If you’re thinking of building a dog kennel at home, you’re not just making a shelter—you’re creating a safe space where your dog can rest, relax, and feel secure. Whether it’s for a lively pup who loves the outdoors or an older dog who enjoys their own quiet corner, a well-designed kennel can make a huge difference to your pet’s wellbeing—and your peace of mind.
Here’s how to build a great dog kennel that’s practical, comfortable, and easy to maintain—plus, the often-overlooked secret to keeping it clean and stress-free: quality dog kennel flooring.
Photo is purely representational.
Start by choosing a location that’s protected from harsh weather. You want somewhere with shade during hot days and shelter from wind or rain. If it’s outdoors, avoid boggy or uneven ground. If it’s indoors or in a garage or shed, make sure the space is well-ventilated and not prone to damp or drafts.
Think about visibility too—dogs are social. Placing the kennel in a spot where they can see the garden or hear family activity can help reduce stress and loneliness.
The kennel should be big enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. But not so big that it’s hard to keep warm. For larger breeds, you’ll want a bit of headroom and room to stretch. If you’ve got a smaller dog, something more compact will feel cosier.
If you’re adding an enclosed run area, consider a shaded section for hot days and enough space for water bowls and bedding.
Use weatherproof materials that can handle the rough and tumble of daily dog life. Treated timber, composite cladding, or PVC panelling can all be good choices. Make sure there are no sharp edges, exposed nails, or peeling paint.
The same goes for gates and doors—use galvanised mesh for ventilation and strong latches to keep your pooch secure.
Here’s where many kennel builds fall short. Flooring is one of the most important parts of any dog kennel. It’s not just about comfort—it’s about hygiene, safety, and ease of cleaning.
Dog kennel flooring should be non-slip, easy to disinfect, and resistant to wear and tear from paws and claws. Rubber flooring is a popular choice for a reason: it cushions your dog’s joints, insulates from cold ground, and makes cleaning up accidents much easier. Plus, it doesn’t hold odours like timber or absorb water like concrete.
If you’re kitting out an indoor kennel in your garage or utility room, modular rubber tiles or mats are ideal—quick to install, easy to replace, and durable enough to last for years.
Now for the fun part: make the kennel feel like a proper little dog home.
Insulated walls or a thermal dog mat can help in colder months, while fans or open mesh panels keep things cool in summer.
A good kennel should be easy to clean. Use materials and finishes that can be hosed down or wiped. A slight slope in the flooring helps with drainage if it’s outdoors. And again, the right dog kennel flooring makes the whole process easier—saving you time and effort week after week.
Building a great home kennel is about more than just four walls and a roof. It’s about comfort, hygiene, and giving your dog a space that feels secure and welcoming.
Get the basics right—especially the flooring—and everything else becomes easier. Your dog will be happier, your home cleaner, and you’ll have the peace of mind that your best mate has a safe space all their own.
Read more...
Here’s how to build a great dog kennel that’s practical, comfortable, and easy to maintain—plus, the often-overlooked secret to keeping it clean and stress-free: quality dog kennel flooring.
Photo is purely representational.
1. Pick the Right Spot
Start by choosing a location that’s protected from harsh weather. You want somewhere with shade during hot days and shelter from wind or rain. If it’s outdoors, avoid boggy or uneven ground. If it’s indoors or in a garage or shed, make sure the space is well-ventilated and not prone to damp or drafts.
Think about visibility too—dogs are social. Placing the kennel in a spot where they can see the garden or hear family activity can help reduce stress and loneliness.
2. Choose the Right Size
The kennel should be big enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. But not so big that it’s hard to keep warm. For larger breeds, you’ll want a bit of headroom and room to stretch. If you’ve got a smaller dog, something more compact will feel cosier.
If you’re adding an enclosed run area, consider a shaded section for hot days and enough space for water bowls and bedding.
3. Build with Durable, Pet-Safe Materials
Use weatherproof materials that can handle the rough and tumble of daily dog life. Treated timber, composite cladding, or PVC panelling can all be good choices. Make sure there are no sharp edges, exposed nails, or peeling paint.
The same goes for gates and doors—use galvanised mesh for ventilation and strong latches to keep your pooch secure.
4. Don’t Skimp on the Flooring
Here’s where many kennel builds fall short. Flooring is one of the most important parts of any dog kennel. It’s not just about comfort—it’s about hygiene, safety, and ease of cleaning.
Dog kennel flooring should be non-slip, easy to disinfect, and resistant to wear and tear from paws and claws. Rubber flooring is a popular choice for a reason: it cushions your dog’s joints, insulates from cold ground, and makes cleaning up accidents much easier. Plus, it doesn’t hold odours like timber or absorb water like concrete.
If you’re kitting out an indoor kennel in your garage or utility room, modular rubber tiles or mats are ideal—quick to install, easy to replace, and durable enough to last for years.
5. Add the Creature Comforts
Now for the fun part: make the kennel feel like a proper little dog home.
- Add a cosy bed or mat.
- Include chew-proof water and food bowls.
- Toss in a couple of their favourite toys.
- And consider a raised platform inside if your dog likes to sit up high or rest off the ground.
Insulated walls or a thermal dog mat can help in colder months, while fans or open mesh panels keep things cool in summer.
6. Think About Maintenance
A good kennel should be easy to clean. Use materials and finishes that can be hosed down or wiped. A slight slope in the flooring helps with drainage if it’s outdoors. And again, the right dog kennel flooring makes the whole process easier—saving you time and effort week after week.
Final Thoughts
Building a great home kennel is about more than just four walls and a roof. It’s about comfort, hygiene, and giving your dog a space that feels secure and welcoming.
Get the basics right—especially the flooring—and everything else becomes easier. Your dog will be happier, your home cleaner, and you’ll have the peace of mind that your best mate has a safe space all their own.
Read more...
