Ideas for retractable dog gate in garage

[bofa]

My pups love to hang out in the garage with me but are a little socially retarded and will run after things (even though they are gentle and wouldn't hurt anything). Anyway, I'm trying to think of a cheap DIY project to make some kind of retractable or removable gate that extends across the garage door opening, and about 4' high. It has to be removable and somewhat compact, we well as a sturdy enough to withstand a slight push.

I've thought about using construction netting or screens, and even thought about buying a livestock gate but none of the ideas seems like the right idea yet. Any thoughts?

 

[TOY2G]

My pups love to hang out in the garage with me but are a little socially retarded and will run after things (even though they are gentle and wouldn't hurt anything). Anyway, I'm trying to think of a cheap DIY project to make some kind of retractable or removable gate that extends across the garage door opening, and about 4' high. It has to be removable and somewhat compact, we well as a sturdy enough to withstand a slight push.

I've thought about using construction netting or screens, and even thought about buying a livestock gate but none of the ideas seems like the right idea yet. Any thoughts?

What about a truck bed cargo net? It could be fastened on one side, and then clipped to the other side when in use. Easily rolled up when finished, and the full size truck bed nets should be about 8'x5'.

 

[bofa]

What about a truck bed cargo net? It could be fastened on one side, and then clipped to the other side when in use. Easily rolled up when finished, and the full size truck bed nets should be about 8'x5'.

Thanks - I like the idea. The ones I found were around $60-$80 each and I think I'd need two. Know any place that sells them cheaper?

 

[foxtrot]

You can get one of those garage screens.
Shop Fresh Air Screens 167 Series 16.0-in x 7.0-in Double Garage Door at Lowe's

 

[TOY2G]

Thanks - I like the idea. The ones I found were around $60-$80 each and I think I'd need two. Know any place that sells them cheaper?

I guess you could just buy a section of cargo webbing. I found 8x8 and 12x12. If you got ahold of these people you may be able to order a 4x10.

Cargo Net 12' x 12' 1" Webbing with 4 Snap Hooks 66037 FH122 38 | eBay

 

[1blink]

I picked up a clean roll of cyclone fence at the metal scrap yard and strap it to the door tracks as needed.

 

[bofa]

I was poking around Lowes last night and found some plastic garden fence that is cost effective and light enough to manipulate, especially around vehicles. I'll let you know how it goes.. assuming I can find a longer roll online.

 

[1engineer]

I was poking around Lowes last night and found some plastic garden fence that is cost effective and light enough to manipulate, especially around vehicles. I'll let you know how it goes.. assuming I can find a longer roll online.

Last night I was in my garage and I have a retractable extension cord mounted next to the opening. As I was looking I thought of this thread. If you had some similar retractable cable (I know they are out there) and attached netting with weights at the bottom you could just mount a hook on the far side, pull out the cable with the netting attached, hook it to the far side if your dogs would respect the barrier and not go under it. Just a thought. I trained my dog to stay which is much easier.

 

[bofa]

Last night I was in my garage and I have a retractable extension cord mounted next to the opening. As I was looking I thought of this thread. If you had some similar retractable cable (I know they are out there) and attached netting with weights at the bottom you could just mount a hook on the far side, pull out the cable with the netting attached, hook it to the far side if your dogs would respect the barrier and not go under it. Just a thought. I trained my dog to stay which is much easier.

That's a good idea. I have a 50' retractable extension cord as well.. somewhere. If this other idea doesn't work I'll pick up some cheap cargo nets and give that a shot.

For the plastic fence I was thinking of getting some 2x2 to use at the ends with some protruding bolts that can slip into the openings of the garage door rails. Maybe even some wingnuts to tighten once in place.

The dogs are pretty good and will listen when you tell them to stay. But if I'm not watching them, they will wander and have a short attention span. Squirrel!

 

[Sisente]

2x4 frame and hog wire. Build it so that you can shut the garage door down to a level, and manually lock it. (turn the handle) I have done this before, and it allows great airflow, while letting the dogs see out.

 

[bofa]

^ Appreciate the suggestion but I think metal will be a bit cumbersome in the garage.


Here's what I ended up ordering:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HMACQS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I'm going to get some 2x2 and zip tie the ends of the net to 2 posts. I'll peruse the hardware section to find some brackets I can use to mount the 2x2 to the garage rails. I'm thinking that I'll be able to roll the net up around the 2x2s for storage. I'm interested to see how much slack I see around the top and bottom but I'm thinking I can loop some paracord if need be. In all, I'll probably be into it for $30.

I'll be sure to let you guys know how the first attempt goes.

 

[bofa]

Quick update on this. I'm happy to report that the supports that attach to the garage door worked out great. I bought some treated wood rails for $1.57 ea, small mending plates, some bolts and washers. In all, I spent $10 (although the wife spent another $20 on other crap...).

The bad news is the plastic webbing didn't work out that well. It was difficult to keep taught and had too much flex when I did manage to get it in place. So I've devised a plan B. I bought a roll of paracord and am going to attempt to make my own webbing. I figure 6"x6" webbing should be sufficient. Will report back how it goes...

 

[JBurt]

And...

I've been thinking about taking the pins out of the hinges on the bottom section of my garage door and replacing they with quick disconnects. I'd probably have to play with the spring rate, but it would be cheap. I don't have an automatic door opener though.