DIY Dog House
We’ve creeped over 100 degrees here in Texas and it looks like it’s here to stay for a while! We have a little shih-tzu, whom we named Alvin (our son wanted to name him after the Chimpmunk so that he could yell “ALVIN”) and it was better than most of the other names thrown out there 🙂 He is an inside dog but he wants to be EVERYWHERE we are. The kids have wanted to build him a dog house to get out of the heat but I thought it would be way to hot. So, I designed this Breezy Dog House complete with a fluffy bed, shade and of course, a sign with his name!
I think we have a happy customer folks! He loves this thing and I had so much fun designing and building it! It was super easy to build and only cost about $70 in lumber!
I designed this house to fit THIS PILLOW that I found on Overstock. I bought the medium size. I hunted for an affordable outdoor dog pillow that was available online for everyone to make things easier. I was the happiest with the look of this and the price and when it came in I was really impressed with the quality.
You can click the image below or HERE to download the FREE PDF plans and follow along with the step-by-step tutorial below!
To start, make the cuts for the bottom frame of the dog house.
Now, assemble the frame by attaching the side (short pieces) to the long (side pieces). I used my 16 – gauge nailer with 2 1/2″ finish nails and wood glue. Put three to four nails on each joint.
Here is the frame assembled.
Next, center the middle support board and attach it the same way.
Easy enough 🙂
Attach the 1×6 slats to the bottom frame with 2 1/2” finish nails and glue.
Start with the front and back boards first (these will be flush with the frame) then evenly space the rest of the boards.
Now for the legs!
Cut and assemble the legs with 2 1/2″ finish nails and glue.
The legs will look like “L’s”.
Then, attach the legs to the frame with 2 1/2” wood screws. I used Spax screws to avoid pre-drilling. (The full face of the 2×3 will be on the front and back (short) sides of the frame so that the seam of the “L” will be on the sides (long) of the house.
Here it is with the legs attached.
Next, attach the 1×4 cedar board on each side of the house. I attached them to the top of the legs, making the top of the 1×4 flush with the top of the legs. Use 1 1/4” finish nails and glue.
Cut the side angled pieces. These will have 45 degree cuts on both ends and will not be parallel.
Attach the first board to the inside corner (side of dog house) of the leg with 1 1/4” nails and wood glue. Then attach the second board to the opposite corner.
Finally, pull the top of the angled boards up flush with the top of the 1×4 running across the legs. The boards will overlap. Just glue in between them all and put 1 1/4” nails from the inside of the house all the way through the 1×4 that stretches across the top. (The nails will go through all three boards).
The sides will look like this.
Assemble the roof frame according to the plans. The side pieces will be 45 degree cuts on both ends and not parallel. Attach the mitered pieces to the middle 2×4 with wood screws and wood glue. I used Spax screws.
Here’s the roof assembled!
Attach the roof to the house with 2 1/2” wood screws and glue. I drilled from the top of the roof into the 2×3 legs on the front and back of the house. The long point on the 2×3 will over hang the leg a bit, allowing the inside of the mitered 2×3 to be flush with the leg.
I ran a 2×3 along the top of the legs (on the sides, above the new angle pieces) and attached them with 2 1/2” nails and glue. The edge of the 2×3 will be flush with the roof line. This will give you something to nail the roof slats to.
Finally, attach one side of the roof slats.
Let them overhang on the top so that they can meet the planks on the other side of the roof. Start with the center board and work your way out.
Follow up with the other side and use 1 1/4” finish nails and glue everywhere that the planks touch wood.
Add a chalk board sign and a cute and comfy pillow and your pooch will be the most pampered pet in your neighborhood!
Alvin LOVES his breezy dog house, the kids think it’s awesome and I love how cute it looks in our backyard! That’s a win-win-win right? 😉
***This giveaway is now closed. The winners have been emailed. Thanks for playing!
Speaking of winning….Want to build this for your pooch? How about a chance to win the tools that I used to build it? Our awesome friends at Ryobi are giving away these awesome tools to THREE lucky winners! All you have to do is follow the instructions in the box below! There are 3 chances to win too!
