This project was built and designed by Mike Montgomery from Modern Builds. It’s a clean, functional dog house with a contemporary look that uses plywood and pallet wood to create a cozy outdoor space for your furry friend.
Designed with simplicity and style in mind, the structure can be scaled for dogs of any size and customized with optional features like windows or decorative siding. It’s an approachable project for any woodworker, and a great way to use up extra materials while doing something nice for your pet.
Watch the full video and subscribe to Mike’s channel:
Understanding the Project
This dog house isn’t just a box with a roof—it’s built with comfort, insulation, and aesthetics in mind. The modern shape includes angled cuts for the roof, pallet wood cladding for added visual interest, and thoughtful construction to ensure durability outdoors.
Mike’s design revisits a common backyard project but applies clean joinery, smart proportions, and subtle decorative details that make it stand out. The result is a shelter that’s both functional and visually appealing.
Planning and Measuring
The project starts with outlining a plan based on your dog’s size. The key is to ensure your pet has room to stand, turn around, and lie down inside. From there, rough measurements are used to determine the size of each plywood panel.
Before making any cuts, Mike emphasizes sketching a basic layout. This helps identify which pieces need angled cuts and which ones can be cut square. Adjustments can be made easily at this stage depending on breed size or available materials.
Gathering Materials
The core of the structure is made from plywood, with recycled pallet wood used for decorative siding. Additional materials include construction adhesive, screws or nails, and optional acrylic panels for windows.
Plywood is chosen for its strength and ease of cutting, while the pallet wood adds both insulation and rustic texture. Using reclaimed materials like pallets not only saves money but also gives each build a one-of-a-kind appearance.
Cutting the Panels
The first major task is cutting the side panels to shape. These are symmetrical, so getting one right allows the second to be traced easily. The front and back panels are then measured, cut, and adjusted to match the overall structure.
Angled roof lines are added next, giving the house its modern profile. The cuts are simple with a circular saw or miter saw, and any mistakes at this stage can usually be corrected during assembly.
Assembling the Frame
Assembly starts by attaching one side panel to the back wall, followed by the other side and front wall. Construction adhesive and clamps are used to secure joints, and screws are driven through pre-drilled holes for strength.
Leaving an opening for the doorway is important—Mike cuts this opening from the excess plywood left over from the front panel. This not only reduces waste but gives you a perfect match for optional trim later.
Building and Securing the Roof
The roof panels are attached last, with braces added underneath to prevent sagging. Mike uses plywood scraps or furring strips for the bracing, cutting them to length so they wedge tightly between the sloping sides.
Once installed, the roof is checked for gaps and adjusted as needed. A layer of construction adhesive along the seams helps seal the structure against water and wind.
Optional Windows and Ventilation
Mike adds small windows using acrylic panels to let light in while protecting from weather. These are sized to fit within cutouts made in the plywood and held in place with trim pieces.
Clear acrylic gives the house a modern touch while allowing your dog to see out. It’s a small detail, but it adds charm and elevates the overall design.
Decorative Pallet Siding
With the main structure complete, the outside is clad with pallet wood pieces for texture and insulation. Mike arranges the pieces in a horizontal pattern, cutting them to size and attaching them with brad nails and adhesive.
This step lets you customize the look of the dog house to match your outdoor space. You can vary board width or placement for different design effects.
Paint and Protective Finish
The final step is finishing the structure. Mike applies paint and sealant to protect the plywood from moisture and to blend the build with its surroundings.
Be sure to also coat the underside of the floor panel to protect it from ground contact. This small step helps extend the life of the project, especially in damp conditions.
A Project for You and Your Pet
This dog house is a great blend of functionality, creativity, and care. Whether you’re making it for a new puppy or upgrading your backyard setup, it’s a rewarding project that delivers real value.
The combination of plywood for structure and pallet wood for accents creates a modern look that holds up well outside. It’s easily scalable and simple to personalize with color, trim, or optional features like windows and nameplates.
Please support Mike by visiting his website: https://www.modernbuilds.com/.