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Transform Your Dog's Zoomies Into Outdoor Fun: Build a Kennel Today!

DIWIDA.NEWS diy, dog lovers, dog owners, pet advice & tips, pet owners

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<p>
 Leaving your pup indoors alone for eight or nine hours while you're working could really stress out your four-legged buddy. When my Siberian husky was left free to roam around the house, he got into all sorts of mischief. Therefore, I constructed a dog kennel—a fenced outdoor area where he could expend his energy safely without getting away.
</p>
<p>
 The procedure is quite simple and needs minimal tools.
</p>
<p>
 Let’s start with the fundamentals:
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  Begin your day with more knowledge. Receive all essential news directly in your mailbox every morning.
 </strong>
</p>
<h2 class="presto-h2 wp-block-heading">
 <strong>
  What materials are required for building a dog kennel?
 </strong>
</h2>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
 <li>
  Dog kennel with cover
 </li>
 <li>
  Gravel
 </li>
 <li>
  Concrete blocks (8 inches x 8 inches x 16 inches)
 </li>
 <li>
  Wooden stakes
 </li>
 <li>
  Mason twine
 </li>
 <li>
  I-beam level (at least 40 inches long)
 </li>
 <li>
  Long-handled, flat-blade shovel
 </li>
 <li>
  Adjustable wrench or socket wrench
 </li>
</ul>
<h2 class="presto-h2 wp-block-heading">
 <strong>
  1. Locate an appropriate location for the dog kennel
 </strong>
</h2>
<p>
 It might be clear, but excellent location choice could make the distinction of finishing within one working day instead of taking up an entire vacation week.
</p>
<p>
 The surface doesn't need to be completely flat, but it must have a steady slope to reduce the amount of excavation required. The location will also dictate the size of the dog kennel you're able to construct.
</p>
<p>
 I bought two dog kennels each sized at 15 feet by 5 feet. I utilized their rear panels for extra cladding. Afterward, I combined them to create one extended area of 35 feet by 5 feet, providing ample space for my dog to move around.
</p>
<p>
 You need to assess the available area to determine the size of kennel that can accommodate it.
</p>
<h2 class="presto-h2 wp-block-heading">
 <strong>
  2. Order your kennel
 </strong>
</h2>
<p>
 For those looking for variety, online shopping is the best option. Local hardware stores typically carry just one or two options, whereas the selection available online can be so extensive that it might seem overwhelming. I opted for a kennel with chain-link fence sides.
</p>
<h2 class="presto-h2 wp-block-heading">
 <strong>
  3: Prepare the kennel site
 </strong>
</h2>
<p>
 Owners with the rare dog that doesn’t dig (I hear they exist), can skip ahead and assemble the kennel. But I needed to take an extra step.
</p>
<p>
 Following discussions with both my husky’s breeder and a contractor, I opted to construct a kennel featuring a gravel surface encircled by submerged cinderblocks designed to stop him from burrowing his escape from the confined area.
</p>
<p>
 I began with wooden stakes and mason twine to outline the space for the kennel. Since I intended for the kennel to rest atop the cinder blocks, I marked off an area that was 8 inches broader and 8 inches longer than the actual size of the kennel itself.
</p>
<p>
