As a pet owner, you want to keep your dog safe and comfortable as much as possible. Kennels are a great option for training and giving your dog space. The idea of a dog kennel can be unsettling for first-timers. But this doesn’t have to be the case. They are essential for comfort, safety, and training and are designed to shelter your dog.
On top of that, they don’t have to break the bank. While you can splurge on your pet’s shelter, many dog kennel ideas can be budget-friendly while staying stylish and functional.
In this article, we’ll explore the following:
- Why are DIY Kennel Ideas So Popular?
- How to Choose Between Indoor and Outdoor Dog Kennel Ideas
- Top 5 Indoor DIY Dog Kennel Ideas
- Top 5 Outdoor DIY Dog Kennel Ideas
- 4 Best Materials You Can Use For Your Next DIY Dog Kennel
- Flooring and Roofing Ideas for Comfort and Durability
- Final Tips for Building the Perfect DIY Dog Kennel
3 Reasons Why DIY Dog Kennel Ideas Are So Popular
DIY dog kennel ideas are more than just a place for your pet. They offer many benefits, like providing a safe space where your dog can rest when you’re not around. Kennels even help you train and manage your dog’s behaviour by creating boundaries. The best part is that they can be budget-friendly since you can make them yourself.
Here’s what makes DIY dog kennels appealing to pet owners;
1. Affordability
The best reasons to make your DIY dog kennel are that it’s affordable and a great project! Many inexpensive dog kennel ideas can be made with recycled materials you can find in your house, like scrap wood panels.
2. Safety
Dogs are den animals by nature. While they may be playful and active, they also need their little corners. Indoor and outdoor dog kennels give your dog a safe, quiet space to stay and rest.
3. Customization
When you make your dog’s kennel, you can customize it to suit your dog’s needs. You can add anything from blankets to soft beds and toys, and paint or stain the wood.
How to Choose Between Indoor and Outdoor Dog Kennel Ideas
There are many great ideas for indoor dog kennel projects available online that you can try making. However, not all kennels are the same. When building your kennel, consider how much space your dog needs. Certain dog breeds need plenty of room, while others may be fine with a little less. In addition, if you want to make an outdoor kennel for your dog, consider the weather and how much time and materials you can spare.
Here’s how you choose between ideas for indoor dog kennel projects:
1. Safety
You should always make your dog kennel with safety in mind. If the kennel is for indoor use, ensure it has secure locks and escape-proof latches. Ensure it has anchor options for outdoor use to keep it from tipping over.
2. Weather
The weather is another consideration when choosing between indoor and outdoor kennel ideas. Outdoor kennels are sturdier to withstand weather and need more insulation, while indoor kennels are smaller and easier to move.
3. Material
Materials are another consideration when choosing between indoor and outdoor kennels. Building your kennel from the right material can last much longer than a store-bought one.
These are the most common materials used in dog kennels:
- Plastic – Plastic is light, easy to clean, and weather-resistant. However, it’s not as sturdy for large pets or aggressive chewers.
- Wood – Wood offers natural insulation and looks great outdoors, but it needs regular care to prevent insect damage or rot.
- Metal – Metal is the most durable material available, but it can easily be too hot or too cold for your dog. Metal is also heavy and prone to rust.
4. Insulation and Ventilation
Choose one with sound insulation and ventilation when choosing between outdoor dog kennel ideas. Your dog kennel should neither be too hot nor too cold, but it should keep your pet comfortable year-round.
Top 5 DIY Indoor Dog Kennel Ideas You Should Try Right Now
Dog kennels are a great way to give your pets a safe, comfortable shelter indoors. They are also a great DIY project for exercising creativity without breaking the bank.
Here are five creative indoor dog kennel ideas you should try right now:
1. Dog Crate Furniture (under tables or cabinets)
If your dog likes to hide under tables and chairs, this can be a great project to get started on. A furniture-style crate can be a nook for your dog to rest while also being a table or a cabinet. Dog crate furniture can be made of recyclable materials like scrap wood and metal. You can reuse wooden pallets and crates for your dog crate, making it budget-friendly.
2. Under-stair Kennel Setup
The next in this set of cheap indoor dog kennel ideas is the under-stair kennel. For the under-stairs setup, you need even less material. Instead, you get to focus more on the blankets and insulation to keep your dog warm and comfy! However, remember that under-stair setups work best if the area isn’t near the most foot traffic at home. While dogs may be active and love to play, they still need a quiet place to rest and sleep.
3. Closet-to-kennel Renovation
Renovating existing spaces into indoor kennels can save you time and materials. Turning your closet into a dog kennel is another excellent example if you already have the space. When turning your closet into a kennel, ensure it’s the right size for the “den” effect. Your dog should also be able to see what’s outside clearly.
4. Repurposed Furniture Builds
The following item in this set of indoor dog kennel ideas is repurposed furniture. For example, with dog crate furniture, you can use bookshelves and cabinets to save space and material. However, repurposing furniture has a downside. If your dog likes chewing on furniture or table legs, choose other kennels or make them from different materials.
