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Shed makeover: How to make a dog wash station

By Bunnings magazine /

ackyard with a shed with the doors open to shelves and pet grooming products. A brown dog sits on the grass along with an inflatable ring, a pink shell kidspool and toys.
Make bathtime fun for you and your furry family members with this handy dog wash station.

Sick of wrangling a dirty dog in a cramped shower cubicle, and turning the whole bathroom into a muddy mess? A dedicated dog wash station in the backyard could be your answer! Kit out a medium-sized shed to become your dog’s pamper suite, with shelving, grooming-tools and accessories and a dedicated salon table, complete with a solar-powered outdoor shower for warm water for a comfortable dog washing experience. Our ‘doggy day spa’ sports a fresh nautical colour scheme and also does double duty as a pool store for inflatables, foam noodles and towels.

Tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Building tips for your dog wash station

  • Select a level site: Select a suitable site – a floor kit may be required if it’s not level – measure the space to check your chosen shed will fit and you’re good to go!
  • Wear appropriate safety gear: Wear safety gear (work gloves, eye protection and long sleeves) when unpacking and assembling the shed and take care when handling all components as some parts have sharp metal edges.
  • Follow manufacturer’s instructions carefully: Review all the manufacturer’s instructions first and continue to review them, following them carefully, throughout the assembly process.
  • Collect all tools and parts before starting: Gather the listed tools required and remove all parts from the packaging. Position in a safe place close to the assembly area.

Tip: Discover how to choose the right shed for your space.

Paint colours used on this dog wash station

Channel beach hut vibes and contrast cool sky blue with dazzling white.

Tip: Before you get underway with your dog wash station, check out this guide on how to paint metal.

Light‑blue and white backyard shed with open doors and a sign “DOGGY DAY SPA” inside are shelves, a grooming table with straps, and pet supplies. On the grass are a pink shell paddling pool, pet carriers, a teddy bear and umbrella.

Painting tips

  • Check the weather forecast: if rain is imminent, delay painting outdoors, and avoid painting in very hot or very cold conditions. Plan to paint when it's cool and shady, as paint may dry too quickly in direct sunlight, leaving brushmarks and an uneven finish.
  • Wear appropriate safety equipment: Wearing a mask and eye protection, use a paintbrush, spray gun or short-nap roller to apply an oil-based primer, such as Dulux ‘Prepcoat’, to all timber surfaces. Let dry.
  • Prepare and paint the trims: Mask off trims using painter’s tape, then apply two to three coats of trim paint, letting dry after each coat.

Tip: Carefully remove tape before the last coat is dry to help avoid peeling paint.

Inside a small shed, white shelves hold woven baskets, pet toys, towels, and grooming bottles. A grey pet carrier sits on the floor with a pink bowl in front

Keep in mind…

  • Warning: Children have drowned in portable swimming pools. Ensure active adult supervision at all times. Do not leave children unsupervised around the pool – keep them within arm’s reach. Empty and store safely after use.
  • Paint colours may vary on application.

Ready to use your dog wash shed?

Check out our article on how to groom a dog like a pro.

 

Photo credit: Louise Roche

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.