Which Kind Of Lumber Is Best To Build A Doghouse?

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While dogs may be part of the family, some pets do spend a good deal of time outside. If so, the family pet will surely appreciate a dog house to relax in. Like many people, dogs also enjoy having their own space to retreat to. In that way, a doghouse can serve as shelter, shade, and of course, a den.

What Kind Of Lumber Works Best For Doghouses?

Building a doghouse is a pretty manageable project that typically only requires a few tools, supplies, and materials. Doghouses can be constructed out of various elements. Most people usually chose a type of lumber because wood is fairly inexpensive and easy to work with.

It’s important to examine the qualities of different kinds of lumber to choose the best one. The right choice might depend upon the climate, available materials, and even the dog.

These are some good suggestions for doghouse lumber:

Cedar

In any area of the country with warm and humid weather, cedar is a logical choice for a doghouse. This kind of wood resists rotting well, so the doghouse should hold up better in humid or wet conditions. As an added benefit, cedar acts as a natural insect repellent, so it helps to keep bugs away. Cedar might not be the cheapest kind of lumber, but it’s durable and practical.

The advantages of cedar make it a popular choice for doghouses. It’s also commonly used for other outdoor structures like decks. The main disadvantage is that cedar is a fairly soft wood, so it might not be the best choice for dogs that like to chew on everything around them.

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Untreated Pine or Hemlock

Some people use natural pine or hemlock for their doghouses because these wood stocks are common and inexpensive in their area and have an attractive look that might match decking and other outdoor structures. Untreated pine and hemlock won’t resist rotting as cedar does. It’s best to put the doghouse on a small concrete slab or another platform to keep the structure off of the wet ground, even if it is outdoor lumber.

Doghouse builders should resist the urge to buy pressure-treated pine. These planks may be sturdy, but it is possible that the chemicals in the lumber could harm the pets. It also might be tempting to treat wood, but it’s wise to check with a vet or specialist of some kind before applying any chemicals that could be toxic to animals.

Why Is Wood Better Than Other Materials For Dog Houses?

Building a wooden dog house usually only requires lumber, a saw, a hammer, nails, and a plan. Some people use plastic for projects like this, but wood might be a better choice because it is a natural and sustainable material. Also, most people find wood easier to work with and more attractive.

In addition, wood offers natural insulation to keep dogs cool in the summer and warm in the winter. People who choose plastic usually have to also add extra insulation.

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“Right Size” The Dog House For Comfort

It’s fairly easy to find simple doghouse plans. Try to find plans for a doghouse that’s big enough for the dog to turn around in. On the other hand, don’t make the building too large because it won’t stay naturally warm in the winter. If the structure isn’t too large, the dog’s natural body heat should help a wooden doghouse warm up quickly.

These are some general suggestions for building the right size doghouse:

* Add 12 inches to the dog’s height
* Add 9 inches to the dog’s width
* Add 18 inches to the dog’s length

In any case, building a doghouse makes a great project for folks with even the most basic woodworking skills. Dogs are usually delighted to have these shelters, and their owners will be happier if they use the best lumber!

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