How to Build a Dog House

How To Build A Doghouse – the gourmet DIY doghouse plan!

Let’s face it – our four-legged family members need somewhere to call home as much as we do. And this DIY doghouse plan delivers! 

Designed with a sloping roof to divert rain and prevent snow collection, this super sturdy house also sits high enough off the ground to keep your dog dry and warm in all manner of weather. And at just a little over 3’ across, this house is meant for almost any size dog. 

Of course, the other dogs in the neighborhood might get a little jealous. This design does come with a covered porch for hot and/or rainy days, after all. 

In addition, the choice of wood, materials, and hardware is up to you – which is one of the joys of any DIY project. 

Ideal for: dogs, pets, backyards, homesteads, and more. 

Ready to build your own? Great! Just check out the DIY build guide and diagrams below to get started. 

Instructions

A note before starting - 

Please understand - the below diagrams are genuinely and carefully designed to help you navigate the build process. However, we don’t include specific recommendations for which tools, hardware, or products to use. These truly are “DIY” designs. 

As such – a significant portion of the build-process will be up to you, the builder. So please know, there is no “right” or “wrong” way to assemble any of our designs! If you need to depart from the instructions, or rearrange things along the way, feel free to. 

The only thing we ask: please be safe! And of course, there’s no shame in asking an expert for help or seeking guidance from your local professionals at any time. 

And please: enjoy the process! 

Dog House Kit Part List

Part icon
4'' x 4'' Lumber - 53.75" Length
Wood - Lumber
1
Part icon
4'' x 4'' Lumber - 40" Length
Wood - Lumber
1
Part icon
4'' x 4'' Lumber - 53.5" Length
Wood - Lumber
2
Part icon
4'' x 4'' Lumber - 38" Length
Wood - Lumber
3
Part icon
4'' x 4'' Lumber - 45" Length
Wood - Lumber
2
Part icon
4'' x 4'' Lumber - 25" Length
Wood - Lumber
2
Part icon
4'' x 4'' Lumber - 28" Length
Wood - Lumber
2
Part icon
2'' x 4'' Lumber - 43.75" Length
Wood - Lumber
1
Part icon
2'' x 4'' Lumber With Bird Mouth Cut for 15° - 34" Length
Wood - Lumber
2
Part icon
4'' x 4'' Lumber - 43.75" Length
Wood - Lumber
1
Part icon
2'' x 4'' Lumber With Bird Mouth Cut for 15° - 17.25" Length
Wood - Lumber
1
Part icon
2'' x 4'' Lumber - 44.75" Length
Wood - Lumber
1
Part icon
2'' x 4'' Lumber With Bird Mouth Cut for 15° - 54.75" Length
Wood - Lumber
1
Part icon
1'' x 10'' Lumber - 48.25" Length
Wood - Lumber
2
Part icon
1'' x 6'' Lumber - 43.75" Length
Wood - Lumber
6
Part icon
2'' x 4'' Lumber - 23" Length
Wood - Lumber
2
Part icon
2'' x 4'' Lumber - 13" Length
Wood - Lumber
2
Part icon
Corrugated Roof Panel 26'' x 12' - 33.75" Length
Plastic - Mixed
1

Part icon
Corrugated Roof Panel 26'' x 12' - 29.5" Length
Plastic - Mixed
1
Part icon
1'' x 4'' Lumber - 36.75" Length
Wood - Lumber
4
Part icon
1'' x 4'' Lumber - 37" Length
Wood - Lumber
1
Part icon
1'' x 2'' Lumber - 36.75" Length
Wood - Lumber
1
Part icon
1'' x 6'' Lumber - 36.75" Length
Wood - Lumber
3
Part icon
1'' x 6'' Lumber - 37.75" Length
Wood - Lumber
2
Part icon
1'' x 6'' Lumber - 38" Length
Wood - Lumber
1
Part icon
1'' x 6'' Lumber - 37" Length
Wood - Lumber
1
Part icon
Corrugated Roof Panel 26'' x 12' - 14.75" Length
Plastic - Mixed
1
Part icon
Plywood Panel 4' x 8' with cut at 15° - 17.96" Length
Wood - Lumber
2
Part icon
Corrugated Roof Panel 26'' x 12' - 14.5" Length
Plastic - Mixed
1
Part icon
4'' x 4'' Lumber - 8.5" Length
Wood - Lumber
2
Part icon
1'' x 4'' Lumber - 43.75" Length
Wood - Lumber
2
Part icon
4'' x 4'' Lumber - 6.75" Length
Wood - Lumber
2
Part icon
1'' x 10'' Lumber - 18" Length
Wood - Lumber
2

Easy-to-follow DIY Dog House Plans

How do you know which part is which from the parts list? Click on "Edit Design in 3D" button above and you'll be able to click on each part to see its name.

Step 1

First up: a solid frame for your doghouse. 

To start, use the above diagram as a reference to determine which materials you’ll need for this step. 

Then, you’ll probably want to measure and mark each vertical support at the places where you’ll be connecting the horizontal framing. 

After this, you can begin connecting each piece. To make this process easier, it’s often best to lay the pieces down on a flat surface, as this makes the measuring and attaching process much simpler. 

When you have each side of your frame assembled, you can stand each side up and connect them with your three 38” pieces of 4x4 lumber.

Step 2

Now it’s time to give your dog a floor. 

For this step, just attach your 1x4 and 1x6 lumber in the appropriate places, using the diagrams above and below for a visual reference

Step 3

Next up: installing the roof frame. 

Some of the lumber for this step is already precut at specific angles. 

Using the diagrams for reference, attach your roof center beam and frame, taking care to measure vertically first.

Step 4

Time to start adding walls!

For this step, attach your front and back wall covers, as shown. You shouldn’t need to worry too much about measurement here, as the precut lumber should just drop into place.

Step 5

Almost there!

The last step: two walls and a woof (‘roof’). 

First, install your plywood paneling on each side of your doghouse. This will help brace your frame before adding the roof. 

And finally, install the roof. 

And,that’s it! Great job. 

And of course, we hope your dog appreciates your hard work as much as we do!

Finished Product in 3D!