Doghouse for Small Dog

These wood working plans include:

Detailed drawings of: Front and Side Elevation, giving the dimensions of the unit; Detail of a construction compass.

The plans have a List of Materials, showing a breakdown of materials needed for the dog house.

The Instructions include directions to make a very simple dog house from plywood for a small dog. A cut list is included as well as instructions to layout a circle by making a simple compass. This is a simple plan with instructions for the beginning woodworker.

Drawing of simple dog house.



List of Materials:

  • Sheet of 4'x8'x3/4" plywood
  • Nails
  • Glue
  • Exterior caulking

Tools Needed

  • Saw
  • Hammer
  • Tape
  • Pencil
  • Caulking gun

Instructions

This dog house plan is for a small to medium-sized dog. You can vary the dimensions to fit your pet quite easily. I have kept this project very simple to be completed by a beginner wood worker or with a child. By using 3/4" plywood, a frame of 2x2s or 2x4s is not necessary. Of course lighter plywood can be used, which would require a frame.

Rip the following pieces of plywood to the sizes indicated:

  • 2 pieces 19 1/2" x 20" for the front and back gables.
  • 2 pieces 15" x 36" for the sides.
  • 2 pieces 12" x 42" for the top. Notice that the long edge of each piece of the dog house is ripped at a 29 degree angle.
  • One piece 18" x 36" for the floor.

Layout the front and back gable to match the drawing. Come down 5" on the sides leaving the center raised 5". Make a compass with a stick of wood, so one end of the stick is 6" from a nail driven close to its other end and into the center of where you want the circle drawn. The nail is used as the stick's turning point, as shown in the drawing.

Cut out the entrance hole in the front of the dog house using a jig saw or band saw and assemble the pieces together. Start by nailing (with glue) the sides to the floor and then the front and back will overlap the sides. Nail and glue the top halves into position with a bead of caulking at the ridge joint. With a wet finger, wipe the excess caulking off the top of the roof.

Paint your dog house with a good quality exterior house paint, generously coating the edge grain of the exposed plywood.

Invite your pal into his or her new home.


Dave

(Ask Dave) (About Dave)



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Hi, I'm Dave Osborne. With over 50 years experience as a journeyman carpenter, foreman and contractor in heavy construction I enjoyed working with apprentices and sharing the tricks of the trade that others shared with me. Now I get emails from Members all over the world and we include many of my answers in our Free Monthly Newsletters. Some of my answers include drawings and instructions specific to a project, but may also answer your questions. I use correct construction terminology, so you can confidently inform your building supply dealers or contractors exactly what you need.

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