5. Foldable Playpen-style Kennel
Foldable kennels are fantastic dog kennel ideas for owners on the go. If you travel and must take your pet, a foldable kennel can easily fit in your car. Foldable kennels are also the easiest to make of all the indoor dog kennel ideas. They are also easy to clean and maintain. If wires are bent out of shape, they can easily bend back into place.
Top 5 DIY Outdoor Dog Kennel Ideas to Try Right Now
Apart from indoor kennels, there’s no shortage of kennel ideas to make your furry friend feel at home outdoors. We’ve curated fantastic options that can meet your needs for design and function:
1. Chain-link DIY Enclosure with Roof
While it might look uncomfortable, chain-link enclosures can suit active pets who love the outdoors. They’re also fantastic for dogs that love to chew or scratch wood. One good thing about kennels is that they can be made of different materials. Chain-link and wood can create a roofed enclosure. You can even make the roof out of a tarp instead of wood.
2. Wooden Framed Kennel with Pallets
Who could forget the iconic wooden kennel? Building a wooden house for your pets is not only one of the best cheap outdoor dog kennel ideas available. It’s also an excellent use for spare pallets you may have. One downside is that wooden kennels are heavy and take time to make. They can also kick up plenty of sawdust, so always wear a mask and goggles when working.
3. Easy-Access Kennel (with Top or Side Openings)
Kennels with openings on the top or sides can be innovative and practical. They can be opened easily when cleaning or feeding your dog. These top and/or side openings are also excellent options if your pet doesn’t like being handled. To install these openings, you need only screw in hinges on the roof or side panels. These hinges make it easy to open the kennel at any time.
4. Recycled Plastic Dog House
Next in this list of homemade outdoor dog kennel ideas is making the dog kennel from recycled plastic. It’s not only sustainable since plastic is easy to find and reuse, but it’s also functional. Plastic can be surprisingly weatherproof and a fantastic insulator, keeping your pet calm during summer and warm during winter.
5. Outdoor Brick House Kennel
Brick houses take a while, but a little brick kennel in your backyard can be functional and stylish. They are easy to clean, weatherproof, and give your yard a charming look. However, brick kennels do have their downsides. They need more time and effort, and the price of bricks, cement, or mortar may vary. That said, the result is a sturdy, comfortable, and stylish home for your pet.
4 Best Materials You Can Use for Your Next DIY Dog Kennel
DIY dog kennels are a great way to exercise creativity while giving your dog a safe, comfortable resting place. They can be made of recycled materials you can find around your house or find for cheap.
Here are a few examples of materials for your future homemade dog kennel ideas:
1. Wood (Pallets and Crates)
You can use almost any material for making your dog kennel, but wood is the most common choice. It’s cheap, easy to work with, and weatherproof, especially for outdoor use.
2. Chain link
A chain link is an excellent option if your dog is a chewer. It’s durable and easy to maintain. However, assembling or attaching it to metal poles or wood can be tricky.
3. Tarps
A tarp is a great, easy roofing option to keep your dog dry outdoors. It’s easy to put over a wood or chain link kennel and drape it over it as a makeshift cover.
4. Rubber Mats
When you design dog kennel ideas for your pet, include insulation. Rubber mats are cheap, easy to install, and are great insulators, making them excellent for outdoor use.
Flooring and Roofing Ideas for Comfort and Durability
Dogs spend plenty of time in their kennels, so you want them to be as safe and comfortable as possible. You must choose the right materials to accommodate your dog’s needs and behaviour.
Here are a few outdoor dog kennel flooring ideas and roofing ideas to make your kennel safe, cleanable, and weatherproof:
1. Rubber Flooring
Natural or synthetic rubber flooring is designed to help cushion a dog’s joints. It’s easy to clean, resistant to scratching and chewing, and a fantastic flooring option. However, remember that it can retain heat, especially in direct sunlight. It can also stain and needs to be cleaned regularly to keep it from smelling.
2. Gravel
Gravel is the cheapest option for flooring. It drains water easily, which prevents puddles from forming, and gives good traction to prevent slipping. It also helps with your dog’s instinct to dig. However, gravel that’s too fine can get stuck in your dog’s paws. It must also be raked and levelled regularly, especially if your dog likes to dig.
3. Plastic Roofing
Kennels, especially outdoor kennels, don’t always come with a roof. However, many DIY dog kennel roof ideas use acrylic plastic, particularly for chain-link kennels. Acrylic plastic is known for its strength and durability. It’s also a clear plastic type, allowing plenty of light.
4. Gable
This type of roofing consists of two sloped sides that meet at the centre. It protects the kennel against the elements and makes the interior feel more stylish. Gable is used in all kennels, making it one of the best outdoor dog kennel roof ideas.
Final Tips for Building the Perfect DIY Dog Kennel
Dog kennels for indoor or outdoor use are a great project to make your dog safe and comfortable. That means building your kennel is not just about making it look nice. You need to consider the right size for your dog, which should be neither too big nor too small. On top of that, pay attention to your dog’s behaviour and breed. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The perfect kennel is the kind your dog likes and finds comfy. Get creative and start making that lovely kennel for your dog today!
