How to Build a DIY Dog House

Before You Build

This house can be insulated for use in colder climates. The cavity can be filled with fiberglass batts, just like your house, or with rigid foam. In either case, it is best to cover the interior with a layer of thin plywood if adding insulation.

If not insulating, the walls can be left open on the inside.

This project will be shown with plastic roofing. It can be covered with shingles to match your house. If using shingles, choose 3/4” nails so they will not protrude through the roof.

New pressure treated lumber (manufactured after 2003) is considered by many to be safe for pets, but many people aren’t comfortable using it. The only treated lumber in this project is the 2×4 base that will be touching the ground. Cedar is naturally rot resistant. The plywood in the floor will be protected by the wood around it and we’ll protect the plywood in the roof by sealing the edges with exterior wood filler and paint.

Throughout this guide, pre-drill countersunk pilot holes to prevent splitting the wood. This is necessary because many of the screws will be running into end grain close to the edge of the board. Even self-drilling screws will split wood in this situation.