How to build a dog kennel – A new home for your best friend
- Difficultymedium
- Cost£85-£130
- Duration1 d
Introduction
This is a DIY project that will bring both you and your dog a lot of joy. When you build a doghouse, you can tailor it to your furry companion's specific needs. You get to choose the right size, design and shape for your dog’s optimal comfort and shelter, while also matching it to your preferred aesthetic.
Your DIY dog kennel will provide a safe space to find shade in the summer and protection from the elements under wet and wintry conditions. Your four-legged friends will also thank you for providing them with their own space that they can escape to for peace and quiet.
This tutorial will guide you through the process of making a dog kennel – in fewer than ten steps!
Of course, with the possible exception of working dogs, our pets have unlimited accesses to our homes. However, an outdoor space that they can call their own is a nice bonus for our pampered pooches.
Keep in mind that even if you build an insulated dog kennel, extreme weather conditions can still make it too hot or cold for your pet. It's crucial to prevent moisture buildup as well. Regularly check the kennel inside and out, don't leave your dog alone for long periods, and ensure there is plenty of space inside for them to move around comfortably.
Let’s get started – step by step: Build your own homemade dog kennel
For this guide, we will be building an insulated DIY doghouse for outdoor use, suitable for a medium-sized dog with a shoulder height of up to 60cm. For larger dogs, feel free to adjust our template measurements accordingly. We explain how to do this in more depth in the "Planning & Background Knowledge" chapter below.
Are you familiar with our 18-volt-system? It includes countless devices for the widest variety of applications. The best part is that all compatible power tools can be used with a single battery. Simply disconnect the battery, plug it into another device from the system, and continue with the next step.
Safety first! Before beginning our DIY doghouse project, it is important to prioritise your health and safety. Ensure you follow safety guidelines at every step to protect yourself and stay safe. Read our overview on DIY safety precautions for important tips and guidance.
Cut materials to size
To begin, cut the wooden panels and strips to size (see diagram) with a handheld circular saw or jigsaw. Do the same for the corner pillars and roof beams. If you are unsure which device to choose or how to handle the recommended tools, check out our playlist of saw video tutorials.
You can leave cutting the roofing felt sheets to the end. If you are using Euro pallets for your underbody, saw them to size as well. If you want the right size cuts for your doghouse but do not want to do it yourself, most hardware stores are happy to precut pieces according to your specifications.
Prepare the subfloor
To make your dog kennel weatherproof, it needs a subfloor to lift it off potentially wet ground. We recommend using either Euro pallets or concrete blocks. Just ensure that whatever you choose, the floor is level and provides a stable surface to build on.
Build and insulate the doghouse floor
Screw the wooden strips to your floor panel to create the floor frame. Screw an additional strip across the centre to provide extra rigidity. The easiest way to complete this step is with a cordless drill/driver. Not sure which power tool is the best option? Our comprehensive drill guide provides all the information you need.
For the floor insulation, cut two hard foam boards to size and place them in the spaces between the wooden strips and the centre beam. Now, add your base panel and screw to the wooden frame.
Prepare the side panels
To prepare the longer sides, proceed similarly to the base plate. Build the frame on either side first with the wooden strips and add a centre joist. We will add insulation and attach the side panels shortly.
Prepare the front and back walls of the doghouse
First, measure the angle for your roof pitch. Cut the gable shape of the two wood panels accordingly.
The diagonal cut should end at the same level as the side panels. Now, use a jigsaw to cut out the entrance to your dog kennel. Remember, when you build a doghouse, you get to choose exactly how this door will look. It can have a rounded or straight top. You could also make it larger for bigger breeds of dog or smaller to better retain heat.
Finally, screw wooden strips to all four edges of the outer side. Do the same for the diagonal edges but leave a slight overhang on both sides so that the roof will hang over the edges.
You can also cover the sides around the entrance with wood cladding for aesthetic purposes, if you like.
Assemble all parts
Before you can continue with the roof, you first have to attach the wall panels. To do this, connect the sides, front and rear from the inside with metal angle connectors.
Prepare and build the roof
First, attach the ridge beam with the help of two angle connectors. This will run from the highest point of the entrance panel to the highest point of the rear panel.
Next, place the two prepared roof sides onto the structure and screw to the gables, as well as the ridge beam.
Finally, cover the roof with roofing felt sheets. If you want to build a dog kennel with superior insulation, you could use special heat-insulating felt or roof sheets.
Cut the roofing felt to size, preferably with an oscillating multifunction tool and a multi-cutting blade. When measuring and preparing, make sure there is enough material that each felt sheet overlaps sufficiently to provide a waterproof seal.
Now attach the roofing felt to the roof beams with the help of a tacker. You could also include a ridge vent at the peak of the slope to allow moisture to escape.
Insulate and decorate the doghouse
For full insulation, line the outer panels with hard foam panels, sized to slot snugly between the wooden panels you attached earlier.
