Dogs Getting Started

14 Free DIY Dog House Plans Anyone Can Build

By
Stacy Fisher
Profile photo of 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.
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Updated on 01/30/24
Reviewed by
Bartley Harrison
Bartley Harrison
Reviewed by Bartley 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.

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Building a dog house
retales botijero / Getty Images

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

    A blue dog house with a deck

    Jen Woodhouse

    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.

    Dog House With Deck Plan from Jen Woodhouse

  • 02 of 14

    Beginner Dog House Plan

    A dog sitting outside by his dog house.

    Lowe's

    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.

    Beginner Dog House Plan from Lowe's

  • 03 of 14

    Simple A-Frame Dog House Plan

    A dog inside of an A-frame dog house.

    HGTV

    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.

    Simple A-Frame Dog House Plan from HGTV

  • 04 of 14

    Free Dog House Plan

    A red and blue dog house.

    BuildEazy / Bryan Stansell

    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.

    Free Dog House Plan from BuildEazy

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  • 05 of 14

    Pallet Dog House Plan

    A wood dog house built from a free building plan

    DIY Craftsy

    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.

    Pallet Dog House Plan from DIY Craftsy

  • 06 of 14

    Crooked Dog House Plan

    A puppy coming out of a yellow dog house.

    Ana White

    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.

    Crooked Dog House Plan from Ana White

  • 07 of 14

    Ranch Style Dog House Plan

    A dog drinking water outside of a dog house.

    Sunset

    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.

    Ranch Style Dog House Plan from Sunset

  • 08 of 14

    Insulated A-Frame Dog House Plan from Instructables

    An A-frame, insulated dog house.

    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.

    Insulated A-Frame Dog House Plan from Instructables

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  • 09 of 14

    Indoor Dog Kennel End Table

    An end table that doubles as a dog kennel.

    Ana White

    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.

    Indoor Dog Kennel End Table from Ana White

  • 10 of 14

    East Fork Free Doghouse Plan

    A whimsical dog house in the woods.

    Ana White

    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.

    East Fork Free Doghouse Plan from Ana White

  • 11 of 14

    Mobile Dog House

    A blue and brown mobile dog house

    Instructables

    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.

    Mobile Dog House from Instructables

  • 12 of 14

    DIY Wooden Doghouse Tutorial

    A dog house with a dog peeking out

    Dear Lillie Studio

    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.

    DIY Wooden Doghouse Tutorial from Dear Lillie Studio

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  • 13 of 14

    Simple Dog House Plan

    A drawing of a dog outside of a dog house.

    My Outdoor Plans

    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.

    Simple Dog House Plan from My Outdoor Plans

  • 14 of 14

    Custom Insulated Dog House Plan

    Close-Up Of Dog In Pink Kennel

    Nathlia Tomaz / Getty Images

    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.

    Custom Insulated Dog House Plan from Ron Hazelton