The most common materials for doghouses are wood or plastic. Wood is generally the most commonly used, and you'll find that most instructions use wood in their examples. This is because wood is cheap and very easy to work with. The additional costs can add up quickly if you need additional insulation or waterproofing, if you need to build some type of foundation, and if you have experience working with the chosen material yourself or if you need to outsource it to someone else, it can be difficult to work with materials such as metal and concrete without experience.
Plastic is a very versatile material that can be found in a wide variety of thicknesses and colors. The plastic is lightweight and easy to work with, and can be quickly cut to size according to your needs. A big advantage of opting for a plastic doghouse is that you can build one cheaply, if not for free. Large plastic tubs are available at low prices, and they can be quickly and easily reused for use in a doghouse.
These round tubs can be cut vertically and used sideways, and square tubs can simply be used upside down with a hole for a door. Plastic is also an excellent roofing material, as it's not prone to dripping or rotting. The main disadvantage of using plastic is insulation. The material itself is not well insulating, even when it is thick.
This means that building with plastic will require the extra work of adding insulation if it's made for outdoor use. If you are using the doghouse indoors, there is no need to insulate it. Plastic can also be flimsy and isn't ideal for large dogs who can easily break or bend it. If you want to build a sturdy, permanent doghouse, concrete is a great option.
It is a very versatile and resistant construction material and will last longer than most other materials. It may be a little exaggerated to use it in a doghouse, although it's ideal if you have several dogs that you need to have at home outdoors. Concrete can be difficult to work with if you don't have previous experience, so you may need to hire help. It's also an expensive material compared to wood or plastic and takes time to mix, pour and harden.
Concrete insulates quite well, depending on the thickness of the walls, but the floor will get very cold in the winter months, so you'll have to add extra bedding or raised floors. Fiberglass is a material that is commonly used for roofs, but it can also be reused for use in cladding. It usually comes in corrugated sheets that are easily attached, so you can build a doghouse in a couple of hours with this material. It's also commonly found second-hand, so it won't cost you an arm or a leg.
Fiberglass is fairly well insulated, especially when used for roofing, so you probably won't need to add any additional insulation unless you live in cold climates. Fibreglass can be easy to handle, but cutting it to the required lengths can be a challenge. It can be complicated and you'll want to wear a mask and eye protection while you cut. The cutting process can also leave uneven edges that should be smoothed out, so it's a good idea to try using the materials in the lengths that come. You'll need to buy concrete to place the bricks and have the knowledge and experience of masonry or hire help.
Building with bricks takes a long time, and with stone even more. Wood is the preferred choice for building doghouses, and for good reason. We highly recommend using mainly wood to build a doghouse as it is economical, easy to cut and handle, lightweight and also looks great. Wood can be painted or varnished to protect it from the sun and rain, and you don't need much experience or expertise to work with it. Wood can be purchased in infinite lengths and thicknesses making it easy to customize.
A wooden doghouse is also not permanent and is therefore easy to move when needed. You can also buy particleboard or particleboard which are made from compressed wood chips. However, it would be ideal to use it as a form of insulation as it will wear out quickly when exposed to the elements. The main disadvantage of wood is that it rots. You will have to treat the doghouse periodically to prevent it from deteriorating and even so; it will eventually fall victim to Mother Nature depending on the thickness of the wood you use wooden doghouses can generate drafts but a good construction will largely prevent this from happening. Acrylic plastic can be found in a variety of colors or transparent. It is similar to glass in its clarity but is much more impact-resistant than glass Acrylic is relatively easy to work with and is impervious to the elements A brick and mortar doghouse would be impressive and also quite permanent that's for sure. The brick won't be affected by wind or rain but that wouldn't be a problem for your dog house if it's indoors. Doghouses are generally not built of brick unless they are outside.
Concrete is one of the most versatile and robust construction materials of the 20th century. Add a steel reinforcing bar and a wire mesh; and you have a bunker that could survive a bomb attack. Although not normally used to make dog houses this would work well if an underground dog house is built. Keep in mind that concrete will cool and damp if it's cold so you'll want to have some wood or a rug on the floor so your dog stays comfortable. The main material you choose will depend on your specific needs While we recommend wood as the best material others may be better for your situation We hope this list will help you decide which is the best doghouse material that suits you and your dog.
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