easy simple diy dog house

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated November 19, 2024

Contributions sourced from

14 DIY Dog Houses (Plans + Blueprints): How to Build a Dog House!

Dog houses are more than just a shelter theyre your pups home away from home. Even if its only a spot to snooze during a backyard barbecue, you want your dogs house to be both comfortable and durable.

Buying a dog house is always an option, but premade houses are often pricey and hard to transport. This has led many owners to build their own DIY dog house from scratch.

Building a dog house DIY style allowsowners to address any of their dogs specific needs, add extra insulation when needed, and end up with a long-lasting lair any pup will love.

Lets check out a few doggone awesome DIY dog house plans and blueprints to see if this is a paw-ject youd like to undertake for your four-footed friend.

14 Fabulous DIY Dog House Designs

Weve scoured the ruff real estate market for the best DIY blueprints, so lets see what all the tail-wagging is about.

1. Insulated Dog House

This DIY insulated dog house by April Wilkerson is cute as can be, and it is customizable to suit your dogs size and needs.

Its warm enough for use in cool climates and can be situated on a covered porch or fully outside, depending on if you use waterproof materials or not. The relatively small opening compared to its size is ideal for keeping the cold out, too.

While its an eye-catching design with easy access for cleaning, it does require serious carpentry skills and tools to pull off.

The insulation can be bulked up or dialed down to suit your climate, however, and the customizable size makes it an all-around versatile choice that can be used as a double dog house as well. If your dog is a chewer, you want to make sure the insulation is fully enclosed, however.

Difficulty Level: Hard

Materials Needed:

Waterproof wood glue
2 x 4 wood pieces (amount will vary by size)
Plywood
Beadboard
Wood screws
Wood nails
Insulation sheet material (of your preferred thickness)
Hinges (amount will vary depending on the roof access design you choose)
Pet-friendly paint (optional)

Tools Needed:

Table saw
Miter saw
Carpentry square
Pocket hole jig
Drill
Woodworking straight edge
Nail gun
Marking pencil
Tape measure
Box cutter

2. Beginners Basic Dog House

The Lowes Beginners Basic Dog House has a one-size-fits-all design and is suitable for most breeds, though it can be sized up or down as needed. The classic dog house look fits in any backyard motif, and its all-weather design will withstand the elements.

This a great template to follow if youre confident in your building chops but not advanced enough for heavy-duty carpentry.

You can easily tweak the design to fit your needs, as the roof materials can be swapped or insulation can be added depending on your areas weather. The large opening is an area of concern in cooler climates, however, as you may need to install a wind-blocking cover or door flap.

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Supplies Needed:

Nails
40 x 8 x sheet of exterior siding
2 x 4 x 8 board
2 x 4 x 10 outdoor-rated board
Shingles

Tools Needed:

Hammer (or nail gun)
Square
Circular saw
Table saw
Paintbrush
Measuring tape
Marking pencil

3. DIY Dog House With Deck

This pawesome decked-out DIY dog house by Jen Woodhouse is a pups dream hangout. The insulated interior keeps your pup cozy in cooler months, while the outdoor deck is great for summertime snoozing in the sun.

These good looks arent easy to attain, however, as this design requires builders to be comfortable in their carpentry skills, given the numerous cuts it requires. The plans are easy to follow, but the tools and skills needed arent too common.

As-is, the plans are designed to fit most medium-sized breeds, so you will need to scale up for jumbo-sized pups. This is a heavy design, too, so make sure you assemble it where you want it to be, to avoid back-breaking lifting.

Difficulty Level: Hard

Supplies Needed:

Eight 2 x 4 x 8 boards
Seven 1 x 4 x 8 boards
Two 2 x 2 8 boards
Fourteen 1 x 6 x 8 boards
One 1 x 2 x 6 board
Pocket screws
Wood screws
Brad nails
Wood glue (waterproof, ideally)

Tools Needed:

Miter saw
Jigsaw
Table saw
Drill
Pocket hole jig
Nail gun
Marking pencil
Tape measure
Square

4. Reclaimed Pallet Dog House

Silverline Tools reclaimed pallet dog house is a clever way to repurpose old pallets you find lying around. Its a straightforward, no-frills design thats perfect for outdoor use in moderate climates.

