DIY Network

Dog Door Installation/Constructing the Dog Daybed From "Barkitecture" episode DBAR-107

Today is the day Puck gets access to the backyard, and a nice place to rest!

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

Dog Door Installation

1. To install the dog door you should always follow the manufacturer's directions. You ideally want to install a dog door into the center of the door. Another thing you want to keep in mind is to make sure the dog door is high enough for your dog to walk through without crouching. Usually, the manufacturer suggests about two inches taller than your dog's head. This can be done with the door on its hinges or you can remove the door from the hinges.

2. Using the template provided with the dog door (figure A), go up at least three inches from the bottom of the door, and make sure the top is at least two inches above the height of your dog. Once the template is in place, trace the outline on the inside of the template to the door. The template can also be taped to the door to help in tracing the design.

3. To cut the traced section out of the door you will need to make "pilot holes" using an electric drill and a 7/8' paddle bit. Start by drilling holes in all four corners and any other places in the shape that might not be a straight line (figure B). After all of the pilot holes are drilled, use a reciprocating saw to cut out the template. After cutting out the template, make sure to sand the edges so you don't cut yourself while installing the dog door.

4. Attach the inside piece and outside piece of the door assembly to the door. Make sure they fit together correctly and then fasten them together using a screwdriver and the provided screws. Once that is finished, your door is done (figure C)!

Constructing the Daybed

1. To start on the daybed, have your frame pre-cut to your determined size. For the sidepieces, add a slight curve. Use a piece of bendable metal, rubber, or a yardstick to use as a template or guide for the cut (figure D). The amount and size of the angle is all personal preference. Mark the curve and use a jigsaw to make the cut. After cutting the first piece, use it as a template for the second piece to make sure they both match up.

2. For the legs, rip a 2x4 down to 1-1/2" squared and then cut your legs to desired length (figure E). Once that is done, sand over all the parts to prepare them for assembly.

3. To make the dowel joints; line-up the pieces that are to be connected (such as a leg and one of the sides of the bed) and make a mark that spans from one piece to the other in each position that you want to place a dowel. This will act as a guide when using the dowel jig.

4. The next step is the dowel jig (figure F). Use the jig to drill all of the holes in the center of the wood. The jig is self-centering so once it is attached to the end of the wood the hole that you drill will be centered. The length of your dowel will determine the depth of your hole. We are using 1-1/2" long dowels that are 3/8" in diameter. This means that we drilled a 3/8" diameter by 3/4" deep hole in each piece of wood where the dowels would go.

5. Once all of the holes are drilled (figure G), use wood glue in each hole and then insert the dowels and assemble the pieces (figure H). Don't use too much glue. If it is pouring out of the hole when you insert the dowel then use a little less.

6. After the daybed is sanded and assembled, use a quick dry lacquer for the finish. Once again, the choice as to color and finish is purely personal.

7. Around the bottom inside of the frame you will need to attach some 1-1/2 x 3/4" ledger strips to hold the platform that will then support the bed. Attach the ledgers with a nail gun, and then cut the platform just slightly smaller than the dimensions of the bed. Drop the mattress in and enjoy (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