Do you love your dog but don't like when he sheds?You can build an outdoor house for your dog that will keep him warm and dry.The steps below will help you create a custom dog house for your family.
Step 1: Take into account what you will be using the base for.
Every dog needs an insulated, dry space that he can call home when it's hot or cold.Think about insulation when building a dog house.The base creates a space of air between the ground and the floor that acts as insulation for the house.During the cold months a house without a base is cooler than one with one.Take into account the elements that might affect the base.If it rains often in your area, make sure to use a non-toxic, water-resistant material and build the base high enough off of the ground to prevent flooding.
Step 2: To reproduce the diagram you created on the wood, use a framing square and pencil.
For a medium-sized dog, cut 2x4 wood boards into four pieces, with two at 22-1/2" long and the other at 23" long.
Step 3: Place the 23” side pieces inside the 22” front and back pieces to create a rectangle with the2” side resting on the ground.
Pre-drill pilot holes with a countersink drill bit.Attach the base pieces with galvanized wood screws.
Step 4: To transfer the floor plans, use a pencil and a framing square.
The frame's dimensions are 22-1/2" by 26".
Step 5: Attach the floor panel to the base using 1-1/4” galvanized wood screws and drilling one screw into each corner.
Step 6: Again, use real wood for insulation.
Even if the wood is thin, it will help keep the house insulated.To allow the house to retain heat, make the opening for your dog as small as possible, although still comfortable.
Step 7: Take the plans for the sides of the house and put them in a piece of plywood.
The front and back should be 24 by 16 and have a triangle on top of them.This shape can be cut into two pieces for the front and back of the house.
Step 8: An opening can be left on the front wall of the house.
There is a space at the bottom of the opening to cover the base.Use any round object you have handy, such as a mixing bowl, to create the round arch at the top of the opening.
Step 9: Cut out the frames.
Using a piece of 2x2 fir or cedar wood, cut out eight pieces to use as framing to secure the walls and roof.You will need 13 pieces of roof and corner framing.
Step 10: Fasten one 15” corner framing piece to each edge of the side frames with galvanized wood screws.
Place the side panels on the base and screw galvanized wood screws around the perimeter.
Step 11: Attach the front and back panels.
Attach the front and back panels to the frame with galvanized wood screws around the perimeter.
Step 12: Try to build a triangular roof.
The rain and snow can slide off of the dog house, but also give your dog more room to stretch out.
Step 13: The plans for the roof panels can be drawn on the 2x2 piece of wood.
The triangular sloping roof will be formed by these pieces resting on the side panels.
Step 14: Attach the 13” 2x2 roof framing piece to the inside edges of the front and back panels, halfway between the top and bottom of each panel.
Each panel has three galvanized wood screws.
Step 15: Make sure the peak is tight and the panels hang over each side by placing the roof panels on top of the sides.
Attach the roof panels to the framing pieces with galvanized wood screws.
Step 16: You can personalize your dog house with paint.
Using only non-toxic paints that won't harm your dog, you can paint the outside of the house to match your own, or pick a fun theme like an underwater scene.If you have small children, you can let them paint the dog house as an art project.
Step 17: A sturdier roof can be created.
The entire roof of the dog house can be covered with asphalt-impregnated roofing paper or tar paper.Adding shingles for a traditional, sophisticated look is possible after you've covered the house.
Step 18: The inside wasFurnishing the inside.
Adding a blanket, dog bed, or piece of carpet inside will keep your dog comfortable.To add carpet, simply cut a piece of carpet to the same size as the floor panel and secure it.If you want the carpet to be permanent, you can use wood glue or duct tape.
Step 19: You can make your pup's house a home with fun accessories.
Hang a name plate with your dog's name over the front of the opening using a small nail and any type of material sturdy enough to survive the elements.You can get personalized plates made of metal, make and paint a plate out of wood, or hang spare dog tags.Don't let the nail poke out to the inside of the house.Attach small hooks to the outside of the dog house to serve as a place to keep your dog's toys.