How to build a modern cedar dog house

Western Red Cedar pooch nook with stairs

Being in the dog house has never looked so good, as furry models Lola and Daisy prove in Real Cedar’s latest DIY video on how to build a modern cedar dog house.

In the latest Real Cedar DIY video, expert builder Jim West from Westworks Construction walks viewers through a simple, step-by-step process to craft a modern Western Red Cedar dog house that can double as a stylish side table. The practical piece is both a comfortable nook for your dog’s bed and a functional piece of real wood furniture that adds warmth and texture to your garden, home or office.

“Well, the girls sure seem to like it,” West says, referring to his sweet pugs who came along on building day to test out their cozy new modern indoor dog house.

Do-It Yourself plans made easy

While Lola and Daisy explore the workshop, West details how the crate is designed for a 20-pound dog, but the plans come in a variety of sizes – small, medium and large – to meet the size of any furry friend.

To Finish or not to finish?

The dog house is made with a gorgeous grade of unfinished Knotty Western Red Cedar, which West opted to leave unfinished and allow to naturally patina to a beautiful silver. If you did choose to finish the modern indoor dog house on the outside, you would be spoiled for choice because Western Red Cedar is pitch and resign-free, which means it holds and accepts a wide range of finishes beautifully. And when Western Red Cedar is finished, it really pops, West notes.

Not only does Western Red Cedar look, smell and feel great, it’s also a green choice. In fact, Western Red Cedar leaves a smaller carbon footprint than any other building material, so you can feel good about more than just delivering on a snug new bed for your best friend.

Find the plans to build your own modern dog house here.