This project was built and designed by Danny from ModernRemade. It’s a custom retractable dog gate that combines function with sleek design, offering a stylish solution for pet owners who want something better than the standard plastic or metal gates.
With its clean lines and compact folding panels, this gate is built to blend in with modern interiors while standing up to daily use. It’s a smart, approachable woodworking project for anyone with pets and a bit of shop experience.
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Getting Started with Materials and Tools
Danny begins with a simple goal: create a gate that’s both strong and attractive. The material choice is critical—solid wood that can handle wear and tear while also taking a finish well.
A combination of tools are used throughout the build: a table saw for ripping boards into strips, a miter saw for angled cuts, and a router for joinery and clean edges. Durability and precision are the focus, especially since this gate will see frequent use.
Cutting and Shaping the Wood
The first task is breaking the wood down into long strips using the table saw. These strips will form the vertical slats in the folding panels.
Danny uses stop blocks during this step to keep each piece uniform. That consistency helps during assembly, making sure the gate looks clean and operates without binding.
Next, the miter saw is used to trim pieces to length and create angled cuts where needed. Tongue and groove joints are added to help with panel alignment—a smart choice for keeping the build solid and square.
Assembling the Folding Panels
Danny assembles six separate panels, which will eventually fold out to span the doorway or stairwell. Each panel is constructed using tongue and groove joints, offering a tight, reliable fit without needing a lot of clamps or glue time.
Once glued up, the panels are routed along the edges to soften corners and improve appearance. This detail gives the gate a more polished feel and makes it more comfortable to handle.
Attaching the Hinges
The gate’s functionality hinges—literally—on proper hinge installation. Danny uses a router to create recesses for the hardware so the hinges sit flush. This keeps the panels aligned when folded and prevents them from catching during movement.
Each hinge is measured and marked with care before being secured in place. The middle panels get hinges on both sides, while the outer panels only need one set. This layout gives the gate its retractable design and allows it to fold accordion-style when not in use.
Managing Setbacks and Solutions
No woodworking project is without its hiccups. In this build, Danny encounters uneven grooves and slight misalignments. Rather than starting over, he uses hand tools and filler to correct the issues—showing that even experienced builders face challenges.
These kinds of adjustments are part of the process, especially when working with natural materials. The key is staying patient and taking the time to fix small problems before they become bigger ones.
Final Sanding and Finishing Work
After hinge installation, Danny fills any gaps with wood filler that matches the project’s tone. Once dry, the entire surface is sanded smooth, getting it ready for a finish.
He chooses a clear coat to highlight the wood grain while protecting the surface from scratches and moisture. The result is clean and modern, with a finish that complements most interior styles.
Final Assembly and Installation
With everything complete, the panels are attached to a fixed frame and tested for smooth movement. Proper alignment during this final step is critical for making sure the gate operates without sticking or sagging.
Danny makes final tweaks to the fit and spacing so the panels fold evenly. The completed dog gate is now ready to serve its purpose—keeping pets contained without compromising the look of the home.
Why Make Your Own Dog Gate?
One of the biggest advantages of building a dog gate yourself is customization. This project fits perfectly into the intended space and matches the surrounding design better than store-bought options.
It’s also a practical way to use leftover wood or test out new joinery techniques like tongue and groove or recessed hinge mortises. The finished result is something that not only functions well but feels like a proper piece of furniture.
Watch the full video and subscribe to Danny’s channel: