ŠapicePet Shelter Engineering
Design class: ReuseValidation status: Data validated

Scrap Timber Dog House Medium

A house of checked old boards with EPS and an interior lining the dog cannot chew, for a medium dog. Measure the dog before building.

This is an auxiliary outdoor shelter. During dangerous cold or heat give the dog a safe indoor space.

“Data validated” means only the data and calculations are checked; the model has not been built or tested physically.

Dog sizemedium
Outside size930 × 1120
BuildIntermediate
Time (estimate)5 h–8 h
model v1.0.0compiler P1.0.0plan c9a5cacf534f9153Panel boxWinter · Rain · Wind
930 mm

This model has no 3D view; the drawing and dimensions below fully describe the construction.

Who this is for
  • For people with reused material who can check its condition and history.
  • For one medium dog as an auxiliary outdoor solution; measure the dog before building.
When not to use it
  • As a substitute for being indoors during dangerous cold or heat.
  • For young, old, sick or unacclimated animals without extra protection and supervision.
  • With material that has not passed the reuse checklist.
Tools and calculations
Required tools
Hand saw, Drill
Budget class
Free / reused
Location
Exposed outdoor spot
Supported calculations
Geometry, Bill of materials, Cut list, Sheet nesting, Cost estimate, Drawing, Build guide
Build time is a planning estimate, not a promise.
Geometry

Dimensions

Front, side and top views. Outside size 930 × 1120 mm, front height 980 mm, rear 880 mm.A · FRONT VIEWB · SIDE VIEWC · PLAN930 mm1060 mmwater runs off to the rear →1120 mm960 mm930 mminside 818 × 1008 × 818 mm
Text equivalent of the drawing
Outside size (W × D)930 × 1120 mm
Height front / rear980 / 880 mm
Raised off the ground80 mm
Interior818 × 1008 × 818 mm
Entrance1 × 300 × 420 mm, sill 120 mm
Chambers1
Geometry typederived from canonical dimensions
Bill of materials · compiler output

What you have and what to obtain

Quantities come from the model geometry; items marked as assumptions are planning allowances. Reused material must pass the checklist.

Fill in “My workshop” to see what you still need to buy.

My workshop
MaterialNeededOwnedStatus
EPS foam board18 sheets–Buy
Interior plywood lining3 sheets–Buy
Scrap lumber and old boards70.41 m–Buy
Solid softwood (battens, studs)6.38 m–Buy
Roofing felt1.61 m²–Buy
Sealant1 pack–Buy
Wood or foam adhesive1 pack–Buy
Wood screws1 pack–Buy
Straw1 bale–Buy
  • EPS foam board18 sheetssheet nesting · 18 × 1000 × 500 mm (planning format; check with your supplier).
  • Interior plywood lining3 sheetssheet nesting · 3 × 2500 × 1250 mm (planning format; check with your supplier).
  • Scrap lumber and old boards70.41 massumption · Board length assuming 100 mm wide boards + 15%.
  • Solid softwood (battens, studs)6.38 mfrom geometry · Total length from the cut list + 10% allowance.
  • Roofing felt1.61 m²assumption · Roof area + 15% for overlaps and edges; match overlaps and slope to the product instructions.
  • Sealant1 packassumption · Sealing exterior edges and joints.
  • Wood or foam adhesive1 packassumption · Insulation-compatible adhesive.
  • Wood screws1 packassumption · Exterior screws; shorter than the wall build-up so they do not protrude inside.
  • Straw1 baleassumption · Loosely to a quarter or half of the height; keep the rest dry for refills.
Cut list

Parts to cut

IDPartDimensionsQty
shell-floorFloor · Scrap lumber and old boards930 × 1120 × 20 mm1
shell-frontFront wall · Scrap lumber and old boards930 × 940 × 20 mm1
shell-rearRear wall · Scrap lumber and old boards930 × 840 × 20 mm1
shell-sideSide wall · Scrap lumber and old boardssloped top edge1080 × 938/842 × 20 mm2
shell-roofRoof · Scrap lumber and old boards1090 × 1284 × 20 mm1
ins-floor-r1c1Floor insulation · EPS foam boardSegment 1/3, 1/1; butt-join.890 × 360 × 30 mm1
ins-floor-r2c1Floor insulation · EPS foam boardSegment 2/3, 1/1; butt-join.890 × 360 × 30 mm1
ins-floor-r3c1Floor insulation · EPS foam boardSegment 3/3, 1/1; butt-join.890 × 360 × 30 mm1
ins-front-r1c1Front wall insulation · EPS foam boardSegment 1/2, 1/1; butt-join, cut the entrance after joining.890 × 452 × 30 mm1
ins-front-r2c1Front wall insulation · EPS foam boardSegment 2/2, 1/1; butt-join, cut the entrance after joining.890 × 452 × 30 mm1
ins-rear-r1c1Rear wall insulation · EPS foam boardSegment 1/2, 1/1; butt-join.890 × 402 × 30 mm1
ins-rear-r2c1Rear wall insulation · EPS foam boardSegment 2/2, 1/1; butt-join.890 × 402 × 30 mm1
ins-side-r1c1Side wall insulation · EPS foam boardSegment 1/2, 1/2; butt-join, trim the top edge to the slope.510 × 450 × 30 mm2
ins-side-r1c2Side wall insulation · EPS foam boardSegment 1/2, 2/2; butt-join, trim the top edge to the slope.510 × 450 × 30 mm2
ins-side-r2c1Side wall insulation · EPS foam boardSegment 2/2, 1/2; butt-join, trim the top edge to the slope.510 × 450 × 30 mm2
ins-side-r2c2Side wall insulation · EPS foam boardSegment 2/2, 2/2; butt-join, trim the top edge to the slope.510 × 450 × 30 mm2
ins-roof-r1c1Roof insulation · EPS foam boardSegment 1/3, 1/1; butt-join.818 × 338 × 30 mm1
ins-roof-r2c1Roof insulation · EPS foam boardSegment 2/3, 1/1; butt-join.818 × 338 × 30 mm1
ins-roof-r3c1Roof insulation · EPS foam boardSegment 3/3, 1/1; butt-join.818 × 336 × 30 mm1
lin-floorFloor lining · Interior plywood lining890 × 1080 × 6 mm1
lin-frontFront wall lining · Interior plywood lining830 × 904 × 6 mm1
lin-rearRear wall lining · Interior plywood lining830 × 804 × 6 mm1
lin-sideSide wall lining · Interior plywood liningsloped top edge1008 × 899/809 × 6 mm2
lin-roofRoof lining · Interior plywood lining818 × 1012 × 6 mm1
corner-batten-frontFront corner batten38 × 38 mm · 940 mm2
corner-batten-rearRear corner batten38 × 38 mm · 840 mm2
raise-battenRaising batten45 × 80 mm · 1120 mm2
Sheet nesting

Parts on sheets

Sheet formats are planning assumptions; check your supplier's format. Sloped parts occupy their rectangular envelope.

EPS foam board · 30 mm18 × 1000 × 500 mm

ins-floor-r1c1
Sheet 1 · 64% used
ins-floor-r2c1
Sheet 2 · 64% used
ins-floor-r3c1
Sheet 3 · 64% used
ins-front-r1c1
Sheet 4 · 80% used
ins-front-r2c1
Sheet 5 · 80% used
ins-rear-r1c1
Sheet 6 · 72% used
ins-rear-r2c1
Sheet 7 · 72% used
ins-roof-r1c1
Sheet 8 · 55% used
ins-roof-r2c1
Sheet 9 · 55% used
ins-roof-r3c1
Sheet 10 · 55% used
ins-side-r1c1
Sheet 11 · 46% used
ins-side-r1c1
Sheet 12 · 46% used
ins-side-r1c2
Sheet 13 · 46% used
ins-side-r1c2
Sheet 14 · 46% used
ins-side-r2c1
Sheet 15 · 46% used
ins-side-r2c1
Sheet 16 · 46% used
ins-side-r2c2
Sheet 17 · 46% used
ins-side-r2c2
Sheet 18 · 46% used

Interior plywood lining · 6 mm3 × 2500 × 1250 mm

lin-floorlin-roof
Sheet 1 · 57% used
lin-sidelin-side
Sheet 2 · 55% used
lin-frontlin-rear
Sheet 3 · 42% used
Layers and thermal

Known and unknown layers

Partial estimate: some layers are unknown, so no U-value is calculated. Only the resistance of known layers is shown.

Wall

  • EPS foam board · 30 mmR 0.79
  • Interior plywood lining · 6 mmR 0.04
  • Scrap lumber and old boards · 20 mmunknown

Known-layer resistance: 0.82 m²K/W

Floor

  • EPS foam board · 30 mmR 0.79
  • Interior plywood lining · 6 mmR 0.04
  • Scrap lumber and old boards · 20 mmunknown

Known-layer resistance: 0.82 m²K/W

Roof

  • EPS foam board · 30 mmR 0.79
  • Interior plywood lining · 6 mmR 0.04
  • Scrap lumber and old boards · 20 mmunknown

Known-layer resistance: 0.82 m²K/W

Not included
  • Air leakage through the entrance and joints
  • Thermal bridges through battens, edges and fasteners
  • Moisture, condensation and property changes of damp material
  • Heat produced by the animal
  • Wind and transient temperature changes
Assumptions
  • Thin layers without a sourced λ (roof covering, film, mat) are not counted.

The estimate is not a temperature guarantee and does not claim the shelter is safe to any temperature.

Water and moisture

Weather exposure

A warm shelter that gets damp can be worse than a simpler one that stays dry. This is an explanation, not a condensation calculation.

  • Ground contactRaised about 80 mm off the ground.
  • Rain splashRain splash from the ground can reach the floor and lower edges; protect the edges.
  • Roof drainageThe roof falls from the entrance to the rear, so water runs off away from the entrance.
  • Rain at the entranceThe entrance sill is 120 mm above the floor.
  • DryingWithout a service opening drying and cleaning are harder; change bedding through the entrance.
  • Absorbent materialThe material absorbs moisture; check it more often and replace it when damp.
  • Maintenance accessLeave room around the house for checks and cleaning.
Local price profile

Cost estimate

Quantities come from the model. Prices are not fabricated: enter what you actually pay locally and the estimate stays in your browser.

Prices entered: 0 / 9
EPS foam board18 × 1000 × 500 mm (planning format; check with your supplier).
18 sheetsRSD 0
Interior plywood lining3 × 2500 × 1250 mm (planning format; check with your supplier).
3 sheetsRSD 0
Scrap lumber and old boardsBoard length assuming 100 mm wide boards + 15%.
70.41 mRSD 0
Solid softwood (battens, studs)Total length from the cut list + 10% allowance.
6.38 mRSD 0
Roofing feltRoof area + 15% for overlaps and edges; match overlaps and slope to the product instructions.
1.61 m²RSD 0
SealantSealing exterior edges and joints.
1 itemRSD 0
Wood or foam adhesiveInsulation-compatible adhesive.
1 itemRSD 0
Wood screwsExterior screws; shorter than the wall build-up so they do not protrude inside.
1 itemRSD 0
StrawLoosely to a quarter or half of the height; keep the rest dry for refills.
1 itemRSD 0
Estimate from entered pricesRSD 0

Sheet, XPS, framing and hardware quantities come from the compiler. The estimate still excludes delivery, tools, labor, local taxes and unforeseen losses beyond the stated allowances. PROVISIONAL and product-specific items remain explicitly labeled.

Placement

Check the spot

Tick what applies to the chosen spot
No obvious issue detected

This is not a safety certificate for the spot: it only means none of the listed questions is ticked.

Bedding

What goes inside

  • RecommendedStrawRepels moisture and stays loose. Replace when damp, compacted or soiled, and when seasons change.
  • Not recommendedHaySoaks up moisture, turns cold and can mould. If already in a shelter, replace it with straw.
  • Not recommendedBlanketAbsorbs and holds moisture; a damp blanket chills. Wash and swap as soon as it is damp.
  • Not recommendedTowelAbsorbs moisture like a blanket. Wash and swap as soon as it is damp.
  • Not recommendedWood shavingsPartly absorbs moisture. Change when damp or compacted.
  • Not recommendedWashable dog bedDepends on fabric; textile absorbs moisture. Dry or swap as soon as it is damp.
  • Not recommendedNo beddingNothing to absorb moisture. Not applicable.
Maintenance

Inspection schedule

  • WeeklyCheck that the straw is dry and loose; replace it when damp or compacted.
  • WeeklyCheck for water or dampness on the floor and walls, especially under the entrance.
  • After stormsAfter rain or snow check the interior and the ground under the shelter.
  • WeeklyCheck the roof covering, overlaps and that water runs off at the rear, away from the entrance.
  • WeeklyCheck that screws and nails are tight and no tip protrudes.
  • WeeklyCheck edges: no splinters, cracks or swollen areas.
  • After stormsClear snow from entrances and exits so the animal cannot be snowed in.
  • Each seasonClean the interior; service access must allow cleaning without dismantling.
Upgrade path

Where to go next

Each step states what you add, what you gain and what stays limited. A new model has a new plan ID; changing an existing build has no canonical plan.

New model · new plan IDOSB Economy Dog House Medium →
You add
OSB boards instead of old timber.
You gain
A known material and a complete thermal estimate.
Still limited
Buying boards.
New material
OSB/3 board

Don't have this material?