Then, cover all side panels, as well as the front and rear walls, with wood trim. Either slot each piece into the other if the wood has been cut with tongue and groove connections or overlap each piece to create a watertight seal. Attach each piece with nails.
Making a dog kennel: The finishing touches
Before painting, carefully sand any edges and rough areas with a multi-sander. Be sure to remove any lingering sawdust. For optimal protection against the elements, paint the DIY dog kennel at least twice and make sure that your wood glaze or paint is suitable for outdoor use. As the kennel will be used by your dog, it is also particularly important to ensure your finishing product does not contain any harmful chemicals.
For quick and easy painting, we recommend using a paint spray system. If you are unsure how to proceed, our paint spray guide and how to stain wood articles are full of useful tips and guidance.
Planning & background knowledge: Build a dog kennel
Before building your own dog kennel, there are a few things to consider first. Below you will find important tips and ideas that will help make your DIY project a complete success.
But first, if you are an animal lover in general, you might be interested in our dedicated DIY section for dogs, cats, birds and more. Available guides include how to make a stylish dog bowl, create a unique cat bed and make your own DIY toys for cats or dogs.
That is not to mention our many other DIY projects for all our fellow animal friends such as building your own rabbit hutch, making a chicken coop or your own homemade bird feeder. Do you enjoy spending time in your garden after sunset? Then you might be interested in our DIY bat box.
What materials can I use to build a dog kennel?
Making a spectacular doghouse can be achieved using a variety of materials. In our overview, we provide the key advantages and disadvantages of the most frequently used materials:
|
Material |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
|
Wood (larch, spruce, pine) |
|
|
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OSB boards / Multiplex boards |
|
|
|
Stone |
|
|
The choice of roofing material depends on the weather conditions the kennel will face and the level of insulation you want. Roofing felt, as recommended in our instructions, is a popular option due to its low cost and excellent waterproofing properties.
How do I calculate the dimensions for my DIY dog kennel?
Whether you are building a doghouse for a German Shepherd or a Chihuahua, the following rule of thumb applies: The interior of the kennel should be at least twice the size of the dog. If your DIY doghouse is too small, it can get too warm for the dog and condensation will form, which in turn can lead to mould growth and an unpleasant experience for your canine friend. Conversely, if your dog’s kennel is too large, it could become drafty and too cold.
Here we show you how to quickly calculate the right kennel measurements according to your dog’s size:
- Height: 1.2x shoulder height
- Entrance height: 1x shoulder height
- Length: 1.2x length of the dog (from the muzzle to the base of the tail)
- Width: 1.2x turning width (the measurement your dog needs to comfortably turn around)
More ideas for building a dog kennel
Instead of using the gable roof from our instructions, you could build your own doghouse with a flat roof. However, it should still be slightly slanted to avoid waterlogging. You could also make the roof hinged so that the interior can be cleaned easier. Do you want your kennel to fit seamlessly into its surroundings? How about using a flat roof as a plant bed? Just make sure you do not use any plants that are toxic to dogs.
How can I make a dog kennel more luxurious?
Our instructions show you how to build a structurally sound and functional dog kennel. However, with a little extra effort, you could transform a standard doghouse into a luxury home. How about incorporating a veranda? If you are using pallets as the base, simply add an additional pallet at the front as a “terrace.” That way, your dog can enjoy the outdoors while still sitting or lying on dry land.
You could also make the side walls longer to create a small additional room or vestibule before your dog enters the main room.
If you have two or more dogs, give each one their own space by creating a larger doghouse and placing a partition in the middle – a semi-detached home, if you like.
When it comes to the interior design of your DIY doghouse, let your creativity run wild. From snug throw blankets and pillows to dog beds and food bowls, there are plenty of opportunities to deck your dog’s home out with the best accessories. Just make sure there is still enough room inside and that any textiles do not get damp, as this could cause mould growth.
How can I get my children involved in making a dog kennel?
Is your four-legged friend an integral part of the family? Then your children should have their say in your doghouse design, too! You could let them choose the colour and assist with painting or help them get creative with the interior design. Depending on their age, they might also be able to assist with the construction.
Most of our DIY projects for pets and wild animals are perfect for introducing children to building because they are relatively simple and manageable. However, if you and your family are looking for a project to really test your DIY skills, then check out some of our more challenging projects: building your own playhouse, making a treehouse and creating a house on stilts.
DIY doghouse: Cost breakdown
The overall cost of a homemade dog kennel is largely dependent on the size and general design. Here is a cost breakdown for the materials used in our step-by-step guide:
- Hard foam board (1cm thick): £10/piece
- 2m wooden spruce strip (24 x 94mm): £12/piece
- Profiled larch trim: £30/m²
- 2m corner beams (60 x 60mm): £7/piece
- Weatherproof wood glaze: £20/l
- Roofing felt: £9/m²
- Metal angle connectors: £0.50/connector
Following our instructions, the total price is approximately £100-£150, depending on the price of wood.
The look on your dog’s face when it sees its new home: Priceless.