Converting an Old Shed to a Doghouse: All You Need is Time and Creativity

Do you have an old shed sitting unused on your property? Don’t be embarrassed if the answer is yes. You can’t stop feeling lazy for leaving the structure up. All you’re doing is waiting for inspiration to hit. You’re fairly positive you can come up with another use for the shed. What about converting an old shed into a doghouse? This idea isn’t as out there as it may initially sound. 

Most dog houses are only large enough for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down. In other words, your beloved pet has an extremely cramped house. Sounds like a great idea. Here’s a look at the relatively simple steps. You may even be able to finish your conversion project in a single afternoon.

Get the Shed Off the Ground

Lifting a shed isn’t as hard as it sounds. Surprisingly, it also doesn’t cost a ton of money. You’re going to need some cinder blocks. They’re inexpensive, readily available, and get the job done with minimal fuss.

The raised base should be around 4 inches. This gets the shed completely off the ground. Why do you want to spend time raising the shed? The best reason is for your dog’s comfort. The shed tends to stay warmer and drier when it’s not sitting on cold or wet ground. Don’t forget to secure the shed to the new base. The last thing you want is for the shed to slide off the base, especially if your dog is relaxing inside.

You may need to install a ramp, depending on your dog’s size. A piece of plywood works great as a ramp. You can even build a functional and decorative ramp complete with little railings. How extreme you go in the design is totally up to you.

Insulation Is a Must in Any Climate

Whether winters and summers are mild or tend to toss just about everything at you, the shed needs insulation. You don’t need to go for the most expensive type of insulation on the market. You may not even have it in your home. Spray foam insulation is the most expensive and can be a pain to apply evenly.

If you’re concerned about the environment, cellulose insulation is affordable and eco-friendly. Coconut coir is sustainable and eco-friendly. The primary downside is the coconut fibers can settle over time. This can be a problem in homes but shouldn’t affect your dog’s comfort too much. These are only a few examples of the types of insulation on the market. Do a little research, ask some building experts, and go with what works best for your local climate and wallet.

Your Dog Needs a Door

Dogs are smart. Pretty much every dog owner can tell you at least one story where their pet amazed them with their intelligence. However, dogs tend to have problems opening closed doors. The whole lack of fingers and thumbs makes it just about impossible for dogs to work doorknobs. This means you need to add a doggie door to the shed.

Should you get rid of the ‘people’ door? This is entirely up to you. We recommend keeping the larger door. After all, you need in the shed for occasional cleaning, and crawling through the doggie door is only fun the first time or two. After that, it gets pretty annoying, especially when you’re lugging in cleaning supplies.

You can either create a doggie door on your own or go with a kit. Kits are easier, though you still need to cut the hole for the door. The kit even comes with the hanging flap for the entrance. The flap serves as a door. Your pet can easily come and go and the flap helps keep the weather out.

Decorate the Interior

You can just toss an old blanket inside and tell your dog welcome to their new home. This is a tad anticlimactic. After all, you’ve raised the shed, applied insulation, and created a door. Why stop now? Doesn’t your dog deserve more than just an old bed?

What does your doggo need to stay comfortable? Every dog is a little different. Some can’t relax without a favorite toy or bone. Others need something that smells like their owner. You get the general idea. If you decide to go with a pile of blankets and sheets, check their condition every day or so. You’re making sure the bedding isn’t wet, especially in cold weather. The last thing you want is for your dog to freeze.

Consider throwing down some straw or wood chips. You’re adding some insulation to the floor, while also making it a little more comfortable. What about adding some shelves or other types of storage for things like dog food and extra bedding? Just remember to install any storage systems out of your dog’s reach.

Tackle the Exterior

There’s no reason why your converted shed has to look its age. Even prefab dog houses tend to have some style and flair. Consider staining wood sheds, it’s actually not a difficult chore. Slapping on a coat of paint can also spruce up an old metal shed.

What about fencing in the area around the newly converted shed? This way your dog can run and play without being constantly stuck on a leash. Do you have any lumber lying around from another project? What about adding a small porch? Now your dog has a place to lie down and still keep an eye on what’s going on.

You may be tempted to plant some flowers. While it’s a great idea for some projects, it’s not the best for sprucing up a dog house. Some plants are dangerous for dogs. Besides, your dog is probably going to end up digging up the plants. Save the plants for a garden away from the dog house.

Giving Your Dog Their Own Home

Dogs are social creatures but they occasionally need their own space. Why not do something with your old shed to benefit your dog? Converting a shed to a dog house isn’t too difficult or expensive. Best of all, it’s a DIY project you should be able to tackle in a weekend.