Introduction
Dog kennels provide a safe, enclosed space for dogs to sleep, eat, and rest. The two most common materials used to construct dog kennels are wood and plastic. Wooden kennels are typically made from softwoods like pine or cedar that can withstand exposure to the elements. Plastic kennels are molded from polyethylene or other durable plastics and are lighter but less breathable than wooden ones. Both wooden and plastic kennels can be beneficial for containing and protecting dogs, but they have some differences when it comes to cost, durability, cleaning, customization, temperature control, aesthetics, eco-friendliness and safety.
Cost
Cost is often a major factor when deciding between a wooden or plastic dog kennel. Generally, plastic kennels tend to be less expensive than wooden ones.
Plastic kennels can range in price from $50 for a basic model to $300 for a large, more elaborate kennel. The plastic used is typically a thick, durable polyethylene or polypropylene, which is relatively inexpensive.
Wooden kennels have a higher starting price, often $200 and up. This is because real wood is more costly than plastic. The price varies depending on the type of wood used – pine is generally the most affordable, while cedar and redwood are more expensive choices. Elaborate wooden kennels with custom designs can cost over $500.
There are some exceptions. Smaller, portable plastic travel kennels may be $25-50, while basic plywood kennels could potentially start under $100. But in general, plastic kennels will be easier on the wallet than their wooden counterparts.
Durability
When it comes to durability, plastic dog kennels tend to be more resistant than wooden ones, especially against chewing and bad weather. Plastic is often molded into a single, solid piece which makes it difficult for dogs to chew through compared to wooden kennels composed of smaller pieces joined together.
Wood can warp or rot when exposed to rain, sun, snow, and other elements. Plastic holds up better against extreme temperatures and moisture. The toughness of plastic also makes it less susceptible to scratches and dents. According to one source, “plastic dog houses are durable and can withstand harsh weather without frequent repairs.” [1]
However, high quality, weather-treated wooden kennels can also be very durable. With proper sealing and construction, wood can resist water damage for many years. Some dogs may still chew through weaker areas of a wooden kennel over time. Overall, plastic lasts longer with less maintenance, but wood can be quite sturdy if properly cared for.
Ease of Cleaning
Plastic kennels are generally easier to clean and sanitize compared to wooden kennels. Plastic surfaces can be sprayed down and scrubbed efficiently to remove dirt, debris, and germs. Many plastic kennels also include sloped floors with drains that enable waste and fluids to be easily washed away.
Wooden kennels can absorb urine and other fluids into the porous material, making sanitization more difficult. Scrubbing and completely disinfecting the wood surface is more labor intensive compared to smooth plastic. Wood also tends to develop hard-to-clean cracks and crevices over time.
According to Kaivac (https://kaivac.com/how-to-clean-kennels-the-definitive-guide-for-kennel-cleaners/), plastic kennels are ideal because “Every square inch can be scrubbed, rinsed and sanitized. Cleaners don’t have to worry about liquids being absorbed into the floors, walls or cages.” Proper cleaning and disinfection is critical for health, so plastic kennels offer a clear advantage.
Customization Options Vary
When it comes to customizing your dog kennel, there are more possibilities with wooden kennels versus plastic ones. Plastic kennels are mass produced in standard sizes and colors, limiting your ability to customize. Wood kennels, on the other hand, can be custom built or modified to your dog’s exact measurements. The shape and size can be tailored to your specific needs and aesthetic preferences.
Wood also provides more options in terms of colors and finishes. You can stain or paint a wooden kennel in any color you’d like. Plastic kennels only come in the limited color/finish options provided. With wood, you can match the kennel perfectly to your home or landscape design.
If you want to add special features like a porch, bench, or planter box, these can be built right into a custom wood kennel. Plastic doesn’t allow for major modifications. Wood’s versatility makes it the better choice if customization is important to you.
Temperature Regulation
Temperature regulation is an important factor when considering dog kennel materials. Plastic and wooden kennels offer different insulation properties.
