. (no my daughters dogs...she has miniature chihuahua dogs. They can squeeze through anything. But my dog buster, this could be a good idea for my Christmas tree if I ever decide to put one up. š
Patricia
Julie @ follow your heart woodworking
Great use of crib rails, I would never have thought of that. Louie doesn't look like he wants to be left behind there though! My little Chihuahua would just about fit through the spaces, and probably get stuck trying!
Pam
Nice job.....I need to make something like that just to pen the KING up so he will not be so demanding on me. I bet he would bark his head off though.
Katy
Fantastic! I can think of several applications for this. Louie is so cute!
Holly
It's a great idea...and I have a set of these for my dogs but it's out in the barn. Great minds think alike! Inside I have used a headboard as a gate to separate the dogs when I'm gone. š