The first is to leave a comment on this post telling us what you would build with these awesome tools! There are two bonus entries to up your chances! Follow Ryobi and Shanty2Chic on Periscope! *What is periscope? It’s a new live video stream app that let’s viewers comment and ask questions in real time! We just joined and we love it so much 🙂 Whit shared a live dining room tour and I shared my Master bedroom. The videos are only available for 24 hours and then they are deleted but it’s a fun chance for us to share unedited live tours of our home, building tips and answer any questions you might have! It’s so fun and we would love for you to follow us!*
Tool prize:
12-INCH SLIDING COMOUND MITER SAW
18-VOLT DRILL AND CHARGER COMBO
16-GAUGE FINISH NAILER
Now that’s a lot to step up your DIY game!! Just follow the instructions in the box below 🙂 Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Hell is this house only designed for small puppies ? I own a German Shepard and I wanted to build it . Will you ever make a version for bigger dogs ?
Just increase the dimensions? Goof
Some truly wonderful work on behalf of the owner of this
website, absolutely great subject material.
I loved this model it souds super fun to make!
thanks for sharing this cool project
It’s a beginner project this ? I can do it with scrap wood materials
Ah lovely! btw my dog name is Alvin too.. He will definitely love this dog house! I am so glad I saw this on the right time. Thank you
Do you have these plans available for a larger house? Thank you!
Have the winning names been released yet? I am being impatient but can’t wait to see if my name was drawn….lol!
Hey Jennifer!
Yes, all three winners have been emailed and have responded 🙂
Who won?!
Hi Bobi!
The three winners have been emailed 🙂
It would be awesome to have these tools! The first thing I want to build is the Jewelry Cabinet/Mirror! I love it! After that, I want to build many different things for our first home! 🙂
I would love some of those neat ryobi tools to help me build some furniture for my kids college apartments.
Very cool project ! Many thanks for your creative and affordable ideas.
I would use these tools for so many diy projects! Especially a cabinet for my bathroom!
I would love to build this dog house for my new pup as well as many of your other projects that I love
I would build bunk beds for my girls!
I’m so in love with Ryobi tools and drool every time I see this
beauty. Would love to have one! First thing I’d build is a sofa/console
table for my son and his bride for their first wedding anniversary.
My tool collection is finally growing and these would be a great addition– next up on my “to build” list is the jewelry case from your website!– I just finished some great planter boxes!
LOVE this dog house… we have 4 pooches and live in the desert so they really need all the shade they can get. Would love to have the tools, too! :o) I’d definitely build a couple of these houses and then work on building my pallet up-cycle repertoire. The plan is to have an outdoor L-shaped couch from pallets, a pallet coffee table, and pallet hanging wall gardens to start.
I think the better question is what wouldn’t we build! I’ve got my eye on the floating desk, storage bed and now this adorable dog house. Would love to super size it for a cool kids lounge space!
I would love this…. A table for my deck!!!
I love these plans and the Ryobi tools! I think I’ll use them to build a bed for myself first, and then for my dog! 🙂
I love this dog house! My pups need one to get away from the heat too. I’d love these tools to get working on my new kitchen island!
The dog house looks great! Our next project is a pantry so new tools would be helpful!
I really want to enter the drawing! I could get so much use out of these tools to build the bed I’ve been planning. Unfortunately, my comments keep getting marked as spam 🙁 I hope this one works!
These tools would be amazing! I’m building the Fancy X Desk right now and these tools would make it even easier. With the desk building going this well, I would use these tools to build the bed I’m been planning!
I am a graduate student with a college budget, BOO! I have been following you forever and would love to add these beauties to my tool collection. If I won I would make the farm house table for my dining room first, then the king bed frame, and then the wine holder. Thats just the start of what I want to build. I follow you guys on all social media sites (instagram, pinterest, Facebook, periscope) and absolutely LOVE everything you make! You are my house inspiration 🙂 Hope you pick me!!!!!
I love Ryobi tools! I would especially love to own the 12-INCH SLIDING COMPOUND MITER SAW to start building my new workshop. Thanks!
