Your dog prefers to spend time outside. For its well-being, it is better to offer it a nice doghouse. However, the latter proves expensive to buy. To save money, why not make it yourself?
Wooden pallets are not only used to make garden furniture. You can also use them to build a shelter for your pet.
If you want to assemble it but don’t know how to start, take your time and read this article. Discover the steps to follow and follow the instructions.
📋 Key points: Personally, I consider recycling pallets for your dog to be the most rewarding and economical DIY project at the moment. With about 3 reclaimed pallets and a few screws, you can create a sturdy shelter for less than 20 euros. It’s an ecological approach that combines animal protection and reduction of construction waste.
How to build a pallet doghouse and what tools are needed?
Whether you are a weekend handyman or a professional, making a pallet doghouse is not difficult at all. In any case, it is crucial to have some basic woodworking knowledge. Also, make sure to equip yourself with the necessary tools and you’re good to go.
Among the basic tools, you will need a hammer, a clamp, a spirit level, a ruler, a tape measure, a pencil, paper, a jigsaw, a square, a drill driver, a rotary sander, screws, and nails.
🎒 On site: During my first build in October 2024, I forgot to treat the bottom of the doghouse. Result: after a rainy winter, the wood was already starting to gray and soak up water. The lesson is simple: never neglect raising the doghouse with feet or concrete blocks to cut off ground moisture.
For additional materials, use paint to decorate the exterior walls of the doghouse. A protective wood stain helps treat the wood against insects and moisture.
| Construction Steps | Description | Necessary Tools |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Pallet recovery | Choose pallets in good condition, chemically untreated (marking “HT” recommended). | Protective gloves Pry bar or claw hammer |
| 2. Dismantling the boards | Remove the boards from the pallets without breaking them to reuse. | Hammer Pry bar Jigsaw (if needed) |
| 3. Sanding the wood | Remove splinters and smooth surfaces for safety and better finish. | Electric sander Sandpaper (medium and fine grit) |
| 4. Cutting the elements | Measure and cut the boards according to the desired dimensions for the doghouse. | Tape measure Marking pencil Circular saw or jigsaw |
| 5. Assembling the structure | Fix the boards together to form the walls, floor, and roof of the doghouse. | Wood screws Drill-driver Carpenter’s square |
| 6. Finishing and protection | Apply a stain or varnish to protect the wood from weather. Optionally add a metal or shingle roof. | Brush or roller Exterior stain or varnish Nails or screws for the roof |
⚠️ Warning
Wanting to make a doghouse too large for your dog is a common mistake. The dog heats the doghouse with its own body heat. If the space is too vast, the calories are lost and the animal will be cold all winter.
To make bevel cuts, use a miter box. Sandpaper allows you to smooth the wood during finishing.
To create the doghouse, the main material is none other than pallets. As for the roof covering, pallet slats can do the job. You can install them overlapping.
Regarding insulation, rock wool is a better choice especially if you live in a rainy and cold region. Also, you can use a PVC swinging door on the opening to keep the heat during the night.
Before making the doghouse, it is advisable to draw a plan and create a design according to your inspiration. After determining its dimensions and shape, start by dismantling the pallets to have the boards.
Once done, the next step is to assemble them to make the walls. To fix them together, you can choose between wood glues or screws. Leave an opening at the front to facilitate the animal’s entry.
To ensure its comfort, you can add blankets, cushions, a bowl, and toys. If you wish, use stickers or paint to personalize the doghouse.
💡 Practical tip
For the roof, use a scrap of shingle or EPDM tarp. Allow an overhang of 5 to 10 cm on each side so that rainwater does not drip directly onto the walls of the doghouse.
What is the average cost of building a pallet doghouse?
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Alternatively, you can ask for permission at supermarkets or DIY warehouses to take them.
There are also a number of pallets on construction sites. Equipment is often delivered with them.
Otherwise, you can find them at wholesalers or even small businesses. Since you have a wide choice of collection, try to favor only quality pallets.
If they are not free, they are offered at an affordable price. Generally, the average cost of making a doghouse ranges between 50 to 60 euros. If you compare beforehand the price of market doghouses, you will understand that your project is a very good deal.
What are the advantages of using pallets to build a pet doghouse?
👍 Strengths
- Almost zero cost price
- Very sturdy and durable wood
- Customizable rustic style
👎 Weaknesses
- Hard pallet disassembly
- Requires a lot of sanding
- Budget savings: As explained in the passage above, a pallet doghouse can be designed at low cost. These materials are sometimes offered for free, allowing you to save money.