EPS foam board · 30 mm
  • XPS foam boardabout the same layer resistance at 27 mm (conservatively 30 mm); thermal equivalence is not structural
  • PIR / polyiso boardabout the same layer resistance at 19 mm; thermal equivalence is not structural
  • Cork boardPossible substitute requiring redesign: at least one material has no sourced thermal conductivity, so an equivalent thickness cannot be calculated.
Interior plywood lining · 6 mm
  • Exterior plywoodThe substitute changes the construction (thickness, strength or water protection); parts and joints must be re-planned.
  • OSB/3 boardThe substitute changes the construction (thickness, strength or water protection); parts and joints must be re-planned.
  • Vinyl protective floor surfaceThe substitute changes the construction (thickness, strength or water protection); parts and joints must be re-planned.
Scrap lumber and old boards · 20 mm
  • Wooden palletThe substitute changes the construction (thickness, strength or water protection); parts and joints must be re-planned.
  • OSB/3 boardThe substitute changes the construction (thickness, strength or water protection); parts and joints must be re-planned.
  • Solid softwood (battens, studs)The substitute changes the construction (thickness, strength or water protection); parts and joints must be re-planned.
Roofing felt
  • Bituminous membraneThe substitute changes the construction (thickness, strength or water protection); parts and joints must be re-planned.
  • EPDM membraneThe substitute changes the construction (thickness, strength or water protection); parts and joints must be re-planned.
All substitutes and material limits
Build sequence

Build steps

Progress is stored in this browser against the exact plan ID; it works offline once the page has been opened.

0 / 10steps completed

  1. Cut the outer panels

    Following the cut list, cut the floor, walls and roof from 20 mm scrap lumber and old boards. Side walls are sloped: 980 mm overall at the front and 880 mm at the rear, so the roof falls to the rear.

  2. Cut the entrance

    Cut a 300 mm × 420 mm opening through the front wall and every inner layer, with the sill 120 mm above the floor so rain and snow stay out. Face the entrance away from the prevailing wind. Cover or sand sharp edges.

  3. Assemble the box

    Front and rear walls run the full width and the sides fit between them. Join the walls on the floor with corner battens, glue and screws shorter than the wall build-up.

  4. Fit the insulation

    Fit eps foam board boards to the walls, floor and under the roof. Insulation must not stay exposed to the animal.

  5. Interior lining

    Cover the insulation with interior plywood lining. Close the edges around the entrance so no foam is visible.

  6. Roof

    Fix the roof. Fit the roof covering per the product instructions, with overlaps and protected edges.

  7. Protect the outside

    Coat outside faces and edges with a wood protection finish and let it fully cure before use.

  8. Raise the shelter off the ground

    Set the shelter on two battens, about 80 mm above the ground, so the floor does not touch cold, wet ground. Check that it does not rock.

  9. Add straw, not hay

    Loosely fill straw to a quarter or half of the interior height. Do not use hay, towels or blankets in an outdoor winter shelter: they absorb moisture and chill.

  10. Choose the spot and secure it

    Set it against a wall or fence, out of the wind, away from roof runoff and roaming dogs. Weight or secure lightweight shelters. Check the spot with the placement checklist.

Provenance

Sources and verification status

A source supports a guideline or material value, but it does not confirm this specific model. Container sizes are assumptions and build time is a planning estimate.

  1. Data validatedcurrent
  2. Geometry validatednot confirmed
  3. Engineering reviewnot confirmed
  4. Physical prototypenot confirmed
  5. Field validationnot confirmed
Humane World for Animals · Tier 1How to Keep Pets Warm in Cold WeatherEmphasizes indoor shelter when possible; when a dog must be outside, shelter should be dry, draft-free, raised and appropriately sized.ASPCA · Tier 1Cold Weather Safety TipsSupports the limitation that outdoor auxiliary shelters are not a substitute for keeping companion animals indoors during severe cold.USDA APHIS Animal Care · Tier 1Temperature Requirements for Dogs (Animal Care Tech Note, APHIS-22-031)Regulatory guidance for US Animal Welfare Act licensees and registrants, not for private companion dogs. Requires shelter with a wind break and rain break at the entrance, dry bedding in cold, shade outside the shelter because shelters may become too warm, continuous water access, and excludes unacclimated, elderly, sick or very young dogs from outdoor housing. Šapice does not transfer its temperature thresholds into universal safe temperatures.U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · Tier 1Chromated Arsenicals (CCA)CCA-treated wood was withdrawn from US homeowner uses at the end of 2003, but older structures may still contain it. Do not burn it; use dust protection when sawing and wash hands after handling. Šapice therefore rejects unknown old treated timber wherever an animal could chew or lick it.U.S. DOE Building America Solution Center (PNNL) · Tier 1Typical R-Values and Vapor Retarder Classifications of Common Insulation MaterialsTypical R-value per inch: EPS 3.8-4.4, XPS 5, polyiso approx. 6, fiberglass batt or board 2.5-4, mineral wool board 3-4. Šapice converts these to planning λ ranges (λ = 0.0254 m / (R_IP × 0.1761)); a product datasheet always takes precedence.USDA Forest Products Laboratory · Tier 1Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material, Chapter 4Documents that wood thermal conductivity varies materially with species, density, moisture content and grain direction.ISO · Tier 1ISO 10456:2007 - Hygrothermal properties - Declared and design thermal valuesCurrent published edition, confirmed in 2023; provides procedures for declared/design thermal values and conversion for temperature and moisture conditions.