Before you order a dog house plan, it's important to ask yourself how skilled you are as a carpenter and how complicated a dog house you want to build.
If your objective is to build a simple, snoopy-style dog house, you may be able to get buy with fairly basic carpentry skills. On the other hand, if your goal is to build an elaborate dog house, for example, something that would match your house's architectural style, you better be a pretty experienced carpenter.
For that matter, if you are not an experienced do-it-yourselfer or carpenter, you might be better off either buying a dog house kit or a finished dog house.
Tools Needed To Build A Dog House
- Tape measure
- 4' level or straight edge
- Measuring tape
- Jigsaw
- Hammer and nails
- Circular saw
- Dust mask
- Square
- Paintbrush
- Cordless power drill with assorted drill bits and driver sets
- clamp-on straight edge
- Safety glasses or goggles
- Saw horses
- Wood stain or outdoor paint
- Polyurethane
- Wood file
- Sandpaper or sanding block
Other Tools You Might Need To Build A Dog House
- Plunge router with 1/2" straight bit and 1/4" roundover bit
- Bar clamps
- Table saw
- Staple tacker
You don't necessarily have to own these tools as you might be able to borrow some of them from friends. However, be advised that if you ever want to borrow another tool, be sure you promptly return the one or ones you borrowed. There's no faster way to lose a friend or your ability to borrow tools than to borrow something and not return it.
Materials Needed To Build A Dog House
The materials you will need for your dog house, outside of paint and polyethylene, will depend on the plan you select. However, it is safe to say that you will need at least one 8'x4' sheet of exterior grade plywood (but more likely two sheets), shingles for the roof, hinges for the roof (to open it for easy cleaning), and, if appropriate, hardware for a door. If you live in a very cold or hot climate, you will also need insulating materials.
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