Real Relax 78in Dog Crate Furniture Review

Intro — why I tested the Real Relax 78"

As someone who likes pet gear that looks at home in a living room, I was curious about the Real Relax 78" Large Dog Crate Furniture. It promises to be more than a kennel: a 78-inch-wide piece of indoor furniture with a roomy interior for small-to-medium dogs, a rotating bowl stand with stainless bowls, and a countertop you can use as a console or desk. I wanted to evaluate whether this crate actually functions as décor plus kennel, how it handles real-life messes and curious paws, and whether the materials and build hold up under normal household use.

What it is — first look and core specs

At first glance this is a furniture-style dog kennel built to be used indoors. The listing spells out the basic specs and features:

• Dimensions & weight: 78.74" L x 27.56" W x 33.86" H and about 120.6 pounds on the shipping label.
• Materials called out by the manufacturer: medium-density fiberboard (MDF) body with 0.4-inch thickened steel tubes finished to resist rust and scratches.
• Pet fit: the listing recommends small and medium dog breeds and the crate is described as having a removable divider to create two compartments or convert to one large kennel.
• Feeding setup: a rotatable, height-adjustable bowl stand with two height settings and four detachable stainless steel bowls included.
• Other product copy: a spacious countertop, modern minimalist finish (textured burnt brown wood grain), and a detailed installation video and manual; the listing estimates about 1.5 hours assembly for first-time users.

Model and logistics: the product is offered by Real Relax under model GLSM003 and comes in at least two colorways (Brown and White) and at least two size points around 71" and 78" according to the available sizes list.

In daily use — hands-on testing and real-life observations

I approached this as a multi-use piece: kennel for two small/medium dogs, countertop/console, and storage. Below is how it performed in real-life scenarios that matter to pet parents.

Setup and assembly

• The listing includes a detailed instruction manual and an installation video and states that a first-time assembly takes approximately 1.5 hours. In practice, assembly time I’ve seen reported ranges from about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on whether you have a helper and how comfortable you are with furniture assembly.
• Some owners found the instructions straightforward and appreciated pre-marked holes, but there are also reports of inaccurate or frustrating instructions that required re-drilling holes. Plan for at least two people for some steps and set aside extra time if you’re doing this solo.

Daily access, ventilation and dog comfort

• Double doors and ventilation: owners have described double doors that provide easy access and good ventilation; some notes mention secure door screens and multiple locks across three doors for safety.
• Divider flexibility: the removable divider design is useful for multi-pet homes or for later switching to a single large space. Removing the screws converts the two compartments into one (useful if you need an extra-large single crate).
• Bowl setup: the rotating, height-adjustable bowl stand is convenient. The unit ships with four detachable stainless steel bowls that can be used inside or rotated out. Two height settings help with neck alignment for small-to-medium dogs.

Storage & countertop utility

• The wide 78" countertop works well as a media console or desk surface in photos and in many homes; owners appreciate the extra storage space under the surface for pet items and household gear.
• There is some inconsistency in drawer counts: the model name in the listing references "Dog Crate Furniture with 4 Drawers," while multiple owners described two drawers. That discrepancy suggests you should verify the exact drawer configuration on the listing before ordering.

Packaging, shipping and replacement

• Packaging varies: many owners reported careful packaging that survived shipping, while a few received damaged parts or cracked panels. Those who received damaged shipments reported responsive replacements in at least one case.

Materials & build quality

The manufacturer lists MDF as the primary wood material and 0.4-inch thickened steel tubes as structural elements. The steel is said to have a protective coating to prevent rust and scratches. Here’s what that means in practice.

What the specs promise

• MDF body gives the unit a furniture-like finish and the textured burnt-brown wood-grain is meant to blend with living spaces.
• Thickened steel tubes provide the frame and are finished to fight rust and scratching over time.
• Rotating bowl stand uses detachable stainless bowls (four included) for easy removal and cleaning.

How it feels after assembly

• Many owners report that, once assembled correctly, the unit feels stable and heavy — the weightiness is part of what makes it look and feel like furniture instead of a flimsy crate.
• However, some owners described it as particle-board-like; a few reported cracked or damaged panels and questioned the long-term toughness of the MDF if exposed to moisture (accidents, spills) without protective flooring.
• A few people noted the interior floor could use extra support or a more heavy-duty surface to resist water damage from accidents — consider adding a waterproof tray or mat if that’s a concern.

Safety considerations

Safety is non-negotiable for me. The Real Relax listing and owner notes include several safety-positive points and a few cautionary items to be aware of.

• Secure doors and locks: owners report multiple locks and secure door screens that don’t feel like they’ll fall off — a safety-plus for curious pets.
• Material chew-resistance claims: the product copy calls out chew resistance thanks to MDF plus steel frame, but MDF is not chewproof — heavy chewers can damage particle-board-style surfaces. If you have a power chewer, this style of furniture crate may not be ideal.
• Flooring & moisture: MDF can be vulnerable to liquid damage. Owners worried that accidents could ruin the wood surface and recommended adding a waterproof layer or protective mat to the inside floor.
• Assembly fit & finish: because some owners encountered misaligned holes or cracked panels during assembly, check all parts on delivery and follow the video/manual closely. If parts arrive damaged, consider requesting a replacement prior to assembly to avoid unnecessary drilling.

