How to Make Your Own Doghouse with This Free Woodworking Plan

This free woodworking plan details how you can build your very own doghouse. It's time to give your best friend the house he deserves. In just a few hours, you can make him (or her) the home that he can call his very own.

Supplies for this free woodworking plan: hammer, nails, roofing nails, plywood, shingles, table saw, tape measure, pen or pencil, pressure-treated lumber, and a shingle utility knife.

Making the Base: Your doghouse's size will depend on the size of your dog, and how much space you think he will need. Once you've decided on the size you'll need, make a square base frame with four 2x6 boards. Cut them at the length you've decided and nail them together on the ends.

Next, cut a ½"-thick sheet of plywood that will fit over the frame. Make it flush with the edges of the frame. It might be easier to do this if you have already painted the plywood sheet. Then, hammer the plywood to the frame. Go down each side of the square to finish the base. It's easiest to do this with a power nailer.

Now that you're done with the base, you'll need to use 2x4 studs and plywood sheets to make the walls. Cut your studs to size, and make the three frames you will need. Each one should have a middle stud. Make the back wall's stud about 2 inches off center so you can fasten the roof strut easily. Then, nail the plywood sheets to the exterior of the frames. Ensure that all of the edges are flush. Place each wall upright on its own base, and nail it securely. Also secure all of the corners with nails.

Building the Front Wall:

This is where you will cut the entrance. Make sure you cut the door big enough to permit your dog to go in and out easily. Then, add the plywood sheets to the outside of the whole frame, and make a sole plate that will cover the inside bottom edge of the doorway.

Making the roof:

You will need to use 2x4s to make the ridge board, struts and rafters. Your struts should be long enough to render the proper roof pitch. Place the front roof strut on the top of the wall frame so that it will be centered. Nail it into place from underneath the frame, and reinforce the strut by toe-nailing it. Next, make sure the back roof strut is centered on top of the back wall frame. Nail it into position using the same manner. Cut the top ridge board to give yourself enough overhang on the front and back, then position everything on the struts and nail it into place. Cut six rafters; your length will depend on the angle of the roof pitch. Remember to notch the rafters so that everything will fit snugly. Secure the bottom of the roof to the notches.

From here on out, it's smooth sailing! Just finish up with the shingles, making sure that there are no gaps. By doing the shingles properly, you're ensuring that on those occasions when man's best friend decides to pass a rainstorm in his new house, he won't get soaked. Put a weatherproof carpet inside so that he doesn't have to lie on hard wood all the time. Your pet dog should love his new home that you built yourself with a free woodworking plan!