According to the American Pet Products Association, about 3.2 million animals are adopted each year for shelter, including dogs. Making a dog kennel in your garage is a perfect way of keeping these dogs safe while providing them the comfort of a home.
Our garage dog kennel ideas will ensure your kennel has adequate ventilation, has enrichment items, and is comfortable enough for your dog. We made this dog kennel project guide to keep your budget as low as possible and utilize the little space you have.
Herein, we will demonstrate how to build a double-system dog kennel in the back corner of your garage. You can tweak it as you desire to suit your needs.
How To Build a Dog Kennel in Garage
As a dog owner, you want to provide your canine with the best possible living conditions. Unfortunately, that can come at a high cost. But what if you convert your garage into a dog kennel? With these 8 simple steps, you can.
You do not need prior handyman experience. But you will need a tape measure, a saw, wood beams, frames, cattle panels, nails, and a hammer. So, grab your tools and make good use of your limited space.
But first things first, you need to assess the garage.
1. Assess the Garage Space
Assessing your garage before making a dog kennel will help you plan on the available space. Evaluate the size of your garage, the amount of natural light that comes in, and the location of any windows or doors. You want to ensure the kennel only takes up a little space and creates no obstructions.
Consider the size of your dog and how much room they will need to move around comfortably. Also, look into any other equipment you may need to move or rearrange to make space for the kennel.
Assessing your garage space will also help determine what tools and materials you need for the project. A larger space may require more materials and a longer construction process, while a smaller space may be more straightforward and require less time and resources.
Once you understand your garage space, identify the spot for the kennel doors and where to put dividers. You can then choose the suitable materials for your DIY garage dog kennel.
2. Choose the Right Materials
With a small corner space and being on a budget, we are limited in the choice of materials.
For the frame of the kennel, you can use wood. Wood helps you to work around any design to suit your preference. However, it may require more upkeep.
You can use plywood, corrugated plastic, or cattle metal panels for the walls and roof. If you settle on Plywood, paint it to enhance the beauty of your kennel. But, it is not as durable as metal. A cattle panel is lightweight, strong, and easy to install, making it a good choice for our garage dog kennels.
Choosing the right materials is crucial for a successful garage with a dog kennel project. Consider the weather in your area and your dog’s needs before making any final decisions. Once you have your materials, you can install flooring.
3. Install Pet-Friendly Flooring
If you are a busy household, your dog will spend most of their time in their garage dog kennels. They also spend a lot of time on their feet. Hence, make your dog’s kennel space comfortable and safe.
Here are some of the popular flooring options to consider in a DIY garage dog kennel:
- Vinyl Dog Kennel Flooring: Vinyl rolls are an excellent option for flooring a garage dog kennel and dog boarding facilities. Vinyl is easy to clean & non-porous. They are also easy to install. However, unlike rubber, vinyl stains quickly, as it can react with dog urine.
- Rubber Dog Kennel Flooring: Rubber flooring provides excellent traction and cushioning to senior dogs. Rubber floors are non-porous, and winter moisture won’t penetrate the floor. Unfortunately, the rubber floor smells. To deal with the smell, mop your kennel frequently.
- Polythene Garage Dog Kennel Flooring: this material is UV stable and frost resistant. It can last through all weather seasons. However, polythene is not soft.
- Concrete: Concrete is budget-friendly, durable, and easy to clean. However, it can be hard on your dog’s feet, so you may want to add cushioning or a rubber mat.
- Artificial turf or grass: If you want to recreate an outdoor environment for your dog in the garage, install artificial grass. It is easy to clean and maintain and provides a soft surface for your dog to play on.
We will assume your garage already has a concrete floor. You will only have to choose a dog-friendly topping to add to it.
4. Measure and Cut the Wood
Once you have chosen your flooring material, it’s time to measure and cut the wood for the base and wall mounting. We need to use strong beams that will put in place a solid foundation and ensure all other sides are secured to the wall tightly.
Measure out the dimensions of your kennel and begin cutting the wood accordingly. 4*4 will make a perfect fit for support away from the wall.
Pay attention to detail; even minor errors will result in a weak structure that may harm your dog. Double-check your measurements, and take your time cutting the wood.
Once you have all the pieces cut, lay them out and make a prototype. Make the necessary adjustments or corrections before constructing the frame for your DIY garage dog kennel.
5. Attach the Frames to the Wall
Use your measuring tape and level to ensure your frames are even and balanced. If your dog kennel system is a stand-alone structure in the garage, begin by installing the four corner posts, then install the cross beams to connect them.
If you are using the corner of the garage, attach the two upper 4*4 cross beams right into the stud and screw them. You will use it to secure all the support 2*4 beams for the dog kennel. Use 4*4 frames for mounting away from the wall.
The frames are the backbone of a strong dog kennel. Ensure they are sturdy and able to withstand the weight and movement of your dogs.
6. Install the Cattle Panels for the Exterior
Once the frames are secure, you can focus on enclosing the kennel. We use electrical staples to enforce our cattle panel as they are cheaper than the actual cattle panel staples.
Get a 2*4, lay the cattle panel on top, and add another 2*4 so the cattle panel is in between and stapled to the lower beam. Offset the beams to make room for the 4*4 frames already attached to the wall. It will also allow the exterior beams to slide in and let you attach them to the braces on the wall.
Attach our side covers to the wall and screw them to the wall. We recommend you raise the bottom front beam 3″ above the ground, making it easy to sweep out your garage dog kennel, slide dog toys underneath, and clean in case of a mess.
We found an old crib door that we cut into two for the doors. You can also buy one in an auction or improvise one.
Install the Cattle panel for the central piece to span from the main post to the doors. You should also attach the center beams to divide your kennel into two and act as the support.
Install roofing hangers on top of the kennel. Once the walls are secure, you can begin installing the roof.
Similar to the sides, you’ll need to measure and cut your roofing material to fit the size of your kennel. Use materials that withstand harsh weather conditions and won’t leak or rot over time. Then, attach the roof panels to the top of the frame using screws or nails.
Our dog kennel inside garage is starting to take shape. We already have a double-system dog kennel; let’s enhance its aesthetics and the environment around our dogs by adding pet storage cabins.
7. Add Storage Solutions for Pet Supplies
To improve your dog’s life, we recommend you put their accessories in a safe place close to them. To achieve this, incorporate storage shelves above the DIY garage dog kennel.
These shelves will provide plenty of space for storing dog food and toys. You can also add a set of hooks or hangers to the wall for dog leashes and collars.
With all your pet supplies in the garage, you can access everything without leaving your dog’s side. And with the kennel fully equipped, it’s time to move to the next step: installing climate control for your dog kennel attached to the garage.
8. Incorporate Climate Controls
Don’t keep your dog in an uninsulated and weatherproof garage.
While your dog continues to evolve with climate change, climate controls will help regulate temperature during the extremes of summer and winter. You don’t have to spend a fortune on a cutting-edge HVAC system. Simple solutions like a portable air conditioner and a space heater can be just as effective. Use the portable air conditioner during summer and a space heater in winter. A window can also provide natural ventilation.
Another option is to install insulation or weather stripping on the walls and door of the dog kennel. You can also use curtains or blankets to cover windows to add extra insulation.
Wrap Up on Our Dog Kennel in Garage Ideas
After completing the construction of our DIY dog kennel in garage, move your dogs in and see whether they like it. Spend time with your dogs at their kennel as they get used to their new home. Adjust accordingly to make the kennel comfortable and cozy.
Do you like our garage dog kennel ideas? Leave a comment below and keep the conversation going.