PS I can’t figure out Periscope so one chance for me! Thanks so much! 🙂
Great Giveaway! I would make some bookshelves and a desk for my office which is sorely in need! And then a ramp in the back for my aging dogs. Thanks for the opportunity!
I’ve picked up some reclaimed wood from neighborhood fences damaged in a storm. I’d like to make your floating shelves along with a couple of wine racks as gifts to start with, then who knows?
I love this dog house! We have a Husky and it’s much too hot for a traditional dog house, but this would be great and the tools would make is super simple!
The hubby and I love your site. We are planning to build your farmhouse table and these tools would be SO handy! 🙂
I would be able to build sooo much with these tools! We just bought our first home and are SLOWLY filling it with new projects and builds! These tools would so SOO helpful in creating our first home together! Fingers crossed 😀
What would I not build with these?! I’ve been wanting a miter saw for a while and this would give me the push I need to get building a headboard (or whole bed frame), and I’ve had my eye on your dining table plans, too! I love everything you guys do, and this dog house would be the perfect perch for our Sharpei in our huge new yard… I might have to bring it off the ground a little and put a step on it to stay dry in our rainy South Florida weather, though!
Those tools are calling my name, as are more of your projects! Next up is a front entry bench.
I would use them to build a new chicken coop.
I would love to add the tools to my shop!
Need to build this for our dog, he is the same as yours and wants to be everywhere we are at. Just need to modify your plans to about twice the size since I don’t think our dog would fit in that dog house.
This doggie cabana is so cute. Almost makes me want to get a pet. Love it and would love to have those Ryobi tools.
I love this dog house and my dogs would too. I would totally make this with Ryobi tools!
Those tools would be so great! Just ordered a Ryobi Corner Cat Sander and would be so excited to add these to my collection! I would build a changing table for my 9 month old daughter and child on the way. Also, would love to do a large outdoor table for my patio! Pick me!! 😉
I found your website about 2 weeks ago and I am in love! I have never been a DIYer, but when I moved into a foreclosure about 3 years ago I had to become one! My boyfriend and I have built the Outdoor X table and are currently working on the matching benches. When we first started he was the main one using the tools, but I’m definitely getting the hang now and would love some of my own! Some upcoming projects from your site I would like to complete are the round side table and king size bed and matching night stands. (possibly even some dressers to go with!) Outside of your site, we need to complete some trim in our house since we just finished putting down a bunch of laminate flooring. Also, I love to put a pergola on our deck, so that might be in the future plans too!
You girls are awesome! I’m always inspired by your projects. After making many of your furniture pieces (so many options, love it), I think I’m ready to tackle built-in storage for my mudroom. I always read through your directions, even if I’m not planning on making the piece. I feel that all the tips are going to be helpful in planning and succeeding on my own custom projects.
I need to build a big girl loft bed for my daughter, so that 12″ sliding miter saw would come in very handy for that.
I want to build many projects! One that I’m dying to build is the rustic king size bed!
I would love to build the farmhouse coffee cabinet or a sofa table for my living room.
I would love to build an sofa/entryway table or a picnic table/ bench combo for a friend.
My husband would use them to build things for our 4 young grandsons, we are on a fixed income and these would be great to have.
Can’t wait to build a bed! 🙂
I would use both of them to build a new coffee table.
My fiance and I just bought our first house (YAY!) and we made the decision to build all of our furniture…which has resulted in us quickly turning into DIYers. Right now I would say building a bed frame to get the mattress off of the ground 🙂
My husband and i are remodeling our garage to include a craft workshop for me!! I cant wait to get started on all my projects. I would use these tools for not only the workshop but all the projects i have save all over my computer!
My 6 year old daughter wants me to build her a monster high doll house. I would then attemt to build the king size you have posted.
I could really use that saw to build some outdoor furniture.
The first thing I would build would be my dining room table that I have been dreaming of building! Then I would move down the list of things I want to build that seems to grow everyday!
I so love the Air Strike….my most coveted tool ever! I so need this in my life.
The list is endless. We just bought a house and we have so many projects. I would love to build a cover for our deck, shelves in the bathroom, a table for crafts, a shelf for coffee and tea, and a toy chest.
