What kind of wood is the best (durability/waterproof) for making a doghouse?

Answer 1

Pressure treated. You can then use that weather proof stuff on it like they do on decks. We actually put vinyl siding on ours.

Answer 2

You can buy a plastic one like the Dogloo from most pet stores for less than what the supplies would cost to build one. Plastic is totally waterproof and safe if the dog chews it.

DON'T use pressure treated wood if the dog might chew on it - it contains TOXIC chemicals like arsenic! Use concrete blocks to raise it up a little bit away from the ground to prevent rot. Use non-toxic stain or enamel paint or cover the top and sides with roof shingles. If the dog is going to be out all winter, make sure the doghouse is SMALL enough to keep him warm - just big enough to enter, turn around and curl up in. Add a flap of old carpet for a door to keep the cold wind out.

Do a Yahoo search for "dog house plans" and you'll get a bunch of them.

Answer 3

To answer your question specifically, you would want pressure treated 2x4s and pressure treated plywood. If he is really lame, you'd either have to make the ramp really long or use some 1x2 cleats (like a gangplank for a boat). They act like steps for him to hook his claws in, rather than just a slick, smooth piece of plywood. Alternatively, you might opt for a fiberglass set of stairs like they use on mobile homes. If he can climb stairs, they are three feet tall (I think), and can be dug into the ground to match your tailgate height. They are about $200 (maybe less), but it would be a ready-made solution. They are heavy, but they weigh less than a pressure treated ramp would weigh, plus you can use it for the base of a ramp if your dog ever gets worse and can't climb the stairs. And when your dog finally passes away, you can sell them, unlike a wooden ramp.

Answer 4

Cedar, cypress or redwood are all naturally weather and rot resistant and can be left in a natural finish, stained or painted. I'd opt for cypress myself - it's a harder wood than redwood, and you might like the aroma of cedar, but your dog might not!

Answer 5

Treated MDF I think. Depending on the size of the dog house, nail up siding and shingles. VERY easy to make.

Answer 6

Redwood, would be the best. You don't have to paint it, or put anything on it, it will last a very long time..click it-->
http://www.calredwood.org/

Answer 7

Pine or spruce if you are going to paint it.
Cedar or redwood if you leave natural.
Locust(wood) will last forever if you have access to it.

Answer 8

Cedar. No chemical preservatives, smells nice and is easy to work with.