# Play Pen - alternative for crating. Well, I went ahead and copied Brad's idea on the Pen.  I thought it was a really great idea and even better, it is quite inexpensive and is very easy!  So I thought I would put together a little DIY so if any of you are interested in getting pens for your pups, you can see how easy it really is. TH… ## Thread In DIY · started by Romi · 7 replies - **Category:** [DIY](https://nihonken.org/community/c/diy) - **Forum:** [Nihon Ken Forum](https://nihonken.org/community/) ## Romi (admin) · 2008-03-26T17:00:03.000Z Well, I went ahead and copied Brad's idea on the Pen.  I thought it was a really great idea and even better, it is quite inexpensive and is very easy!  So I thought I would put together a little DIY so if any of you are interested in getting pens for your pups, you can see how easy it really is. THINGS YOU NEED: 1. Pen 2. At least 1/2" board/wood 3. Vinyl Sticky Tile 4. Screws or Nails (optional) 5. Zip Ties 6. 30 minutes time (if you have all the parts) Step 1: Measurements Set up the pen in whatever shape you like, measure the pen length x width and that will give you the dimensions you will need to get the correct amount of flooring.  (Romi's = 4 x 4 = 16 sq ft., I went ahead and went a little bigger just in case and went 5 x 5 = 25 sq ft.) Step 2: Making the flooring I used 1/2" Hardi Backer Board in 5 x 5 size.  And I got 25 pieces of Vinyl Sticky Tile (each 1 foot in size).  The tile is VERY sticky, so you won't need to use any additional glue or adhesive.  Just start sticking the tile down on the board any way you please.  Step 3:  Putting it all together Once you have the flooring done, place it in your home where you want to keep the dogs.  Put the Pen on top of the flooring and rearrange the design whichever way you please.  To keep the pen in place, you can either drill a hole through the board and put a zip tie through and tighten it to keep it in place.  Or you can use screws or nails and stick those in the board and zip tie the nail/screw to the pen. (this is how brad did it, using screws and zip ties) [image no longer available: 1_1206566699.jpg] Step 4: Add accessories Add a bed, blankets, toys, chews, whatever you want to dress it up and make it comfy for your pup. AND YOU'RE DONE! PROJECT COST: Gold Zinc Exersize Pen 24W x 42H 8 Panel - $85.99 (petsmart) Hardi Backer Board Flooring 5 x 5 - $20.00 (home depot) Vinyl Sticky Tile - $0.39/Each = $9.75 (home depot) White Zip Ties - $2.48/case (home depot Total project cost: $118.22 (no tax) the final result... PEN  Flooring Ninja checking out the new pen Portia checking out the new pen ## Leonberger (admin) · 2008-03-26T17:07:04.000Z Very nice DYI!! I might actually copy the idea with the one I was supposed to have delivered today. ## brada1878 (admin) · 2008-03-26T17:22:07.000Z That looks great Romi! Ninja's got a nice pad now, with a window and everything. The only issue we have had with our pens (we have used them for 3 years or so), is that Ahi likes to pull the tile up. It takes her a lot of time to get it going but she can do it. She has only done this a few times tho, times when we had to leave her in there all day because we had an event to be at or something. They work really well tho, and are very mobile since it all folds up... and if they have an accident while they are in there it doesn't get all over your home. Hilo loves his pen, he will just go right in and sleep - doesn't bother him at all. ## okiron · 2008-03-26T17:35:24.000Z Lol Ninja and Portia are in the same position when checking out the pen. You guys have a great idea. I'm gonna steal it when my shiba comes home. though it'll be another year ## Romi (admin) · 2008-03-26T17:52:23.000Z Yeah, I tried to make it like a hotel suite, you know with a view and all...and so he can sunbathe if he wants lol.   I don't think he is tall enough to see the view though.  Portia seems to like it better than Ninja.  It might be because we're using her bed in there and she likes to sleep on it.  Wow, Ahi is a smarty pants!  I dont' think that Ninja or Portia would be smart enough to figure out that you would be able to pull the tiles off. ## _dlroberts · 2008-03-26T18:17:33.000Z Very nice Romi!!! I'm sure they are going to love it in there. ## sujewel · 2008-03-26T22:24:09.000Z Awesome job!! ## brandon_w (admin) · 2008-03-27T09:11:49.000Z That is really nice.  He gets to lay in the sunshine all day.  That is also a really good price for a pen that big and sturdy. --- **Navigate:** [Forum home](https://nihonken.org/community/?format=md) · [Sitemap](https://nihonken.org/community/sitemap.xml)