How to Construct Your Doghouse

Gather the materials. You'll need (in sizes and numbers appropriate to your plans): 5/8-inch or ¾-inch plywood (exterior-grade, commonly called CDX or ACX); 2-by-2s or 2-by-4s; stainless-steel or galvanized screws or galvanized nails; a hammer; a screwdriver or drill; exterior grade caulk; exterior-grade paint (unless you're going to use siding); siding (optional); roofing materials (optional); insulation (sheet polyurethane or fiberglass batts like those you would use in a house).

Prepare to build the floor of your doghouse on wood or bricks to get it off the ground so that moisture does not wick up through the wood and so that water cannot flow in.

Build the frame of the floor first to the dimensions drawn in your structural plan. Cover it with plywood. If you're going to insulate, place insulation under the plywood.

Build the rest of the frame on top of the plywood, making it go straight up from the edge of the floor. Attach the frame to the floor with nails or screws.

Build the door opening using the same material as the frame. Shape it very simply, like an inverted "U".

Cover the frame with plywood.

Build the frame of the roof (See Related eHows), and cover the frame with plywood. Attach the roof to the open-topped doghouse.

Caulk all seams.

Add roofing and siding to meet the demands of the weather - and your sense of style.

Check to make sure no nails, screws or splinters are protruding inside or out.