DIY Network

Skateboard Doghouse From "Barkitecture" episode DBAR-208

The Barkitecture team sets about designing and constructing a skateboard-themed doghouse.

advertisement

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

Materials:

2 sheets of 1/2" plywood
2x4
table saw
tarpaper
skateboard trucks
broken skateboards of various sizes and colors
screws
electric screwdriver/drill
jigsaw
staple gun
respirator
ear protection
grinder

Skateboard Doghouse

1. Start by cutting the plywood to size using a table saw. Cut floor, wall segments, roof and roof locaters from the plywood (figure A).

2. To make the cleats that will provide structural support, you will need to rip the 2x4s down the middle with the table saw. Cut five cleats at 31" for the base and roof, and four cleats at 22" to act as supports for the walls.

3. Take the piece for the floor and screw the cleats onto the piece with a 1/2" overlap to allow for the wall pieces (figure B). Attach walls and wall supports in a similar fashion (figure C).

4. To assemble the detachable roof, take the two triangular roof pieces and attach guide pieces so that you can easily fit the roof onto the structure. Now attach the cleats, making sure that they are very flush so that the roof sits flat. Once the plywood is attached to the frame, the roof is complete and ready to be shingled (figure D).

5. Choose colorful, graphic skateboard pieces for the sides of the doghouse, and two intact skateboards to flank the entrance (figure E). Mark where the entry skateboards will go and then drill pilot holes and cut out the door with a jigsaw. Attach entry skateboards by drilling through the truck holes (figure F).

6. Use a staple gun to cover the roof with waterproof tarpaper (figure G). Put on a respirator (because skateboards are usually made with fibers that are dangerous when inhaled) and ear protection, and cut the pieces for the shingles with a table saw. Overlap the shingles, as they would be on a house, and attach using a drill and screws (figure H).

7. Cut more skateboards into 12" chunks, keeping the truck holes so that you can use them when drilling, and attach those to the back wall in a pattern evoking a brick wall (figure I). Use skateboards that have been broken in half for the sidewalls, leaving the rough edges for a cool decorative touch. Use the grinder to cut the points of the screws off of the interior of the house.

Figure H

Figure I

8. Attach an intact skateboard along the top of the roofline, which will serve as a handle to remove and replace the roof for cleaning (figure J).

9. Place skateboard trucks, with wheels removed, on each corner of the bottom of the house to serve as legs. Add a skateboard ramp to the doorway to complete doghouse (figure K).

Figure J

Figure K

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