How to Build a Dog Kennel With a Sleeping Loft

Learn to make a dog kennel with a loft bed for your dog. With the addition of a hinged roof, this model makes keeping the kennel/loft bedroom easy to clean.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• ¾-inch finished plywood
• Measuring tape
• Screwdriver
• Saw
• Wood screws
• Glue
• Hinges
• 2 handles
• Paint
• Lacquer
• Paintbrushes

1. Have the lumberyard cut the floor, sides, loft and roof pieces from plywood. This kennel is 5-by-4 feet. The loft addition is 2-by-4 feet. It will fit a medium sized dog. The size of the doghouse can be adjusted to fit the size of your dog.

2. Attach the two sides and back of the kennel with wood screws and wood glue. Use wood screws and glue to attach the floor to three sides of the house.

3. Use a saw and cut a doggie door in the remaining front side of plywood. It must be in the corner opposite from where the loft bed will attach. Make the opening high enough for the dog to enter without ducking.

4. Use wood screws and glue to attach the loft bed plywood to the side and back of the dog house 2 1/2 feet up from the bottom of the kennel.

5. Attach the front of the house to the sides and at the loft bed. The addition of the loft will make the sides secure and add strength to the kennel.

6. Attach hinges 6 inches from the side edges at the backside of the kennel. Attach the other side to the roof forming a flat lid.

7. Attach handles to the front of the roof opposite the hinges.

8. Finish the doghouse with paint and lacquer for a sturdy weather repellent finish.

Tips & Warnings

• Attach Velcro to the loft bed and to the bottom of a washable dog mat. It will keep the mat from falling off. The hinged roof makes it easy to clean the inside of the kennel.
• Never chain a dog to his house. He can strangle on his chain when he jumps up onto his loft bed.

Resources

• Dog kennel tips
• An adaptable plan for a dog kennel