Small Dog House Plans

This step by step woodworking project is about small dog house plans free. I have designed this dog house so you can create a nice shelter for your favorite pet with minimum work and costs. This gable dog house is small so you should make sure your dog will have enough room to turn around freely. See my other DIY projects HERE.

We recommend you to invest in the best materials you could afford. Therefore, you should buy weather-resistant lumber, such as pine or cedar. Always take accurate measurements before adjusting the size of the components at the proper size. Drill pilot holes trough the components before inserting the wood screws, to prevent the wood from splitting. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

Made from this plan

Building a small dog house

Materials

A – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 24″ long, 3 pieces – 17″ long JOISTS
B – 1 piece of 1/2″ plywood – 20″x24″ long FLOOR
C – 2 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 24″ long, 3 pieces – 11″ long 2xSIDE WALL
D – 2 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 16″ long SUPPORTS
D – 2 pieces of 1/2″ plywood – 20″x27″ long, 2 pieces – 16″x24″ long WALLS
E – 3 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 16″ long, 3 pieces – 17 1/2″ long FRONT WALL
F – 1 piece – 17 1/2″x30″ long, 3 pieces – 18″x30″ long ROOF
G – 10 sq ft of tar paper, 10 sq ft of asphalt shingles ROOFING

1 piece of 2×4 lumber – 10′
4 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 8′
1 pieces of 1/2″ plywood – 4’x8′
10 sq ft of tar paper, 10 sq ft of asphalt shingles
200 pieces of 2 1/2″ screws
500 pieces of 3 1/2″ screws
10 pieces of 1 5/8″ screws
200 pieces of 1 1/4″ brad nails
wood filler , wood glue, stain/paint

Tools

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

Time

One Day

Building a small and simple dog house

Building the floor frame

First of all, you have to assemble the floor frame for the small dog house. Drill pilot holes through the rim joists and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the perpendicular components. Align the edges flush and make sure the corners are square.

Fitting the floor

Attach the 1/2″ plywood sheet to the floor of the dog house. Align the edges flush, drill pilot holes and insert 1 5/8″ screws to lock it into place tightly.

Building the side walls

Building the side wall frames for the dog house is the next step of the project. Drill pilot holes through the plates and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the studs. Make sure the corners are square and align the edges flush.

Fitting the supports

Fit the side walls to the floor of the dog house. Align the edges flush, drill pilot holes through the bottom plates and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the floor. In addition, install 2×2 supports to the front and back of the dog house. Drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to secure the supports tightly into place.

Fitting the side walls

Attach 1/2″ plywood sheets to the sides of the dog house. Cut the panels and lock them into place with 1 1/4″ brad nails.

Building the rafters

Build the rafters for the small dog house from 2×2 lumber. Make birdsmouth cuts to the rafters so you can lock them into place. Mark the cut lines and then get the job done with a saw.

Fitting the rafters

Fit the rafters to the top of the dog house, placing them equally spaced. Drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock the rafters together and to lock them to the walls.

Building the back wall

Attach the panel to the back of the small dog house using 1 1/4″ brad nails.

Front wall

Attach the panel to the front wall of the dog house, as well. Drill a starting hole and make the opening with a jigsaw. Smooth the edges with sandpaper.

Fitting the roof sheets

Attach two pieces of 1/2″ plywood to the roof of the dog house. Center the sheets to the top of the dog house. Use 1 5/8″ brad nails to secure the sheets to the rafters.

Cutting the dog house

You only need a piece of 1/2″ plywood sheet for the dog house.

Fitting the roofing

Cover the dog house with tar paper and then install asphalt shingles over the roof, so you seal the dog house from moisture.

Small and Simple Dog House Plans

Last but not least, you should fill the holes and the dents with wood putty and smooth the surface with 120-220 grit sandpaper. Apply a few coats of paint or stain over the components to enhance the look of the dog house and to protect the wood from moisture.

Small Dog House Plans

This large dog house is a project that any diy-er can make with minimum effort. In addition, you can make a few adjustments to my plans and add insulation to the walls, floor and roof of the shelter. There are many upgrades you can make to these plans, so they suit your needs perfectly.

Thank you for reading our project about small dog house plans and I 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.

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