How to Build A Custom Dog House

If you have a large dog or a police dog, your standard dog house will become a custom dog house. Some people have special requirements for their dog house and would like to have windows in the dog house, a tanning roof, a deck or patio, and would like a 2-dog house. If you are one of the many who would like to build a custom dog house, here are some guidelines to follow:

Generally, a dog house is built as an A-frame style. While A-frame dog houses are easy to build, they also provide an ideal place for wasps, hornets, and other insects to congregate and build a nest. A slightly sloped roof is the best style of dog house because it allows the rain or snow to fall off.

Your custom dog house should also have a roof that is on hinges. A roof on hinges can be opened so you can easily clean inside the dog house. Consider building a wind wall in your custom dog house so your dog will be protected from not only the rain and snow, but the wind too. The wind wall should also be removable so you can easily clean it.

Here are the steps you need to follow when building a custom dog house:

Begin by measuring your dog to get the right sized parts for your dog house. With each inch of your dog's height, you should allow thirty six square inches of floor space. Add one or two inches to your dog's measurement when they are in a sitting position, this will allow you to determine the ceiling height. Once you have all the measurements, you can begin building your dog house.

Cut the base parts to the length from the pressure-treated 2x4s. Secure the ends of the boards together using water resistant screws. Using plywood you will cut a floor panel and secure it to the floor boards.

The roof should be slightly slanted to keep the rain and snow from accumulating on top. Cut identical angles and secure them to the base of your structure using the weather resistant screws.

Once you have the basic structure in tack, you can begin installing the walls. The partition wall is very important because it keeps the wind and other elements out of the dog house. Secure the partition to the bas and install a plywood panel angled to match the sides. Install rigid foam insulation to keep your dog cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Install the insulation in the wall cavities and cover them with plywood. Make sure you completely cover the insulation because your dog could find it and chew on it.

Cut the door on the front wall to be the width of your dog plus three inches. Mark about two inches above your dogs back to get the height of the door. After you cut the door, sand the opening so your dog doesn't get slivers or scratch his back on the wood. You will then need to install a dog door. You can find a dog door online for around $30.

The roof is the last part to be secured to the dog house. The roof should be slightly oversized to aid in rain and snow runoff. Use a hinge at the back to secure the roof, so you can easily open it to clean the inside of the dog house. Cover the roof with tar paper and install a metal drip edge around the perimeter. Asphalt shingles work great to cover the roof because they are waterproof. Use short shingle nails that don't poke through the ceiling of your dog house and scratch your dog. Start shingling at the bottom and overlap each row until you reach the top. Apply a bead of roofing cement to the top edge to seal out any moisture.

Price: dog house, custom dog house, dog, roof, walls, floor, base, plywood

More products like this one: Build a Dog House    

« A Step by Step Guide to Building A Doghouse | Only Dog Beds | How to Build A Dog House in Ten Easy Steps »