Dogs
Getting Started
By
Stacy Fisher
Stacy Fisher
Stacy is a freelance writer, crafter, and nationally recognized freebies expert with 18+ years' experience writing about crafts, printables, and DIYs. She has published hundreds of articles and co-authored one book.
Learn more about The Spruce Pets'Editorial Process
Updated on 01/30/24
Reviewed by
Bartley Harrison
Reviewed byBartley Harrison
Dr. Bartley Harrison is a veterinarian with more than 15 years of professional veterinary experience treating dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, birds, and small mammals, with a specific focus on Emergency Medicine. Dr. Harrison is part of The Spruce Pets’ veterinary review board.
Learn more about The Spruce Pets'Veterinary Review Board
With just a few tools, it's possible to make a DIY dog house. Dog houses are fairly simple and budget-friendly projects and can be usually be completed by someone with just basic building skills. They'll take anywhere from half a day to a few days to complete and can easily be done for under $100.
Before using these free dog house plans to build your dog's dream home, make sure that it will be the right fit for the size of your full-grown dog. Some of these plans can even be customized to fit any size of dog, so be sure to look for instructions within the plans for that. These 14 free DIY dog house plans will make sure that your dog has a safe haven from the weather and you can take pride that you built it just for them.
Tip
If you're looking for more projects like these, check out the free cat tree plans and rabbit hutch plans.
01 of 14
Dog House With Deck Plan
Jen Woodhouse has a free dog house plan that has a deck, toy box, and place for food and water. You'll need to sign up for their free newsletter to get the plans and you'll be emailed a PDF with a materials list, tools list, cut list, diagrams, and step-by-step building instructions. Over at Wood Shop Diaries, you can find more tips, photos, and even a walkthrough video to help you complete this quick and easy project.
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Beginner Dog House Plan
Lowe's has an excellent free dog house plan for a great-looking yet simple dog house that will make the perfect home for an average-sized dog. You'll find a tools and materials list, an overview, cutting directions, and building instructions with illustrations.
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Simple A-Frame Dog House Plan
This is a basic dog house plan that's not only easy to build but the finished dog house will look great in your yard. It can be built in less than half a day and you won't spend over $100 for the materials. There's no guesswork when you build this dog house either; blueprints, a material list, step-by-step instructions, and even videos are provided.
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Free Dog House Plan
This standard dog house plan from BuildEazy includes comments and photos from people just like you who have built this dog house. Within the free dog house plan, you'll find a materials list, cutting list, building instructions, and blueprints.
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Pallet Dog House Plan
Use plywood and pallets to create this one-of-a-kind dog house that will keep your pooch safe and warm. Written directions and color photos help you put it all together.
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Crooked Dog House Plan
Add some character to the dog house you plan to build with this free plan for a crooked dog house. Ana White will take you through the steps with lots of photos, diagrams, and instructions so you can quickly and easily build this dog house.
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Ranch Style Dog House Plan
Looking to give your pooch the luxury they deserve? Then why not try your hand at this free dog house plan for a ranch-style doghouse. Use the diagrams, images, materials list, and instructions to build this one-of-a-kind doghouse.
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Insulated A-Frame Dog House Plan from Instructables
This dog house plan is for a 9-foot base house that's perfect for a small to medium-sized dog. It can even be built for under $75! Photos and blueprints will take you through each step until you've got the finished project just like you've been looking for.
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Indoor Dog Kennel End Table
I know this technically isn't a dog house, but this indoor dog kennel that doubles as an end table is a great solution for a small dog that stays indoors. There are photos, diagrams, and written instructions that will help you build this for your dog.
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East Fork Free Doghouse Plan
Here's an adorable dog house plan that would look great anywhere in your yard. It almost looks like a little doll house with the window pane door and steeple roof. There's a shopping list, tool list, instructions, and diagrams to help you build this.
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Mobile Dog House
Over at Instructables, you can find a free plan for a mobile dog house that's easy to move so you can set it up wherever you go. A coat of paint brings everything together and changes the whole look of the dog house. There's a shopping list, tool list, color photos, and building instructions.
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DIY Wooden Doghouse Tutorial
This adorable doghouse features two tiny windows with shutters, making sure your dog has the cutest home on the block. Cedar shingles on the top give it a modern and cozy vibe. It's built from plywood and pine boards so it's going to last season after season. A chalkboard nameplate above the door is the perfect finishing touch. This dog house is a straightforward build and the free plan has everything you need to get started.
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Simple Dog House Plan
If you're looking for a traditional dog house, this may be a great option for you. My Outdoor Plans has a free doghouse plan for a simple doghouse that you can build in just one weekend from 2x4s and 2x2s. Tons of diagrams and instructions are included.
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Custom Insulated Dog House Plan
This dog house can be built to fit any sized dog, small to large, and is insulated to keep your dog warm. It allows the dog to go to the back of the doghouse in an area that's protected from the weather. There aren't a lot of directions here, but there is a video walkthrough.