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10 Clever & Creative DIY Outdoor Dog Kennels That You Can Build Today (With Pictures)

Roomy Pallet Dog Kennel

Every pet owner is looking for an ideal place to leave their pets during work. This area has to be spacious enough for them to enjoy spending time resting, playing, and sleeping. If you are building an outdoor dog kennel, you may want to check these DIY options out. They are perfect for dogs of all sizes; some can even fit two large dogs. Depending on your household’s needs, you can find a proper plan in the article below.

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The 10 DIY Outdoor Dog Kennels Plans

1. Simple Wooden Outdoor Kennel by Wooden Tangerine

DIY dog kennel
Image By: The Wooden Tangerine
Materials: Eight 1’’x3’’x8’ wood, 22 2’’x4’’x8’ wood, four 2’’x4’’x10’ wood, four, 2’’x6’’x10’ wood, eight 8’ galvanized tin panels, eight pressure treated posts, screws, nails
Tools: Hammer drill, miter saw, screwdriver, tape measure, pencil, staple gun,
Difficulty Level: Difficult

This simple wooden outdoor kennel is a clever way of transforming your old kennel and creating an adorable space where your dog will be able to rest during the day. Most importantly, it will shelter your pet from snow, rain, or scorching sun. It is a spacious kennel where your dog will spend quality time undisturbed. This kennel is made of quality wood and will stand durable and strong even in the harshest weather.


2. Large Double Dog Kennel by Build Blueprint

DIY double dog kennel
Image Credit: build blueprint
Materials: Two 7′ 2×4 lumber. three 22′ 2×4 lumber, two 7′ 1×3 lumber, 11 24 1/2” 1×3 lumber, six 25 1/2″ 1×3 lumber, five 7′ 1×6 lumber, four 18” 1×3 lumber, four 19 1/2″ 1×3 lumber, eight 40 7/8″ 1×6 lumber, two 40 7/8″ 1×4 lumber, four 7′ 2×8 lumber, hinges, dowels, screws, bolts
Tools: Tape measure, pocket-hole jig, cordless drill, miter saw, screwdriver, sandpaper
Difficulty Level: Difficult

The large double dog kennel in this DIY plan is a perfect solution, even if you have two large-sized dogs. It will provide a safe and comfortable space for a dog of any size. This kennel is excellent because it can work as a centerpiece in a living room, doubling as a table, while you can also place it outdoors. Its style is versatile, and the right stain can match the rest of your furniture perfectly. It will provide a safe and comfortable space for a dog of any size.


3. Comfortable Dog Kennel Bed by Instructables

DIY super comfy dog kennel bed
Image By: Instructables
Materials: 2’’x4’’ lumber, ¾’’ or ½’’ plywood, urethane foam, strong elastic, hook and loop fastener, screws, foam adhesive
Tools: Pocket-hole jig, drill, stapler, band saw, hacksaw blade
Difficulty Level: Moderate

If your dog spends a lot of time in the kennel, it is extremely important to make it a safe and comfortable space for resting. You can always customize it to your own desire, adding fun cushions and toys and making your dog’s space more personal and enjoyable. Once you follow this creative DIY dog kennel plan, you will bless your dog with a cute and spacious kennel where they can comfortably sleep and enjoy spending time.


4. Large Single Dog Kennel by Build Blueprint

Image By: Julien L, buildblueprint
Materials: Two 2×4 lumber 45 1/4″, two 2×4 lumber 22″, two 1×3 lumber 43 1/4″, seven 1×3 lumber 24 1/2″, four 1×3 lumber 25 1/2″, five 1×6 lumber 43 1/4″, one 1×3 lumber 43 1/4″, two 1×3 lumber 18″, two 1×3 lumber 19 1/2″, four 1×6 lumber 41 3/4″, one 1×4 lumber 41 3/4″, four 2×8 lumber 45 1/4″, 12 3/8″ diameter rebar: 26 1/2″, three 3/8″ diameter rebar: 21 1/2″, hinges, bolts, screws, dowels
Tools: Pocket-hole jig, drill, sandpaper, miter saw, screwdriver, tape measure
Difficulty Level: Difficult

Create this large single-dog kennel designed to perfectly fit one large dog and provide them with enough space to comfortably spend time for as much as needed. This dog kennel is a stylish wooden crate with interesting and elegant rebar made into a door. This dog kennel can fit in any outdoor or indoor space, and you can easily customize the stain per your desire.


