Okay, so I’ve always wanted a proper place for my dog, Buster, to hang out when he’s outside. I decided to build him an 8 by 8 foot kennel. Yeah, it is pretty big, but Buster’s a big boy and he deserves the space.
First thing I did was make a plan. The plan I made was to build an 8×8 kennel. I wanted to make sure I had all my ducks in a row before I started swinging a hammer. I sketched out the basic design, figured out the materials I’d need, and made a list. Wood, some heavy-duty wire mesh, screws, hinges, a latch for the door, you know, the usual stuff. I didn’t want anything fancy, just something sturdy and reliable. I did look up some prices online, and wow, some of those pre-built kennels are pricey! Somewhere around 700 to over 1300 bucks! I figured I could do it cheaper myself.
Next, I went and gathered all the materials. This took a while. I hit up the local hardware store and loaded up the truck. I got some good, solid lumber for the frame and the pre-made panels, I chose some that can attach to an existing wall. And I made sure the wire mesh was the kind that wouldn’t rust easily. Oh, and I grabbed a couple of rotating bowl holders. Those are super handy, I saw them on a friend’s dog kennel and thought, “Buster needs those!”
Building the frame was the first big step. I measured and cut the wood, making sure everything was square and level. It is important for everything to be square. I’m not the handiest guy, but I took my time, double-checked all my measurements, and eventually, I had a solid frame standing. I used screws, not nails, because I wanted this thing to be extra secure.
- Framing: This took a good chunk of the day.
- Attaching the Mesh: This was a bit of a pain, I have to say. Stretching it tight and stapling it to the frame was tough on the hands.
- Building the Door: I wanted a nice, wide door so I could easily get in and out to clean. I used some extra wood for the door frame and attached the mesh to that, too.
- Adding the Roof: I decided to go with a simple, slanted roof to keep the rain out. I used some leftover lumber and some corrugated metal sheets I had lying around.
- Finishing Touches: I added the rotating bowl holders, and a nice latch for the door, and even put a little doghouse inside for Buster to snuggle up in.
After a few days of work, I have to say it’s not perfect. But it’s solid, and I think Buster will love it. I might add a roof later, just to give him some extra protection from the elements. But for now, it’s a pretty decent 8 by 8 foot kennel that didn’t break the bank. And the most important thing, Buster has his own little outdoor palace now, and he seems pretty happy about it!
I saw a similar kennel online called the “Yoder Dog Kennel” that had painted siding and a steel roof. It looked pretty slick, but I’m happy with my more rustic version. Plus, I saved a ton of money building it myself!
Buster Loves His New Home
He’s been spending a lot more time outside lately, and I think it’s good for him. It’s definitely been a good project, and I’m kind of proud of myself for pulling it off. It’s always rewarding to build something with your own two hands, especially when it’s for your best furry friend.
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