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How to make a D.I.Y. dog bed

A big pupper enjoying their new dog bed

Overview

Every dog should have its own bed. This one is easy to make, affordable, comfortable, and a great way to pay back your furry friend's loyalty. It also includes a sliding feeding station, that you can make separately.

Steps

1Assemble the base frame

Apply wood glue to two adjoining pieces of timber for the base frame. Join them together and clamp them in place. Repeat this process to make the rest of the base frame. Once the frame is clamped, gently tap the panels into place using a hammer to make the corners square. Use a nail gun to fix three nails into each join.
The base frame of a dog bed being assembled with a nailgun

2Attach the beading

The beading is what the formply will sit on. To attach it, apply glue along the length of the beading. Place the beading 50mm down from the top of the frame. Use a combination square to ensure the beading remains level on each of the four sides. Fix off the beading with a nail gun. Then, gently lower the form ply base into the frame. It should fit snugly.
Beading being attached to a dog bed frame using a nailgun

3Cut out the opening for the feeding station

To cut out the opening for the feeding station, use a 10mm drill bit to create access points at each of the two top corners for the jigsaw blade. You will need to make the feeding station separately.
Holes being drilled into a dog bed frame for a jigsaw blade

4Cut the timber

To make this project easier we've had our timber cut to manageable lengths at our local Bunnings Warehouse. Here's our cutting list:

 

185mm x 19mm Tasmanian oak:

  • 780mm x 2
  • 1000mm x 2

 

90mm x 19mm x 1.8m Tasmanian oak:

  • 960mm x 19mm x 19mm x 2
  • 710mm x 19mm x 19mm x 2

 

1800mm x 1200mm x 17mm formply:

  • 960mm x 740mm x 17mm
The tools used to create a dog bed

5Measure and mark for the feeding station

Measure and mark the centre point on the front panel of the Tasmanian oak. For the opening to be 640mm, measure 320mm from either side of the centre mark. Then, measure up to the desired height, in this case 120mm to allow for a dog bowl or a dog feeding station to fit.
Marking a piece of timber for cutting

6Measure, mark and cut the timber

Make four 45-degree mitre cuts on all four pieces of Tasmanian oak. Repeat the process at the other end of the piece of timber to the size you want the box frame to be. Measure and mark the three other pieces of timber at the length you want. Then, make a second 45-degree mitre cut on each board.
A Bunnings team member using a circular saw to cut timber

7Putty and sand

Putty up any gaps and holes in your dog bed. Once it's dry, use an orbital sander with a 120 grit disc to smooth the putty-filled holes. Make sure to wipe away any dust.
Applying putty to fill any gaps or holes in the dog bed

8Sand the front panel

Remove any rough edges on the front panel by sanding the freshly cut opening, using an orbital sander and a 120-grit sanding disc.
A cordless sander being used to work a piece of timber

9Varnish the bed

To waterproof the dog bed, apply a coat of clear varnish on the frame. Then, leave it to dry.
Varnish being applied to a dog bed

10Job done

Once the bed is dry, lay a mattress on top of the form ply and there you have it, a comfy dog bed. Combined with the built-in feeding station, it's sure to set tails wagging.
A big pupper enjoying their new dog bed

Suggested products

Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.