How to build a dog house

How to build a Dog House

I sleep in the house and I have no use for a dog house, but I do know a way to build one that is fairly easy to build.

This is a simple Dog House design that anyone can make. You just need a little time and the right materials. Only one important rule: "Measure Twice, Cut Once".

You will need for this project:

Materials

1 - 4'x8'x5/8" Exterior Grade Plywood Sheet (not PT or Interior)

2 - 2"x4"x8' Pressure Treated Boards

1 - 2"x2"x8' Untreated Boards

1 - Box 1-5/8" Galvanized Deck Screws

1 - Box of 16d(penny) Galvanized nails

1 - Quart Exterior Paint or Stain

1 - Bundle Composite Roof Shingles

1 - Tube of Wet/Dry roof cement for caulking gun

(Don't use pressure treated wood on any parts the dog may chew. It contains poisons that could seriously hurt your dog.)

Tools

Tape measure

Circular saw (or table saw)

Drill (any type)

Screw driver bit

Spade Bit or "Paddle" Bit (3/4" or larger)

Hammer (16oz.)

Paint Brush

Pencil

Safety Glasses

Carpenter's Square

Caulking Gun

Some fundamental things to remember are that the doghouse should be raised up off the ground to keep out moisture and help insulate the floor for the dog from the cold.

The doghouse should be large enough for the dog to comfortably turn around but small enough to keep the dog's body heat close. Exterior grade cushions or pads can also be added for comfor for the dog.

Base

The base (or Foundation) of the doghouse will sit on the ground so we should use the pressure treated 2"x4" to go under the house. (It is not likely that your dog will chew these boards, but we know that some dogs will chew anything. If you think your dog may chew them then you may want to use untreated wood and paint it with something your local paint store would recommend. And adjust your material selections from the supply list.) Cut the PT 2"x4"x8' into four pieces. Two pieces at 24" and two at 21". The longer pieces will serve as your walls, and the two shorter pieces your front and back

The foundation is nailed together using the 16d(penny) nails. Make sure to drill 3/4 to 1" holes in all sides of the base to let moisture from the ground to evaporate and prevent wood rot. The holes can be screened to keep out rodents and birds or vents can be purchased at a hardware store, or you could just leave it open and figure the dog will keep away the mice.

Template & Assembly

Measure Twice and cut once. I have labelled a diagram of a possible layout to draw onto the sheet of exterior grade plywood. You can see this on the right. Changes to the size of the template should be checked first wth your tape measure or sketched on graphing paper to figure out the correct scale.

The ROOF's are to be cut in the dimensions of 21-1/2"x32" on Side A (the extra half inch is to attach them evenly) and 21"x32" on Side B to match the width of the base and add enough height to add comfort for the dog as well as a good pitch for the roof. The FRONT and BACK also are 21" wide (picture not quite to scale sorry) and 27" high to the gable (the tip of the point to the bottom) and tapering down to 16" on the sides of FRONT and BACK. The WALL's are to be cut at 16"x25-3/4".

Cut the template out after you have measured a second time. Measure Twice, Cut Once.

Carefully attach all of the sides with the decking screws as shown in the next photo.

Optional "tabs" can be cut with the remainder of the lumber that can be used to fasten the roof on more snugly. Cut tabs after assembly of walls, front, and roof sections. Place roof onto top where you want it to stay and trace a line in pencil on the underside of the roof where the walls meet the roof. Cut small pieces no more than an 1-1/2"x2-3". Use carpenter's glue to adhere the small blocks on the INSIDE of the line (did I emphasize inside?). These "tabs will make the roof stay in place and keep your dog from taking off the roof.

The pieces assembled should look something like this. The opening needs to be cut prior to attachment and should be measured against your dog.

Roof

The roof is designed to be removable. This will make for easier cleaning in the inside. You may elect to seal the roof to the structure, but we recomend keeping it removable. Dog smells can get a little funky after a while without cleaning.

The roof attaches easy because side A is slightly longer and sits on top of Side B to be screwed together. The optional wet/dry roof cement can be added to any holes or seams that might let water through. The shingles can be applied using the same cement but the ridge cap on the top may require a nail or two. Bend any nails as to not hurt your dog that come through the ceiling.

(Read the section on optional tabs. )

Apply your paint or stain and allow the house to cure completely before allowing your dog to use it.