How to Build an Off the Ground Dog Kennel

An above-ground dog kennel is a great way to keep your pets away from dirt and insects. It also makes cleanup easier. This design will comfortably house two beagle-size dogs or one coonhound.

Things You'll Need

  • Six four-by-four pieces of lumber
  • Four two-by-four pieces of lumber
  • Wire fence with 1½-inch-by-1½-inch squares
  • Two sheets plywood
  • Saw
  • Four hinges
  • Wood screws
  • Wood glue
  • Power screwdriver
  • Staple gun
  • Paint (optional)
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Instructions

  1. The frame

    • 1

      The four-by-fours will be the legs for your kennel. The legs should be six feet high. Cut two-inch high notches two inches deep at your desired height. Between three and four feet is optimal.

    • 2

      Use wood glue and screws to attach the two-by-fours into the notches. The sides should be eight feet long and the front and back should be four feet wide.

    • 3

      Screw two-by-fours to the top of the frame. This will be the base for the roof.

    • 4

      Cut one sheet of plywood into four two-by-four pieces. This will form the shelter. Cut a 12-inch by 12-inch hole at the bottom of one piece. Screw one piece to the back of the kennel frame, two to the sides and the one with the hole goes at the front of the shelter area.

    • 5

      Use two-by-fours to add a door with an opening 26 inches by 26 inches anywhere you choose.

    The outside

    • 6

      Construct a two-foot by two-foot frame with two-by-fours. Attach fence wire to the frame. This is the door to the kennel. Attach one side of two hinges to this frame.

    • 7

      Attach the fence wire around the sides of the kennel, leaving an opening around the door frame. Also attach the wire to the bottom of the kennel.

    • 8

      Put the door on the kennel. Attach the hinges to the door frame and use a hook and eye to keep the door closed.

    • 9

      Put the roof on the kennel. Cut the last piece of plywood into two pieces, one four-by-six piece and one four-by-two piece. Join the two with the last two hinges. The four-by-six piece will cover the bigger part of the kennel and should be attached with glue and screws. The smaller part will cover the dog house and provide easy access for cleaning and changing bedding.

    • 10

      Paint the outside of the kennel if desired. This will make the kennel less vulnerable to the elements.