 The contractor who recommended this advised digging 4 inches deep before positioning the cinder blocks within the excavation area to create a foundation for the kennel walls. However, since Siberian huskies like to dig, I decided to go with a depth of 6 inches instead.
</p>
<h2 class="presto-h2 wp-block-heading">
 <strong>
  4. Dig and level
 </strong>
</h2>
<p>
 Now, take hold of the flat-shovel. Opt for one that has a long handle, allowing you to avoid bending too much. Additionally, ensure that it features an effective step, which is the upper part of the blade where you can firmly put your foot to apply extra force when digging.
</p>
<p>
 Once you near your target depth, drive two stakes into the ground and run twine from one to the other. Use the level to make sure the twine runs true. The flat-blade shovel will make it easy to level the dirt. I moved the stake and twine along one-foot increments, using the ruler on the level to check depth as I went along.
</p>
<p>
 Interested in more tips for your home? Check out
 USA TODAY Home Improved
 for home and garden project advice.
</p>
<h2 class="presto-h2 wp-block-heading">
 <strong>
  5. Position your Cinder blocks
 </strong>
</h2>
<p>
 Position the cinder blocks. To assist with their alignment and ensure they were set correctly, I drove two stakes into the ground and stretched twine across them at the height where the top of the cinder blocks should be. This helped me verify their positioning and adjust for any tilting. Afterward, I made some minor adjustments to guarantee the blocks were both level and aligned properly.
</p>
<h2 class="presto-h2 wp-block-heading">
 <strong>
  6. Pour your gravel
 </strong>
</h2>
<p>
 I placed fifty-pound bags of gravel across the designated space for my kennel. Afterward, I cut open these bags and evenly distributed the gravel within the area. This method guaranteed an uniform spread. Since I needed a depth of six inches, I applied another layer of gravel. A single fifty-pound bag can cover two square feet at three-inch thickness. Smaller-sized gravel particles would be gentler on your dog’s paws.
 Online calculators
 will assist you in figuring out the number of bags required.
</p>
<h2 class="presto-h2 wp-block-heading">
 <strong>
  7. Assemble
 </strong>
</h2>
<p>
 Gather your toolkit for setting up the doghouse. Typically, you'll only need basic tools like a socket wrench set or an adjustable wrench. Start by attaching two panels that meet at a corner before continuing with further assembly steps.
</p>
<p>
 Story continues below.
</p>
<h2 class="presto-h2 wp-block-heading">
 <strong>
  8. Add your cover
 </strong>
</h2>
<p>
 I’ve rarely met a dog that couldn’t jump higher than you’d guess. Make sure your kennel comes with a cover, and be sure to install it.
</p>
<h2 class="presto-h2 wp-block-heading">
 <strong>
  What is the cheapest way to build a dog kennel?
 </strong>
</h2>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
 <li>
  Kennel:
  $400-$800
  (like anything, you can spend thousands for fancier ones)
 </li>
 <li>
  28 cinder blocks: ~$80
 </li>
 <li>
  110 bags of gravel (55 cubic feet): $550-$650
 </li>
 <li>
  Wooden stakes: $8
 </li>
 <li>
  Mason twine: $6
 </li>
 <li>
  I-beam level: $20
 </li>
 <li>
  Flat-blade shovel: $30
 </li>
 <li>
  Crescent wrench: $25
 </li>
</ul>
<p>
 <strong>
  Total cost: $1,119-$1,619
 </strong>
</p>
<p>
 The article initially appeared on USA TODAY:
 If your dog is destroying your home, construct an outdoor kennel to help them burn off their excess energy.
</p>

