If you’re looking for a functional yet attractive way to incorporate pet furniture into your living space, this dog kennel end table is a fantastic solution. This project by Drew Fisher from Fisher’s Shop, combines practicality and style, offering your dog a comfortable home while seamlessly blending with your decor.
Drew Fisher created this kennel using black walnut, a wood known for both its durability and striking appearance. If you’re interested in detailed woodworking projects like this, be sure to check out Drew’s YouTube channel for more creative ideas and complete builds.
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Why Build a Dog Kennel End Table?
Building a kennel that doubles as furniture solves the common challenge of integrating pet spaces into stylish home interiors. Instead of having a bulky crate that disrupts your decor, this kennel serves as a sleek end table that matches any aesthetic.
Additionally, creating your own kennel lets you customize dimensions, ensuring a perfect fit for your dog’s comfort and your room’s layout. It’s an ideal woodworking project that adds both utility and visual appeal to your home.
Choosing the Right Materials
Drew selected black walnut for this project because of its strength and beautiful grain patterns. Walnut not only provides excellent durability but also enhances the overall appearance, giving the kennel a sophisticated look.
When starting the project, Drew carefully inspected the rough lumber, selecting pieces with the most appealing grain. Taking the extra step to flatten and prepare the lumber ensured a seamless assembly process and a polished final look.
Constructing the Kennel Structure
After preparing the wood, Drew cut each piece precisely, ensuring accurate joinery and a sturdy structure. He carefully labeled each component to avoid confusion during assembly, highlighting the importance of organization in woodworking projects.
The sides and frame were joined using half-lap joints, providing both strength and stability to the structure. Half-lap joints are not only strong but relatively straightforward to cut, making them ideal for this type of furniture.
Crafting Functional Details
Drew took special care to design functional yet attractive details, including a comfortable plywood base to hold the dog bed. He also crafted a functional door with square joinery and a simple latch mechanism, making it convenient to open and close.
For the internal dividers and kennel sides, Drew created dadoes and rabbets, carefully cutting and fitting each component. His thoughtful approach to joinery ensured a secure and clean assembly without sacrificing visual appeal.
Adding Decorative Elements
To enhance the look of the kennel and ensure it blended seamlessly with existing furniture, Drew added custom-made walnut trim around the edges. This trim provided additional structural stability while adding an elegant finishing touch.
He used a router to shape the walnut pieces, rounding the edges to create a softer, more refined appearance. Drew’s attention to detail was evident in the precise mitered corners, which elevated the final look of the kennel.
Final Assembly and Finishing
Once all components were built, Drew assembled the kennel carefully, paying close attention to proper alignment. He secured the sides, bottom, and door, making sure each element fit precisely and securely.
For the finishing touch, Drew applied an oil-based finish that enhanced the rich walnut grain and protected the kennel’s surface. This step not only improved the appearance but also ensured durability and easy maintenance.
Why This Project Stands Out
This kennel end table is more than just pet furniture—it’s a stylish addition to any living room, bedroom, or family room. Drew’s thoughtful design creates a space-saving solution that keeps pets comfortable while enhancing the look of your home.
Building this kennel is a rewarding woodworking project, ideal for anyone who enjoys creating custom furniture that serves multiple purposes. Plus, the end result offers practical value, providing your dog with a cozy and safe space while improving the aesthetics of your living area.