Hey there! If you’ve been searching for a way to keep your furry friends contained without sacrificing your home’s aesthetic, you’ve come to the right place. Maybe you spotted my hidden dog gate on Instagram or TikTok and are curious about how to create one for your own space? Welcome! I’m Amanda, and during the design of our custom home, pet-friendly features were a top priority. After all, dogs are family!
The Initial Idea: Hide-A-Gate
My first thought was to use the Hide-a-Gate system. I discovered Hide-a-Gate online, and it seemed like a promising option for a discreet Gate For Pets. These gates are designed to retract into the wall, offering a truly hidden solution. However, they come with a significant price tag, around $1000, and require installation during the framing stage of construction.
While Hide-a-Gate is excellent for new builds, it’s less practical for existing homes. Their website does offer framing plans, which is helpful if you are building. So why didn’t we go with Hide-A-Gate? The simple answer: location. The desired location for our pet gate didn’t accommodate the specific framing requirements of the Hide-A-Gate system. Back to the drawing board!
Instagram Inspiration: The Pocket Gate
Undeterred, I turned to Instagram for inspiration. That’s where I found a brilliant account showcasing a pocket door style baby gate that cleverly slid into the wall. This “pocket gate” concept was exactly the kind of hidden gate for pets I was envisioning!
Unfortunately, timing wasn’t on our side. Our framing was already underway in the area where we wanted the dog gate by the time I discovered this fantastic pocket gate idea. I was definitely disappointed!
Our Custom Pocket Gate Install
But my builder is amazing and didn’t give up! We needed a way to achieve the pocket gate functionality while working with the existing framing. Creativity was key!
My builder devised a genius solution. To maintain structural integrity without altering the existing framing, he drilled holes and inserted PVC pipes through them. This clever approach allowed us to create channels for the pet gate to slide into.
This was the ideal solution because it avoided disrupting any existing electrical or plumbing within the wall. I believe this method could even be adapted for existing homes, provided you’re certain there are no utilities behind the wall. The PVC pipes created sleeves for steel bars to slide into, forming the structure of our hidden gate for pets. The next step was to close up the wall and bring in a welder.
Here you can see how the opening was framed and trimmed, ready for the final steel piece. These holes are where the steel dog gate would slide into when hidden.
Final Touches and Functionality
The pet gate itself was constructed from welded steel, making it incredibly sturdy and durable. Due to its weight, the retractable portion is actually made in two pieces for easier installation. If you look closely, you can see a seam where the section that slides into the wall’s PVC joins the outer section with the handle.
This image shows the welded front piece of the gate for pets. The craftsmanship ensures a seamless and robust dog gate.
A small wheel at the bottom of the pet gate assists with smooth retraction and extension. Here’s how the hidden gate for pets looks when closed, providing a secure barrier.
And here it is open, completely disappearing into the wall! This discreet pet gate solution is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
If you want to see more pet-friendly home design ideas, especially for dogs, follow me on Instagram and TikTok @littlehouseonalittleland! 🐾
https://www.instagram.com/invites/contact/?i=1ew4vpm9e140d&utm_content=dhmeifu