The example fits most breeds, though youll have to scale it up to suit giant breeds. The lack of insulation is a concern for small fries and short-haired breeds, too, so you may want to look into insulating it.

The amount of cuts and refinishing involved in this dog house arent for the faint of heart. De-nailing the reclaimed wood pallets can be an arduous process, as can sanding it down if the pallets have any rough edges. A waterproofing finish is ideal for preserving the pup palace against the elements.

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Supplies Needed:

Wood pallets
Wood glue
Wood screws
Paint (optional)

Tools Needed:

Miter saw
Jigsaw
Tri-cut saw
Square
F-clamp
Sander (if necessary)
Drill
Measuring tape
Marking pencil

5. Large Dog House

Emit Salazars large dog house design is a cozy nook for your pup to unwind. The adorable porch accent and windows add touches of charm, while the sturdy build makes it a lasting home for your pup.

The large door access is certainly cute, but it isnt ideal during cold winters. So, you may want to install a removable door flap to keep things warm during cold snaps.

This is a time-consuming project with the maker stating upfront it took him 30 hours to complete. It consists of various cuts and building techniques that require advanced woodworking skills.

This is another heavy project, so youll want to build it where you intend for it to be to avoid the struggle of moving it.

Difficulty Level: Hard

Supplies Needed:

2 x 4 x 8 boards
6 x 6 x 8 boards
Plywood
Transparent plexiglass (for windows)
Silicone filler for window sealing
Metal roofing material
Metal roofing nails
Deck boards
Deck screws
Brad nails
Wood stain
Caulk
Wood glue

Tools Needed:

Table saw
Miter saw
Handheld saw
Nail gun
Screwdriver
Sander
Caulking gun
Drill
Clamps
Hammer
Chisel
Straight ruler
Square
Measuring tape
Marking pencil

6. Mini Ranch Dog House Design

Sunsets mini ranch dog house plan is a simple yet stylish design that wont cost you an arm and a leg to build. The metal roof stands up to the elements, while the small wooden overhang provides a touch of protection from rain that may try to whip inside.

The size is adequate for small to medium-sized dogs, but youll have to resize it to accommodate larger pooches. This design does require some woodworking, but not as much as some of other options listed here.

Its rather straightforward and doesnt require as many cuts as some blueprints. The end product is adorable, with slight human-like touches providing additional personality

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Supplies Needed:

2 sheets of plywood
1 sheet of plywood
Three 2 x 4 x 8 boards
Four 2 x 2 x 8 boards
Two 10-foot metal drip edging lengths
Twelve 8 lengths of lattice
Panel adhesive
Paint or stain of your choice
wire brads
Pack of asphalt shingles
roofing nails
1 deck screws

Tools Needed:

Circular saw
Electric drill
Tin snips
Hammer
Square
Protractor
Tape measure
Marking pencil
Paintbrush

7. Cute Crooked Dog House

The crooked dog house by Ana White is a quirky pick that howls with style. The design is made for a medium-sized dog, though you can size it up as needed to fit your pooch.

It is functional as well as fashionable, with the slight overhang blocking potential drips, and the heavy-duty roof defending your pup against the elements.

As this is an irregular shape with a multitude of cuts, this project requires above-average woodworking skills. Framing will take a bit of time and close attention, especially with the non-parallel trim areas.

Difficulty Level: Hard

Supplies Needed:

2 sheets of exterior plywood
Eleven 2 x 2 x 8 boards
Four 1 x 3 x 8 boards
One 1 x 2 x 8 board
2 pocket hole screws
1 nails
Wood glue
2 woodscrews
3 woodscrews
Paint or stain of your preference
Asphalt shingles

Tools Needed:

Table saw
Nail gun
Drill
Paintbrush
Square
Marking pencil

8. Portable Dog House

Roughleys portable dog house is a modern take on pupper real estate with a simplistic, squared design and mobility. Its wheeled nature is great for scooting around a patio or deck, and the thick walls are well-insulated against the wind and cold.

This project is designed for large pups, though it would work well in multiple medium or small-sized fur friend families too. The small deck is perfect for pups who like a little sun in their life, though the lack of a door overhang is a bit of a drag in the rain.

The modern look of this dog house does require a fair amount of skill to pull off. It requires you to make specialized cuts and use advanced building techniques that other options do not.

