Woman Transforms Old Crib Into Something Every Growing Family Needs

We all know that having a baby is expensive. To put the cost into context, it's estimated that a married, two-parent middle-income home will fork out over $233,000 raising a child from birth until the age of 17.

That's why it's so important that savings are made where possible. Children often grow faster than we can keep up with and nowhere is that more apparent than their cribs. They are one of the most expensive purchases parents have to make, and unless they are planning on having more kids, last for a fairly short amount of time.

Credit: MyLove2Create

One woman, however, has come up with an ingenious hack to transform old cribs into another item which many growing families have to fork out hundreds of dollars for: a dog crate.

She found her crib on Craiglist, and in a series of simple steps, turned it into something truly awesome for a dog.

A puppy is, after all, the natural next step in expanding a family once your baby is old enough to have their own bed!

So, let's get down to business. As the pictures above and below demonstrate, the first step in transforming an old crib into a dog crate is cutting it up into the framed pieces. The better quality the crib, the easier this will be to do.

Credit: MyLove2Create

Once you've done this, you can begin the process of rebuilding them as a dog crate.

At this point, you will need to invest in some wood to help you create the new structure, which can be purchased inexpensively. Your next step once you have it will be to create the frames for the rails of the crate.

Do this by drilling into the framed pieces and then using gorilla glue to give the structure the support it needs.

Credit: MyLove2Create

Once you've created two suitably sized frames for the crate, add the rails from the crib to them like so.

Credit: MyLove2Create

At this point, you're ready to add the sides of your dog crate to the ends. Make this process easy on yourself by using right angle clamps, otherwise, you will struggle to assemble the frame correctly.

Credit: MyLove2Create

Then, using a piece of plywood, which again can be purchased inexpensively, you are going to make the floor of your dog crate.

Credit: MyLove2Create

At this point, it will very much be resembling a dog crate, but there's still a little work left to be done!

Credit: MyLove2Create

The next thing that you need to do is cut out the wood slats which allow it to function as a crate.

Credit: MyLove2Create

Once you have, attach them like so.

Credit: MyLove2Create

Up next is painting your crate so that it's all the one color.

Credit: MyLove2Create

Then, you can finally set about attaching its bottom.

Credit: MyLove2Create

The woman who repurposed this Craigslist crib recommended using peel and stick vinyl so that this is an easy job.

Credit: MyLove2Create

After this, to make your dog crate easy to move around your home and, of course, clean underneath, reattach the wheels.

Credit: MyLove2Create

Now, your puppy crate is pretty much finished!

Credit: MyLove2Create

However, if you want to make yours look like a bona fide piece of furniture, you could also add oak panels on top.

Credit: MyLove2Create

Credit: MyLove2Create

And a lock if you are planning to use this for a puppy and not an older dog!

Credit: MyLove2Create

Credit: MyLove2Create

Credit: MyLove2Create

Credit: MyLove2Create

Credit: MyLove2Create

Credit: MyLove2Create

Credit: MyLove2Create

As you can see, the dog crate blended beautifully into this woman's home and made her furry friend happy to boot!

Additionally, unlike traditionally puppy cages, this dog crate one which your furry best friend can enjoy throughout its life, giving them a safe and familiar place to retreat to when they need to some space.

Now that's what I call a brilliant DIY project and time well spent.