DIY Network

Cardboard Doghouse Build From "Barkitecture" episode DBAR-202

Kenny gets busy building a multi-level doghouse made of cardboard.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E

Materials:

1/2" heavy duty corrugated cardboard (6 sheets of 4'x8')
box cutters
measuring tape
4' straight edge
hot glue gun and glue
soft pillow
printed self-adhesive graphics
wallpaper smoothers

Cardboard Doghouse

1. Using one large piece of 1/2" thick heavy duty corrugated cardboard; begin making front and side walls (figure A). The structure will measure 37" high, with a 3/4" room added for the subfloor. The sides should measure 35" and the front segment is 29".

2. To create the main base structure (which is basically just a box), mark 45-degree angles where each wall segment meets to create the subfloor when the relief cuts are made. Using a box cutter, make relief cuts by making two parallel 45 degree cuts, being sure not to cut all the way through the cardboard, and removing the excess cardboard to allow for clean corner folds (figure B). Cut a door out before folding and gluing (figure C).

3. Fill each mitered cut with hot glue, and then hold each corner in place for a minute while the glue dries (figure D). Once the base is finished (figure E), cut out the pieces for the landing and stairs from another large piece of heavy duty cardboard. The landing can be a few inches larger than the base structure, but should not exceed three inches of overhang in any one direction.

4. Now it's time to begin cutting out the stairs. The stairs are made from one long piece of cardboard and they should measure five inches for the rise of the stair, seven inches for the step itself, with seven steps total (figure F). Make relief cuts on alternating sides to allow for the stairs to bend properly, and then fill mitered cuts with hot glue, allowing each glued stair to dry. Attach stairs and landing with hot glue (figure G).

5. Build a side rail for the landing using one inch wide strips of the cardboard, glued together (figure H). Attach to the landing using more glue, creating another safe level for the dogs to use.

Figure F

Figure G

6. The backsplash or back wall is cut from more of the cardboard and can take any shape that suits you. Glue on the backsplash so it is ready for the graphics (figure I).

7. Graphics for the structure can be made on a computer and printed at a professional print shop. Have the graphic printed on self-adhesive paper and smooth out any air bubbles with wallpaper smoothers. Remember to cut out the door opening, and your dogs should be set to use their indoor, multi-level doghouse (figure J).

Figure H

Figure I

Figure J

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