The interior may need an additional layer of plywood to hide the insulation as well since some curious canines might find it too tempting not to scratch or chew.

Difficulty Level: Hard

Supplies Needed:

2 sheets of 2400mm x 600mm cement sheeting (roughly 7 10.5 x 2)
1 sheet of 2400mm x 1200mm x 3 mm plywood (roughly 7 10.5 x 4 x )
2 lawnmower wheels (or similar wheels for portability)
2 galv hinges
Strips of wood trim
2 x 4 x 8 for framing
Nails
Screws
Wool insulating materials
Liquid nails
Caulk
Waterproof wood stain or paint

Tools Needed:

Circular saw
Table saw
Caulk gun
Nail gun or hammer
Clamps
Drill
Impact driver
Dremel

9. Log Cabin Dog House

The DIY Network log cabin design gives your dog a cool place to hang out. It isnt as insulated as some other designs, however, and its stone floor and wide door opening make it less than ideal in colder climates. Its a great place to catch a nap, though, and the cool stone will feel great during the summer.

For a log cabin, its rather straightforward. The cuts are somewhat repetitive, making it an ideal pick for those with some construction skills.

The heavy-duty filling with chinking compound might seem hard, but its much easier than struggling with nails and screws.

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Supplies Needed:

4 x 4 landscaping timber
Metal roofing material (or asphalt shingles)
Plywood
Chinking compound
Pavers
Wood glue

Tools Needed:

Table saw
Radial arm saw
Wood chisel
Tape measure
Marking pencil

10. Modern Dog House Plan

The DIY Creators modern dog house plan is a solid choice for most dog breeds. Its spacious, allowing your dog to comfortably turn around and stretch out, while the Plexiglas windows let sunlight in and keep the elements out.

The floor plan also works well if you have multiple small or medium doggos. The large door opening on this design will need a cover during the winter months to stay cozy.

The plan does require you to cut down a lot of wood, but the setup isnt too complicated. The multitude of skills needed do earn it a hard rating, however, as working with metal and plexiglass can be challenging for those whove never worked with these materials.

Difficulty Level: Hard

Supplies Needed:

plywood
1 x 6 x 12 wood strips
2 x 2 trim
Plexiglass
Sheet metal roofing (you can use asphalt shingles too)
Aluminum capping (if using metal roofing)
L-brackets
Roofing screws
Wood glue
Nails
Decking screws
Pocket hole screws
Stain or paint of your choice

Tools Needed:

Circular saw
Miter saw
Sander
Drill
Nail gun
Clamps
Tape measure
Square
Metal shears
Marking pencil

11. A-Frame Dog House

The DIY Network A-frame dog house plan has the classic canine look with a heavy-duty finish.

The sturdy roof repels the rain, making it an excellent choice for a backyard relaxation station. This plan is intended for a medium to large-sized dog, though it could easily be tweaked to fit your doggo.

This design needs some skills to pull off, but it isnt as labor-intensive as other DIY options. The plans are easy to follow, and wood glue can be used to make the house weatherproof and make the construction process easier.

Difficulty Level: Medium

Supplies Needed:

2 x 2 x 6 boards
2 x 4 x 8 pressure-treated board
sheet of exterior plywood
Asphalt shingles
15-pound asphalt felt roofing paper
Roofing cement
1 wood screws
3 wood screws
galvanized roofing nails
galvanized staples
Paint or stain

Tools Needed:

Jigsaw
Circular saw
Miter saw
Drill
Staple gun
1 spade bit with spur cutters
Paintbrush
Utility knife
Sandpaper or sander
Hammer
Framing square
Clamps

12. A-Frame Dog House For Under $75

This affordable A-frame dog house design by ScottfromScott is a simple way to keep your canine covered.

Suitable for small to medium-sized puppers, this hound hut is insulated against the cold and has real shingles to block out rain, snow, and wind. This model does not contain a floor which isnt always ideal, though a plywood floor can be added without much fuss.

This build does require some building skills, but it isnt as tricky as other DIY designs. Basic cutting and hardware abilities are needed. Its easily customizable as well, allowing you to craft a bigger house as needed with some tweaks in measurements. The opening, for instance, could use some widening for plumper pups.