Transform Your Dog's Zoomies Into Outdoor Fun: Build a Kennel Today!

Leaving your pup indoors alone for eight or nine hours while you're working could really stress out your four-legged buddy. When my S...

This Lioness prefab house arrives fully assembled with stunning cathedral ceilings!

DIWIDA.NEWS architectural design, architecture, construction, diy, home design

<p>
 <p>
  If your property is large, it might be beneficial to consider
  adding an ADU
  (an accessory living space) situated at the back of your primary residence. Refer to it as a "
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  ,"
  in-law suite
  ,
  man cave
  , or an artist's studio, this extra building might possibly
  boost the worth of your property
  by 34 percent. The ADU can be as quaint as you'd like, or if you really want it to become a full-fledged guest house that
  you can also Airbnb
  , a prefab home is the way to go. Unlike a simple
  storage shed you can get at Home Depot
  and build yourself, a prefabricated home is constructed in a factory, with components like walls, floors, and roofs, then shipped and delivered right to your front door. The floorplan also includes a kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms, and living room. Sounds like a dream, right? There are
  several brands that make trusted prefab homes
  , one of them being
  Abodu
  —a Bay Area-based ADU company founded in July 2018 by John Geary and Eric McInerney.
 </p>
 <div>
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  <p>
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 <p>
  Abodu offers five different models for purchase, ranging from a 340-square-foot "Studio" to a 540-square-foot space with a Scandinavian-inspired design. Prices go from $228,800 to $439,000, which may shock you at first, but compare this to buying another home in your neighborhood or even a fixer-upper further away, and you'll see the prefab home is totally worth it in the long run.
 </p>
 <p>
  One of our favorite
  Abodu models is the Studio
  , as the prefab build is an upgrade from a shed with just two windows. In addition to the studio bedroom and one bath feature (the shower comes
  <em>
   tiled
  </em>
  , y'all), the home has a big kitchen with plenty of storage for your full-size appliances. Other details not lost on us include the tall cathedral ceilings that make the space feel enormous, giant windows that let natural light stream in, and folding panoramic doors that open wide for that indoor-outdoor living. There's also an optional Murphy bed install to maximize your Studio's square footage even more.
 </p>
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 <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/slideshow/AA1B55Qx" data-reference="slideshow"/>
</p>
<p>
 <p>
  After you're done looking at all the pictures and features, just try telling us you don't want this ADU for your property. We're already dreaming about all the ways we could use this space, especially as a guest house for visiting friends or in-laws. In fact, your in-laws may prefer to stay here versus the main house so they can have some peace and quiet, though the downside of offering up a cozy space like the Abodu is that your guests may want to stay just a
  <em>
   tiny
  </em>
  While slightly lengthier, if you’re not prepared for an Abodu just yet, we’ve discovered multiple alternative constructions that can be transformed into your very own compact retreat at considerably lower costs further along. Regardless of which Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU) you choose, rest assured you’ll adore it.
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   and
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  </strong>
  <strong>
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  </strong>
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</p>

This Lioness prefab house arrives fully assembled with stunning cathedral ceilings!

If your property is large, it might be beneficial to consider adding an ADU (an accessory living space) situated at the back of you...

