Dogs need a safe and warm dog house.
A cement floor gets your dog up off the cold damp ground. The cement stays drier when it rains, keeping your pet warm and cozy. Pouring your own concrete floor is economical, but it does take time and energy. Lay the floor at least 72 hours before you plan on putting the dog house on it. Concrete needs time to cure to become cement.
Instructions
1. Measure the dog house. Mark the dimensions on the ground where the dog house will be located. Dig out the area to a depth of six inches.
2. Lay two by four boards on the ground around the perimeter of the area. The narrow end should facing up. This will increase the depth of the area to be cemented by about four inches. Fasten the corners of the boards together by hammering them with nails. Think of this as the mold for the concrete.
3. Stabilize the wooden concrete mold by hammering wedges into the ground next to the wood mold to brace it. One wedge every four feet should be adequate.
4. Put a four-inch layer of gravel in the hole.
5. Cut chicken wire to fit over the area. Lay the chicken wire on top of the gravel.
6. Mix the concrete with water per package directions in a wheelbarrow or other container. As soon a batch is mixed pour into the hole. Fill the hole to the top of the two by fours.
7. Screed the surface with a two by four so the form is evenly filled with concrete. Screeding is simply resting the two by four on top of the mold and using it to push concrete from higher areas to lower areas. Remove any excess.
8. Trowel the cement so it's evenly spread and has a smooth surface. Use a side to side half circle motion to spread and smooth the concrete with the trowel. Dogs have paw pads which could be torn up if you leave the cement rough.
9. Cover the surface of the concrete with plastic to slow the curing process if the day is hot and dry. Shade from the sun. Let the concrete cure for three days.
Related posts
Add a hinged roof to make cleanup and feeding time easier.Building a dog house with a cement floor is a good way to provide safe shelter for the family pet. A cement floor is better for the dog th...
This is an excellent idea. This kit is available online!Ideas of build yourself a solar dog house.Instructions1. You will need to use either an existing piece of concrete or purchase at your local...
Build a Dog House With Scrap MaterialsBuilding a dog house with scrap materials is an inexpensive way to provide shelter for your pet. Many standard building materials can be used to construct a d...
Don't leave your dog out in the cold.There are a lot of dog house designs, but few will keep your dog quite as warm and dry as one with a proper shingled roof. The shingled roof is one of the most...
Although you might keep your dog indoors at night and at least part of the day, there are times when your dog will want to sleep outside. As long as you have a very secure backyard fence, letting...
