Fido in need of new digs but your budget doesn’t exactly have a lot of wiggle room for a decent prefab dog house?
If you’re even remotely crafty, you can save a fortune by trying out one of these stylish pallet dog house designs!
Pallets are usually free and easy to find, making them perfect for everything from DIY dog feeding stations to dog beds, and of course, these easy dog houses!
Plus, in this updated guide you’ll also discover:
- How to choose the right size dog house based on your pup’s breed or weight (no more guessing!),
- Where to safely source free or cheap pallets, and
- A handy FAQ section answering common questions like “Is pallet wood safe for dogs?” and “Can you build a dog house without power tools?”
Let’s check them out!
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DIY Stylish Pallet Dog House Designs
- Cottage Style Pallet Dog House– From the Instructables website, by DIY Andrea, includes 15 steps on building a cottage style pallet dog house. It has received 12,069 views and was 2nd Place in the 2015 Backyard Contest.
- DIY Waterproof Pallet Bed: Need a waterproof dog bed that doesn’t cost a fortune? DIY this cool pallet bed!
- Doghouse Pallet Beach House– This 18:34 YouTube video, along with the link for the 15:25 Part 2 video, by Craft Klatch, shows you how to build a Key West inspired beach dog house. Besides instructions on the build, the videos also include instructions on creating the sandy front yard, as well as exterior and interior decorating tips. Written instructions can be found here.
- How to Build a Dog House with Recycled Pallets– This 20:41 YouTube video, by Silverline Tools TV, shows you how to build a stylish dog house, using pallets. Silverline TV manufacturers hand tools, power tools, building materials, tool storage options and more.
- How to Build a Dog Kennel from Pallet Wood– This 37:55 YouTube video, from TA Fishing Show, shows you how to build a dog kennel, using pallet wood. The episode is from the DIY section of the show.
- How to Make a Doghouse with Pallets– This 42:09 YouTube video, by Josep Farre, shows you how to easily build a dog house with pallets, complete with step-by-step instructions. Written instructions can be found here.
- Luxury Pallet Kennel with Sun Deck– From the Instructables website, by Saffrey, includes 8 steps on building a luxury pallet kennel with sun deck, insulated walls and sloped roof. It has received 45,690 views and was the Runner-Up in the 2014 Pallet Contest.
- Painted Pallet Dog Playhouse– This 8:44 YouTube video, by Recyclart, provides complete instructions on building this spacious, painted pallet dog playhouse. Written instructions can be found here.
- Pallet Dog House with Veranda Roof– From the DIY Craftsy website, this pallet dog house with veranda roof project has been pinned to Pinterest over 14,000 times. Step by step instructions are included along with images.
- Wooden Pallet Dog Playhouse– From the website, www.Ana-White.com, this project shows you basic model instructions with materials list and tools list. The stylish dog house costs under $20 to build and is ideal for intermediate skill levels.
Tips for Building a Pallet Dog House
Building a pallet dog house starts with finding the right materials—and making sure your pup stays safe and comfortable once it’s done.
Where to Look for Pallets
Local businesses like grocery stores, furniture stores, and garden centers often give away pallets from large shipments.
Hardware and home improvement stores may have extras behind the building—just ask.
Construction sites can be a good source of scrap pallets (always get permission first).
Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and Buy Nothing groups often have free pallet listings.
Appliance stores are another reliable option for large, sturdy pallets.
Safety Tips for Using Pallets
Choose pallets stamped with “HT” (heat-treated), which are safe for pets.
Avoid pallets marked “MB”—they’ve been treated with a toxic pesticide called methyl bromide.
Skip stained, oily, moldy, or cracked pallets, which may contain harmful residues or be structurally weak.
Sand down the pallet wood to remove rough edges and splinters.
- Tip: Always inspect pallets carefully and wear gloves when handling them.
Where to Place Your Pallet Dog House
Choose a shady but dry area of your yard—cool enough in summer, but not too exposed in winter.
Avoid placing the dog house too far from your home—your dog could feel isolated or reluctant to use it.
Ensure there’s some elevation or drainage underneath the house to keep moisture out.
What Size Dog House Does Your Dog Need?
Size also matters. As tempting as it is to build Fido a mansion, cozy is better, especially on chilly days. He’ll need enough room to stand up and turn around, but not so much room that he feels like he has a whole separate space to do his business. Opt for a slanted roof, especially if you live in a particularly rainy or snowy area. While I love the natural wood look of pallets, if you do decide to paint your dog’s house, make sure you buy a good non-toxic paint that’s designed to withstand the elements. The same goes for your nails, screws, and other hardware. You want galvanized or waterproof options.
Easy Size Guidelines
Here’s a simple formula to help you size it right:
- Length = Dog’s body length (tip of nose to base of tail) + 6–12 inches
- Width = Dog’s shoulder width × 1.25
- Height = Dog’s height (from ground to top of head) + 3–6 inches
Tip: Bigger isn’t always better! Oversized spaces can make it harder for your dog to stay warm, especially in the winter.
FAQ: Pallet Dog House Building
Is pallet wood safe for dogs?
Yes—as long as it’s the right kind. Look for pallets marked with the stamp “HT,” which stands for heat-treated. These are processed without chemicals and are generally safe for pet use. Avoid anything labeled “MB” (methyl bromide) or pallets that appear stained, oily, or moldy, as they could contain harmful substances.
Can I build a pallet dog house without power tools?
Absolutely. While power tools can save time, you can build a dog house with just hand tools like a hammer, handsaw, and pry bar. Just expect it to take a bit longer and require a little more elbow grease—especially when dismantling the pallets.
How do I clean a pallet dog house?
Sweep out loose dirt and hair regularly, and wipe the surfaces down with a mild soap and water solution. If the house is painted or sealed properly, you can also hose it out for a deeper clean. Avoid harsh cleaners or bleach-based products unless they’re specifically pet-safe.
Do I need to insulate a pallet dog house?
That depends on your climate and how much time your dog will spend outside. For colder regions, consider adding foam board insulation between the pallet slats or lining the interior with straw or blankets during winter. Always ensure there’s proper airflow to prevent moisture buildup.
What type of paint or sealer should I use?
Choose a non-toxic, pet-safe exterior paint or wood sealant. Many products are labeled as “low VOC” or “zero VOC” (volatile organic compounds), which are safer for pets and people alike. Sealing the wood helps protect against rot, pests, and water damage—especially important if the house sits on grass or dirt.
Final Thoughts
When you’re done building your pallet dog house, give it a once-over from your dog’s perspective. I’m not saying you have to get down on your hands and knees and crawl around in it (although that would help!), but just go over it and make sure you didn’t leave any sharp corners or exposed hardware.
Building a pallet dog house is a budget-friendly project that lets you create a cozy, custom space your dog will love—and you don’t need to be a master carpenter to pull it off. With a little planning, some safe materials, and a bit of creativity, you’ll have a stylish setup that both looks great in your yard and keeps your pup happy and protected.
Ready to get started? Pick your favorite design, gather your pallets, and let your DIY adventure begin!