My husband and I are HUGE fans of Ryobi tools all because of you! I’ve been wanting to make a pallet wall, pretty much in every room in our home (so I’ll really have to narrow it down so I don’t over due that trend). And also your floating shelves are something that I can’t get out of my mind and plan to hopefully make soon!
Since I have never built anything, I am excited to try just about anything. I would probably start with a simple shelf project, maybe a towel rack shelf for the bathroom.
I would LOVE these tools! For a while, my friends and I were combining tools, and building things together and they provided the miter saw, but they’ve since taken their tools back, and there have been a lot of projects I’ve wanted to do, but couldn’t because I didn’t have these tools!
I would totally use these tools to build a sofa table, 2 bed side tables, and a farmhouse table. I’ve done so much research on all these. I also have plans drawn to remove all the wire shelving from my master closet and replace it with wood! I’m excited about that, but just know that these tools would make the job sooo much easier!!! Please pick me. 🙂
I would use the tools to make barn accessories (trough/barn tool stand/etc) for our Highland Cattle.
I would redo all of the trim in my house. I also want to make the Becca trunk coffee table. My list goes on. I also want to DIY a butcher block counter top etc. I also need to practice my miter cuts.
I would build in a desk area in this perfect little book in out kitchen
I would build a large backpack storage shelf for our school band (already planned out), a raised bed with desk and dresser for my older daughter, and a good workbench for my workshop.
This would make life so much easier for me, I build many ice chests with a air gun, chords all over!
LOVE all of your plans!! I would build new dining benches, a desk, and some end tables 🙂 Thanks for the awesome giveaway!!
I would build my girls a bunk bed! I am so excited to build some actual furniture this Summer! Up until now, I’ve only been doing little projects (building a shelf…) and am stoked to take this next step in building! And I have to say that this blog is what inspired me to do it! Love your blog! Love the ideas you guys come up with!!!! Thank you thank you thank you!
I would build so many things if I got these awesome tools. First, I would build my son a full size bed, night stand, and desk. Then I would build a kitchen island like the one you built. I can go on & on & on building so much stuff. I also live in Texas and I know Texas heat, that has never stopped me from building in my garage. Any of these tools would come in handy in helping me build stuff.
This dog house/pergola/breezeway hybrid is perfect. Our pup of 13 years passed away a few months back. Since that time her companion, Ivan, will frequently lay on her grave site. Yup, he just lays there. I planted a tree over the grave but it is still quite tiny. I would love to give Ivan a comfortable little spot (with shade!) where he can visit with his old pal. Thank you for the post; it’s brilliant.
I would build workshop storage bins,furniture for bedrooms and living room, picture frames and whatever else my wife wants to build!
My husband and I are slowly replacing the furniture in our house with stuff we build ourselves. Dressers, beds, kitchen storage, patio furniture and decor, and a mobile outdoor kitchen are all on our ‘to-do’ list. We are also making clocks and other wall decor ourselves. It is such a sense of pride, accomplishment, and home to finish something that was built by us, for us. We are addicted and love it!
This would help with that factory cart table, the reclaimed wood nightstands, and help finish up the platform bed I’ve been working on!
I love the breezy dog house idea! And the Ryobi tools would make the job so much easier. I would love to finally have my very own tools. A chicken coop and a seat around my deck would be the first things I would build!
I love this! I want to build this exact dog house!
I have at least 12 projects planned ready to go and would love to use these new tools and the wonderful plans you provide on this site.
Such a good idea! I would start by building a new table to set my indoor plants on and then I would build everything in your archives as well haha.
Love it! I would build everything in your archives. HA!
I would start with a new bench and then maybe a kitchen table.
I would build end tables, bookshelves, a fireplace mantle,a dog house,a chicken coop, and a deck with these tools
Our 100+ lb fur baby would LOVE this dog house, and these tools would help my husband knock several things off his honey do list!
We just bought a house and I’d use these for all of the DIY projects needed to make it our home.
There are so many projects on my ‘need (or want:) to build’ list! Your Factory Cart Coffee Table has been a favorite of mine since I first saw it, but I’m badly in need of some new shelves too.
