In the Dog House: Different Dog House Styles

There are several dog house styles to choose from. A-frame and sloped dog house plans tend to be the most popular, but there are other dog house styles as well. A Gable style and Gambrel style dog house are also common. You may have seen custom dog houses that allow the dog to have a sun roof or a porch. For the basic carpenter, an A-frame, sloped, Gabel, or Gambrel dog house is easy to construct and can be done with some tools around your home.

Most dog house plans can be purchased online for around $7.00. For a Gambrel style dog house, you should purchase dog house plans because it is a little more complicated than a traditional A-frame dog house.

Here are some tips on how to build an A frame dog house with a porch:

To get started you need a sheet of plywood, two 2x4s and one 2x2, 1 box of 16d nails, 1 box of 1-5/8'' galvanized deck screws, and 1 quart exterior grade paint. You will also need the following tools:

• Tape measure
• Circular saw or table saw
• Drill
• Hammer
• Paint Brush
• Pen or pencil
• Carpenters square
• Safety goggles

If your dog is prone to chewing on wood, do not use pressure treated wood on parts where you think they will chew. Pressure treated wood contains harmful toxins that can be deadly. You should raise the dog house off the ground so it will stay insulated from the cold. The dog house needs to be large enough for the dog to turn around in, but not too big because they still need to stay warm. Use asphalt shingles if you are on a budget, if not, use cedar shingles; they will help to eliminate the odors that get trapped in most dog houses.

You should use exterior grade plywood because it has special glues that prevent the layers from coming apart when they get wet. You don't want your dog to get a nice sliver in their back when they are lying down. Pressure treated plywood contains toxins that are harmful to your dog, so avoid purchasing it.

You need to build a foundation for your dog house, so he has additional insulation. You should get pressure treated 2x4s for the foundation. Drill some holes in the 2x4s so that the moisture from the ground can evaporate and the foundation won't rot. Use the 16d nails to hold the foundation together.

Because you will have to clean the dog house, you should consider a removable roof. A removable roof will allow for easier cleaning of the interior areas of the home to prevent the dog house from getting odors.

The front porch is an additional design you can add onto your dog house. The front porch is a great place for the dog to lay out and sun bathe or take a nap in the shade. If you don't want to have a front porch, you can leave it off. If you add on a porch, you should make it from untreated 2x2s.

You can download plans from the internet on how to build an A-frame dog house with our without the porch. You should always start with the foundation and frame, and then build upon it. If you live in colder climates, consider installing a light inside to provide heat. You can take it one step father and install insulation. Don't forget to install plastic for a dog door, to keep them warmer in the winter. You can find a dog door online for around $30, depending upon the type of dog door you purchase.

Price: dog house, dog house plans, dog house styles, A-frame dog house, sloped dog house, Gambrel, Gable

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