[Sub]urban Doghouse
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![[Sub]urban Doghouse - Complete](http://www.readymade.com/file_uploads/7778/suburban_doghouse_1__large.jpg)
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“Altogether we, and more importantly my parents’ dog, Nash, were very pleased with the final product and hope that it will inspire others to design and build better homes for their pets.” —Brian Pickard -
![[Sub]urban Doghouse - Construction](http://www.readymade.com/file_uploads/7778/suburban_doghouse_2__large.jpg)
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![[Sub]urban Doghouse - Design](http://www.readymade.com/file_uploads/7778/suburban_doghouse_3__large.jpg)
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Posted by Brian Pickard
Brian Pickard
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
pickard-design.com
“I grew up in the Midwest and worked for several years in various aspects of construction prior to pursuing my career in architecture and design. I founded pickard-design, ltd., in 2005 as a concept and process driven multidisciplinary firm focusing on the use of designed objects, systems, and environments in contemporary culture.”
To download the construction pdf, click here.
To see the rest of the 2011 ReadyMade 100, click here.
Skill Level
Moderate
Active Time
More than a weekend
Cost
$$$
- 2x2 framing pieces (1½x1½-inch actual):
- 001: three at 1 inch
- 002: one at 4 3/16 inches
- 003: one at 5½ inches
- 004: two at 7½ inches
- 005: two at 8¼ inches
- 006: two at 9 inches
- 007: one at 1 foot
- 008: four at 1 foot 2¼ inches
- 009: four at 1 foot 5¾ inches
- 010: four at 1 foot 7¼ inches
- 011: one at 1 foot 8¼ inches
- 012: one at 1 foot 8½ inches
- 013: fourteen at 1 foot 9 inches
- 014: one at 1 foot 9¾ inches
- 015: one at 1 foot 10 inches
- 016: two at 1 foot 10½ inches
- 017: two at 1 foot 11 1⁄8 inches
- 018: one at 1 foot 11¼ inches
- 019: three at 2 feet
- 020: four at 2 feet 1¾ inches
- 021: one at 2 feet 2 inches
- 022: thirteen at 2 feet 2 3/16 inches
- 023: one at 2 feet 2½ inches
- 024: six at 3 feet 7½ inches
- 025: three at 3 feet 10½ inches
- 1x1 framing (¾x¾-inch actual):
- 026: two at 4½ inches
- 027: one at 6 inches
- 028: one at 7½ inches
- 029: one at 1 foot
- 030: one at 1 foot 3 inches
- 031: one at 1 foot 6¾ inches
- 032: two at 1 foot 9 inches
- 033: one at 1 foot 9¾ inches
- 034: two at 1 foot 10½ inches
- ¾-inch exterior-grade plywood:
- 035: 2 feet 4 inches x 2 feet 5¼ inches
- 036: 2 feet 1½ inches x 4 feet
- 037: see corresponding numbered illustration
- 038: see corresponding numbered illustration
- 039: see corresponding numbered illustration
- 040: see corresponding numbered illustration
- 041: see corresponding numbered illustration
- ½-inch exterior-grade beadboard paneling:
- 042: 2 foot 1 inch x 2 foot 1¾ inches
- 043: see corresponding numbered illustration
- 044: see corresponding numbered illustration
- 045: see corresponding numbered illustration
- ¼-inch clear acrylic panel:
- 046: 6 inch x 1 foot 9 inches
- 047: 7½ inch x1 foot 9¾ inches
- 048: 1 foot 4¼-inches x 1 foot 9¼ inches
- 049: see corresponding illustration
- Additional materials:
- Nine 12x12x2-inch concrete pavers
- Crushed stone, for base
- Wood screws (38-inch, 1½-inch, and 2½-inch)
- 1¼-inch finish nails
- Non-toxic wood glue
- Clear silicone sealant
- Paintable latex caulk
- Exterior latex primer
- Exterior latex paint (two colors)
Materials
- Measuring tape
- Circular saw
- Jig saw
- Power drill/driver
- Caulk gun
- Paint brushes
- Power sander
- Shovel
- Level
- Rubber mallet
- Safety glasses
- Work gloves
Tools
To download instructional pdf, click here. To decrease possible damage to the wood due to exposure to the weather, apply one coat of exterior latex primer to all surfaces of all wood members prior to assembly.
Use appropriate length wood screws (1½-inch for sheathing and 2½-inch for framing) and drill pilot holes (1/32-inch) as necessary. For a more finished look, countersink screw heads and fill holes with exterior grade wood putty.
When setting the concrete pavers for the base, first dig up any existing grass under the location the doghouse is to be placed and thoroughly compact 2-3 inches of crushed stone in that area (4x4 feet). Finally, to prevent rainwater from accumulating in the doghouse, use a level and rubber mallet to tap the pavers down and slope the “foundation” roughly ½-inch towards the front of the doghouse.
Cut all angled framing 1/16-inch longer than necessary and use a power sander to remove excess to assure a proper, snug, and aligned fit.
To install the 1x1 framing, apply a thin bead of wood glue to the framing and secure in place using finish nails. To avoid cracking the acrylic panels during installation, drill pilot holes large enough for the wood screws (3/8-inch long) to fit through easily and do NOT over-tighten the screws.
Apply a thin bead of clear silicone sealant at the joint between the two acrylic panels after securing them into place.
Attach framing of porch roof at wall stud locations to avoid exposed screw ends inside.
Sand all corners, edges, and surfaces. Caulk all cracks, joints, seams, etc. and apply a minimum of two coats of exterior latex paint in two contrasting shades as shown.
