Kennel Cover

Here is a simple way to dress up your dog kennel while still maintaining functionality. You can watch the video or follow along with the written instructions below.

Tools:

• Mitre Saw
• Measuring Tape
• Pocket Hole Jig
• Drill
• Circular Saw
• Paint Brush
• Brad Nailer
• Table Saw

Materials:

• 1x6 Fence Boards
• 3/4" Pine plywood
• Oak trim
• Fasteners
• Paint, Stain, Wood Conditioner, Polyurethane
• Wood Glue

Take some measurements. Height, length, width as well as the location of the door so that the door can swing open freely without any interference.

CAD isn't necessary but I like to use this tool to help me visualize and come up with a proper design.

Measure and cut material. 1x6 fence boards (leftover from a fence build) used for the frame & 3/4" thk pine plywood used for tabletop. Circular saw to cut out tabletop, mitre saw to cut frame boards to length & a table saw to rip boards to correct width. The dimensions are dependent on the kennel size. I wanted the cover to easily slide over the kennel, so I went with +1/2" > width/length/height of kennel. For the top I went with 1/2" overhang all around.

Note: Clamp a straight edge to the plywood to ensure a straight cut with the circular saw,

Wood glue & brad nail together the vertical uprights (legs).

Fasten horizontal sections together with wood screws.

Fasten vertical uprights (legs) to horizontal portion using wood screws. Fasteners are screwed in from the inside to hide them.

Wood glue & brad nail oak trim to give the plywood a nice looking edge/perimeter. Oak has to be ripped down to size on the table saw prior.

Note: Counter sink pilot holes to prevent the wood from splitting.

Wood fill brad nail holes, screw holes & any imperfections. Sand smooth.

Grits: 80, 150, 220

Brush on some paint/ primer. Two coats was sufficient.

Drill holes using a pocket hole jig clamped to the wood.

Wood screws used to fasten the top to the frame.

To finish the top brush on one coat of wood conditioner. Wood conditioner allows for a consistent finish when staining. One coat of walnut stain. Finally, three coats of polyurethane.

Extremely happy with how this turned out. Really cleans up the look of a kennel. Thank you for following along!