How to Build a Pet Bed From Wood

You may have seen some wooden pet beds at your local pet store. You know--the raised platforms that mimic a traditional bed, but are a little lower to the ground and a little smaller. Unfortunately, they are often very expensive. Fortunately, you can build one yourself very easily, with some simple tools and a little bit of effort. Now, you can build a wooden pet bed to your exact specifications and have it match both your décor and your pet's style.

Things You'll Need

• Plywood or other Hardwood
• Wood Board
• Wood Screws
• Screwdriver
• Sandpaper
• Finish
• Fabric
• Bed Filling
• Sewing Machine
• Scissors
• Sewing Pins

Instructions

Making the Frame

1. Begin by drafting out your pet bed. You'll want to make it long and wide enough for your pet to fit comfortably on it. For small pets, you can get by with one two feet long by a foot and a half wide. For larger pets, consider one measuring three and a half feet long by two feet wide.

   If you are a novice when it comes to carpentry, it is easiest to make a rectangular shaped bed, rather than more intricate shapes.

2. Select your wood. You can use plywood and 2x4s if you like, or more expensive hardwoods to make the bed.

   You can choose any thickness of wood you would like; however, since this will form the frame of your bed, choose something sturdy enough to support the weight of your pet. In general, choose wood that as at least an inch thick.

   You won't need much lumber to make the bed frame, so look for pre-cut lumber wherever possible, or if you are on a budget, check your local hardware store's remnant bin.

   Also, if you would like a special shape for you bed and you are uncomfortable cutting it yourself, your local hardware store should be able to do this for you.

3. Begin with the headboard and footboard. Using the plywood or other hardwood, measure and cut the headboard and footboard to the width you've chosen. With many designs, the headboard and footboard can be identical.

4. Cut 3-4 wood boards to the measured length of the bed. The larger the bed, the more boards you want to use.

5. Attach the wood boards to the headboard and footboard. Using wood screws, screw the boards directly into the headboard and footboard, starting at the edges and evenly spacing the boards across the bed, slightly raised off the ground. Make sure not to space the wood so far apart that your pet could fall through the gaps.

6. Sand the wood bed to remove any splinters and create a nice finish. Begin with medium sandpaper, such as a 60-grit, and work your way up to very-fine grade (220-grit) sandpaper for a smoother finish.

7. Finish the wood frame. You can stain, paint, or coat the wood with varnish to create whatever finishes you desire. Let the wood frame dry.

Making the Bedding

1. Now you're ready for the pillowtop bedding. You can either purchase a pet pillow, or make one yourself. Most pet beds use either a fleece or denim cover, but you can use whatever fabric you like. Start by measuring your fabric to the length and width of your wood frame. Make sure you have enough fabric to make a top and bottom for the pillow.

2. Cut the fabric into two equal-size pieces. These will be your top and bottom. Place one piece of fabric on top of the other, and pin around the edges, making your pillow shape. If you are using a piece of fabric that has one side you want to be seen, pin the fabric together with those sides facing each other. When making the pillow, you will turn this inside out to hide the stitches.

3. Stitch the pillow together, starting from one edge, and going along the border, until a about a six inch hole remains.

4. Flip the pillowcase inside out, through the hole, so that the seams are hidden, and the outside fabric is showing on the outside.

5. Using the hole, stuff the pillow with your pillow stuffing. Many pet beds use cedar chips, but you can use whatever soft filling you desire, such as feathers or Polyfill. It is best to over-stuff the pillow, since the filling will often condense over time.

6. Once the pillow is stuffed, pin the last few inches of the pillow together, and sew the hole shut. Remove the pins, and you have a completed pet pillow.

7. Now that the bed frame is dry, and the pillow complete, put the pillow on top of the frame, and let your pet enjoy.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember: measure twice, cut once.

References

• How to Sew a Simple Pillow Cover