Building a Doghouse
See this page at http://www.buildeazy.com/doghouse_imp.html
How to build a doghouse |
|
Page Contents
1: Introduction, about the measurements, lumber sizes, alternatives, and treated wood information 
2: Identifying the parts, and the cutting list 3: PLANS - panel cutting detail, and elevation plans 4: Building instructions 5: User photos/comments |
Introduction
All measurements throughout this project are given in both standard (ft and inches) and metric (mm).
The imperial (standard) measurements are given first followed by the metric measurements in brackets ().
The doghouse stands 34" (850mm) high, it is 32" (800mm) wide, and 48" (1200mm) long.
It will accommodate a reasonably large dog but is still suitable for smaller dogs.
The doghouse is constructed out of 150mm x 25mm (1" x 6") boards for the floor and roof, 50mm x 50mm (2" x 2") lumber for the framing and skids and 10mm (3/8") thick exterior type plywood for the walls.
A bit about the framing lumber size
If you use dressed (smooth, surfaced, planed) lumber for the frame, then the finished (actual) size of the wood (width and thickness) will be less than the size given above.
50mm x 50mm (2" x 2") wood, when dressed (smooth, surfaced, planed) will become approximately 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" (45mm x 45mm).
If you use dressed lumber you will need to make adjustments to the measurements given in the cutting list. Refer to note 2 on the next page for more information.
Alternative wood sizes
If 2" x 2" (50mm x 50mm) stock is not available in your area, one option is to rip (cut lengthwise) 2" x 4" (100mm x 50mm) stock in half. The latter is very common.
If 1" x 6" (150mm x 25mm) boards are unobtainable, then use different size boards or even plywood.
Treated wood and your dog
Some dogs gnaw on wood and some treated woods contain preservatives that can be toxic. If you have such a dog then be careful of the type of wood that you use. Some woods are naturally resistant to decay and do not need treatment. Your local lumber store will be able to advise you on the best types of wood to use.
About the painting
Any untreated wood should be painted using Wood Primer, Enamel Undercoat and Super Gloss Enamel. When dried the paint would be non-toxic to dogs chewing, but any damage taking the paint system back to bare wood would eventually allow water and increase the danger that the lumber may eventually begin to rot.