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myBuilding a Dog Kennel Cost
At a glance
- The average cost to build a dog kennel is around £180
- The job will usually take between 0.5 – 2 days to complete
- A breakdown of pricing information including types and sizes of dog kennels and what's involved in such a job
- How long the job will take and a general overview of your options
- How to find and hire a kennel builder
See our guide on everything you may need to know about building a kennel for your furry friend, including costs of materials and labour, frequently asked questions and other things to consider, such as how to make a dog kennel and what's involved in such a task.
To give you a rough idea, the average cost of building a dog house is around £180.
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Table of Contents
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Dog Kennel?
Building a dog kennel in the UK can cost anywhere from £100-£350, depending on the size and complexity of the job. Before hiring a professional to carry out the work for you, there are a few cost-affecting factors to consider.
The quality of your chosen materials, the tradesperson's hourly or daily rates and the level of intricacy involved with the design can all determine how much your project is going to cost. On average, the price of building a kennel for your dog will cost around £180.
The scale of your project will depend significantly on the size of your dog, as a larger dog will, of course, require a larger kennel.
When you hire a professional dog kennel builder to work on your project, they will likely charge you for all of the materials and their labour. However, building a dog kennel is usually very straightforward and can be completed over the course of a few days.
Your chosen tradesperson will help you design a plan for your custom-built dog kennel, tailored to the perfect size and shape. You will discuss the various materials required for building your new kennel, including the best quality timbers, waterproofing systems and your preferred finish.
The total price for the project will cover the entire process from designing your kennel to constructing the finished product. Many tradespeople will include the supplying of all required materials in with the total quoted cost so that you do not have to worry about sourcing them yourself.
Dog Kennel Prices
Below is an example of how the cost affecting factors that we discussed earlier can impact the overall cost of your build. However, these figures are estimates and should be used only as a guide when budgeting for your project. The actual cost of building a dog kennel will determine solely on the opinions of your chosen tradesperson.
| Dog Size | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Small | £120 |
| Medium | £180 |
| Large | £220 |
| X Large | £300 |
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Supply Only Costs
If you wish to build a dog house yourself, you’ll need to know how much the supply and material costs are, rather than the labour costs. Below is an average cost guide for any material you may need when building a dog kennel:
| Material | Cost |
|---|---|
| Pine | £7 per metre |
| Oak | £13 per metre |
| Cedar | £16 per metre |
| Plywood | £5 per metre |
| Animal-friendly wood preservatives | £14 per litre |
| Roofing felt | £20 per 10sqm |
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Labour Costs and Timescales
If your hiring a professional to build a dog house, you can expect to pay between £100-£200 per day for labour, depending on experience and qualifications.
Below is a table to give you a rough idea on how long it will take to build a dog kennel, depending on the dog kennel size:
| Dog Kennel Size | 2-4 Hours |
|---|---|
| Small | 3-5 Hours |
| Medium | 4-6 Hours |
| Large | 6-8 Hours |
| X Large | 1-2 Days |
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What's Involved with Building a Dog Kennel?
When you hire a professional to design and construct your bespoke dog kennel, it is important to understand the process.
Upon your initial discussion with your tradesperson, you will talk about the requirements and intentions for how your new kennel will be used. Your builder will need to know your dog's measurements in order to design a space that is both functional and comfortable for them.
You will be able to customise your design depending on your needs, adding extras such as waterproofing or a run enclosure. Make sure that you inform your builder of any specific details that you would like to add so that they can be included in the design stage.
Once you have covered the shape and size of your kennel, you will need to decide on which materials you are going to use. An experienced professional will likely be able to advise you on what materials they recommend, especially if your kennel will likely be located outdoors.
An outdoor enclosure, in the UK, will need to be water-tight, so weatherproofing materials are essential in this case. They will talk you through the various options when it comes to choosing the timbers and finish that you would like, including any decorative details.
Remember, the process is entirely customisable, so you should be able to choose everything from the quality of the wood to the finish colour.
Many professional kennel builders will build the kennel off-site, which means that they will usually construct the initial framework at a workshop or studio. However, larger enclosures with additional features such as a run may need to be built at your property as delivery may be an issue.
The tradesperson will start by constructing the frame and base of which the kennel will be seated. Usually, the frame will be made out of treated structural timbers, followed by either MDF or Plywood pieces that are attached to make the sides and the roof. The pieces are secured together with screws and wood adhesive to ensure a proper seal.
Once the structural work is complete, your kennel builder will likely use a felt material for the roof portion. Felt is commonly used for kennel roof's as it is an excellent, water-tight material that is not only practical but looks smart.
The waterproof roofing material is usually pinned using clout nails to the top of the kennel, either with a nail gun or hammer. Finally, once the structure is completely water-tight and secure, your builder will begin the finishing process.
This involves sanding down and neatening up any loose edges, priming the wooden base and preparing for painting. Depending on whether you have decided to add any decorative details, such as your dog's name, this will be carried out in the final phase.
