| If you have been thinking about building a dog house, | | | | through the top and bottom plates and into the wall |
| researching and having plans to follow will be very | | | | studs. Next cut and assemble the front and back wall |
| helpful. This project is not that difficult, and can | | | | frames, position between the side wall, nail or screw |
| usually be completed in just one weekend for most | | | | into the floor. |
| do-it-yourself ers. By building it yourself you will be | | | | 3. Measure and cut the plywood siding and nail or |
| able to modify and customize it the way you like. | | | | screw into the wall studs. Cut the door on the front |
| Providing a house for your dog will protect him from | | | | siding. The door size will be determined by the size of |
| the rain, wind, and cold temperatures, however if | | | | your dog. |
| temperatures get extremely cold it is recommended | | | | 4. The roof frame can be built using 2x2 lumber. Cut |
| you provide a place with moderate temperatures, | | | | a 2x2 ridge and the rafters. Screw the rafters into |
| such as indoors or garage. | | | | the wall top plates and the ridge. Next cut out |
| When you build or buy a dog house, make sure you | | | | plywood for the roof top. The plywood should |
| get one that will accommodate your pet comfortably. | | | | exceed the frame at least three inches to give it an |
| Make sure it is big enough for the dog to turn and | | | | overhang. |
| lay down comfortably. Also be aware if it is to big, | | | | 5. You can install trim to give it a nicer appearance. |
| body heat will be lost during cold weather. One way | | | | Shingle the roof decking. Sand rough areas around |
| to get an idea of the size you will need is by | | | | the door. Paint or stain to complete the dog house. |
| measuring the dogs width and length. | | | | There are many different type of dog house designs. |
| Basic Steps to build a Dog House | | | | The two most common and easiest to build are the |
| 1. Begin by building the foundation. Assemble the | | | | gable roof and the sloped roof. The sloped roof will |
| foundation frame. The foundation base can be built | | | | give your dog an area on top of the roof to lay. If |
| with 2x4 pressure treated lumber. Next cut a piece | | | | the roof will be used to lay on, use plywood for the |
| of plywood the size of the frame, nail or screw two | | | | roof, you will not want to shingle, shingles tend to |
| inch nails or screws through the plywood and into the | | | | get extremely hot during the summer. |
| frame. | | | | You can find free dog house plans by searching the |
| 2. Assemble and screw the side wall frames into the | | | | net. You will notice that there are many different |
| floor. The wall frame can be constructed with 2x2 | | | | ways to build them. For best results, it is a good to |
| lumber. Measure and cut top and bottom plates for | | | | research and have plans to follow when building it |
| both sides. Cut the wall studs, cut as many studs | | | | yourself. |
| needed, and place about 16" apart. Nail or screw | | | | |