How to Build a Dog House for Medium Dogs (Imperial Units)

Photorealistic image of the finished wooden medium dog house Model D in a beautiful garden. A black and white dog is resting at the entrance, featuring dark roof tiles, a fabric door flap, surrounded by green grass, plants, and a stone path with gardening tools nearby

This DIY dog house plan provides a detailed step-by-step construction guide for building a durable outdoor shelter designed for medium-sized dogs.

The design uses a straightforward wood-framed construction with 2x4 floor framing, 2x2 wall framing, plywood panels, and a framed roof structure. Detailed drawings, dimensions, component layouts, and material specifications are included throughout the plan set.

The finished dog house measures approximately 33.5" × 39.5" and is designed to provide a compact but comfortable shelter for medium-sized dogs.

Project Dimensions

Four-view technical drawing showing the exact general dimensions for a medium dog house Model D. Includes top, back, front with a 1'-9" x 1'-0" door, and right side views with measurements like 4'-5" and 4'-0"

Materials Required

Lumber

  • 2x4 lumber for floor joists, blocking, and primary roof framing.
  • 2x2 lumber for wall studs, top plates, diagonal braces, and secondary roof joists.
  • 4x4 pressure-treated lumber for the optional elevated base.

Panels

  • 3/4" APA-rated structural plywood for the floor.
  • 1/2" plywood for the interior enclosure panels.
  • 1/2" exterior-grade or marine plywood for the exterior roof sheathing.

Fasteners & Hardware

  • Galvanized structural wood screws
  • Galvanized wood screws
  • Galvanized nails
  • Joist hangers where indicated
  • Galvanized steel angle brackets for selected framing connections

Roofing

  • Asphalt shingles, architectural or 3-tab
  • Roofing felt or synthetic underlayment
  • Hot-dipped galvanized roofing nails

Shopping List

Material takeoff summary table showing the commercial units and purchase quantities needed to build a medium dog house, listing items like galvanized wood screws, exterior grade plywood, and 2x2 lumber

A complete Bill of Materials and Material Takeoff Summary is included in the plan set.

The material list accounts for waste, with piece quantities including an additional 15% allowance for waste, while final purchase quantities are rounded to commercially available units.

Tip: Before purchasing materials, compare the material takeoff with the individual construction drawings to familiarize yourself with each component and its location.

Step 1 — Prepare the Base Skids

Cut the PT-1 pressure-treated 4×4 skids to length. These two base skids provide the foundation for the elevated floor structure.

3D schematic diagram showing the two PT-1 pressure treated wood pieces that make up the base frame for a medium dog house, step 1 model d

Step 2 — Assemble the Floor Frame

Assemble the floor framing using the JF-1, JF-2, and BK-1 pieces, securing the joists and perimeter members to create the complete floor frame.

3D structural diagram showing the floor framing layout for a medium dog house, including labeled JF-1 and JF-2 floor joists, and multiple BK-1 support blocks, step 2 model d

Step 3 — Install the Floor Panel and Bottom Plate

Install the PL-0 floor panel, then assemble the BP-1, BP-2, and BP-3 bottom plates around the perimeter, following the layout shown in the plans.

3D structural diagram showing the placement of the PL-0 plywood floor and the BP-1 through BP-3 bottom plates to start the wall framing for a medium dog house, step 3 model d

Step 4 — Assemble the Wall Framing

Install the ST-1 and ST-2 wall studs, along with the TP-1 and TP-2 top plates. Add the BR-1 brace as shown to complete the wall framing.

3D isometric wireframe diagram showing the complete wall framing structure for a medium dog house, including labeled ST studs, TP top plates, BR braces, and an internal partition, step 4 model d

Step 5 — Install the Design Supports

Install the ST-3 support studs in the locations shown. These members establish the angled geometry and overall shape of the dog house.

3D isometric wireframe diagram showing the placement of ST-3 structural supports at the top and bottom nodes, which give the unique design shape to the medium dog house, step 5 model d

Step 6 — Install the Interior Panels

Install the PL-1, PL-2, and PL-3 interior panels over the framed walls, following the layout shown in the plans.


3D wireframe diagram showing the layout and placement of PL-1, PL-2, and PL-3 interior plywood panels on the walls and top of a medium dog house frame, step 6 model d

Step 7 — Install the Roof Framing

Install the JR-1 and JR-2 roof framing members, following the roof geometry and spacing shown in the plans.

3D isometric wireframe diagram showing the roof framing structure for a medium dog house, with red lines highlighting the roof truss and labeled JR-1 and JR-2 roof rafters, step 7 model d

Step 8 — Install the Exterior Panels

Install the PL-4, PL-5, PL-6, and PL-7 exterior panels over the framed walls and roof, following the panel layout shown in the plans.


3D isometric wireframe diagram showing the placement of PL-4 through PL-7 exterior plywood panels covering both the walls and sloped roof of a medium dog house, step 8 model d

Step 9 — Install the Asphalt Shingles

Install the AS-1 asphalt shingles over the roof panels, following the roof layout and installation details provided in the plans.

3D isometric wireframe diagram showing the placement of AS-1 asphalt shingles on the sloped roof of a medium dog house, step 9 model d

Step 10 — Install the Entrance Frame

Install the EF-1 and EF-2 entrance frame pieces around the opening, aligning them with the entrance profile shown in the plans.


3D wireframe diagram showing the placement of EF-1 and EF-2 entrance frame pieces around the red outlined doorway opening of a medium dog house, step 10 model d

Step 11 — Apply the Finishes

Apply the specified exterior finishes: asphalt shingles to the roof, natural wood finish to the walls, white finish at the entrance, and exterior-grade matte black paint to the base and trim.


Schematic showing two finish options for a medium dog house, detailing the application of architectural asphalt shingles, natural wood finish, white wood finish, and exterior-grade matte black paint, step 11 model d

See the Plans in Action

Watch the video demonstration to get a better understanding of the design, construction sequence, and overall assembly of this medium dog house.


Note: The video is provided as a visual reference. For complete dimensions, detailed drawings, material information, and construction details, refer to the full set of plans.

Ready to Build Your Own?

Access the full plans with detailed dimensions, construction drawings, material information, and step-by-step instructions.

Thank You for Choosing Our Plans!

We hope these plans help you create a comfortable, durable, and stylish home for your dog.

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