With a new dog kennel for your furry friend you may want to fit a pet flap to give them access in and out the house.
DIY Building a Dog Kennel
While building a dog kennel seems like a reasonably straightforward process, it can be a tedious job for an amateur DIY-er. It can be dangerous to handle power tools or equipment that you are unfamiliar with.
So, as with any other home-improvement or building project, we always advise you to leave the work to the professionals.
You will also get a much better-quality finish when hiring an experienced tradesperson to carry out the work for you, which means that you may end up saving money in the long run.
Not only can the process be harmful to yourself, but you may end up creating a structure that us unsafe or unusable for your dog. An outdoor dog kennel should be structurally sound and weather-resistant to ensure it serves its purpose correctly.
An experienced kennel builder will also understand the required size and dimensions for your enclosure, that will perfectly suit your dog's needs. If you were considering building a dog house yourself, you should make sure that you are adequately equipped with the correct tools and materials to carry out the work.
Professional kennel builders will use power tools such as a circular saw, a jigsaw, a nail gun and drills. They will also use the appropriate wood adhesives and primers to prepare the surface for painting. If you do not have suitable equipment, you could end up with a poorly finished dog kennel.
If you've build your dog kennel to restrict your dogs access and prevent them from escaping you may want to consider upgrading your perimeter fence or replacing any damaged panels.
The cost of replacing your garden fence will be much less than the cost that may be incurred if they escape.
What Size Dog Kennel Do I Need?
The perfect sized dog house for your pooch is on they can turn fully around, stand up and lie down in.
If your dog house is too big then it won’t keep warm enough in the winter months, and if it’s too small your dog will be uncomfortable. So, it’s important to get the size just right.
Check out the table below to give you an idea of sized dog kennel you’ll need for your dog, depending on your dog’s weight:
| Dog Size | Dog Weight | Kennel Size |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 25-30lbs | 24 Inches or under |
| Medium | 35-40lbs | 24-30 Inches |
| Large | 50-80lbs | 30-42 Inches |
| X Large | 90-110lbs | 42 Inches or above |
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Different Types of Timber
There are many different types of timber that can be used to build a quality dog kennel. If you are hiring an expert, they will likely advise you on which materials they recommend.
However, it is useful to understand the different types of timber and how they can benefit your build. As your dogs house will likely be exposed to all kinds of weather, it is best to use an outdoor grade wood. Water-resistant plywood is ideal for outdoor dog kennels, it is excellent at dealing with moisture.
It's often cheap; for a small to medium sized kennel will cost £20-£60. Many other kinds of wood will not deal with humidity as well as water-resistant plywood. Water will eventually cause other woods to expand and rot, altering the stability of the structure.
When it comes to choosing a structural timber, there are many outdoor grade woods to choose from. The most resistant outdoor grade timbers include Cedar, European Oak and Walnut.
However, even the most resistant timbers will eventually suffer the effects of constant weathering. Your experienced kennel builder will be able to advise you on the most suitable materials to use for your project.
You can expect to pay £40-£80 for a small cedar, oak or walnut kennel.
Hiring a Dog Kennel Builder Checklist
Before you hire someone to build a dog kennel, there are some things you should consider.
Below is a checklist for you to follow when you're searching for a carpenter or handyman to build you a dog kennel.
- Research local kennel builders in your area, check reviews and recommendations from previous clients.
- Always shop around for the best price. We suggest comparing at least three quotes to ensure that you receive the perfect end product.
- Ensure that you have discussed with your builder the requirements for your kennel and your dog's specifications.
- Ask your tradesperson to provide you with a cost breakdown to see what is included with your given price.
- Discuss your options for the most suitable materials and finish that you desire.
- Never pay the full amount upfront and always receive a written receipt for the project quotation.
FAQs
What Type Of Wood Can You Use To Build A Dog Kennel?
Many kinds of wood can be used to build a dog kennel. However, this will depend on how you intend to use it. Outdoor enclosures will require water-resistant, durable woods to reduce the chance of rotting.
Do Dogs Like Outdoor Kennels?
Generally, dogs will benefit from being outdoors for short periods at a time. However, it is crucial to monitor whether your dog starts showing signs of anxiety or stress.
How Can You Insulate A Dog Kennel?
You can insulate an outdoor dog kennel by covering the roof with a type of tarp or wrap, to prevent heat from escaping. You may consider adding a door to your kennel and ensuring the enclosure is entirely weather-tight.
What Size Should My Dog Kennel Be?
This will depend on the size of your dog. See our example table for a rough guide of determining the size of your kennel. For more advice, contact an experienced kennel builder for their recommendations.
Sources
https://blog.ferplast.com/en/finding-the-right-size-of-dog-house/
https://www.petsathome.com/
http://www.callingalldogs.com/specsheets/choose_right_size_dog_house.htm
https://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/how-to-build/build-dog-house3.htm
