| |
Project Difficulty:
Moderate
Estimated
Project Time: 2 days
|
|
| |
| Tools and Materials: |
|
A (base support): 2 pcs. 4x4, 37" for small doghouse, 43" for large doghouse
B (base support): 2 pcs. 4x4, 24" for small, 30" for large
C (base): 1 pc. 1/2" plywood, 24" x 37" for small, 30" x 43" for large
D (base nailer): 2 pcs. 1x2, 35-1/2" for small, 41-1/2" for large
E (base nailer): 2 pcs. 1x2, 19-1/2" for small, 25-1/2" for large
F (insulation): 1 EPS, 19-1/2" x 32-1/2" for small, 25-1/2" x 38-1/2" for large
G (shelf): 1 pc. 3/4" plywood, 22-1/2" x 35-1/2" for small, 28-1/2" x 41-1/2" for large
H (front): 1 pc. 3/4" plywood, 24" x 35" for small, 30" x 35" for large
I (back): 1 pc. 3/4" plywood, 24" x 35" for small, 30" x 35" for large
J (end support): 2 pcs. 1x2, 15-1/2" for small, 17-3/4" for large
K (end support): 2 pcs. 1x2, 13-3/4" for small, 16" for large
L (side): 2 pcs. 3/4" plywood, 35-1/2" x 23-3/4" for small, 41-1/2" x 23-3/4" for large
M (side support): 2 pcs. 2x4, 35-1/2" for small, 41-1/2" for large
N (skirtboard): 2 pcs 2x6, 40" for small, 46" for large
O (skirtboard): 2 pcs 2x6, 27" for small, 33" for large
P (roof half): 1 pc. 3/4" plywood, 20-3/4" x 43" for small, 23" x 49" for large
Q (roof half): 1 pc. 3/4" plywood, 20" x 43" for small, 22-1/4" x 49" for large
R (center roof nailer): 1 pc. 2x4, 34" for small, 40" for large
|
R (end roof nailer): 2 pcs. 2x4, 3" for small or large
Portable circular saw
Radial or table saw (optional)
Chisel
Framing square
Measuring tape
2 lbs. 10d common nails (3")
Hammer
Compass for drawing circle with 6" radius
Drafting triangle
Jigsaw or keyhole saw
Drill/driver
100 deck screws, 1-1/4"
Caulk
Roofing, as needed
Sandpaper
Primer and exterior paint, or clear water-repellent finish or stain
|
Paintbrush
All lumber is pressure-treated.
All plywood is A/C exterior grade.
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
This traditional-style doghouse (Fig. 1) has a base of pressure-treated lumber to prevent water and insect damage. The multi-layered floor contains a built-in, expanded polystyrene (EPS) slab that provides protection from the cold ground.
The construction is mainly exterior-grade plywood, pressure-treated lumber, and galvanized nails and screws. The roof is a separate unit, allowing for easy removal. The drawings for this plan show the roof covered with asphalt shingles, but several options are also given.
The drawings and instructions do not give dimensions. Instead, each piece is letter-coded (Fig. 2), and the tools list gives final dimensions for two doghouse sizes. The smaller doghouse is a good all-purpose size, but is especially suited for dogs up to about 60 pounds. The larger doghouse is designed for dogs up to about 80 pounds. You can, of course, adjust the size up or down to suit your particular needs.
Although exact dimensions are given in the tools list, use them as a guide rather than the final word. Measure and cut each piece as you progress through the project to allow for slight variations
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
1.
Make the Base Supports
The 4x4 base supports (A, B) are joined with half-lap joints. These can be easily cut using a radial-arm saw or table saw, but if you don't have these power tools, mark the laps, crosscut them with a circular saw, and chisel away the waste. After the laps are cut, assemble the pieces using a framing square at the corners. Drive four 10d nails into each corner. (Fig. 3)
|
|
2.
Assemble the Base
Nail the plywood base (C) to the base supports. The plywood should be flush with the outside edges of the base supports. Draw the outline of the base nailers (D, E) on the plywood base, 3/4 inch from the edge on all four sides. Cut two long and two short 1x2s to fit along the outline. Cut the EPS (F) with a utility knife to fit snugly inside the base nailers, and then attach the bottom shelf (G) over the EPS, with the good side facing up, nailing through the nailers and plywood base. The shelf's edges should be flush with the nailer's outer edges. (Fig. 4)
|
|
3.
Make the Front and Back
The front (H) and back (I) are identical except for the opening. Cut both to size. Lay out the front opening as shown. Use a compass opened 6 inches to draw the radius at the top. Cut the opening with a jigsaw or keyhole saw. (Fig. 5)
|
|
4.
Make and Attach the End Supports
Cut the long and short end supports (J, K) so that they stop 2-1/4 inches from the front and back edges. Screw the end supports to the inside faces of the front and back. (Fig. 6)
|
|
5.
Fasten the Side Supports
Cut out the sides (L). Bevel the top edge of each side 45 degrees as shown, and then cut to length.
Bevel the two 2x4 side supports (M). Screw the supports to the inside of each side (L). (Fig. 7).
|
|
6.
Assemble the Walls
On the ledges of the base, rest the sides (L) with their ends flush with the shelf, as shown. Screw the sides in place.
Rest the front (H) and back (I) on the 3/4-inch-wide ledges, and screw through the face into the sides (L).
Cut the skirtboards (N, O) to size from a 2x6, bevel their top edges to facilitate water run-off, miter the corners, and nail to the base supports (but covering the base edges). Caulk the joints between the skirtboards and the walls. (Fig. 8)
|
|
7.
Build and Install the Roof
Cut both roof halves (P, Q). Note that one half is wider than the other.
Cut out the three sections of the roof nailer (R), which join the two halves together (Fig. 9). Space the roof nailers to allow for the roof to rest on the walls.
Screw the roof halves to the nailers, place the roof on the walls, and check the fit. Then screw the roof to the end supports (J, K) and side supports (M).
|
|
8.
Install Roof Covering
The roof can be covered in a variety of ways. You can install asphalt shingles (as shown) or wood shakes; metal, plastic, or fiberglass roofing; or simply seal the gaps in the plywood and paint the roof. (Fig. 10)
|
|
9.
Apply the Finish
Sand, prime, and paint the outside of the doghouse with a good exterior paint. White or another light color will reflect summer heat, thus keeping the inside of the doghouse cooler.
Alternatively, apply a clear water-repellent finish or stain. (Fig. 11)
|
|
|
|
