Build Your Own Dog House - 24" X 30" Small Dog House

This is a complete dog house plan that will walk you through the entire process. This 24" x 30" dog house plan will accommodate the smaller breeds like a terrier, a cocker spaniel, or a few yorkies. I have all the steps listed on this site, but it would be easier if you first download my entire plan from www.dogshackbuilder.com, it's free! Enjoy

Step 1: Material List

Go to your local hardware/lumber store and buy the following materials:

(5) 2x2-8' Fir Furring Strips (About $2.00 Each)

*These can measure 1-3/8" x 1-3/8" or 1-1/2" x 1-1/2" - My plan will accommodate both sizes.

(1) 3/8" CDX Plywood (About $15.00 Each)

(1) 1" x 1" - 8' Outside Corner Moulding (About $5.00 Each)

(2) 1/4" x 1-1/2" - 8' Lath Trim (About $5.00 Each)

(1) Bundle of 3-Tab Shingles

(1) pound of 1" Screws & (1) pound of 2-1/2" Screws

(1) lb. of 1-1/4" Roofing Nails

(1) Quart of Paint & Primer-In-One w/ a paint brush

*This will cost you close to $100 for everything listed above. You only need 11 shingles, so if you know of someone that has a few to spare, skip the shingle purchase. After you've bought the material, download my free dog house plan and follow the step-by-step instructions and pictures.

Step 2: Base & Floor Assembly

These instructions will use 2x2's that actually measure 1-3/8" x 1-3/8". If yours are 1-1/2" x 1-1/2", go to www.dogshackbuilder.com and download "The Mercy" dog house plan to get instructions to accommodate that size of 2x2. It's free, so don't worry.

* Take (2) 2x2's that measure 21-1/4" and place them inside of (2) 2x2's that measure 30". Follow the first picture, making a rectangle and then attach using 2-1/2" screws. Next cut out a 24" x 30" piece of 3/8" CDX plywood. This will be the floor, attach it to the 2x2 rectangle using 1-1/2" screws.

Step 3: Exterior Framing Assembly

Picture 1 - Take (2) 9" 2x2's and place them inside of (2) 30" 2x2's to make a rectangle. Fasten the ends together using 2-1/2" screws. Do this twice to make 2 of these walls.

Picture 2 - Attach the (2) rectangles that you just built to the base that was made in Step 1. Use 2-1/2" screws.

Picture 3 - Take (2) 21-1/4" 2x2's and fasten them in the front and back to attach the top of the walls together.

Picture 4 - Make (2) side panels out of 3/8" CDX plywood that measure 13-3/4" x 30" and attach them to the side walls. Also take (2) 2x2's that measure 17-1/2" and have 45 degree cuts on both ends and attach them to the top walls in the front and back to make the rafters. Make sure the rafters are flush with the outside of the 3/8" CDX side panels.

Step 4:

Picture 1 - Take (4) 2x2's that measure 4-1/2" and place them on the front of the dog house against the side wall on the base and under the top wall. Fasten them to the floor and to the top wall. Next attach the door 2x2's that measure 10-7/16" against the 4-1/2" 2x2's.

Picture 2 - Place the 3/8" CDX Plywood against the back of the dog house and trace out the back siding panel. Cut it out and then attach it with 1-1/2" screws. If you want measurements, download my plan at www.dogshackbuilder.com, it's free.

Picture 3 - Make (2) front siding panels out of the 3/8" CDX Plywood that measure 7-3/4" x 13-3/4" and attach them to the front walls. Then make (2) more panels at 1-5/8" x 9-1/4" and place them above and under the door opening, and attach using 1-1/2" screws.

Picture 4 - Make a piece that looks like a triangle by tracing a piece of 3/8" CDX Plywood on top of the front siding panels. If you want measurements, download my plan at www.dogshackbuilder.com, it's free.

Step 5: Roof Framing Assembly

Make (2) roof panels out of 3/8" CDX Plywood that measure 17-3/4" x 32" and attach them to the rafters. You will have an overhang, so just make sure that it's about equal on the front and back.

Next read the instructions on the shingles package and cut out (8) shingles at 32-1/4" and attach them as directed. Then cut (3) shingles in half, the length way, and cut into 8" strips to make a ridge cap. Nail these on starting from the back. Make sure to cover up the nails on the previous ridge piece. You're basically done, but if you'd like to trim the corners and front and back siding pieces like on my picture, go to www.dogshackbuilder and download the complete plan. It will walk you through the trim assembly steps. Thanks and good luck!