How to build a dog kennel

This step by step diy project is about how to build a dog kennel. Building a wooden dog kennel by yourself is a complex project, but it requires proper plans, materials and carpentry techniques. There are many designs you could choose from, so make sure you select the plans that really suit the needs and the size of your pet. Cover the roof of the kennel with tar paper and asphalt shingles, to protect it from bad weather.

If you want to keep your dog in a safe and delimited perimeter, you should consider building a basic dog kennel. As you will see in the instructions, we consider that an elevated dog kennel is a good choice, as it protects your pet from moisture and from bad weather. In order to protect the components from wood decay and water damage, we recommend you to use quality lumber, such as pressure treated lumber, cedar or pine.

Make sure you take accurate measurements and align the components at both ends before drilling pilot holes and inserting the galvanized screws. Add waterproof glue to the joints, in order to create a rigid structure. Use a spirit level to check if the posts are plumb and if the support beams are perfectly horizontal. Place a nail between the flooring slats, in order to get consistent gaps. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

Made from this plan

Building a dog kennel

Materials

A – 2 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 80” long, 2 pieces – 77, 2 pieces – 74″ POSTS
B – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 72” long, 2 pieces – 60″ BEAMS
C – 21 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 60″ long SLATS
D – 9 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 72 1/4″ long, 3 pieces – 53″ ROOF
E – 2 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 4’x8′ long, 30 sq ft – tar paper, 30 sq ft – shingles ROOFING
F – 2 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 30 3/4″ lumber, 2 pieces – 47 3/4″ DOOR

4 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 8 ft
18 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8 ft
11 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 10 ft
2 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 4’x8′
2 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 8 ft
30 sq ft – tar paper, 30 sq ft – shingles
2 1/2″ screws
hinges
hardware cloth

Tools

Safety gloves, glasses
Miter saw, jigsaw
Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil
Drill machinery and drill bits

Tips

Take accurate measurements
Use a miter saw to make the angle cuts
Apply stain to the wooden components
Fill the holes with wood filler and smooth the surface

Time

One Day

Building the posts

The first step of the woodworking project is to build the posts of the dog kennel. As you can see in the image, you need to install three posts on both sides of the construction. In addition, cut the tops of the 4×4 posts at 5 degrees, by using a miter saw. Make 1 1/2″ deep and 3 1/2″ wide notches in the posts, by making several circular cuts and cleaning the recess with a chisel.

Building the frame of the dog kennel

The next step of the project is to attach the support beams to the posts. If you want to create a permanent construction, you should set the posts into concrete, otherwise you might secure the components together on a level surface and move it to the location with the help of a friend. Attach the 2×4 beams to the posts with 2 1/2″ galvanized screws, after making sure they are perfectly horizontal.

Attaching the flooring

Attach the 2×4 slats to the frame of the kennel and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the components. Place a nail between the slats, if you want to create even gaps and to enhance the water drainage.

Attaching the top rails

The roof should have a very basic structure, so make sure you install 2×4 lumber to the top of the posts. Cut the slats at the right size and lock them together with pocket holes and screws. Add waterproof glue to the joints, if you want to reinforce the structure of the roof.

Building the roof

Attach several pieces of 3/4′ plywood and lock it to the frame with 1 1/4″ screws. Afterwards, cover the whole surface with tar paper, making sure the strips overlap at least 2″. Last but not least, install asphalt shingles in order to protect the kennel from water damage.

Building the door

One of the last steps of the project is to build the door for the dog kennel, by using 2×2 lumber. Lock the components of the frame with 2 1/2″ screws and attach wire to it. Fit the door inside the opening and lock it to the middle posts with hinges. Don’t forget to install a latch to lock the door tightly.

How to build a dog kennel

Last but not least, you have to take care of the final touches. Therefore, fill the holes with wood filler and smooth the wooden surface with fine-grit sandpaper, after it dries out.

Thank you for reading our project about how to build a dog kennel and we recommend you to check out the rest of the projects. Don’t forget to LIKE and SHARE our projects with your friends, by using the social media widgets. SUBSCRIBE to be the first that gets our latest projects.

PRINT PLAN