How To Build a Raised Dog Bed

Joe CruzJoe CruzUpdated: Oct. 28, 2020

Keep your dog off the furniture and up off the cold floor.

Next Project
Time

A half day

Complexity

Intermediate

Cost

$51–100

Introduction

Many of us like to keep our dog off the furniture and up off the cold floor. Here is a simple project you can build in an afternoon for only a few bones.

Tools Required

  • 18-Gauge Brad Nail Gun
  • Circular saw or table saw
  • Hearing and eye protection
  • Measuring tape
  • Miter saw or jigsaw

Materials Required

  • 1 qt. paint
  • 1-1/4-in. 18-gauge brad nails
  • 12-ft 1x8 poplar (1)
  • 220-grit sandpaper
  • 4x4-ft 3/4-in plywood (1)
  • Wood glue

Project step-by-step (11)

Step 1

Cutting the Boards

  • Cut two pieces of the 7-1/4-in. poplar at 41-1/2-in. for the front and back legs.
  • Cut two more pieces of the 7-1/4-in. poplar at 30 inches for the side legs.
  • Cut one plywood bottom at 30 x 40 inches.
  • Rip three 3/4 x 48-in. cleats from the remainder of the plywood.
  • Cut two cleats at 34-1/2-in. and two side cleats at 24 inches.
    • Pro tip: Always check the width of the board. Sizes may vary coming from the store.

Step 2

Layout the Side Legs

  • Make pencil marks on the bottom edge of the board one inch from each end.
  • Draw a line 3-1/4-in. up from the bottom across the length of each board.
  • Connect the one-inch lines with the 3-1/4-in line at a 28 degree angle using an adjustable square, or make a 28 degree template with your miter saw (see photo).