| Tools & Materials |
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Lumber
- 2 (10') 2 x 4 boards
- 1 (8') 2 x 4 spruce board
- 3 (23/32" thick) 4- x 8' BC pine ULX exterior plywood
- 2 (19/32" thick) 4- x 8' pine siding (T-111 at 4" o.c.)
- 2 (8') 2 x 2 spruce boards
- 1 (8') 1 x 2 spruce board
Millwork
- 2 (8') 1- x 1" prefinished outside corner moulding
- 2 (8') 5/8- x 1 5/8" shingle moulding
- 1 (8') 3/8- x 3/4" dentil edge moulding
- 2 (1/2- x 2 1/2") Victorian corner blocks
- 1 (8') 3/8- x 2 1/4" fluted case
- 1 embossed wood carving
Paint
- Severe Weather Exterior Primer
- House
paint
(Valspar, Montpelier Ashlar Gray #94-39A, exterior, semigloss)
- Trim paint (Valspar, Montpelier Madison White, #94-37C, exterior, high gloss)
Miscellaneous
- Super large pet door
- 2 (4-x 8") closable air conditioning vents
- Solar-powered hanging garden accent light
- 2 (5- x 3 1/2") black shelf brackets
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Roofing
- 2 (20-year, 3-tab) asphalt roofing shingles (Slate)
- 1 (15-pound) asphalt roof felt
Fasteners
- 2 (1-pound) boxes 7/8" galvanized roofing nails
- 1 (1-pound) box 1 1/4" primeguard plus exterior screws
- 1 (1-pound) box 4-penny galvanized casing nails
- 1/2" zinc wood screws
Tools
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| Frame Assembly |
Building a raised platform allows the structure to sit far enough above the ground
to prevent water from entering. If your ground is not level, use stakes as supports
in order to make the doghouse level. You may want to try placing the house on
cinder blocks as another support option.
Step 1: Align the tops of each support flush against the inside
edges of the 4'-long front and back pieces of the platform, and nail them together.
Step 2: Nail the four 2 x 4s together to assemble the frame. (Note: The front and back pieces will overlap the
ends
of the side pieces.)
Step 3: For the floor, cut 3/4"-thick plywood to fit over the frame, making sure it is flush with the edges.
ttach the plywood to the frame along each side using 1/4" screws to complete the base.
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| Sides and Corner Bracing Assembly |
Step 1: Using the diagrams provided, draw dimensions for front, back, and sides
onto the sheets of grooved plywood. Carefully cut out the panels.
Step 2: Following the manufacturer's instructions, cut out an opening for the pet door
on the front panel of the doghouse. (Note: Do not install the pet door.)
Step 3: Cut out holes for installing closable vents.
Step 4: Attach front and back panels to frame with 4-penny galvanized casing nails,
making sure edges are flush.
Step 5: Attach the 2- x 2" corner braces flush against the short end of the front
and back panels, making sure the mitered edge is at the top, facing toward the
side pieces. Secure braces to front and back panels using 1 1/4" screws.
Step 6: Align one side piece with front and back of platform. To attach sides, nail
bottom into frame, then into the 2- x 2" braces in the corners.
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| Add Ridge, Top Bracing and Roof |
Step 1: You now have a doghouse with no roof. Check the inside to make sure there
are no exposed nails or screws.
Step
2: The ridge is placed in the middle to run across and support the ridge cap.
Step
3: Attach top braces. These will be used to connect the plywood roof to the rest
of the structure.
Step
4: Attach the left panel of the roof. Secure it in place with 1 1/4" wood
screws into the top bracing. Attach the right roof panel.
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| Install Corner Moulding, Vents, and Pet Door |
Step 1: Attach corner moulding to cover exposed corners.
Step 2: Install air vents to each side of the house to allow for extra airflow during the warmer months.
Step 3: Attach the dog door following manufacturer's instructions, making sure not to leave any exposed screws
on the inside. (Add filler as needed to the opening of the pet door frame.)
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| Attach Final Trim, Roofing, and Brackets |
Step 1: Add an outdoor light and flowers to welcome visitors. Attach brackets using 1/2" screws. Hang a
solar-powered light on one bracket, and a metal bucket with flowers on the other.
Step 2: Add decorative trim to the house and around the door.
Step 3: Paint your doghouse before adding shingles. Allow to dry.
Step 4: Add shingles to prevent your doghouse from leaking. They are inexpensive and
very attractive. Gray (20-year, 3-tab) asphalt shingles were used for
the doghouse shown here because they absorb less heat than darker shingles,
keeping the doghouse cool in the summer. When installing shingles, always
start from the bottom and work up. Run the first row of roof shingles
along the bottom edge of the roof. Place the next shingle directly on
top of the previous row. Cap the ridge with cut shingle tabs to prevent
leaking. (Note: Use short roofing nails, making sure they don't protrude
on the inside.) Click
here for more detailed illustrations.
| A Place to Call Home
The main purpose of a doghouse is to provide a dog with shelter from the weather, but there are some
things you can do to make your pet's new place a little more like home.
- Use paint, trim, and roof shingles that match your home.
- Install indoor/outdoor carpet on the floor to keep your pup warm and comfortable.
- Add a solar-powered light outside the door.
- Add vents to create extra airflow.
- Landscape around the house using gravel and mulch.
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| Cut List |
Click here for detailed plans (Acrobat PDF format)
If you do not have the free
Acrobat reader, click
here to download. |
| Part |
Material |
Size |
Quantity |
Notes |
| supports |
2 x 4 |
8' |
4 |
#2 SYP |
| frame front/back |
2 x 4 |
4' |
2 |
#2 SYP |
| frame sides |
2 x 4 |
3'-9" |
2 |
#2 SYP |
| floor |
(3/4"-thick) 4- x 8' plywood panel |
4' square |
1 |
CDX plywood |
| front |
19/32"-thick) 4' x 8' pine siding |
see illustration |
1 |
T-111grooved 4" o.c. |
| back |
19/32"-thick) 4' x 8' pine siding |
see illustration |
1 |
T-111grooved 4" o.c. |
| sides |
19/32"-thick) 4' x 8' pine siding |
4' x 2' 9-7/8" |
2 |
T-111grooved 4" o.c. |
| corner brace |
2 x 2 |
2' 6-3/4" |
4 |
miter 30-degree angle at one end; spruce |
| ridge |
2 x 4 |
48" |
1 |
spruce |
| top brace |
2 x 2 |
2' 1-1/8" |
4 |
miter 30-degree angle off ends; spruce |
| roof decking | (3/4"-thick) 4- x 8' plywood panel |
4' 9-1/4" x 2' 8" |
2 |
CDX plywood |
| corners |
corner moulding |
2' 10-1/4" |
4 |
miter 30-degree angle at one end |
| moulding |
dentil edge |
miter to fit |
4 |
optional |
| moulding |
shingle |
miter to fit |
4 |
optional |
| moulding |
fluted casing |
cut to fit around door |
3 |
optional |
Originally published in Lowe's Creative Ideas for Home and Garden March/April 2002 ©SPC Custom Publishing.
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