OH my! Beautiful tools! I would definitely build this dog house and a whole list of things I have to build! I need a new king bed also. Wooo what a dream to have these tools!
I would use these to build the Restoration Hardware dining table and benches. Can’t wait for the first meal with my family around that beautiful table!
I would luv to win these tools!
Well it is a shame we Canadians ( From Montreal Quebec ) can not enter.
Because we have 3 dogs. Small, medium, and large.
Our summers also can be quite hot, so a nice shady home with open sides sounds ideal.
It is a beautiful breezy home for Alvin, just another thoughtful project for a member of you family.
I would build the coffee table!
I would build a new mantle at our house. We bought a fixer upper and the fireplace is in need of some fixin’!
We’re about to buy a whole so I want to build ALL THE THINGS! I’ve had these tools pinned for months now!
I think I would build that square coffee table one of you made (can’t remember which one… you both do such beautiful work)! I love it and have been wanting one like that! But after that, I have lots of things I want to build/do!
Thank you for the great giveaway!
We need proper beds in our house. so I will build those
I would trim out my kitchen cabinets before I paint them.
My ultimate goal is the king size bed! I want to start with the kingsington night stand. One for myself and one for my husband. I do not have many tools and would love to start my collection! The idea of making my own furniture makes me happy!!
The first item I would build would be a new bed for my oldest son’s room. He has been so patient sharing a room with his younger brother that I would love for him to have a great bed in his “teen room”. A close second item would be the great desk system you built for your son. I love it!!!!
The dog house is so cool and Alvin is adorable. I would build some shelves for the kitchen. Thanks!
I couldn’t get periscope to load either however I have never tried it. I know exactly what I would build though! Floating shelves and the console table. I love your work! Your style is beautiful. I moved to North Texas from Hawaii so I like to add my own island flavor when I mimic one of your designs. Thank you between you and Ana White I am completely inspired and full of confidence I can build anything. Oh my poor husband! Thank you again!
So many things to build. I would start with a linen cabinet for our master bedroom.
Oh fun! If use these tools to build a farmhouse table!
Couldn’t get Periscope to load from here but do follow both.
I want to build a ladder type book shelf for my dining room. So cute esp with the little B/W Shih-Tzu. Looks so much like my Derby.
My gosh! What would I build? Well, I’m a single mom and I just bought a house. I already built my farmhouse table, but had to borrow all the power tools from a friend. Trying to furnish my home as inexpensive as possible. So I also plan to build the platform bed for my son, cart for he kitchen, closet organizer, mud room organizer, media center for bedroom and living room, barn door for the bathroom. That’s just what I need right now, sure there will be more. I love your site! I recommend your site all the time. It’s definitely my go to for ideas when I need something!
I would love this soo much…I want to build a kitchen island!
I would love to win this. I would use it to build a dining table and coffee table for our new house.
I would love to win this. I would build slide out drawers for my pantry, a new end table to go beside our recliner, a new corner entertainment stand and a pull down garbage can with magazine storage for our bathroom. Thanks for this opportunity. Love your blogs. Keep up the good work.
I would like to design and build a sewing table for my craft room that suits ME!
I would build the sofa/console table!!!
I would love to make this. But first I have to figure out how to upsize it since my dog weighs 90 pounds. I think he would love it, though.
Wow!! Awesome! Great house and I’m sure your little pup is happy :). Thanks for hosting the great giveaway!
OH MY! What wouldn’t I build?!?! I have already built your farmhouse table and have the lumber to make your floating shelves. I’d love to make this doggy-house and your outdoor dinning table!
Super cute dog house! We have 2 Dachshunds that just might need one of these! Next week we are starting to build my son and daughter twin size loft bed for their rooms! Then we are going to attempt the farmhouse bed that Ana White designed!
Soo many things on my build list!! top 3- Farmhouse table, laundry room cabinets, closet organizer. And now I guess I need to add an outdoor hangout spot for our puppy named cozy.
