- 1). Build a base frame for the house to sit on, so it does not rest directly on the ground. Cut two 36 inch pieces from the 2-by-6-by-8 board. Cut three 27 inch pieces from the same stock. Lay the 36 inch pieces on your work surface, and place the 27 inch pieces between them, with the end pieces squared on the inside edges of the ends of the 36 inch outer boards, and the third piece centered, so it looks somewhat like a boxed in ladder. Nail this together with your 4D galvanized framing nails, by nailing through the outer pieces into the ends of the shorter pieces, 2 nails per end of each board.
- 2). Lay a piece of the T1-11 plywood on your work surface. Set the base frame on top and trace around it as a template. You can use two outer edges of the plywood and square it up so there are less cuts. Cut the plywood, then nail it to the top of the base frame. This is the floor of the dog house. If you want to insulate this, turn it over and glue rigid foam insulation to the bottom of the plywood between the supports with the adhesive.
- 3). Cut 4 pieces of the 2-by-2 stock to a length of 20 1/2 inches. Cut 4 pieces of the 2-by-4 stock to the same length. Lay a 2-by-2 piece to the outside edge of one 2-by-4 piece laying flat on the work surface, and nail in place using the 4D nails. Repeat with all the cut pieces until you have four corner posts for the wall frame.
- 4). Cut two pieces of the 2-by-4 stock 27 inches long, and two more pieces 36 inches long. Lay them out as a box frame with the longer pieces to the outside, the shorter pieces squared up with the outside edge on the ends of the two longer pieces. Nail in place with the 12D nails. Attach the corner posts to this top frame by setting the frame on top of the posts, and nail the angle clips in place to connect to the frame in each corner with the 4D nails.
- 5). Set the completed wall frame in place on the floor deck, and predrill pilot holes, two on each corner, to place the 3 inch decking screws to attach the wall frame to the deck. Put the screws in place to secure the frames together.
- 6). Cut four 23 1/2 inch pieces of 2-by-4 stock, and one 36 inch piece. Use your square to mark 30 degree angles at the end of each 23 1/2 inch piece and cut them. Set one 23 1/2 inch rafter piece against the 36 inch ridge beam, and drill pilot holes, one each at the top and bottom of the rafter for the 3 inch decking screws.Repeat for all four rafters. Screw them together loosely, do not tighten the screws all the way down.
- 7). Set the roof frame on top of the wall frame, and mark the spot where each rafter meets the wall frame. Use your carpenter's square to determine the angle and mark it. Disassemble the roof frame, and cut a notch on each rafter where you marked it to sit on top of the wall frame. Check each for fit. Now reassemble the roof frame, tightening the screws this time, and attach it to the wall frame. You can use the 4D nails, or screw it on with the 3 inch decking screws, whichever you prefer.
- 8). Measure the sides of your wall frame and draw a rough diagram on a piece of paper. Using the actual finished measurements gives you a better fit. Add 1 1/2 inch to each top to bottom measurement of the wall sizes for overhang at the bottom. Cut these pieces from your T1-11 or plain plywood. Check them for fit once cut. Determine which end piece will have the door, and then attach the other three pieces in place with the 4D nails, or you can use 1 1/2 inch decking screws.
- 9). Draw the dimension for the door. Size this to your dog, so it can easily get in and out, however make it slightly smaller than the actual size of your dog. This ensures keeping as much of the weather out as possible, whereas a wide opening lets in wind and elements. You can cut a standard square door with the circular saw, or if you prefer, create an arched door. Use a piece of string on your pencil and make a rounded top by placing the string at the bottom center of your door, and creating an arc line at the top measurement. Cut this out with the jigsaw. Attach the wall with the door to the dog house.
- 10
Measure the roof frame for the pieces of roof plywood. Add 3 inches to each on both sides for overhang. Cut the roof pieces out, and test them for fit. Now measure the inside opening on each side of the roof rafters. Cut a piece of rigid foam insulation to fit this space. Glue it to the inside of the plywood roof panels with the construction adhesive. Before it dries, put your roof panels in place so you can adjust the placement of the insulation if necessary. Screw or nail the roof panels in place as you did the walls. - 11
Trim the outside corners and gable edges of the house with 1-by-2 trim pieces. Cut eight 20 1/2 inch pieces for the corners and four 23 1/2 inch pieces for the gables. Caulk the seams at the corners where the plywood joints are before installing the trim pieces to butt together on each corner and under each gable with the 4D nails. This is decorative but also helps to seal the joints of the dog house and prevent drafts. - 12
Shingle the house if you desire. Cut aluminum drip edge to fit the edges of the plywood roof with a utility knife and attach it with roofing nails. Cut tar paper to fit the entire roof and staple in place working from the bottom up and overlapping the sections as you go. Install the shingles from the bottom edges of the roof and work up using the shingle lines as your measurement guide and overlapping them. Attach with the roofing nails. Cut away excess at the ends when finished with the utility knife. Stain or paint the dog house if desired, and move pooch in.
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