The first step to building this amazing dog playground is gathering all of the wood you will need.
After you have gathered the wood, it’s time to take measurements. I recommend measuring the height and width of your dog first. My lovely model is my dog Bean. He loves to explore and play, so I was super excited to build this playground for him and my other dog Echo.
Next, I started to work on the legs of the playground using a2x4, and I marked each leg down to 39”.
After that, I cut my pieces with my miter saw, and I repeated these steps with one (1) of the2x3 pieces, and I cut those down to 28 7/16”.
After I got all my pieces cut, I put them together to make sure my framing was coming together correctly. I cut two (2)2x4 to 39“ (these will be the legs) and the horizontal pieces, which are the one (1)2x3, I cut down to 28 7/16”. I also cut a 2x4 to 38 ½” which will run flush vertically to my2x3s.
The next thing I did was I sanded and rounded out the edges of each piece with my palm sander.
After that, with my drill, I added pocket holes to the inner portions of each board using a hole depth halfway between ¾" and 1 ½" with my collar set to 1 ½".
I then begin to attach all the wood using myright angle clampanddrill. I used2 ½” pocket screwsto attach, but a2” pocket screwwould work as well.
Next, I began to work on framing the front. I used2x2sto do this. I cut the sides down to 36 1/16” and the top piece I cut down to 34 ¾” . I attached each piece using 2 ½” wood screws.
I began to tackle the ramp next. I first added a2x3to the side. I did this so that my ramp wouldn’t be too steep. I used my levelto attach this to the side.
To find my angle, I used myspeed squareI found that it was 30-degrees. I then went to mymiter sawto make a 30-degree bevel cut. After I cut, I added pocket holes to the underside of the wood at the bottom of the angle and attached it to my2x3.
After I finished attaching my2x3sfor the ramp, I added another2x3to the back using pocket holes.
To create the dig station. I used a1x6, and I cut that down to the width of the side first, and then the excess piece I cut in half.
I created pocket holes to attach with a ¾” depth and ¾” collar. I then attached this to my side.
After you have completed the frame for the playground, this is how it should look.
Next, I began to work on the front again. I used a sheet ofplywoodthat was ⅕” thick 8ft that I got cut down 39"x 41 7/8" at Home Depot (I did end up using my table saw to cut the length down a little more), and I began to create a template to cut out a semi-circle.
To cut the semi-circle out I used myjig sawand I followed my template carefully around.
Once cut out, I sanded it, and then I attached it to the front using mywood glueandnail gunwith2" brad nails.
After I finished the front, I started to cut and attach my 1x4s to the2x3on the ramp using my nail gunand wood glue. I also stained the wood with the color dark walnut.
I addedSpar Urethaneto my wood before painting since I didn’t use pressure-treated wood. This will protect the wood from UV, mold, and harsh weather.
I then began to paint using outdoor paint. I used the colors Onyx and Moth Gray by Glidden.
To add some character, I created stripes in the front. I used myfrog tapeto space out mylines.
I then painted the stripes with the color Moth Gray.
For the ramp, I took some1x2, and I cut them down to size and added them to my ramp, and stained them the samedark walnut[305502000] color.
I attached plywood to the top, cut from the same piece I used for the front at 41 7/8" x 35 3/8", and added it to the top with my nail gunand wood glue.
Lastly, I added some finishing touches. I attached two stakes to the front and some appliqués. I also added eye bolts to the back to attach toys too.
That’s it! Then you will have a stunning dog house for your pets to play on! As I mentioned previously, I’m so excited that I built this dog playground for my fur babies and even more proud of how this turned out. We tested this out on both my dogs and my friends, and they loved it!
This post was created in partnership with The Home Depot. The author may have received compensation for this article and associated images or video, potentially in the form of products and/or services. All expressed opinions and experiences are the author’s own words.
FAQs
With that in mind, here are a few amenities you might want to include:
- A dog house or a shaded area where he can escape the elements.
- An outdoor dog bed for lounging.
- A water feature in which to splash around and cool off.
- Food and water dishes, and a mat, platform or small patio on which to place them.