5. Chain Link Outdoor Dog Kennel by Family Handy Man

Image Credit: Family Handyman, familyhandyman
Materials: Gloves, chain link fencing, and gate, concrete, landscape fabric, pea gravel, privacy slats, dog house, sand
Tools: Shovel, wrench, circular saw, hacksaw, level, pliers, posthole digger, spade, tape measure, wheelbarrow
Difficulty Level: Difficult

This chain link kennel is an ideal solution for your dog, especially if it spends most of the time outdoors. This kennel provides your dog with the most important thing—enough space for running freely and staying active. The best location for installing this outdoor dog kennel is a shady and calm environment, where your dog will have the most privacy and room to play, dig and run around.


6. Stylish Dog Crib Kennel by Frugal Family Times

DIY super comfy dog kennel bed
Image Credit: Frugal Family Times
Materials: Wooden crib, wood glue, nails, screws, hinges, latch
Tools: Tape measure, pencil, miter saw, drill, screwdriver, circular saw, mallet, clamps
Difficulty Level: Easy

This stylish dog crib kennel is a very clever and creative plan where you will be able to transform a plain wooden crib into a gorgeous kennel for your dog. This kennel is suitable for both outdoors and indoors and will provide your dog with a comfortable area for sleeping. It is straightforward to make once you gather all the necessary materials and tools.


7. Farmhouse Barn Door Dog Kennel by Shanty-2-Chic

DIY farmhouse barn door dog crate
Image Credit: Shanty 2 Chic
Materials: Six 2x6x8 framing lumber, four 2x4x8 framing lumber, one 1x2x9 pine, one 48’x48’’ ¾’’ plywood, one 15’’x22’’ ½’’ plywood, wood glue, wood screws, pocket hole screws, nails, hardware
Tools: Drill, jig saw, miter saw, pocket hole jig, clamps
Difficulty Level: Moderate

If you are looking for a lovely space for your dog, you must try crafting this farmhouse barn door kennel. This kennel is a very trendy-looking crate that will give any space a charming appeal. You can place it in your living room as a part of your interior design or in an outdoor patio where it will fit in perfectly with the farmhouse style.


8. Dog Kennel with Sliding Door by Wood Shop Diaries

DIY dog crate with sliding door
Image Credit: Woodshop Diaries
Materials: ½ sheet of ¾’’ plywood, 11 2x2x8 boards, pocket hole screws, wood screws, a pair of 22’’ drawer slides, wood glue
Tools: Miter saw, circular saw, Kreg jig, drill, clamps
Difficulty Level: Moderate

One creative way to incorporate an innovative design into your dog kennel while avoiding the typical hinged door. This elegant dog kennel will add a modern and elegant feeling to your home or garden while keeping your lovely dog safe while you are away. If you are unsure about the safety of the sliding door, you can always customize it by adding a latch or more slats.


9. Spacious Pallet Dog Kennel by 1001 Pallets

DIY roomy pallet dog kennel
Image Credit: 1001pallets
Materials: Pallet stringers, deck boards, hinges, casters, screws, paint
Tools: Thickness planer, table saw, hammer
Difficulty Level: Moderate

One way to use your old pallets to create something valuable and creative is to build an outdoor dog kennel from them. This spacious kennel will provide your pup with a comfy and stylish living space where he will enjoy every second spent. With around five large recycled palettes, some basic tools, and basic skills, you will create this lovely kennel that will fit in your backyard beautifully.


10. Versatile Dog Crate by This Old House

DIY dog crate
Image Credit: This Old House
Materials: ½-inch plywood side panels, ½-inch plywood back panel, ½-inch plywood top, Lauan plywood floor, 1×4 door-frame bottom rail, 1×3 door-frame top rail, 1×3 door-frame stiles, 1×2 face-frame top and bottom rails, ¼ x 2 rails for side panel windows, ¼ x 2 rails for back panel window, ¼ x 2 bottom rails, ¼ x 2 corner stiles, ¼ x 3 back corner stiles, dowels
Tools: Drill, brad nailer, screwdriver, jigsaw, miter saw, tin snips
Difficulty Level: Difficult

This versatile dog crate is an awesome kennel that brings an elegant and luxurious feeling to any room indoors or outdoors. With its rustic and gorgeous framing, it will stand out in the room, creating a unique atmosphere. Your dog will enjoy hanging around in this kennel because it’s roomy enough for your puppy to get some quality sleep. Once you place a colorful blanket and some pillow, your dog will be forever grateful to you.

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Final Thoughts

After reading about these different dog kennels for your backyard, patio, or garden, you will hopefully find one that fits your puppy and home best. All these kennels are made with beautiful styles and designs, each offering something different from the previous. With a little bit of imagination and skills, you can always follow these instructions to create your own unique outdoor kennel.

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Featured Image Credit: Abrada Shutterstock

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