DIY Network

Constructing the Doghouse Log Cabin From "Barkitecture" episode DBAR-101

A log cabin for Copper

Today is the big day for Copper. He is leaving the animal shelter and going to his new home. It’s time for Kenny to build the new log cabin!

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Constructing the Log Cabin

1. First, start off by cutting all of your timbers (figure A) as follows.

32 @ 42" Long
20 @ 14" Long
2 @ 60" Long

2. Rip all timbers to 3" in width. To do so, set your table saw to 3" wide and run all timbers through. This way, all match in size making them easier to fit together later.

3. Now, it’s time to cut the notches out of the timbers (figure B). Set your radial arm saw to 1-1/4" deep. Slice at 1/4" increments 3" from the end on the 42" long pieces creating a notch that is 3" wide – therefore ending 6" from each end of the piece. Then, 3" from one end on 10 of the 14" pieces...these are going to be used around the door. Then, flip and cut the remaining 10 14" pieces and notch the opposite ends.

4. Level the site for the house at 72" x 48". Once leveling is done, sand the entire area with about 1" of sand. The last step of the foundation is to lay the pavers. Be sure there is a slight slope towards the door or front of the doghouse for proper water drainage (figure C).

Figure A

Figure B

Figure C

5. After the foundation is finished, you can begin placing the logs one level at a time (figure D). Use construction adhesive in between each level by placing a bead along the length of the timbers (figure E). Repeat process all the way to the top. Don’t forget that the 10" pieces go in the front of the dog cabin and make up the dog door (figure F).

Figure D

Figure E

Figure F

6. The materials for the roof consist of 1x wood, 2x4’s and 1/2" plywood (figure G). The angle of the gables of the roof can be to your desired look. The angles that you’ll need to cut will be dictated by slope of the roof you design. The assembly of the roof is accomplished by cutting the 1x wood to length with the appropriate angles cut into the ends. These pieces are used to create the front and back gables of the roof. Then, using the 2x4’s as cross supports for the roof, attach them to the gables. Sheet the roof with plywood. After the roof is assembled, you can skin as desired. You can use standard roofing shingles or standing seam aluminum panels, which can be ordered to your specifications from a roofing company.

7. Once the roof is assembled and skinned, you can place it on top of the constructed cabin (figure H).

8. Last, using a caulk gun to go around the entire house caulking in between every seam to seal the house from the elements (figure I).

Figure G

Figure H

Figure I

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