Things You'll Need:
- Lumber
- Power tools
- Screws
- Nails
- Tape measure
- Paint
- Level
- Shingles, tar paper and roofing nails (optional)
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Step 1
Begin with measuring your dog. According to the American Humane Society, a doghouse should be the height of the dog plus a minimum of 9 inches. Find a template online or at a local hardware store that you can follow, and mark these measurements on your template. See Resources for a handy doghouse blueprint with basic instructions.
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Step 2
Create a frame for the base of your doghouse. Using 2-by-4 lumber pieces, cut the frame to fit the measurements you have taken. Remember it is better to make the doghouse slightly larger rather than too small. Nail the 2-by-4s in a square frame, and attach them to four 6-inch legs, which are also made from 2-by-4s.
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Step 3
Attach a base to your frame. This can be simple plywood, but it needs to be nailed on or screwed on firmly and securely to the frame. For added security and length of wear, you can make this a double layer of plywood.
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Step 4
Cut out the walls according to your template. If you are using plywood, you will have to trace the pattern of the walls onto the plywood and use a circular saw or a jigsaw to cut it out. If you are using 2-by-4s, you will need to cut out the necessary number of pieces to fill in the walls. You can build your doghouse with a flat or slanted roof, but the slanted roof will be a bit more complicated. It will require a few additional cuts and some angles on your roof pieces. Make sure to cut the dog door before you attach that wall to your frame.
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Step 5
Roof your doghouse. You may use plain lumber or plywood, and then, for a more attractive appearance, you may shingle the doghouse roof. If you choose to do this, go the whole route with tar paper and roofing nails.
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Step 6
Your last step will be to paint your doghouse with a solid, weather-resistant paint that will protect the wood and extend the life of your doghouse.