Fit & sizing — which dogs actually fit?

The listing explicitly recommends small and medium breeds. Owners who measured the interior described each compartment as roomy for small to medium dogs and indicated that if you remove the bowls and divider, you get a much larger space that could potentially fit a smaller large-breed dog depending on your usage.

• Best fit: small and medium dog breeds using the dual-compartment layout.
• To use as one large kennel: remove the divider (unscrew) and remove the bowl stand for extra interior space; owners mentioned that in that configuration a smaller large-breed dog might fit depending on exact needs.
• Doors & entry height: owners referenced an interior entry height around the mid-20s in inches from the floor to top of entry, but exact interior clearances depend on the installation and divider placement. The listing does not publish every interior measurement.

Cleaning, maintenance and everyday wear

• The detachable stainless bowls make daily feeding and water changes straightforward.
• Because surfaces are MDF, owners warned that spills and accidents can stain or damage the cabinet-style wood unless you use a waterproof mat or tray on the floor of each compartment.
• Steel tubes have a protective finish per the listing, which should help with rust resistance; owners haven’t flagged rust as a common issue in the timeframes reported.

Who this is for — and who should skip it

Who I recommend it for

• Pet parents who want a furniture-style crate that blends with a living room or bedroom and doubles as a console/desk surface.
• Owners of small to medium dog breeds who want a two-compartment kennel for two pets or a convertible single large crate.
• Households that value storage and countertop space: the unit has drawers (listing/model label cites 4 drawers though some owners report 2) and a wide top surface.
• People who prefer a heavy, stable crate that feels more like furniture than a metal wire kennel.

Who should skip this

• Power chewers — MDF and furniture-style surfaces are not ideal if your dog can shred wood or particle-board materials.
• Owners who expect completely waterproof, easy-to-spray-clean interiors without adding an insert or mat. MDF can be damaged by liquid over time.
• Buyers who need an out-of-the-box perfect fit with zero assembly troubleshooting; a minority of owners reported assembly headaches or damaged parts in transit.

Value and finish — does it look like the photos?

One of the most consistent positive notes I saw was that the unit generally resembles the product photos and integrates well into a living space. The textured burnt-brown wood-grain finish is specifically called out in the listing. Several owners loved the finished look and noted it felt heavy and furniture-like once assembled.

That said, some buyers were surprised when they inspected panels closely and called out a more particle-board feel. Packaging quality varied across shipments, so the unboxing experience can influence perceived value.

Verdict — my bottom line

Overall, the Real Relax 78" is an attractive option if you want a furniture-style crate for small to medium dogs that doubles as useful home storage and a large countertop. It’s fairly heavy and, when assembled correctly, feels stable and secure. The rotating, height-adjustable bowl system with four stainless steel bowls is a thoughtful touch for feeding setups, and the removable divider gives flexibility for multi-pet homes.

On the flip side, expect MDF-level care: protect the interior floor from moisture, plan for a multi-hour assembly, and inspect parts on arrival. If you have a power chewer or need a completely waterproof heavy-duty crate, look elsewhere. Also confirm drawer counts and outlets from the listing (there are inconsistencies between the manufacturer copy and owner reports).

Check before you buy — quick checklist

• Confirm the color (Brown or White) and size (71" vs 78") on the product page.
• Verify drawer count in the current listing—model name references four drawers but some owners received two.
• Plan for assembly time and at least one helper for heavy pieces.
• Buy a waterproof mat or tray for the interior floor to guard against accidents.
• Inspect parts immediately on arrival and hold off on drilling or irreversible steps if anything is damaged.

Quick pros & cons (one-glance)

• Pros: furniture-like finish, roomy countertop, convertible divider, stainless detachable bowls, sturdy-feeling when assembled.
• Cons: MDF vulnerabilities to moisture, assembly can be fiddly and occasionally misaligned holes, some shipments reported damaged panels.

Colors available

• Brown
• White

Technical & model details

• Brand: Real Relax
• Model: GLSM003 (Dog Crate Furniture with 4 Drawers is the model name on the listing)
• Item dimensions: 78.74" x 27.56" x 33.86"
• Item weight: approximately 120.6 pounds
• Included components per listing: 1 x Dog Crate Furniture, 1 x Assembly Instruction, 4 x Dog Bowls

Final recommendation

If you want a stylish, multi-use crate that doesn’t scream “kennel,” and you have small-to-medium dogs, the Real Relax 78" can be a strong choice — especially if you add protective floor coverage and prepare for a hands-on assembly. It’s best for pet parents who prioritize aesthetics and flexibility over industrial-level chew resistance or waterproof interiors.