How to Build a Barn Doghouse With a Porch

If you have a dog and like building things with your hands, one project that you may find enjoyable is building a barn doghouse with a porch. This type of canine dwelling not only gives your dog a comfortable place to rest and be protected from the elements, it also enhances the overall look of your yard. A doghouse can be a relatively easy project to do, even one with a porch. All you need to be successful is a good plan, the right materials and tools, and the time to devote to your project.

Things You'll Need

  • Sketch tablet
  • Pencil
  • Building wood
  • Measuring tape
  • Saw
  • Hammer
  • Nails
  • Paint or varnish (optional)
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Instructions

  1. Build Your Dog House

    • 1

      Determine how wide, long, and tall you want the house and the porch to be, as well as the dimensions of such things as the roof and porch railing. Be sure to allow plenty of room for the openings, such as the door of the house and the opening to the porch.

    • 2

      Pencil a rough sketch of what you want your dog barn to look like, and jot down measurements with arrows pointing where you want them to apply. It's a good idea to look at pictures of these types of doghouses to get some good ideas. Use a type of wood that is sturdy, but not dangerous if your dog chews on it.

    • 3

      Cut your wood pieces only for each section as you are about to start on them. This can save you time and money in case you need to make any measurement adjustments as you go along.

    • 4

      Build the floors of the doghouse and the porch first. When done with both, double-check all measurements to make sure the walls of the house and the porch railing are going to fit like you intended. Make adjustments in measurements if needed.

    • 5

      Construct the base of your house. Use nails that are long enough to hold everything together well, but not so long that any sharp points protrude. Turn the house and porch floor on its side to nail the house frame to the floor. This can be made easier by placing it on a sturdy work table.

    • 6

      Build and attach the roof. If you choose to purchase premade shingles for the roof, natural, nontoxic wood shingles are best. Add the porch railing, once again making sure you leave a large enough opening for your dog to easily enter the porch and the doghouse. Make sure you space the porch railing so that the dog's head or collar cannot get stuck.

    • 7

      Sand all rough edges and sharp corners to make the doghouse safe for your dog.

    • 8

      At this point, you can either paint your doghouse or varnish it to make it more weatherproof. This step is optional.