http://www.orvis.com/store/productch...id=42PY&bhcp=1

These kind of things seem to be fairly common in the States but very difficult to track down in the UK. The only company that I have seen doing anything like this is ridiculously expensive.

Does anyone know of anywhere else doing something similar but not at the £250+ price range.

I have Daisy's crate in our front room and it would be good if it was a bit more easy on the eye (currently has a blanket draped over it) especially as we are about to get puppy number 2 and so will have 2 crates there

Doesn't have to be real wood, and ideally would be a solid "cover" for the crate (just top and sides no front).

If no joy then am considering knocking one up with mdf and some white paint! Maybe there is a business idea here...

I found a lovely stainless steel modern crate a while back - in the US! It was a lot of money but when I enquired about shipping, the shipping alone was £700 After lots and lots of internet searching for a stylish crate from the UK I drew a blank.

I think there is a gap in the market for a stylish crate.

I guess you could see if a carpenter could knock something similar up for you.

think you are right about a gap in the Market. Google really doesn't turn up anything that is not ridiculously priced...
Got on the phone to my cousin who is a chippy, and cabinet maker originally, and we are going to work on a prototype design (so yay I get to test it) and go from there.
Out of interest, what do any of you think of the idea of wooden/painted mdf crate covers? What sort of price would you expect to pay for a good quality, handmade crate cover which made your crate look like proper furniture?
Is this a mad idea???

You could ask your local cabinet maker or carpenter how much they would charge you to make one, they may be low on work atm so you may get a good price. Design your own to your own specifications (size, materials, style) and you'll be made up with it!

Or have a go at making one yourself, making a box really isn't too difficult, even for a begginer If you sign up for an adult education course you could even make one as your project - imagine how proud you'd be!!

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Some days you're the dog: some days you're the lampost

When I feel blue, I start breathing again

I personally think this is a good idea. Dog crates are, well, not all that pleasing on the eye. If the item is functional and safe, I am sure people would prefer this option, especially for the lounge etc. I like the crate available from Denhaus:-

DenHaus | BowHaus | Designer Dog Crate Furniture

It would match my living room a treat!

I would pay up to £300 for the right item (it would have to be really special).

You could make that for under 59 quid! Go to your local sheet metal works armed with a photo and ask them to punch holes in a thin sheet of steel (your design to match your wallpaper if you fancy!) and 'roll' it. Then ask your timber suppliers to router grooves into the right size circles of timber (again, choose that to match your lounge) for the top and bottom - put the two together and bobs-your-uncle!!

Maybe I should start making these?!?

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Some days you're the dog: some days you're the lampost

When I feel blue, I start breathing again

That is lovely, i only have one of my dogs crated, he was rescue and he had always been crated at night, If you think about how much plastic crates cost your talking around 100 for a small one so one made in wood is gonna be alot more and i rekon people would go mad for them, why not do them as made to order at first, that way you wont get stuck as the credit crunch is pretty much here to stay. Also different price tags for different types of wood too, mdf for budget range etc.

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oh wow how modern!!!!!! love both types , need carpenter and sheet metal worker lol.

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I wish I had the confidence to do this. I wonder what Dragon's Den would make of it!

They'd poo poo it, just like most things! Well maybe not Theo Paphitis who took on that gorge recue dog from that TV agility reality show he did

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Some days you're the dog: some days you're the lampost

When I feel blue, I start breathing again