Good Design
You will want to ensure the park has a shaded area, ramps and platforms for the dogs, seating for their owners, water features, and a dog drinking area. You will also want to design a gated in-and-out system and clear signage.
How to build a dog park fence? ›
Fences around dog parks should be at least five feet tall (to prevent even the most talented jumpers from getting away), the footings should be buried at least one foot down, and fence panels should be buried to a depth of six inches at all locations except at access points.
Why build a dog park? ›
Dog parks promote physical activity.
Building a dog park offers a safe and engaging space for dog owners to bond with their pets while ensuring their dogs get the necessary exercise. No more backyard bathroom breaks - it's time to play and walk together!
How big should a dog play area be? ›
A functional dog run should be at least four feet by eight feet. However, the size of your pet will tell you if more space is needed. The number of dogs using it will also determine the final area that will be used.
How do you build an outdoor dog run? ›
Opt for a spacious, shaded area with good drainage. This provides a comfortable environment for your furry friend. Collect sturdy fencing material, posts, a gate, and essential tools like a saw, hammer, and measuring tape. Plan the layout based on available space and your dog's needs.
What is the best dog park layout? ›
The best layout is one that is fenced in with a gate and an accessible path back and forth from the parking lot to the park itself. The best separation concept is to create separate areas for small dogs and large dogs and placing size appropriate equipment in those areas.
What is the best material for a dog park? ›
Crusher fines or washed stone dust are an appropriate surface choice for dog parks, as it has a moderate replacement cost, drains well, and holds up to heavy use.
How to build a public dog park? ›
Ten Tips for Planning and Building a Dog Park in Your Community
- Location, location, location. ...
- Fencing the park and designing an entrance. ...
- Gate placement. ...
- Dog park surface. ...
- Small dogs and large dogs. ...
- Signage. ...
- Water supply. ...
- Park seating.
Some community dog parks have 5′ fencing, but ideally, you should get fencing that's 6′ high or taller. Many dog breeds can jump a 4′-5′ tall fence, so it's best to err on the safe side. Nearly any fencing material can reach this height, so it will not limit your design options.
You can put gravel along your fence line, which may deter your dog. An effective solution will be to install a fence that extends below ground level (anywhere from 12-24 inches) so your dog won't even be able to dig under your fence.
Why do dog parks have two gates? ›
The dog park entrance usually has a double gate. People and their dogs enter the first gate and are in an enclosed area. This is where owners can remove the dog's leash. Then they enter the second gate that goes into the dog park.
What are the cons of building a dog park? ›
DOG PARK CONS: If the park isn't fenced-off, there's a chance your dog could run-off and become lost or get hurt. These parks aren't recommended. It can be a dangerous place at times: you may witness fights between dogs, or your dog may be preyed upon by more aggressive dogs.
Why are dog parks gravel? ›
Minimal Impact. The dog park was designed to have a minimal impact on the environment. The gravel parking lot allows water to penetrate back into the ground rather than run off into the gutter and storm drain.
Is playing in the backyard enough for a dog? ›
While backyard playtime may provide some exercise, it probably isn't enough. Below is a list of the recommended daily exercise needs of cats and dogs depending on their age, breed and lifestyle. Nearly all pets benefit from two daily sessions, splitting the total daily time needed into a morning and evening session.
How much space does a dog need in a yard? ›
To calculate the minimum space required for a dog, follow the steps below. Step 1: Measure the length of the dog (in inches) from the tip of its nose to the base of its tail. Add 6 inches to this number. Step 2: Take the total number you got in step 1 and square it (multiply it by itself).
Can you build a playground in your backyard? ›
Hours of fun and play every week don't always require a trip to the park: By building your own DIY outdoor playground, you can have plenty of entertainment right at home. Adding slides, ladders, rock walls, and more are all great DIY playground ideas for your backyard.
How do you build a dog area inside? ›
However, if you don't have space to spare, you can designate an area of an already existing room, like a corner of your living area or bedroom. Use dog gates and playpens to close off an area, or set up your dog's crate in the space if you need to confine your pup.
