Article From SubmitYOURArticle.com: How to Build a Doghouse

Copyright (c) 2010 Ron Hazelton

This is a great woodworking project that can
easily be done in a day - or in a weekend, if you
want to go at a more relaxed pace. The end result
is a custom doghouse, designed to fit your
pooch's specific dimensions, that provides
protection from the elements as well as some
privacy for your pet.

To size the parts for your doghouse, make the
width equal to your dog's length, plus 12 inches.
The length equals the dog's length plus 18
inches. The height will be equal to the dog's
height plus nine inches in the front and sloping
down to the dog's height plus three inches in the
back.

After you've determined the size of the doghouse,
you'll build its base. Using pressure-treated
2x4s, cut the base parts to length. Butt the ends
together and secure the joints with
weather-resistant screws. Take a piece of
¾-inch plywood and cut the floor panel to
fit, securing it to the base with
weather-resistant screws.

Next you'll build the sides. In this doghouse
plan the roof sits on angled sides, to keep your
pooch dry during rain. To cut identical sides,
you need to first attach the side pieces together
temporarily with heavy-duty double-sided tape.
Then clamp a straightedge to the sides at the
desired angle and make the cut with a circular
saber saw. Secure each side to the base with
weather-resistant screws.

To create a sturdy, weather-tight structure for
your pet, corner braces are installed. These will
keep the house from racking and also prevent
drafts. Each brace consists of two strips of
plywood screwed together. The braces are then
attached to the sides, back and front panels with
weather-resistant screws.

This custom doghouse plan includes a partition
wall, an important part of your pet's new home.
Not only does it keep out weather and provide
privacy, it also creates a space small enough for
the dog's body heat to keep them warm. Secure the
partitions to the base and install a plywood
panel that is angled to match the sides of the
doghouse.

This plan also includes rigid foam insulation,
which will help keep your pet warm in the winter
and cool in the summer. Use either 1½-inch
thick foam (or glue up layers of ½-inch
and 1-inch foam). Cut the layers to fit, and then
cover with ¼-inch plywood - if you don't,
your dog might discover that foam is fun to
nibble on.

Before you attach the front of the doghouse, have
your dog stand in front of it and make a mark a
couple inches above his back. Make the width of
the door equal to your dog's width plus three
inches. Center the opening and cut it out with a
saber saw. Secure the front of the doghouse to
the corner braces and then sand the opening
smooth.

Next is the roof. The roof in this design is cut
slightly oversized to aid in rain runoff. It's
secured at the back edge with a weather-resistant
piano hinge to make cleaning a snap. Cover the
roof with tar paper and install a metal drip edge
around the perimeter. Asphalt shingles are
attached to make the roof waterproof. Start at
the bottom of the roof, overlapping each row and
working your way to the top - just make sure to
use nails that are short enough that they won't
poke through the roof and poke your pet. Apply a
bead of roofing cement to the top edge to seal
out moisture.

After that, this doghouse is ready to house your
pampered pet. Toss in a new blanket and some toys
and let him enjoy.

----------------------------------------------------
Ron Hazelton is a home improvement expert and the
host of the TV show "Ron Hazelton's HouseCalls".
Want to download a free blueprint of his doghouse
plans? Visit http://www.ronhazelton.com

EasyPublish this article: http://submityourarticle.com/articles/easypublish.php?art_id=112731

>