Hide Your Old Dog Door in Style: Tips and Tricks

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If you have an old dog door that you no longer use, you may be wondering how to hide it. Fortunately, there are a few options available to you. One option is to install a lock on the door to keep it closed. Another option is to replace the door entirely, which is a cost-effective solution.

Another way to hide an old dog door is to add a cover to it. This can be done using a piece of wood or plastic that fits over the opening. You can also add a decorative cover to the outside of the door to make it blend in with the rest of your home’s exterior. Regardless of which option you choose, hiding your old dog door can help improve the appearance of your home and keep unwanted visitors out. 

Assessing the Situation

Before you start hiding an old dog door, you need to assess the situation to determine the condition of the dog door and its size. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Determine the Condition of the Dog Door

Inspect the dog door to determine its condition. Check for any damage or wear and tear that may affect its function. If the dog door is still in good condition, you can proceed with hiding it. However, if it is damaged or broken, you may need to replace it.

An inside view of a regular black pet flap on a light wood door surrounded by walls walls and wood skirting

Step 2: Measure the Size of the Dog Door

Measure the size of the dog door to determine the size of the opening you need to hide. Measure the height, width, and depth of the dog door. This will help you determine the size of the materials you need to hide the opening.

When measuring the dog door, take into consideration the size of your dog and the height of the opening from the ground. This will help you determine the best height for the hidden opening.

Once you have assessed the situation and measured the size of the dog door, you can proceed with hiding the opening. Use appropriate materials and tools to ensure that the hidden opening is secure and safe for your pet.

A golden retriver pet walks through a home's doggie door.

Covering the Dog Door

If you want to hide an old dog door, covering it is a great option. Here are the steps to cover a dog door with a piece of wood or sheet metal:

Remove the Dog Door

To begin, remove the dog door from the frame. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the door at the four corners.

Cut a Piece of Wood or Sheet Metal

Next, measure the opening and cut a piece of wood or sheet metal to fit. Make sure the material is sturdy enough to withstand weather and animals.

Add Insulation

If you live in an area with extreme temperatures, add insulation to the back of the cover. This will help keep your home at a comfortable temperature.

Secure the Cover

Attach the cover to the frame with screws. Make sure it is secured tightly so it won’t fall off or allow animals to enter.

Prime and Paint the Cover

Finally, prime and paint the cover to match the color of your door. This will make the cover blend in seamlessly with your home’s exterior.

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Watch this video for a visual demonstration of covering and winterizing a dog door.

By following these steps, you can effectively hide an old dog door and prevent unwanted animals from entering your home.

Alternative Options

If you’re not interested in simply locking your old dog door, there are a few alternative options to consider that can help hide it from view.

Option 1: Use a Potted Plant

One option is to use a potted plant to hide the dog door. Simply place a large plant in front of the door to blend it in with the surrounding decor. This option works particularly well if you have other plants in the room, as it helps to create a cohesive look.

Option 2: Install a Bookshelf

Another option is to install a bookshelf in front of the dog door. This not only hides the door but also provides additional storage space for books or other items. You can choose a bookshelf that matches your existing decor to create a seamless look.

Option 3: Install a Sheet Metal Panel

If you want to completely cover the dog door, you can install a sheet metal panel over it. This option requires a bit more work, but it provides a completely hidden solution. You can choose a sheet metal panel that matches the color of your door to create a cohesive look.

Other Options

Other options to consider include installing a piece of artwork or a decorative panel over the dog door, or using a decorative screen to hide it. You can also consider painting the door to match the surrounding decor to help it blend in.

Remember, there are many options available to hide an old dog door. Choose the option that works best for you and your home decor.

FAQ

How do you block a dog door?

You have a few options when it comes to blocking a dog door. First off, you can simply install a lock on it and just use the lock. If it is a hollow core door, you could also just replace the door, as this is inexpensive and will save you a lot of time.

Otherwise, to seal the existing opening, simply cut some plywood to the existing size of the opening to place in the center and slightly larger pieces of the same shape that you can attach to both sides of the door to cover it. It’s serviceable, but not very elegant, and a replacement door is a much better option.

Can you remove a doggie door?

Removing a dog door is quite easy and all you’ll need is a screwdriver. Simply unscrew the door at the four corners and you should be able to pop out the remaining components by leveraging them out with your screwdriver.

The removal will typically take minutes, but you’ll need to patch over the hole with plywood or consider replacing the door.

How do you make a large dog door smaller?

The easiest option for making a large dog door just a little bit smaller is to nail thin pieces of wood on the inside, which you will further secure with molding. You will also need to take out the flap, as it will need to be cut to function with the new door dimensions.

How do you seal a dog door on a sliding glass door?

Typically, with a sliding glass door install a glazier makes a new pane for you that houses the doggy door, while your old pane may be stored away. If you do not have this pane, the better option is going to be replacing that half of the sliding glass door.

Any alternate means of sealing is likely to be patchwork at best, and since this is glass you’ll want to either contact a Glazier for professional options or simply replace that pane altogether and put it securely in place with glazing tape.

How do you remove a dog door from a hollow core door?

Removing the dog door from a hollow core door is pretty basic for the actual removal. You’ll simply need a screwdriver to remove the screws in each corner of the door, so that you can pop out all of the components.

Repair is where things will get tricky. While you can seal it up with plywood and ever repaint over it, this won’t be very aesthetically pleasing and the door will have poor integrity. Hollow doors are quite easy to damage as well, so you should consider simply replacing the door.


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