DIY Network

Constructing the Doghouse Tent From "Barkitecture" episode DBAR-102

Today is the big day for Semba. He is leaving the animal shelter and going to his new home. It’s time for Kenny to build the new doghouse tent.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F
	Figure G
	Figure H
	Figure I
	Figure J

Constructing the Doghouse Tent

1. Using a miter saw, cut 2x4’s on edge for a 24"x36" floor with mitered 45 degree corners (figure A). Using 3" wood screws, attach at the mitered corners (figure B).

2. Attach the pine wood floor to the 2X4 frame using 3" wood screws (figure C).

3. Next, drill the holes for the copper tubing to be set into the pine flooring using a 7/8" paddle drill bit, drill holes on all four corners 3/4" from the edges at the corners (figure D). Also, drill holes in the center of the pine flooring on both sides.

4. Use polyurethane to seal the base of the tent. If you live in an area that gets lots of rain, a few coats of polyurethane are recommended.

5. Cut copper using a pipe cutter (figure E).

Cut List:

• 6 @ 18-3/4" (Uprights)
  
• 2 @ 22" (Front and back cross bars)
  
• 4 @ 23" (Sides)
  
• 12@ 1-1/2" (Couplers for fittings)

Fittings (for 3/4" copper pipe):

• 12 ea. "T" fittings
  
• 6 ea. 120-degree fittings
  
• 3 ea. 90-degree fittings

6. Clean ends of tubing and inside surface of all fittings using sand paper or scrubber pads.

7. Cut canvas for the front and back walls of the house using the assembled frame as the template (figure F). Use a straight edge to mark the canvas and leave four inches of excess around all the sides. The canvas should be doubled over before you cut so that you cut out both ends at the same time. Cut out the canvas using a sharp razor knife.

8. Flux and sweat all fittings and pieces for frame. Apply a light coat of soldering paste or flux to the cleaned end of the copper. Use a flux brush or an old toothbrush to spread the flux. Place the copper fitting on the pipe after thoroughly cleaning and coating with flux. Using a soldering torch (figure G), place flame all around fitting to bring up to soldering heat. Then, concentrate the flame at the center of the fitting. After properly heated, apply the solder to the heated area. The solder will flow into the seams of the connection. Keep melting solder until it appears completely around the fitting. Do this for all fittings of frame (figure H).

9. Back wall and middle (interior) wall - place the canvas onto a wall frame making sure that the wall of canvas is on the outside of the frame, holding it in place with a clamp at the crest of the roofline (figure I). Fold the edge of the canvas over about one inch and then fold the excess over the tubing to meet the wall of canvas. Using a drill, make 1/8" holes in the canvas every six inches along the wall; these will be your rivet points. Place the rivet into the rivet gun and rivet the canvas (figure J). Make sure the canvas is pulled good and tight all along the wall, as it will stretch over time.

10. Roof and side walls of tent - cut a piece of canvas to 56"x90" – drape over the frame, centering the canvas on the roofline (figure K). Roll-up the excess material at the base of one side of the structure. Attach the canvas to the base/floor of the house with 1" wood screws at the rear corner and at the center pole on one side and then pull the canvas tight over the house and repeat the process on the other side.

11. To create the awning effect, use your razor knife to cut the canvas along the center pole from the bottom of the material to the bottom of the roofline. This awning can be tied up for nice weather or down to help protect your dog from the elements.

12. The front roof section is attached to the frame the same way the walls were attached, folding the canvas over and riveting it about every six inches.

13. Cut a slit in center of interior wall for door to create the door (figure L).

14. The finished product is a work of art (figure M)!

Figure K

Figure L

Figure M

RESOURCES :

Young-Williams Animal Center
Website: www.knoxpets.org

The American Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)
Website: www.aspca.org

Petfinder.com
Website: www.petfinder.com