After 50 years of woodworking, you’d think I’ve crafted just about everything under the sun. But there’s one project that’s been on my mind lately – a DIY wooden pet bed. You see, after all these years, I’ve come to realize that people really do love their pets, and I’m no exception.
So, this DIY project is for my furry companion. Sure, it might not be the most complex or groundbreaking project out there, but it’s definitely a fun one to make. And it’s not just about spoiling my dog rotten (although that’s definitely a part of it); it’s about creating something with my own hands for someone that I care about.
Let’s get cracking.
Cut List
Piece | Qty | Dimensions (Inch) | Thickness |
Front/Back Rail | 3 | 30-1/2 x 3-1/2 | 3/4 |
Side Rail | 4 | 22 x 3-1/2 | 3/4 |
Bottom Rail | 7 | 22 x 3-1/2 | 3/4 |
Corner Post | 4 | 8-1/2 x 3-1/2 | 3/4 |
Bottom Support | 2 | 27 1/2 x 1-1/2 | 3/4 |
Materials
Item | Qty | Specification |
Wood glue | 1 | |
Wood stain | 1 | |
Wood paint | 1 | |
1 | ||
Sandpaper | 2 | 80, 150 grit |
Wood screws | 1 pac | 1-1/4 |
Wood screws | 1 pac | 2” |
Finish nails | 1 | 1-¼” 16 Gauge Finish Nail |
Tools
Process
Step 1:
Begin by cutting out all the necessary bed parts and sanding them smooth using 120-150 grit sandpaper.
Step 2:
Position and secure the bottom support to the front and back rails, ensuring it is centered and placed 3/4 from the top and in the middle of the width. Use 1 ¼” wood screws for attachment.
Step 3:
Attach the side rails to the corner posts, positioning them 3/4 on one side of the post and 3/4 after the lower rail. Secure them in place using 1 ¼” wood screws.
Step 4:
Create pilot holes in the front and back rails. Then, assemble two box sides by joining the front and back lower rails with the side rails. Secure the pieces together with clamps and 2″ wood screws.
Step 5:
Attach the upper back rail to the corner posts using 2″ wood screws.
Step 6:
Secure the bottom rails to the bottom supports using wood glue and nails for added stability.
Step 7:
Finish the pet bed by painting or staining it according to your preference.
Pro Tip: Paint or Stain to Match Your Furniture
Feel free to customize this pet bed to fit seamlessly into your home decor by painting or staining it to match the furniture in the room where you plan to place it. Yes, you can definitely get creative!
More Instructional DIY Projects:
Final Thoughts
With that, your pet’s new favorite spot is complete. All that’s left to do is add some cushions or blankets on top to make it extra comfortable. I must say, I’m pretty happy with the result.
And let’s face it – our pets have a way of taking over the house, don’t they? But with their very own bed, they’ll have a designated spot to curl up and relax, giving us a bit of breathing room (and maybe reclaiming a bit of territory in the process).
I hope you found value in this post, and if you give the project a try, may your pet find as much joy in it as mine does!
Rich is a second-generation woodworker, having grown up in his dad’s workshop, “making sawdust.” Fifty years later, he’s still studying and working on improving his own woodworking skills, while also helping new woodworkers “catch the bug” for the smell of fresh sawdust. While Rich has done some custom woodworking projects, his greatest thrill is helping the next generation of woodworkers along, regardless of their age. His background as an engineer and a writer just adds to his ability to teach his true passion, woodworking.