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Supplies Needed:

One sheet of insulating foam board
Two sheets of 7/16 oriented strand board
2 x 2 x 6 strips
Asphalt or fiberglass shingles
Two 10 sections of 2 drip cap
1 roofing nails
2 galvanized nails or screws
2 galvanized finishing nails
Caulk
Exterior waterproof paint

Tools Needed:

Circular saw
Drill or nail gun/hammer
Paintbrush
Measuring tape
Marking pencil

13. Contemporary Dog House DIY

This DIY dog house design by Modern Builds is a beautiful bungalowwith plenty of space for dogs of all sizes. You could scale it up to fit two jumbo puppers, but as is, its got enough room to cover multiple small or medium pooches.

The sturdy design utilizes construction adhesive to help ensure an air and watertight build that repels the outdoors.

This is one of the trickier builds on our list of DIY dog house plans, and it isnt for newbie builders. Its very labor-intensive with all the required cuts, and handling plexiglass isnt for everyone.

The good news is, its highly customizable, and its sure to last, especially if you add some all-weather shingles on top.

Difficulty Level: Hard

Supplies Needed:

plywood
1 x 2 furring strips
Pallet wood
Plexiglass sheets
Waterproofing stain
Nails
Construction adhesive

Tools Needed:

Circular saw
Sabre saw
Jigsaw
Nail gun
Straight ruler
Square
Clamps
Caulk gun
Paintbrush or sprayer
Measuring tape
Marking pencil

14. Primitive Wild Dog House

This dog house design by Primitive Survival Tool is a rustic, interesting-looking shelter for your woofer.

Its as close to nature as it gets and provides ample space for your dog to unwind. This is not a shelter for cold-weather climates, and we would not recommend it for high-wind areas.

Made with truly natural materials, this design isnt for the faint of heart. Its a lot of hands-on labor, and special care must be taken to avoid a flimsy end product. If youre not convinced you could pull it off correctly, you should stick to other options that wont risk your pupper.

Difficulty Level: Hard

Supplies Needed:

Timber
Vines or twine for tying
Bamboo
Mud
Grass or sod

Tools Needed:

Handsaw
Shovel or post-hole digger

Dog House Roof Ideas

Arguably, the most important part of a dog house is its roof. What good is all your hard work if its not covered and protected?

The ideal roof material will vary based on your environment. For instance, a DIY dog house for indoors would be fine with a fabric roof, while an outdoor oasis will need something stronger like wood.

A few noteworthy roof options are:

Asphalt shingles
Aluminum
Slate shingles
Excess siding

Also, if you intend to devise your own dog house design, consider making the roof overhang the sides by several inches. This will help protect the walls from rain and moisture, and it will also help keep the interior dry better too.

Dog House Dimensions: How Big Should Your Dog House Be?

When making a dog house, you must pay close attention to size, ensuring your pooch has enough space not only to lay but to turn around comfortably and have enough space between him and the door.

A dog house is useless if there is too little room between him and the outside, as rain and cold can easily invade and potentially saturate any bedding inside.

A good way to measure is to consider his dog bed and add a little wiggle room around it roughly a foot in front where the door would be. You could also use your dogs crate as a good starting point.

Dont forget to consider your doggos height too! He needs to be able to stand comfortably while in his house (even if he needs to duck his head a bit when walking through the door).

If you plan on also putting together a DIY dog pen or DIY dog fence that your dog house will be placed within, keep those dimensions in mind too to ensure your pup has plenty of space.

Weather Woes

For your DIY dog house, keep your location in mind when selecting a design and choosing the materials. This will help ensure your dogs new home works well, keeps him comfortable, and that the house lasts too.

If you live in Florida, for instance, you will need far less insulating than a dog house in New York. Similarly, waterproofing will be a must in rainy Seattle, while less necessary in a desert environment like Phoenix.

Finally, you may want to consider the color paint you use (if any). For example, if you live in a warm-and-sunny climate, you may want to choose a very light color to help reflect some of the suns blasting rays. On the other hand, a dark-colored dog house will stay warmer in cool climates.

***

Whether you choose to go the DIY route or buy complete, your doggo will love his new abode. Have you ever built your own dog house? Did you use any of these plans? Wed love to hear in the comments below!