If you want to build a warm, dry, outdoor haven for your dog, a two-bedroom dog house is the best thing to build. To build a proper dog house, you will need to get your dog’s measurements. There are several websites you can go to to get the proper measurements or you can do it yourself at home. A good dog house should be big enough for your dog to turn around in, but small enough to keep him warm. Take the length of your dog and add one foot, this is the smallest width your house should be. Then add 1 ½’ to your dog’s length, this is the smallest length in your house. Now, add your dog’s height plus 9 inches, this is the shortest height of your dog’s house. The gate will also be determined by the width and height of your dog. The standard size for a gate is 2’x2′ for a larger dog and 1’x1′ for a smaller dog.
When you are building the two room dog house, you should make the outer room half as wide as the inner room. The inner room should be large enough for your dog to sleep or lie down without being cramped. Add an extra 6 inches to the dog’s length and width measurements when lying down in a snuggle.
Build the base of the dog house out of 2x4s and plywood. The base frame must be the same size as the floor and must include ventilation holes. The vents are there to allow moisture to escape from underneath the dog house. Having your dog house built on a foundation will help give your dog more insulation since the floor will not be on the ground and absorb the cold. Having it out of the ground also helps prevent rot. Be sure to put mesh or netting over the holes so that rodents and insects don’t get under the doghouse. Once you have built your base, you will need to fit the floor to the base. Use weather-resistant screws and nails to secure the flooring to the base.
Once you have the floor intact, you will need to lay down the frames for the walls. Secure the partition wall to the base and install a plywood panel at an angle to match the sides. Next, you’ll install rigid foam insulation to keep your dog cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Install insulation in wall cavities and cover with plywood. Make sure you completely cover the insulation because your dog could find it and bite it.
Once all the walls are ready to go and you’ve checked them for nails and other things that could scratch your dog, you’re ready to install the roof. You have two roof styles to choose from. You can install a hinged roof so you can easily open it for cleaning, or you can install a traditional A-frame roof that doesn’t open. If you select an A-Frame roof, you will need to follow these steps:
- Struts, ridge boards and joists should be cut from 2×4’s. The typical height of a roof is approximately a 45 degree angle. Center the front roof stud on the top edge of the wall frame and nail into place from the bottom of the frame. Follow the same procedure for the rear strut.
- Next, you’ll attach the roof boards. The roof boards will be attached to the rafters, start by laying the lowest board down first.
- Once the roof is in place, it’s time to put on the shingles.