Top Measuring Tape Tricks Revealed by Experts

DIWIDA.NEWS diy, everyday life tips and hacks

<div class="listicle-card-image-wrapper">
 <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/BB1mV0yB" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/BB1mV0yB.jpg"/>
</div>
<h2>
 Mysterious Marks
</h2>
<p>
 You're aware that the marked numbers (16, 32, 48...) indicate spacing between studs, joists, or rafters at intervals of 16 inches. However, do you understand the small diamonds or triangles? These denote 'truss marks' used for layouts spaced at 19.2 inches apart, which can help reduce material usage. If this is new information, don't fret; many people haven't heard about it before.
 carpenters
 haven’t either.
</p>
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 <p>
  <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/BB1mV4H2" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/BB1mV4H2.jpg"/>
 </p>
</div>
<h2>
 Magnetized Hooks
</h2>
<p>
 Small, potent 'rare earth' magnets transform your tape hook into a convenient grabber, adding this useful feature at no additional expense. However, it might not be ideal for those preferring to transport their tape without it.
 nail pouch
 Each time you take out your tape measure, a group of nails sticks to it as well. Magnetic hooks will be found here.
 tape measures
 From Husky, Kobalt, Lufxin, and numerous additional brands.
</p>
<div class="listicle-card-image-wrapper">
 <p>
  <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/BB1mVLS3" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/BB1mVLS3.jpg"/>
 </p>
</div>
<h2>
 Oversized Hooks
</h2>
<p>
 Large hooks tend to latch onto items more readily and can snag from all four sides of the hook. However, this can sometimes lead to catching unintended objects, such as your toolbelt. Additionally, these hooks may prove cumbersome for precise measuring tasks that demand delicacy.
 measuring into corners
 Nevertheless, the advantages still surpass the inconveniences, and large hooks are preferable for most kinds of tasks.
</p>
<div class="listicle-card-image-wrapper">
 <p>
  <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/BB1mVOgK" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/BB1mVOgK.jpg"/>
 </p>
</div>
<h2>
 Certain Tapes Require a Closer Look
</h2>
<p>
 Certain tapes indicate measurements at 1/16-inch intervals, others at 1/32-inch intervals, and some use both. For the majority of tasks, divisions into sixteenths are accurate enough.
 much simpler to understand
 .
</p>
<div class="listicle-card-image-wrapper">
 <p>
  <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/BB1mVJpu" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/BB1mVJpu.jpg"/>
 </p>
</div>
<h2>
 ‘Stand-Out’ Matters
</h2>
<p>
 The "stand-out" of a measuring tape indicates how far it can extend without bending or curling due to its own mass. A larger stand-out allows for more effortless measurement over long distances. However, this feature also aids in making short measurements easier as well. But even for shorter measures, a
 long-reach tape
 It is more user-friendly. Since the blade is sturdier, you can manipulate it quicker and with greater ease compared to a delicate tape measure. Many professional-quality measures share this feature.
 tape measures list
 The standout feature on the packaging. We've discovered that most of these claims tend to be precise—and occasionally they might even fall short of reality.
</p>
<div class="listicle-card-image-wrapper">
 <p>
  <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/BB1mVHBW" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/BB1mVHBW.jpg"/>
 </p>
</div>
<h2>
 Don't Stress Over the Belt Clip
</h2>
<p>
 Belt clips can be handy if you prefer to attach your accessory.
 tape measure
 The sole item you need to have with you is all that matters here. However, if you're using a tool belt, belt clips tend to be quite bothersome pretty fast. Many professionals take off the clip as soon as they receive a new measuring tape. Without a clip, the tape slides in and out of your tool belt effortlessly.
</p>
<div class="listicle-card-image-wrapper">
 <p>
  <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/BB1mV9o7" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/BB1mV9o7.jpg"/>
 </p>
</div>
<h2>
 The Hook Is Meant to Be Untidy
</h2>
<p>
 We've come across individuals who suggest hammering the hook rivets to make them tighter, but this isn’t advisable. The hook must remain movable. When pushed against an object for internal measurements, it slightly shifts inward, and when hooked onto something else, it moves outward. This flexibility accounts for the width of the hook itself. Such design is quite ingenious rather than being a flaw in production. This additional thickness serves a purpose.
 magnetic hook
 Features extended slots to provide additional flexibility.
</p>
<div class="listicle-card-image-wrapper">
 <p>
  <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/BB1mV6VE" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/BB1mV6VE.jpg"/>
 </p>
</div>
<h2>
 Mini Tape
</h2>
<p>
 If you prefer always having a measuring tape with you,
 This is perfect for you.
 It measures slightly over 1/2-inch in thickness. Unlike many compact tape measures, this isn’t a flimsy version that will break easily. The bottom side of the ruler includes a scale for diameters.
</p>
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 Shop Now
</p>
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 <p>
  <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/BB1mV0zj" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/BB1mV0zj.jpg"/>
 </p>
</div>
<h2>
 Sticky Tape
</h2>
<p>
 I bet you have a spot in your store for one.
 peel-and-stick tape measure
 Just keep in mind that there are two types: right-to-left and left-to-right.
</p>
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 Shop Now
</p>
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 <p>
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 </p>
</div>
<h2>
 The Ideal Tape for Workshop Tasks
</h2>
<p>
 When working with wood or fiddling around in the workshop, there’s typically no need to exceed a certain size.
 16-foot tape
 It's compact and lightweight, easily fitting into your pocket or slipping neatly into a shop apron for convenience.
</p>
<p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop">
 Shop Now
</p>
<div class="listicle-card-image-wrapper">
 <p>
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 </p>
</div>
<h2>
 The Ideal Tape for Large-Scale Tasks
</h2>
<p>
 A tape in the
 16-ft. to 30-ft. range
 is ideal for remodeling tasks. Seek out premium models featuring broader blades, extended standout, and a larger hook.
</p>
<p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop">
 Shop Now
</p>
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 <p>
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 </p>
</div>
<h2>
 The Ideal Tape for Distant Measurements
</h2>
<p>
 An
 ‘open reel’ tape
 It's ideal for extended measuring tasks. Since it lacks a spring or housing, it prevents clogging from debris like dust or sand. In contrast to metallic tapes, the fiberglass blade will not bend or snap when stepped upon. Additionally, the large handle allows for quick rewinding of the tape.
</p>
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 Shop Now
</p>

Top Measuring Tape Tricks Revealed by Experts

Mysterious Marks You're aware that the marked numbers (16, 32, 48...) indicate spacing between studs, joists, or rafters at int...