How To Build A Pet Door

Building a pet door is a fairly simple task with a few tools and a few simple building supplies. Anyone who owns a pet that demands to go in and outside many times a day knows how irritating it can be to have to stop while in the middle of a task. A pet door can help assist to let your pet in and out at the pet’s will.

To build a pet door you will need:

• Electric Hand Saw
• 2 Car Mats
• Screws
• Hammer
• Table Saw
• Screw Driver
• Wood Trim Piece
• Tape Measure
• Pencil
• 2 x 4 Wood Pieces

Steps

1. With a tape measure, measure out the size you want for your pet door area. Ensure that you will not be cutting into the wall where there is any electrical wiring or plumbing. Also ensure that you are cutting an area big enough to allow the size of your pet to pass through comfortably. Keep in mind to cut extra space because the 2 x 4 will be placed inside to add support and give a finished look.
2. With the pencil trace an outline of the area you will be cutting.
3. Using the electric saw cut the area of wall outlined out.
4. Cut the 2 x 4 with a table saw to the length to fit inside area of the pet door. These will support the pet door.
5. Screw the 2 x 4 into place inside the pet door walls.
6. Cut the car mats to the length needed to cover your pet door to fit the opening. Make sure the car mats (or truck mats if opening is larger) are over lapping to ensure your house is protected from the elements.  Do this step on the exterior and interior of the pet door.
7. Attach the top part of the mat to the top of the pet door with screws. Do this step on the exterior and interior of the pet door.
8. Using the trim pieces cover the top of the mat and screw into place for a more decorative professional look. Do this step on the exterior and interior of the pet door.

Make sure your mats are large enough to cover the pet door opening complete to keep the elements outside. Keep in mind with any pet door you are welcoming in outside animals. It’s wise to consider placing something in front of a pet door during the night to detour wild animals such as raccoons from entering through a pet door.