Building your own custom elevated dog bed is a fun and rewarding DIY project for pet owners. With the right materials and basic tools, you can handcraft a high-quality bed tailored exactly to your dog’s size and style preferences.
Follow this DIY guide to create a custom elevated bed your pup will love.
Benefits of a DIY elevated bed
Making your own elevated bed offers many advantages:
You can customize the dimensions to fit your dog perfectly.
Budget-friendly
DIY is cheaper than buying a premade bed.
Creative options
You get to pick fun fabrics and materials.
Quality construction
You control quality and sturdiness.
Unique personality
Add decorative details for a one-of-a-kind bed.
Satisfaction
Experience the rewarding satisfaction of making something special for your beloved dog.
Planning your design
Before starting your project, plan out your elevated bed design:
Taille
Take exact measurements of your dog to determine the ideal bed platform size. Add a few extra inches on all sides for comfort.
Material choices
Select materials for the frame, platform, legs, and bedding that match your skill level and budget.
Aesthetic details
Pick a color scheme, fabrics, and decorative accents that fit your home décor and style.
Bedding options
Choose bedding that matches your dog’s preferences for softness, warmth, and chewing resistance.
Features
Consider convenience features like storage, collapsibility, removability, and adjustability.
Sketch design
Draw sketches of your planned bed design from all angles to use as a building blueprint.
Thorough planning sets you up for a successful building process.
DIY elevated bed frame materials
The frame provides the underlying structure to build upon. Consider these strong and stable framing options:
Wood
- Cedar, pine, or redwood planks
- Plywood sheets
- Wood boards or small lumber pieces
PVC pipes
- Standard 1/2 to 3-inch diameter pipes
- Corners and joiners to connect
Aluminum tubing
- Round, square, or rectangular tubing
- 1/2 to 2-inch diameter tubes
Steel tubing
- Round, square, or rectangular tubing
- 1/2 to 2-inch diameter tubes
Choose wisely as the frame must securely hold weight and withstand daily use. Hardwoods like oak are very sturdy options.
Assembly materials and hardware
You’ll need these supplies to assemble your frame:
- Power drill
- Drill bits
- Screwdriver
- Wrenches
- Screws or bolts
- Corner braces
- L-brackets
- Nuts and washers
- PVC cement or glue
- Wood glue
Stock up on the tools and hardware required for your chosen frame materials prior to starting.
Step-by-step guide to constructing the frame
Follow these steps to assemble your elevated bed frame:
- Cut pieces to size with a handsaw or power saw.
- Drill pilot holes for screws to avoid splitting wood.
- Connect corner joints using L-brackets, corner braces, screws or PVC cement.
- Use a square tool to ensure corners are 90-degree angles.
- Attach side rails and cross-supports with screws or bolts.
- Check frame is square by measuring diagonals – they should be equal.
- Use wood glue for joinery on wood frames before tightening bolts.
- Tighten all hardware securely but avoid over-tightening.
- Sand any rough wood edges. Wipe the metal clean with a solvent.
- Allow a full 24 hours for PVC cement or wood glue to cure before continuing.
Carefully constructing the frame ensures your elevated bed has a solid stable base.
DIY platform material options
The platform acts as the core surface of the bed. Sturdy yet comfortable options include:
Wood slats
- Cedar, redwood, or pressure-treated pine
- Space slats approx 2 inches apart
- Staple fabric between slats for cushioned surface
Metal mesh
- Galvanized steel or aluminum mesh fencing
- Bend and fit to frame
- Staple fabric over the top
Canvas
- Durable canvas fabric
- Stretch and clamp tightly to the frame
- Add slats underneath for support
Plastic lattice
- HDPE or PET plastic lattice sheets
- Use zip ties to secure to frame
- Place foam and fabric on top
Choose a platform material that matches your skill level and provides support without sagging.
Step-by-step platform installation
Install your platform material onto the completed frame:
- Measure the inside dimensions of the frame for sizing platform pieces.
- Cut platform pieces to size with wire cutters or tin snips.
- Position and install platform pieces using staples, zip ties, clamps, or hardware.
- Ensure all pieces are fully secured and unable to shift or slide.
- Verify platform sections are completely flush and even.
- Place rigid cross-supports underneath for added stability if needed.
- Test platform for sag by applying body weight. Reinforce if unstable.
The platform installation process finishes the structural base of the elevated bed before bedding is added.
DIY bedding options
Finish your elevated bed with soft, supportive bedding:
Mattress pads
- Memory foam for therapeutic comfort
- Orthopedic foam supports joints
- Egg crate foam allows airflow
Pillows
- Back support bolster pillows
- Neck roll pillows
- Rectangular headrest pillows
Cushions
- Mattress toppers as cushions
- Upholstered foam cushions
- Corner cushions prevent falls
Covers
- Durable canvas or denim covers
- Waterproof mattress covers
- Removable covers for washing
Choose bedding suited to your dog’s preferences, chewing habits, and climate.
Steps to add bedding
Finish your elevated dog bed with plush bedding:
- Take measurements of the platform surface to size the bedding.
- Place any anti-slip matting or resistance barriers if needed.
- Cut and place any corner cushions or bolsters.
- Add mattress toppers, pads, or foam as the base layer.
- Arrange upper bedding layers like blankets, duvets, and pillows.
- Enclosed bedding in a removable cover for easy washing.
- Check that bedding lies flat and doesn’t shift easily.
Fluffing and smoothing the bedding completes the comfy elevated bed!
Optional decorative touches
Personalize your DIY elevated bed with decorative details:
- Paint or stencil designs onto wood frames
- Add side pocket panels to hold toys and treats
- Include decorative fabric edging or ruffles
- Monogram the bed with your dog’s name or initials
- Attach cute bumpers or canopies for additional styles
- Sew coordinating pillowcases and blankets
- Choose fun fabrics like flannels, denim, corduroy
- Add bells, tassels or chic upholstery trim
Your creativity is the only limit for accessorizing your dog’s handmade bed!
Helpful tips for success
Follow these tips to ensure an easy and successful DIY elevated bed project:
- Start with a simple design for your first build.
- Read through all instructions before beginning.
- Watch online DIY tutorials for guidance.
- Lay out and organize all materials and tools needed.
- Work slowly and methodically without hurrying complex steps.
- Measure twice, cut once as they say!
- Wear safety goggles, gloves, and a mask when cutting.
- Use power tools carefully and with proper training.
- Get help lifting and assembling large, heavy pieces.
- Check the level and symmetry at each phase.
With good preparation and care, you can totally DIY a custom elevated bed your dog will enjoy for years to come!
Troubleshooting common problems
These troubleshooting tips will help solve any issues:
Bed Wobbles
- Ensure all joints are tightly secured.
- The check frame is completely square and level.
- Add corner stiffeners and cross braces for stability.
Platform Sags
- Use stronger plywood, not thin boards.
- Add cross-supports and center legs for extra reinforcement.
- Ensure the fabric is tightly stretched and secured.
Bedding Shifts
- Use non-slip rug mesh between platform and bedding.
- Wrap bedding around platform edges.
- Consider adding Velcro strips to hold in place.
Legs Loose
- Tighten all screws and hardware securely.
- Use washers to distribute the load.
- Fill gaps with wood putty or glue before tightening.
Check for issues at each step of the process to remedy them promptly.
Conclusion
With some DIY skills and creativity, you can build a custom lit surélevé pour chien exactly suited to your best friend. Plan your design, choose quality materials, follow construction steps, and add decorative details.
Your pup will love lounging on a bed you personally sized and crafted just for them. And you’ll gain the fulfilling satisfaction of a DIY project benefiting your beloved pet.
