Are you looking for a discreet way to keep your pets contained without sacrificing your home’s aesthetic? Like many pet owners, I wanted a solution that was both functional and blended seamlessly with our home design. When we built our custom home, accommodating our dogs was a priority. This led me on a journey to discover the perfect hidden Pet Gate.
The Challenge of Finding the Right Pet Gate
Initially, I came across the Hide-A-Gate system. This seemed promising as a fully retractable gate that disappears into the wall.
While Hide-A-Gate (https://hideagate.com/) is an excellent option, especially for new construction as it provides framing plans, it requires installation during the framing stage and can be a significant investment. For existing homes or if your framing doesn’t suit their system, like ours, it might not be feasible. The placement we envisioned for our pet gate didn’t align with the structural requirements of the Hide-A-Gate system.
Inspiration Strikes: The Pocket Pet Gate Idea
Determined to find an alternative, I turned to social media for inspiration. That’s when I discovered a brilliant pocket door style pet gate on Instagram. This design, sliding directly into the wall, seemed like the perfect blend of invisibility and functionality.
Unfortunately, by the time I found this inspiring pocket pet gate concept, the framing in our desired location was already complete. It seemed like we had hit another roadblock in our pet gate project.
DIY Pocket Pet Gate Installation: Step-by-Step
Thankfully, our builder was incredibly resourceful and came up with a creative solution to achieve the pocket gate we desired, even with the existing framing. To maintain structural integrity while creating the pocket, he ingeniously drilled holes into the existing framing.
Through these holes, PVC pipes were inserted. These PVC pipes served as channels, providing stability and a track for the gate to slide into. This clever approach allowed us to bypass the limitations of the existing framing without disrupting any electrical or plumbing within the walls – a crucial consideration for any home modification. This method could potentially be adapted for existing homes, provided you ensure there are no utilities within the wall cavity.
The PVC pipes created pathways for steel bars to be inserted, forming the structural support and sliding mechanism for our custom pet gate. After installing the PVC, the wall was closed up, preparing for the fabrication of the steel gate itself.
Final Look and Functionality
The pet gate was expertly welded from steel, making it incredibly sturdy and durable. Due to its weight, the retractable section was constructed in two pieces for easier installation.
A small wheel at the bottom of the gate ensures smooth operation as it slides in and out. The finished pet gate is not only highly functional but also virtually invisible when open, maintaining the clean lines of our home.
Creating a hidden pet gate was a rewarding project that perfectly balances pet safety with home aesthetics. For more pet-friendly home design ideas, follow me on Instagram and TikTok @littlehouseonalittleland! https://www.instagram.com/invites/contact/?i=1ew4vpm9e140d&utm_content=dhmeifu
