How to Make a Doggie Door as a Household Project

Dogs often need to go outside to use their outdoor toilet, to chase squirrels or just to bask in the sun. If you are sick and tired of opening and closing the door after your furry friend, install a doggie door to make your life and your dog's life easier. You can make your own doggie door if you have some time to spare and have some do-it-yourself skills.

Things You'll Need

  • 2 car mats
  • Ruler or measuring tape
  • Marker
  • Jigsaw
  • U-section clear anodized aluminum
  • Liquid nails
  • 6 screws
  • Screw driver
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure your dog from the top of its shoulders to the bottom of its belly while it is standing. Measure the width of your dog's shoulders. Add two inches to both measurements to get the dimensions for the doggie door. Cut a piece of cardboard according to these measurements.

    • 2

      Measure the distance from the bottom of your dog's belly to the ground and subtract one inch from this measurement. Mark this height from the bottom of your door.

    • 3

      Place the bottom edge of your piece of cardboard against the mark you made on the door. Use a marker to outline this shape on the door. Use a jigsaw to cut out the rectangle from your door.

    • 4

      Cut the U-section clear anodized aluminum so you get two pieces the length of the hole and two pieces the width of the hole. Fit the pieces over the edges of the hole and apply liquid nails to keep them in place.

    • 5

      Cut the car mats to match the dimensions of the hole in the door, adding an extra one inch to their length.

    • 6

      Use three screws to attach the top of the first car mat to the top of the interior side of the hole. Do the same with the other car mat and the exterior side of the hole. Using two car mats reduces the amount of rainwater and debris that can get inside.