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Overview:
This project will show you how to build a doghouse. A dog's not just man's best friend. Create a cozy home for your canine companion in less than a day.
Materials:
3/4" exterior grade plywood. (You will need enough for the floor, two roof pieces, two side pieces with 45º bevel at top and two end pieces with peaks), 1" x 2" or 1" x 3" lumber to trim corners, 2" x 4" lumber to use as runners to keep plywood floor from rotting, standard roofing shingles, standard aluminum ridge cover wood glue, galvanized finishing nails (4d for general building, 2d for trim), nail setter, wood putty, sandpaper, exterior paint.
Tools You'll Need:
7oz. or 16oz. hammer or power-lite cordless drill, 10ft. or 25ft. tape measure
Before You Begin:
The most complex part of this project is playing doggie architect. Design your doghouse on graph paper and be sure of your measurements. Consider the size of your dog and then follow these general guidelines: one foot taller than the height of the dog, three times the width of the dog and one foot longer than the length of the dog. The doorway should be at least two inches taller and two inches wider than the dog. With a good set of measurements, you can skip cutting the wood yourself and have the pieces precut at your local home improvement center or local lumberyard. Check out some of the tips in Step One to be sure you're on the right track with measurements.
Barbara's Tips:
For a smoother finish on a wood surface that you are planning to paint, use a nail setter to sink the nail heads below the surface of the wood. Fill the shallow holes with wood putty before painting.
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Step 1: Building From Scratch
If you had the lumberyard precut the wood, go directly to Step Three. If you're cutting the wood yourself, start with the floor, then the sides, making sure there is a 45º bevel at the top, so they join smoothly with the roof. Then cut the front and back making a 90º angled peak at the top. To do this, draw a vertical line from the center of the piece and extend it up. Use the carpenter's square to draw a 45º angle from the top of the line to the right and left corners of the square. Finally, cut the roof. Allow for one piece to be 3/4" wider than the other. This way you can have a slight overlap where the roof joins and avoid a leaky roof.
Step 2: Pulling It Together
If you had the lumberyard precut the wood, go directly to Step Three. If you're cutting the wood yourself, start with the floor, then the sides, making sure there is a 45º bevel at the top, so they join smoothly with the roof. Then cut the front and back making a 90º angled peak at the top. To do Install the runners on the bottom of the floor. Place the front and back panels in place and glue, then nail them into position with the 4d nails. Do the same with the side panels. Use the hammer and nail setter to sink all the nails, so the head is below the surface of the wood. Using the 2d nails, attach the corner trim to cover the exposed plywood ends. Use wood putty to fill in the sunken nail holes. Attach the roof pieces with glue, then nails, making sure they overlap. Sand off any rough edges and move on to the really fun stuff in Step Four. (In lieu of hammer and nails, you can use the cordless drill and screws for all connections.)
Step 3: A Fine Finish for Fido
Choose your paint colors and theme and get busy with the exterior work. Once you've painted the body of the house, you're ready to put on the roof. Lay an upside-down row of shingles flush with the bottom edge along one side of the roof. Cover them with a right-side-up layer and continue in this way until you reach the top. Do the same on the other side and then top the roof with the aluminum ridge cover. Install carpeting and, or course a nameplate and invite your dog to move right in. You did it yourself!
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