Building a homemade outdoor dog kennel can be a good home improvement project to make your dog comfortable and secure. As you will discover, it does not take a lot of imagination to create a kennel that is functional for the dog and aesthetically pleasing for the backyard.
In this article, the reader is to discover 15 best and homemade tips on how to construct a distinctive dog house. If you prefer a plain and cheap design or a complex one, there’s always something that would catch your fancy. Whether your home inspiration means a wooden cabin in the woods or a contemporary glass box, each type has its unique concept for your dog’s pleasure and protection.
1. Vibrant Psychedelic Kennel Makeover
A psychedelic paint job can turn your dog kennel into a unique outdoor space. This idea uses bright, bold colors and swirling patterns. It makes the kennel stand out in your yard. You can easily apply this style with simple painting tools.
First, choose a few vibrant colors. Next, use a brush or spray paint to create fun, flowing designs. You can mix different shades to make it look lively and playful. This creative approach isn’t just visually interesting.
2. Easy Access with Top or Side Openings
Top or side openings in a dog kennel can be a smart and practical idea. These openings allow easy access for cleaning or feeding. You can lift the top or open the side to reach your dog without hassle.
This design is especially helpful if your dog is shy or doesn’t like being handled. Plus, it provides great ventilation, which keeps the kennel cool on hot days. Adding top or side openings is simple. You can use hinges to make the door easy to open and close.
3. Cozy Shielded Porch for Comfort
A shielded porch on a dog kennel is a smart and cozy idea. It provides your dog with a protected space to relax outdoors. The porch can shield your dog from the sun, rain, and wind. Plus, it gives them a nice spot to watch everything around them.
Building a shielded porch is simple. You need to add a covered area to the kennel. Use materials like wood or metal for durability. This design makes the kennel feel like a little home for your dog.
4. Charming Brick House for Lasting Comfort
Building a brick house as a dog kennel is both durable and stylish. It creates a strong, long-lasting shelter for your dog. Bricks provide excellent protection against harsh weather. They keep the kennel warm in winter and cool in summer. Additionally, a brick house adds a charming, classic look to your yard.
You can design it to match your home’s exterior for a cohesive appearance. Plus, bricks are easy to maintain and clean. Although this kennel idea requires more effort, the result is worth it. Your dog gets a sturdy and comfortable space that will last for years.
5. Stylish Modern Glass Kennel
A modern glass dog kennel is a sleek and unique idea. It combines style with functionality. Glass panels let your dog see everything around them, which can reduce anxiety. This design allows for plenty of natural light, making the kennel feel open and bright. You can use strong, tempered glass for safety.
Additionally, glass is easy to clean and maintain. The modern look of glass blends well with a contemporary yard. It adds a touch of elegance and simplicity. While this kennel design may seem high-end, it’s also practical.
6. Cozy Log Cabin Dog House
A log cabin dog house is a cozy and rustic kennel idea. It gives your dog a warm, inviting space that feels like a mini cabin. Using logs for the structure creates a sturdy, weather-resistant design. This makes the kennel perfect for all seasons. Plus, the natural wood look adds charm to your yard.
Building a log cabin dog house is simple if you use basic tools and materials. You can add a small porch or roof for extra comfort and protection. This kennel idea is especially great for outdoor-loving dogs. It provides a natural feel that blends with the outdoors.
7. Eco-Friendly Recycled Dog House
For this, a dog house created with environmentally friendly items like recycled materials would be the best option as they are unique. Choosing to build the kennel out of old pallets, barrels or scraps, ensure that whatever wood you utilize is not infected by termites.
This approach assists in minimising wastage and therefore leads to effective utilisation of resources and money. Begin with collecting those things that are still serviceable or have not been damaged yet.
Then, join them to create a strong, cozy place where your dog can live or spend most of its time. It is important to ensure that the house you build is well insulated and weatherproofed for the comfort of your dog.
8. Recycled Porch Deck for Dogs
A porch or a deck added to the dog house can be also practical and eye-pleasing if it is made from recycled items. The materials you use can be old pallets, scraps of timber, or even used decks to make this interesting kennel. First, begin constructing the frames using the recycled materials you have chosen.
Then, place a comfortable dog house with a porch or a deck on top of all that. This additional space creates a space where your dog can comfortably lay down and enjoy the exterior of the home. Many of the materials used are recycled which gives the design an organic and sustainable feel. Further, this project is cost effective and does not involve unnecessary wastage of resources.
9. Eco-Friendly Recycled Plastic Dog House
Plastic dog house that is made from recycled material is functional as well as has the element of sustainability. Begin by gathering any discarded plastic containers or bottles you may have. Subsequently, bring them and fix them to form the walls and roof of the dog house.
This design can be cleaned easily and it is weatherproof and therefore ideal for outside use. Furthermore, plastic is a good insulator and thus it will help protect your dog from extreme temperatures in summer and even in winter.
You can also add a small door and ventilation channels to make the tent more comfortable. One advantage of the use of recycled plastic is that it keeps the environment clean in addition to being cheaper. In this way, you provide your dog with a strong, long-lasting shelter and also help to improve the state of the environment.
10. Practical and Protective to Elevated Dog House
An elevated dog house is a good and practical thought. To summarise, getting the house off the elevated ground prevents it from being directly exposed to the ravages of weather elements such as rain or direct sunlight. This is particularly useful any time there is rainfall or storms consisting of snow.
