How to Build A Dog House in Ten Easy Steps
If you plan to build a dog house for your dog, find some dog house construction plans. You can wing it, but the dog house might not be constructed great and little Fido could wind up seriously injured as a result of your poor planning. Now grab the following tools:
· Tape measure
· Pen or pencil
· Hammer
· Table saw or circular saw
· Shingle utility knife
· Roofing nails
· Regular nails
· Plywood
· Pressure-treated lumber
· Roofing shingles
It sometimes helps to draw the outline of your cuts on the wood before you begin cutting. Drawing on the wood helps to avoid improper cuts that aren't flush with the walls. Here are the 10 easy steps you need to follow when you build a dog house:
Step # 1 - Pre-cut all the timber skids, studs, rafters, and flooring to the lengths stated in your plans. You will also need to cut the plywood wall panels according to the construction plans.
Step # 2 - You will need to construct the floor frame of the dog house. Do so by evenly spacing the floor skids and attaching them to the long boards.
Step # 3 - It is time to nail the front and rear frames together. The frame dimensions will be specified in your dog house plans. Be sure to leave room for the doorway when you construct the frame. Stand and fasten the front and rear frames in place at each end of the floor.
Step # 4 - Attach the top sidewall plates in place.
Step # 5 - Attach the wall panels to the frame.
Step # 6 - Attach the rafters. The struts, ridge boards, and rafters all need to be cut from 2x4s. A typically roof height is about a 45 degree angle. Center the roof front strut on the top edge of the wall frame and nail it into place from the underside of the frame. Follow the same procedure for the back strut.
Step # 7 - Place the roofing boards in place. The roofing boards will be attached to the rafters, begin by attaching the lowest board first. The roof boards should overhang each end of the kennel to allow for water to drop off the roof and not get the dog wet.
Step # 8 - Once the roof is in place, it is time to shingle. The first row of shingles should be double thickness. Turn the first row of shingles upside down so it hangs over the edge. Then, shingle over this row and use a shingle utility knife to cut off the hanging parts. Place shingles sideways over the ridge board to cover it and give it protection from the weather.
Step # 9 - Paint the dog house with a waterproof paint to protect it from the elements. Use some molding to cover the nail heads and the entrance area to create a clean, fresh look. If you plan on leaving your dog out in the winter, you should consider installing a light bulb to give them some heat. Installing a light bulb may require you to run an electric line, so be sure to purchase plans with an electric line if you want to install a light bulb.
Step # 10 - Install a piece of scrap paper or some other type of flooring for your dog. An old blanket works great since the dog can scratch it and adjust it to what he wants.
Now that your dog house is complete, remember to take care of it. Clean out the dog house often to avoid smells and bugs from hibernating in there.
Price: dog house, build a dog house, dog, studs, shingles, flooring, construction plans
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