Waterproof Crate Cushion

When you're crate training, it's nice to give your pup something soft to sleep on. The problem is that most pups will have accidents, so anything fabric is pretty much going to get ruined, including every commercial crate cushion I've ever seen. But, with just a little bit of time and $15-20 you can make an awesome custom crate cushion. Your pup will love it!

Step 1: Gather Supplies

You only need a few supplies:

Egg crate - the kind you use as a mattress cover; a twin size will do. Mine cost $10.

Shower Curtain - get a sturdy vinyl one, not one of those flimsy shower liners (your dog will be able to scratch/bite through a flimsy one). They make so many different patterns and colors you can even pick one to match your decor. I got mine on clearance for $8

Duct Tape ($3)

Scissors

Step 2: Cut the Egg Crate

Cut the egg crate to be the same size as your crate (minus 1/4" to account for the bars on the inside). I have a super jumbo sized crate so I started by cutting it in half and it's just an inch or two short of filling the whole length. Your crate is probably smaller so you should be able to cut to peices to fit the crate exactly (maybe three if you have a really small crate).

The easiest way to do it is to lay it on top of the crate and cut the edges so you don't have to measure.

Step 3: Trim the Shower Curtain

Spread the shower curtain out on the floor, design side down.

Place the egg crate peices on top of one another with the bumpy side down. If there's a specific part of the shower curtains design that you want shown, place the egg crate on top of that.

Then wrap the curtain around the egg crate and trim off the excess shower curtain, making sure to leave a little on each side for overlap. Also make sure that you trim off the area with the metal rings.

Step 4: Start Wrapping

Fold the shower curtain over one edge, then opposite side. Pull it tight and then use duct tape to hold it together. I start with a peice in the middle and work my way out to minimize ripples. If someone else is around that can tape while you hold it tight, that's ideal. If not, it's not a big deal (I did this one without a helper)

Step 5: Wrap the Sides

This is basically the same as wrapping a box, so however you usually wrap a box should be fine as long as you pull it tight.

I trimmed off some of the excess fabric so that there wasn't too much of a bulge, but left a triangle on each side so there would be an overlap so there's no exposed egg crate. Then I taped those flaps down and folded in and over like it was a present.

Repeat on bot sides. Now all sides should be folded over tightly

Step 6: Seal the Seams

For the finishing touch, run the tape the long way over the seams so that they are all totally covered.

Step 7: Put It in the Crate

Put it in the crate tape side down. Admire your happy pup enjoying their super comfortable crate.

Mine's been in for about a week and Penny (my pup) hasn't managed to tear it at all (and not for lack of trying). And since it's waterproof it's been super easy to clean up accidents. It's the best of both worlds - the comfort of a cushion with the cleaning ease of a solid surface