When planning your redwood landscaping project, you may want to consider adding a structure for man’s best friend. A well-designed dog house made of Mendocino redwood would be
a beautiful addition to any yard and blend with existing redwood structures such as decks or fences.
Building a dog house is a project the entire family can get involved in. Working with tools and measurements can provide a memorable learning experience for young children and teens. The relatively small size of a doghouse and short project timeline may also be more manageable as a starter project for young people.
Online resources, such as Doggie Stylish, offer free dog house plans and helpful information. When choosing or adapting plans for your dog house, you will want to consider several factors, including size, comfort, safety and ease of use. Select a size that is just right for your dog. While you may want to indulge your pooch, remember that in the winter months, your dog’s body will heat the house. If your dog has enough room to turn around inside the house, it is big enough.
Whatever plans you decide upon, be sure to add vents in the roof to let air flow through. This prevents both overheating in the summer and mold in the damper months. As with any living structure, protect your doghouse from the elements. Redwood heartwood should be used for the floor boards, and use overhangs on the roof for drainage purposes.
For materials, Mendocino redwood dimensional lumber is an excellent choice; not does it meet California’s strict fire standards, but it is resistant to insects and decay. In addition, redwood is a renewable resource that is grown and harvested in accordance with stringent environmental standards.
To get started building a fun and rewarding dog house for your best friend, try connecting online with The Home Depot “How To” Community to chat with other do-it-yourselfers and Home Depot employees. When you are ready to start building, visit our Store Locator to find The Home Depot in your area where our Mendocino redwood products are sold.