Plastic kennels, especially those made of thicker polyethylene, provide more insulation from cold temperatures than wooden kennels. The plastic walls retain heat better than thin wooden walls. This helps keep dogs warmer in colder weather.
However, plastic’s insulation works both ways. Plastic kennels can also trap in heat during hot weather, making them stuffy and uncomfortable for dogs. In contrast, wooden kennels allow for more air flow and ventilation to keep dogs cooler.
Wooden kennels may need extra insulation added for winter months, like a cozy blanket or pet heating pad. But their breathability is a benefit for dogs in warmer climates or during summer.
Ultimately, plastic kennels hold in temperature while wooden kennels allow more air flow. The better choice depends on the dog’s needs and the local climate conditions.
Aesthetics
When it comes to aesthetics, wooden and plastic kennels offer very different visual styles. Wooden kennels often have a warm, natural look that can blend in well with wood floors or backyard landscaping. The natural grain and rich colors of wood provide a charming, rustic aesthetic. Plastic kennels, on the other hand, come in a range of bright colors but the materials can look artificial and industrial. According to this source, plastic kennels offer more color customizability but wooden kennels provide a more traditional visual style.
For dog owners wanting a kennel that doubles as a decorative furniture piece, wood is likely the better choice. The natural material and craftsmanship of a wooden kennel can allow it to seamlessly fit into living rooms or bedrooms. Plastic kennels, even with custom colors, tend to look more utilitarian. However, for those wanting a color-coordinated look or seeking a modern, sleek style, plastic kennels can be ideal.
Ultimately, the aesthetic appeal comes down to personal preference. Those wanting a warm, rustic look will likely prefer the visual styling of wooden kennels. But plastic kennels offer more versatility in colors and modern styling.
Eco-Friendliness
When considering the eco-friendliness of dog kennels, both wooden and plastic models have advantages and disadvantages. Wooden kennels are generally seen as more natural and environmentally friendly, as wood is a renewable resource that is biodegradable at the end of the kennel’s lifespan. However, the production of wood kennels still requires energy and resources. Responsibly sourced wood from sustainably managed forests is ideal. Plastic kennels, on the other hand, are usually made from oil-based materials that are not biodegradable. However, some recycled plastics are now used in kennel production, which diverts waste from landfills. Plastic kennels also tend to last longer than wooden ones, meaning fewer need to be produced over time. Ultimately, the eco-friendliness depends on the specific materials and production methods used in manufacturing both types of kennels. Consumers should look for responsibly sourced, sustainable options when choosing between wood or plastic.
Safety
When choosing between a wooden or plastic dog kennel, it’s important to consider safety factors for your pet.
One advantage of plastic kennels is that they don’t contain any nails, screws or splinters that could potentially harm your dog. Plastic is smooth and contains no sharp edges. Wooden kennels, on the other hand, may contain exposed hardware or uneven edges that could scratch or cut your dog. It’s important to sand and round off all wood pieces to avoid issues.
Wooden kennels are also more susceptible to being chewed or damaged by determined dogs. Hard plastic kennels are more chew-resistant. However, some dogs may still manage to gnaw off plastic pieces, which could present a choking hazard if swallowed.
Proper assembly and construction is crucial for both kennel types. Wooden kennels should be firmly screwed or nailed together to avoid collapse. Plastic kennels can crack or warp over time, creating potential escape routes or injury risks from sharp edges. Check any kennel regularly for damage.
With regular inspection and maintenance, both wooden and plastic kennels can provide a safe enclosed space for your dog. Just be mindful of potential chewing, weathering or construction issues that could compromise safety over time.
Conclusion
In summary, based on the key factors of cost, durability, ease of cleaning, customization, temperature regulation, aesthetics, eco-friendliness, and safety, plastic dog kennels are likely the best overall material type for most dog owners. Plastic kennels are affordable, easy to clean and disinfect, available in a wide variety of sizes and styles, provide good insulation, look modern and attractive, and are fairly safe and eco-friendly. While some downsides exist like being less durable than metal, plastic’s strengths in other areas make it a great choice for any home or breeder looking for a quality and practical kennel solution.