Are you a pet lover who also values home aesthetics? Many pet owners struggle with the challenge of keeping pets safely contained without sacrificing the visual appeal of their homes. Traditional pet gates can be bulky and unattractive, disrupting your home’s décor. If you’ve been searching for a discreet and stylish way to manage your pet’s access within your home, you might be interested in a hidden pet gate with a door. This innovative solution, often seen on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, offers a blend of functionality and seamless design.
Initially, when designing their dream home, one homeowner explored the “Hide-a-Gate” system. This commercially available option is designed to be concealed within the wall, providing a truly hidden barrier. However, with a price tag around $1000 and the requirement for pre-planned framing during construction, it wasn’t a feasible solution for everyone, especially those looking to retrofit their existing homes. The homeowner also found that the structural requirements didn’t align with their desired gate location.
Seeking alternatives, inspiration struck in the form of an Instagram account showcasing a clever pocket door style baby gate. This design ingeniously slides into the wall, disappearing when not needed.
Unfortunately, timing was an issue. Framing was already underway in the desired location, making a standard pocket door installation challenging. But this didn’t deter the homeowner and their builder.
The Creative DIY Pocket Pet Gate Solution
Faced with the framing constraints, the builder devised a brilliant workaround to create a custom pocket pet gate. The key was to maintain the existing framing while still achieving the desired hidden gate functionality. Their innovative approach involved drilling holes into the existing framing to accommodate PVC pipes. These PVC pipes were strategically installed to ensure structural stability and act as sleeves for the gate mechanism.
This method proved to be an ideal solution, cleverly working around existing electrical and plumbing systems within the wall. This DIY approach also opens up possibilities for homeowners looking to add a hidden pet gate with a door to existing homes, provided they carefully check for utilities within the wall. The PVC pipes created channels to house steel bars, forming the core of the sliding pet gate. After installing the PVC, the wall was closed up, preparing for the fabrication of the steel gate itself.
The image above shows the prepared wall with openings ready to receive the steel pet gate. The trim work around the opening further refines the hidden gate’s appearance, ensuring it blends seamlessly with the wall when not in use.
Finishing the Hidden Pet Gate With Door
The custom pet gate was constructed from welded steel, chosen for its durability and strength. Due to its weight, the retractable portion of the gate was made in two pieces for easier installation. A subtle seam is visible where the section that slides into the wall connects to the outer section with the handle.
The front piece of the welded steel pet gate, shown below, is designed for both strength and a clean aesthetic.
A small wheel at the bottom of the gate ensures smooth operation as it slides in and out of the wall. The following images demonstrate the finished hidden pet gate with door in both closed and open positions.
This DIY hidden pet gate with door showcases a creative and space-saving solution for pet owners. By repurposing the pocket door concept and utilizing readily available materials like PVC and steel, this project demonstrates how to create a functional and aesthetically pleasing pet barrier. For more innovative pet-friendly home design ideas, explore online platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
