How to Make a DIY Modern Dog Bed with Vermont Sales

In April we looked at the 5-in-1 Kids Art Station, but for May, our favourite project is the DIY Modern Dog Bed.

This modern dog bed is a simple build that will put a wag in your best friend’s tail. It’s designed to fit a large dog but is easily modified for any size dog you have and you can build it from a half sheet of plywood in just a few hours. Simply add a bed pillow and you’re good to go! Pet approved!

Materials Required:

Wood Products:

• 1 x 3/4″ Thick, Half Sheet, Plywood
• 1 x 1×8, 36″, Board

Board Hardware/Supplies:

• 8 x 2″ wood screws
• 18 x 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws

Parts/Cut List:

• 1 x Back Box Side, 3/4″ x 10″ x 35 1/2″
• 2 x Box Sides, 3/4″ x 10″ x 24″
• 1 x Front Box Side, 3/4″ x 10″ x 17″
• 1 x Box Bottom, 3/4″ x 24″ x 34″
• 4 x Legs cut to template design, 3/4″ x 6″ x 7″

Step by step guide:

Step 1: Cut Plywood Pieces

Cut pieces from a half sheet of ¾” thick plywood according to the cut list. NOTE: This dog bed is designed to fit a dog pillow of about 25×35 inches measured laying on the ground puffed up (it’s 28×38 laying FLAT according to the tag). If you have a different size, cut your bottom 1 inch smaller in width and length than your dog pillow and cut to fit the side pieces around the bottom.

Step 2: Apply Edge Banding 

An optional step is to apply edge banding. Apply it along the tops and every plywood edge that will be exposed.

Step 3: Assemble Dog Bed Box 

Drill ¾” pocket holes along the bottom of the dog bed box using a Kreg pocket hole jig, along the back edges of the side pieces and along the front edge of the left side piece. Then, using 1 ¼” pocket hole screws, attach the back and sides of the dog bed box like shown through the holes drilled in the bottom.

Step 4: Assemble Dog Bed Box Continued 

Once the pieces are attached along the bottom holes, also screw the sides together through the pocket holes in the back of the side pieces like shown. NOTE: In the video in the extras tab, you will see the pocket holes drilled in the back piece instead of the side pieces. That’s definitely an option, however, if you cut and assemble pieces the way shown here, it’s easier to cut all your pieces from a half sheet of plywood vs. having to buy a whole sheet.

Step 5: Stain Dog Bed Box

Stain the box in your preferred colours.  We used two colours for this project. The front piece was one colour and the rest of the box was another colour. 

Step 6: Install the Front Side of Dog Bed  

To add a little visual interest, set your table saw blade depth to ¼” and cut a few kerfs spaced about 1 ¼” apart on the front. This is TOTALLY optional and just a decorative touch. Finish (stain or paint) the front piece and attach through the pocket holes on the bottom and the front edge of the left side piece like shown.

Step 7: Install Front Side of Dog Bed Cont. 

Attach the front piece from the sides.

Step 8: Cut Dog Bed Legs

Cut four legs according to this template. You can cut these from leftover plywood, or some scrap wood, or a 1×8 board. I cut mine from some scrap walnut pieces.

Step 9: Install Dog Bed Legs

Screw these legs into the bed box. It’s helpful to use a square to line the leg up at a 45-degree angle on the bottom side, then use the square at the top to help you line up where to drive the screws. Pre-drill and drive two 2” wood screws per leg to attach.

Step 10: Finish

Finish the legs and dog bed box as desired. I used a water-based clear coat poly. Then, add your dog bed and your dog and you and your best friend are ready for a nap!

Vermont Sales’ brand Kreg runs an informative and interactive portal with loads of FREE content and tips at buildsomething.com. This site literally has everything you need from  small to larger and more ambitious projects.