Quick Dog Houses

Building a nice dog house is a great way to keep your dog outside in the winter, knowing they will be protected from the elements. A dog house also is beneficial in the summer because if left in shade, it can protect them from harmful sun rays. If you would like to build a dog house, here are some tips that can help you build a dog house quickly:

Of course the fastest way to build a dog house is to purchase a pre-built dog house. A pre-built dog house is similar to purchasing an entertainment center from the store. The necessary materials come in a box and you will put it together. If you don't want a pre-built dog house, you can build your own in a couple hours.

Gather your hammer, nails, excess wood, and other materials and get started. First, you will need to measure the area where you would like the dog house to be. How large do you want the dog house to be? Now, you need to construct the frame of your dog house. You will need 2x4 studs and some plywood. Cut the studs to be even with each other. It is a good idea to use a pen or a pencil and mark the wood previously so you don't make a mistake when you are cutting. Once you have all the pieces cut to their appropriate length, you need to nail them together. The base should be constructed first, then the framed walls will come next.

When you create the frames for the walls, you will need to make one wall have an opening for a door. Determine the width and height of the door by measuring your dog. A larger dog will need a 2x2 foot opening, where a small dog may only need a 1x1 foot opening. Once you have the frame in tact, you need to construct walls for the dog house.

Use plywood to construct the walls. A ½'' sheet of plywood should be thick enough. If you live in a colder climate, you might want to insulate your dog house or use thicker wood. Attach the plywood sheets to the outside of the dog house and make sure each edge is flush.

The roof will come next. You will need to cut struts, ridge boards, and rafters and attach them to the dog house. Use some 2x4s to create the struts, ridge boards, and rafters. You must also determine the slope of the roof. A typically roof is placed on a 45 degree angle. Once you have everything ready, center the roof front strut on the top edge of the wall frame and nail it into place. A small overhang is a good idea, as it will keep water from getting inside the dog house. Depending upon the size of dog house you are constructing, you will need around 6 - 10 rafters. It helps to use the corner of the dog house to construct the rafters. Be sure to secure the bottom of the rafters to the frame area where the notch meets. Once you have the roof framed, you will need to cover it with ½'' sheets of plywood. Again, if you live in a harsher climate, you may consider using thicker wood or weather-treated wood to provide better insulation for your dog.

Once the roof is in place, it is time to shingle. You can pick up extra shingles from construction sites that can be used on your dog house. Be sure to place 2 layers of shingles on the roof because you aren't using tar paper and other shingle materials. Once you have all the shingles in place, the dog house is complete and its time to decorate it!

Price: dog house, quick dog house, build a dog house, 2x4, studs, plywood, pre-built dog house, shingles

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