It is recommended to begin with constructing a stable foundation using wooden legs or some other reliable support. Next, construct a base and then put a dog house on top of the base. The height helps protect your dog from pests and cold, damp ground.
Then, it is easy for you to clean the area below the couch 2. This design also allows the provision of a small ramp to ensure easy access to the building.
11. Stylish Warm and Cozy Igloo Dog House
An igloo dog house is a nice and warm idea that you can go for. The oven itself is built in a round dome like shape which also assists in warding off the wind and rain from the fire source. Initially, building the igloo can be done using plastic or insulated panels. This design ensures that your dog is warm during the cold months of winter and cool during the hot months of summer.
Additionally, the rounded shape prevents water from pooling, keeping the inside dry. You can also add a small entrance that blocks out the cold but lets your dog come and go easily. Plus, the igloo dog house is easy to clean and maintain. With this unique design, you give your dog a stylish, comfortable home that stands out in your yard while offering excellent protection from the elements.
12. Slanted Roof Dog House for Stylish and Practical
A slanted dog house roof is both functional and attractive. The slant helps rain and snow slide off easily, keeping the inside dry. To build this, start with a basic dog house structure and then add a slanted roof. You can use wood or metal for durability. This design also improves ventilation, allowing air to flow more freely.
Additionally, the tilted roof prevents water from pooling, which helps maintain a clean and dry space for your dog. It’s simple to make and adds a modern touch to the dog house. Plus, it’s easy to install and maintain.
13. Large Dog House with Ventilated Grills
A large dog house with grills is a practical and comfortable idea for big dogs. The grills allow for excellent ventilation, keeping the inside fresh and cool. To build this, start with a spacious dog house and add sturdy grills to the walls. The grills can be made from metal or strong plastic. This design ensures that your dog has plenty of airflow while staying safe inside.
Additionally, the large size gives your dog plenty of room to move around. You can also include a small door for easy access. With this setup, your dog enjoys a well-ventilated, secure space.
14. Spacious Open-Air Dog House
A large open-air dog house is a fantastic idea for dogs who love the outdoors. This design features plenty of open space and ventilation. To build it, create a big, open shelter with walls that allow air to flow freely. Use materials like wood or metal to construct a roof that offers shade and protection from rain. The open sides keep the area breezy and fresh.
Additionally, this setup gives your dog a large, comfortable space to stretch out and relax. You can add a raised platform or bed for extra comfort.
15. Charming Madeira-Inspired Dog House
A Madeira house-inspired dog house is a stylish and charming idea. This design draws from the classic look of Madeira homes, known for their unique architecture and warm, inviting style. To create it, use materials like wood or stucco for the exterior. Incorporate features such as a pitched roof and decorative trim to mimic the Madeira house look.
Additionally, add a small porch or overhang for extra charm. This design keeps your dog sheltered and stylish. The slanted roof helps with rain runoff, while the decorative elements make the dog house stand out in your yard.
FAQs
How Big Should an Outdoor Dog Kennel Be?
An outdoor dog kennel should be spacious enough to allow for easy movement of the dog. It should preferably be at least three times larger than your dog depending on the breed of the dog. This place enables them to play and extend their limbs as well as feel comfortable and free.
How Can I Make an Outdoor Dog Kennel More Secure?
Outdoor dog kennels should be more secure; thus, it is wise to use metal or hardwood to construct it. Seal all perimeters and the roof to provide the highest level of protection. In the same manner, bury the fencing underground so that they cannot be dug by animals or other unauthorized persons. Move frequently to look for gaps to ensure that your dog does not get lost.
What Location is Better for an Outdoor Dog Kennel?
When identifying the ideal place to put a place where your dog will spend most of their time outdoors, ensure that it is shaded and dry. Select a location where there are limited draughts or winds, and where it is not very sunny. Also, the ground on which it is placed should be flat and preferably has a good drainage system.
How Can I Make the Kennel Comfortable for My Dog?
For the comfort of the dog, provide soft bedding such as a cushioned mat or blanket on the inside of the kennel. Get enough proper clerestories for a good breeze, ensure that the area is shaded to avoid the scorching sun. Additionally, ensure that the kennel is clean and dry to ensure that it offers a warm and comfortable space for the pet.
Can I Build a Multi-dog Outdoor Kennel?
Yes, you can build a multi-dog outdoor kennel, but you need to make different areas to minimize dogs’ quarrels. Simply make sure that the kennel is spacious enough in order to allow the animal to move with ease.
What are some budget-friendly options for building a homemade outdoor dog kennel?
For cheap wood you can consider using recycled materials such as pallet wood or crates. You can also use cheap wood or metal in construction. Also, think about the simplest structures such as the round hut with the inclined roof enough to offer protection and save the costs.
How Can I Add a Play Area to My Outdoor Dog Kennel?
To add a play area, use a chain and link fence to add another section to the kennel. Add toys, tunnels or agility equipment for exercise. Make sure the environment is secure and there is enough space for your dog to exercise and be active. This makes the kennel more interesting and adventurous.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these 15 best homemade outdoor dog kennel ideas provided in this article present many possibilities to produce a perfect environment for your pet. From traditional looking log cabins to luxurious contemporary glass houses, there are options pretty much for any yard and price range out there. These ideas should help you create a cozy and safe home for your beloved pet animal, a dog or a cat.
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