How to Build a Dog House

Cut the 2-by-4s and screw them together as shown in the illustration with 3-inch deck screws.

Cut the 3/4-inch pressure-treated plywood to size and screw it to the 2-by-4 frame using 2-inch deck screws.

Cut the 2-by-2s to the shown dimensions and attach them with 2-1/2-inch deck screws. Do this for both the left and right walls.

Cut the 2-by-2s to size for the back wall and attach them with 2-1/2-inch deck screws.

• Cut the 2-by-2s to size and attach them with 2-1/2-inch deck screws. Consider adjusting the size of the door based on the size of your dog.
• Ideally the dog house opening should be 2 to 4 inches wider than your dog’s shoulder blades. To calculate the door height, measure the distance from your dog’s shoulders to the ground and multiply that number by 0.75.

• Fasten the walls together using 2-1/2-inch deck screws.
• Attach the walls to the base, allowing the base to extend 1 inch beyond the sides and back.

Cut the 2-by-2s as shown and fasten them with 2-1/2-inch deck screws.

Mount the roof framing flush on the sides and back with a 12-inch overhang on the front. Fasten with 2-1/2-inch screws.

• Use 1/2-inch plywood or another material of your choice for the siding.
• The sizes shown here are for reference only. Measure the frame for precise dimensions.
• Remember to include siding material for the side of the roof frame.
• Fasten everything with 1-1/4-inch deck screws.

• Cut the 3/4-inch plywood to 49 1/2 inches by 46 1/2 inches.
• Fasten the plywood to the framing with a 3/4-inch overhang on the front, sides and back.
• Install the drip edge around the perimeter of the roof.
• Apply the felt paper and asphalt shingles.

• Using the 1-by-3-inch trim boards, apply the trim as shown using construction adhesive and a brad nailer.
• The sizes shown are for reference only. Measure for precise dimensions.
• If you only want a basic dog house, you can stop here. For additional upgrades, continue following the instructions below.

• Cut out a 24-inch-by-33-inch rectangle from the right side.
• Remove the bottom frame piece from the cutout and remove any extra material from the edges of the siding to allow the new door to swing open more easily.
• Add extra framing to the back of the wall just above the cutout.
• Drill a 5/16-inch hole just to the left of the center piece of the frame and 6 inches above the cutout.

• Cut the piano hinge to size and attach it, linking the door to the dog house. Use the screws provided with the piano hinge.
• Bolt a 1/4-inch threaded eye bolt into a 5/16-inch hole and secure it with a nut.
• Bolt another 1/4-inch threaded eye bolt to the bottom of the door.
• Span 16 inches of chain between the two eye bolts and connect it using 1/8-inch quick links and a metal snap hook.
• For added protection, consider adding weatherstripping on the door and/or a bolt latch to hold the closed door in place.

• Fasten the 1-by-6 trim around the roof. The trim should stick up about 1 1/2 inches above the roof. Leave the trim off of the back for drainage.
• Staple felt paper in between the 1-by-6 trim. For better waterproofing, consider using rubber roofing material and apply it to the plywood with construction adhesive.
• Use silicone sealant to fill any gaps along the edges to prevent water from leaking down between the trim and the roof.
• Adhere artificial grass to the roof using exterior-grade construction adhesive.

• Cut out the left ramp profile using 1/2-inch plywood to match the siding.
• Cut the right ramp profiles out of 3/4-inch plywood.
• Attach both sides using pocket screws and construction adhesive for extra strength.
• Cut the middle surfaces to the shown dimensions.
• Add framing as necessary for added strength.

• Staple down felt paper on top of the ramp surface. For better waterproofing, consider using rubber roofing material and apply it to plywood with construction adhesive.
• Attach the artificial grass with construction adhesive.

• From inside of the dog house, drive 3-inch deck screws through the studs into the side of the ramp.
• To provide more stability, consider adding blocking to fill the gaps between the ramp and the dog house.