How to Build a Dog House With a Lean

If you have an empty brick wall or other type of surface and are in need of a dog house, one of the easiest ways to build it is to incorporate that wall in the structure. The process of building a lean-to dog house is easier, requires fewer materials, and can actually improve the comfort of the dog since the structure will benefit from some of the insulation and solidity of the more permanent structure it is attached to. There are a few things to keep in mind to improve the safety, longevity and comfort of the dog house.

Things You'll Need

  • Hammer
  • Nails
  • 5 each 2-inch by 4-inch by 4-foot boards
  • 6 each 2-inch by 4-inch by 3-foot boards
  • 2 each 2-inch by 4-inch by 38-inch boards
  • Jigsaw
  • Plywood sheet
  • 8-inch length of ¼-inch steel cable with loops at both ends
  • Drill
  • Screws
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Instructions

    • 1

      Form a base for the lean-to dog house. Hammer four boards together to form a rectangle, using two of the 2-inch by 4-inch by 4-foot boards, and two of the 2-inch by 4-inch by 3-foot boards.

    • 2

      Attach two 2-inch by 4-inch by 4-foot boards vertically to the base on one side of the dog house at each corner, plus one in the middle. This will be the side that leans against the wall.

    • 3

      Attach two 2-inch by 4-inch by 3-foot boards vertically to the other side of the dog house base at each corner, plus one in the middle.

    • 4

      Take two 2-inch by 4-inch by 4-foot boards and hammer on top of the vertical support boards on each side.

    • 5

      Take three 2-inch by 4-inch by 38-inch boards and attach them so they span the dog house from the 4-foot vertical support boards to the 3-foot vertical support boards.

    • 6

      Cut a piece of plywood 3 feet by 4 feet for the roof. Cut two additional pieces to fit the sides. For the front wall, cut another 3-foot by 4-foot piece. Then use a jigsaw to cut a doorway for the dog.

    • 7

      Place the dog house frame up against the wall it will be leaning against. Take the length of steel cable and wrap it around the center back vertical support board. Use two screws to attach the looped ends to the wall of the permanent structure. This will prevent the dog house from shifting or moving in storms.

    • 8

      Affix all of the plywood pieces to the dog house and finish with paint and shingles as desired.