DIY Network

Constructing the Doghouse Pagoda From "Barkitecture" episode DBAR-103

It's time for Kenny Alfonso to build Oliver's new Chinese pagoda!

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F

Constructing the Pagoda

1. Cut plywood walls to desired dimensions. Our example is –
2 @ 18" x 16" – front/back walls
2 @ 18" x 24" – side walls
4 @ 1" x 1" x 18" long corner cleats

Cut out door (9" x 14")

Assemble walls with corner cleats using pneumatic pin nailer. Nail through the face of the walls into the cleats. The nails will be covered by the decorative trim that will be added. This will give you the basic box shape of the doghouse (figure A).

2. Cut walnut trim pieces
1-1/2" x 3/4" raw stock
8 @ 18" long (sides)
6 @ 15" long (sides)
5 @ 13" long (back)
2 @ 14" long (door side trim)
1 @ 12" long (over door)

1/2" x 1/2" raw stock
6 @ 9-1/2" long
6 @ 4" long

3. Frame dimensions are 18" x 24" with horizontal strut 4" up from top of the bottom rail. Using a brad nailer, attach trim pieces. Outer frame is constructed using pocket screw jig (figure B). This jig can be bought from a home store and comes with the drill bit, specialized clamp and jig that allow you to make seamless joints (figure C).

4. Cut the 1/2" walnut trim pieces to fit within 1-1/2" frame.

5. Cut the roof components two at 1-1/2" x 18" long.

6. Trace shape of trusses: curved slope of roof can be drawn using any round object such as a trashcan lid or frisbee (figure D).

7. Cut out two roof trusses from the 3/4" walnut board. Attach shaped pieces to horizontals using pin nailer (figure E). Attach ridge beam (1/2" x 1/2") to the top of trusses (figure F).

8. Cut two pieces of pressboard 25" x 16." Set table saw blade to 1/16" to cut "kerfs" in pressboard. Cut the relief cuts along long dimensions of pressboard @ 1/8" intervals (figure G).

9. Attach pressboard to the roof trusses using 1/2" #6 wood screws (pre-drill to avoid splitting). Finally, attach roof tiles using silicon. Rub tung oil as desired to finish.

10. The pagoda looks fantastic (figure H)!

Figure G

Figure H

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