A 55-gallon drum dog house is a great way to provide your pup with a safe, comfortable, and secure outdoor shelter. Not only is it durable and low maintenance, but it also offers a great way to repurpose an old 55-gallon drum. With just a few supplies and a bit of know-how, you can have your pup snuggled up in their new abode in no time!
Materials Needed To Make A 55 Gallon Drum Dog House
To make a 55-gallon drum dog house, you will need the following materials:
- 55-gallon drum (preferably plastic)
- 4 - 2x4 boards (for framing)
- 2 - 2x2 boards (for framing)
- 1/2" plywood (for roof and floor)
- 3/4" plywood (for walls)
- 2 - 1x3 boards (for walls)
- 1/4" mesh screening (for air circulation)
- Caulk and sealant
- Staples and brads
- 1" screws
- Drill
- Circular saw
- Staple gun
Step-By-Step Guide To Building A 55 Gallon Drum Dog House
Once you have all of the necessary materials, follow these steps to build your 55-gallon drum dog house:
- Cut the 55-gallon drum in half using a circular saw. This will create two halves for the roof and floor of the house.
- Cut a rectangular hole in the center of one half of the drum for the entrance of the house. Make sure that the hole is large enough for your pup to easily fit through.
- Cut two 2x4 boards for the framing of the roof. The boards should be the same length as the width of the drum.
- Cut two 2x2 boards for the framing of the walls. The boards should be the same length as the width of the drum.
- Attach the framing to the roof and walls of the house. For the roof, nail the two 2x4 boards to the top of the drum. For the walls, nail the two 2x2 boards to the sides of the drum.
- Cut the plywood for the roof and floor. The plywood should be the same size as the diameter of the drum.
- Attach the plywood to the frame of the roof and floor. Nail the plywood to the frame of the roof and floor.
- Cut the plywood for the walls. The plywood should be the same size as the height of the drum.
- Attach the plywood to the frame of the walls. Nail the plywood to the frame of the walls.
- Cut the 1x3 boards for the walls. The boards should be the same length as the height of the walls.
- Attach the 1x3 boards to the frame of the walls. Nail the 1x3 boards to the frame of the walls.
- Attach the mesh screening to the walls. Using a staple gun, attach the mesh screening to the walls of the house. This will provide ventilation and air circulation.
- Seal and caulk the seams of the house. Using caulk and sealant, seal and caulk all of the seams of the house. This will help protect the house from the elements.
Tips For Building A 55 Gallon Drum Dog House
When building a 55-gallon drum dog house, there are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Make sure to use weather resistant materials. This will help ensure that the house is durable and will last for years to come.
- Also, make sure to use screws rather than nails. Nails will corrode over time and can cause structural damage to the house.
- Finally, seal and caulk all of the seams. This will help protect the house from the elements and keep your pup warm and dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What materials do I need to make a 55 gallon drum dog house?
To make a 55-gallon drum dog house, you will need a 55-gallon drum (preferably plastic), 4 - 2x4 boards (for framing), 2 - 2x2 boards (for framing), 1/2" plywood (for roof and floor), 3/4" plywood (for walls), 2 - 1x3 boards (for walls), 1/4" mesh screening (for air circulation), caulk and sealant, staples and brads, 1" screws, drill, circular saw, and staple gun.
How do I frame the 55 gallon drum dog house?
To frame the 55-gallon drum dog house, you will need to cut two 2x4 boards for the framing of the roof and two 2x2 boards for the framing of the walls. Attach the boards to the top and sides of the drum and nail them into place.
How do I attach the plywood to the 55 gallon drum dog house?
To attach the plywood to the 55-gallon drum dog house, you will need to cut the plywood for the roof and floor to the same size as the diameter of the drum. Then, nail the plywood to the frame of the roof and floor. For the walls, cut the plywood to the same size as the height of the drum and nail it to the frame of the walls.
Do I need to seal and caulk the seams of the 55 gallon drum dog house?
Yes, it is important to seal and caulk the seams of the 55-gallon drum dog house. This will help protect the house from the elements and keep your pup warm and dry.
What type of mesh screening should I use for the 55 gallon drum dog house?
You should use 1/4" mesh screening for the 55-gallon drum dog house. This will provide ventilation and air circulation.
Should I use nails or screws to build the 55 gallon drum dog house?
It is best to use screws rather than nails when building the 55-gallon drum dog house. Nails will corrode over time and can cause structural damage to the house.
Do I need to cut a hole in the 55 gallon drum for the dog house?
Yes, you will need to cut a rectangular hole in the center of one half of the drum for the entrance of the house. Make sure that the hole is large enough for your pup to easily fit through.
How long will a 55 gallon drum dog house last?
A 55-gallon drum dog house can last for many years if it is properly constructed and maintained. Make sure to use weather resistant materials and seal and caulk all of the seams to help ensure its longevity.