September 27th, 2008 — Aesthetics, Create, Handy Man, Project, Yard, concrete
If you need a safe way to keep Fido contained in your yard, or you are sick of having them dig up everything in sight, installing a dog kennel is a great solution. While you can buy one at a store, these are often either too short for large dogs, or simply too small in size for the average dog. Building your own dog kennel is not difficult and you’ll be able to install it where you want it in your yard, so that it becomes a fixture, not an eye sore. A nice dog kennel can even add to the value of your home, especially if you take the time to do it right. Here are some tips to get you started.
1. Level an area.
Find an area where you will be putting the dog kennel and mark off the distance. Once you have an idea of how large it will be, you can start leveling this area off. This is important to ensure good drainage and to keep the concrete you will be pouring later from cracking. If necessary, rent some tools that will help you completely flatten out the site to be on the safe side.
2. Pour your concrete.
Once the site is level, you can pour concrete to give you a solid base for your dog kennel. While you can use just regular ground, there is the chance that the dog will be able to dig out from the kennel, and it can be harder to keep clean. A concrete surface can simply be sprayed with a hose to clean it regularly and your dog won’t have as many opportunities for escape.
3. Plant your posts.
You should have metal posts that are at least three feet longer than you want your kennel to be tall. These will need to be buried deep in the ground, and you may want to consider adding concrete to the holes for greater stability. This will provide you with a very sturdy kennel that will not be at risk for blowing over or falling down. Space your posts about six feet a part, or four if necessary.
4. Purchase and install fencing material.
Red Brand fencing works very well for dog kennels, since it is durable enough to withstand even the roughest dogs, but light weight enough to make it easy to install. Look for either chain link fence, or a small square wire fencing material. This will usually come in a roll that you can unwind, and attach to your posts.
5. Attach the fencing material.
This should be done with high quality ties that will be able to hold up to the elements and your dog. The ties should be placed around each post, and you’ll need at least three for each post. Err on the side of caution and use more if you are dealing with a dog that is a known escape artist. You can use this same material to create your gate and you’re all set with a new dog kennel.
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