A sliding miter saw would be wonderful to have. As a lefty I’ve never been fully comfortable with a circular-saw, but there are always projects around the house that need to be done – like the screen I’ve been putting off building to go around my A/C to keep poplar fuzz and other debris out of the unit.
Closet makeover
Our next project is a king sized bed frame with two side tables. The sliding miter saw would come in really handy! Thank you for all the great projects!
I would love to build my son his own bed!
I would build the big king size bed!
Definitely build this house for my little guy. He loves to be outside with us! Would also build a new dining table, console table, cabinets for our laundry room and new closet systems. Just bought a house that needs a lot of updates!
I would def build this house, perhaps build two one for the pets and one for my daughter because who said its only for the pooches
I would build a built in bench for our bay window.
I would built a doggie house for my dog sonic, built a book case and a picnic table for my back year!!
I would build a farmhouse dining table for sure!
Love it! Need to make this for my Sadie!
Love this! I would love those tools to do this and other projects!
Super cute dog hut! Oh I could use these Ryobi tools. I have a whole list of Shanty projects. I started off small making the address post and garden hose holder. I’m ready to tackle the bigger projects 🙂
First thing would either be a bench for under our big window or dog crate for our pups.
I would use the tools to finish making my chicken coop and new office furniture. I also might try making this adorable dog house as well. Thanks!
I have a long list of things to build with these tools!! 🙂 Probably my first project would be an entryway storage bench.
I would use these tools for quite a few things, fixing the old house that I just bought, making furniture for it, and making that fun dog house that my pup Mac would absolutely love!!
Wow, this is so cute! I just wish I had the space. I really would like to make a good standing desk (but no tools) I work from home and boy do I get tired of sitting down all the time.
I would love to build a deck for my back yard.
We just got married and are moving into a new home. I have been wanting to build your farmhouse table for awhile. Now I want this dog house and everything else!
Awesome dog bed! Would love to build a deck and outdoor seating and table with those awesome RYOBI tools.
I would build this dog house or the plank wall! Love them both!!
I would love to build a new bed frame!
So far on my list of things to build are a desk, media center, and now this adorable dog house! I’ve got friends with 2 little pups, and I’d adjust the sizing for my 50lb pup who could use a comfy covered spot outside 🙂 Thanks for the plans!!
Love the dog house! My three dogs would be fighting for it! I just discovered Ryobi tools at Haven this past weekend. I’m sold! I would love to install hardwood floors in my closet using Ryobi tools.
My husband would build us a kitchen table!
OMG I have a zillion projects in mind, and I can only complete them with THESE TOOLS!! I want to build window casings for the windows on the first floor in my home. I have plans for a new coffee table in the living room, a headboard in my teenage daughter’s dorm room, a sofa table, cornice boards for my dining room windows, a desk for the master bedroom, and flower boxes for my backyard fence!
So adorable! I need a new bed frame so that is what I would build with these tools!! 🙂
Such a stinkin’ cute dog house! I would love to build a picnic table with those tools! ~janice
I would LOVE to have these tools so that I can build a bedroom set for my parents 🙂
I have been so inspired by this blog!!! I have a list of things I want to build from your blog, but first things first…..the rolling wood organizer!!
I would love to use these tools to build a desk at my first home, first build ever! :)))
I am already stocking tools to build the 4×4 truss table for our dining room but I would love to build this house too!
I am planning on making built in bedside cabinet and shelves…would LOVE to use new tools 🙂
Love your DIYs! Girls rock!!!
Will look great in our new backyard ??
My wife and I are expecting a son in September. I’d love to build a bed and some shelving for the little guy!
I think my mini Aussie would love this bed 🙂 I would definitely make this to put in our new backyard!
I am starting the platform bed for our guest room! First big project I have ever tackled, nervous as all heck starting a big project! Would love some new tools to calm my anxieties!
My pup would love this!!! I’m currently building your workbench on casters!!! Love it!!
I don’t think my dog would fit on this bed!
I plan on building a outside table and bench for our new patio!
Definitely building the Factory Cart Coffee Table!!
So cute! If I won, I’d make the outdoor table and benches. Love all your projects! Thanks 🙂
I would love to build a dining room table and a new bed for my master bedroom!!