How to Make an Above-Floor Dog Bed

An above-ground dog bed is a great way to make your dog feel protected, secure and part of the family. It may even discourage your dog from trying to share the bed or other furniture with you.
These instructions can be used for an animal of any size.

Things You'll Need

  • White pine planks, 12 inches across
  • Sandpaper
  • Nontoxic paint or varnish
  • Circular saw
  • Safety goggles
  • Hammer
  • Nails
  • Power screwdriver
  • Screws
  • L brackets
  • Level
  • Pencil
  • Cushion
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure your dog from nose to base of tail and across the rib cage. Record these dimensions. Multiply the former measurement by 1.3 and the latter by 1.6. Record these findings as well.

    • 2

      Put on your safety goggles. Determine how many planks you will need to lay side by side in order that the width will be equal to approximately 1.3 times your dog's length. Using the circular saw, cut this number of planks to 1.6 times your dog's width. If you lay these planks side by side, you will see that this will eventually serve as the base of your dog bed.

    • 3

      Cut three more planks--one to the length of the bed, two to the width. Cut the one that is the length of the bed vertically to 4 inches across.

    • 4

      Sand the planks carefully so that no splinters remain. Coat them with non-toxic paint or varnish. Let them dry at least 48 hours. If the planks still appear rough and unprotected, add a second coat and let dry 48 hours more.

    • 5

      Lay the planks you cut in step 2 flat and line them up side by side with no space in between. Place the piece that is equal to the length of the bed perpendicular to the row of planks along the bottom. Hammer in at least two nails to secure it to each plank in the row. Be sure to countersink the nail heads for your dog's protection.

    • 6

      Place the two remaining pieces at either end--also perpendicular with the base--so that the edges form a three-sided box, with the long side of dissimilar height. Nail in place along the bottom as well as in the corners to secure the components of the box to one another.

    • 7

      Read the manufacturer's instructions for the L brackets. Determine how many you will need to support at least twice your dog's weight, and plot the spacing accordingly by marking with a pencil on the wall. Be sure to use a level so that the bed doesn't end up lopsided.

    • 8

      Position the bed so that the open side of the box is facing the wall. Attach the bed to the wall using the power screwdriver, screws and L brackets. Be sure the bed is low enough that your dog can get in and out comfortably. Place the cushion loose inside the box.