How to Use a Metal Carport for a Dog Kennel

Dogs tend to be happier when they get to spend some time outside, as many dog owners can confirm. However, not every family with a dog has a yard where they can let their pooch out to play. Building an outdoor kennel for a dog is a great alternative, and while many types of do-it-yourself kennels can be constructed, one of the most practical uses an existing carport to enclose a small play area for the family dog.

Things You'll Need

  • Metal carport
  • Drill
  • Metal drill bit
  • Metal braces with screws
  • Dog house
  • Tape measure
  • Wire mesh, 5 feet high
  • Wood fence post, 5 1/2 feet high
  • 2 cinder blocks
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Instructions

  1. Turning a Metal Carport into a Dog Kennel

    • 1

      Measure the length of three sides of the carport: the left, back and right. This total determines the amount of wire mesh required to complete the main portion of the kennel. Record a second measurement -- the distance between the two front poles, adding 2 feet to account for the entrance -- because the front door of the kennel requires a separate piece of wire mesh.

    • 2

      Measure and mark a spot five feet off the ground, and one about 6 inches high, on the outside of each carport pole. Use the drill and metal drill bit to bore holes into the posts in these spots. Place the braces over the holes and screw them into place with the drill, leaving each screw raised about 1 inch.

    • 3

      Start at the front-left corner of the carport, take one end of the wire mesh and hook it under each raised screw. Lock the wire mesh into place by drilling the screws the rest of the way into the poles.

    • 4

      Continue wrapping the wire mesh around the perimeter, stopping to lock it into place on each pole by repeating Step 3. Finish wrapping the wire mesh at the front-right pole.

    • 5

      Use the same process used for attaching the braces to the metal poles to attach three more braces to the wood fence post. Attach the smaller piece of wire mesh to the left-hand metal pole, locking it into place with your drill and screws. Finally, attach the other end of the wire mesh to the wood fence post.

    • 6

      Use the wood fence post to stretch this piece of wire mesh around the corner of the right-hand metal pole. Rest the post against the side of the dog kennel and metal pole, trying to displace most of the weight of the post onto the pole. Hold the "gate" in place by placing the two cinder blocks between the wire mesh and the poles. The "door" can be opened and closed to the desired width using the post.

    • 7

      Position the dog house in one of the back corners of the kennel. Place a bowl of water inside, and your dog is ready to spend time in this carport-converted kennel.