- DIY autonomy: With some DIY knowledge, there is no need to buy a new doghouse for your pet. You can very well make it yourself.
- Material strength: Pallets are also highly praised for their undeniable quality. Their resistance to weather and moisture is part of it. That is why they are also used for garden furniture.
- Wood protection: In any case, it is necessary to treat the wood with a stain that ensures its protection. Over the years, this material does not withstand the test of time. To preserve its original condition, try to take care of it.
- Warm atmosphere: Like any wooden construction, a pallet doghouse provides a warm atmosphere to your outdoor space.
- Natural aesthetics: Due to its natural charm, it adds an aesthetic touch that highlights your garden. Moreover, it easily matches other garden furniture and decor accessories.
- Ease of assembly: To make a doghouse, pallets are easy to work with and assemble. It can be built without difficulty by following a few steps.
- Ecological gesture: When you recover materials, you also reduce waste to protect the environment.
How to adjust the size of the doghouse according to the size of the pet?
Before designing the pallet doghouse, you must first define its dimensions. If it is too large, your dog will get cold. For a shelter that is too small, it will lack space. Therefore, it is essential to choose the right size for your dog’s refuge.
If you want to know the correct dimensions, it is recommended to measure the animal. To do this, measure the length from its snout to the base of its tail. The same applies to the height of its shoulders.
Then, measure the space that allows the dog to turn around. It should not feel cramped when, for example, lying down.
Then add 15 to 25 % to each of the obtained values. These calculations help you define the width, height, and depth of your pet’s shelter.
If you want to determine the dimensions of its opening, please measure the height of the animal’s shoulders.
The entrance of the doghouse should be located at 0.8 times the height of your four-legged friend’s shoulders.
Which types of pallets are best suited for building a doghouse?
There are several types of pallets that can be classified into 2 main families. The first is called returnable. It is represented by the acronym EPAL or EUR. The wood species used are poplar and maritime pine. Since it is used for international transport, it must be sturdy and durable.
🌍 Did you know?
A standard ‘Europe’ type pallet can support up to 1500 kg. This is more than enough for the structure of a doghouse, but it also means that the wood is very dense and requires quality screws to avoid breaking during assembly.
As for the non-returnable category, it is divided into light pallets and those called cement pallets. They are often made of fir, spruce, or Douglas pine.
Since the doghouse is installed outdoors, it needs an ultra-robust finish. The EPAL pieces are among the best choices. They are not only durable but also eco-friendly and non-toxic.
In most cases, these pallets consist of up to 5 wide boards. They measure approximately 80 cm x 120 cm. They are easily disassembled.
It is worth noting that sometimes they come at a cost. If you are looking for completely free materials, you can collect them from construction sites or DIY stores.
Prefer cedar and fir. They act as a natural repellent against parasites and insects.
How to treat pallets to ensure their durability and weather resistance?
Over time, the wood of the pallets is exposed to rain, UV rays, and wind. It is therefore essential to take care of it to extend its lifespan and maintain its original condition.
To do this properly, it is recommended to use a special paint for exterior wood. Two coats are more than enough to guarantee protection of the material for 2 years.
Also, wood stain protects it from moisture and parasites. It should be applied both inside and outside the walls of the doghouse. You can apply 2 or 3 coats depending on the desired results.
If needed, consider reinforcing the shelter with a coat of varnish. Not only does it make the pallets shiny, but it also helps them withstand the weather.
How to decorate the pallet doghouse so it fits perfectly into your outdoor space?
Unlike other materials, pallets are easily customizable. You just have to let your imagination run free.
It is perfectly feasible to paint the doghouse. Choose a shade that easily harmonizes with all the decorative elements of your garden.
Some people use two different shades for the roof and the walls. Others prefer to keep the natural color of the wood.
To give style to the doghouse, dress its walls with stickers. You can also add compartments or shelves to organize your pet’s toys and accessories.
To make the place more comfortable, consider adding cushions and blankets. A lamp is welcome to light the interior.
Frequently Asked Questions
To keep the doghouse always clean, it is recommended to clean it once a week. Feel free to use natural disinfectant products.
To ensure its comfort, add a small blanket and cushions inside the doghouse. If your dog is afraid of the dark, install a nice lamp inside.
You can apply wood stains designed to protect the wood from parasites, insects, and other external aggressions. Choose an ecological product that does not release any harmful substances into the air.
