How to Make PVC Platform Beds for Pets

The pet industry seems to offer it all: collars, leashes, food, toys and a wide selection of beds for man's best friends. As humans, we sometimes forget just how relaxing it can be to have a comfortable bed for sleeping. Why make your pet sleep on the floor or on a thin, mass-marketed pet bed? Platform pet beds are good for air circulation, keeping moisture and mites away, and helping with joint pain in older animals. Make your own PVC platform pet bed for your furry friend with plumbing supplies and a few other materials.

Things You'll Need

  • 2 PVC pieces, 24 inches
  • 4 PVC three-way connectors
  • 2 PVC pieces, 28 inches
  • 4 PVC pieces, 4 inches
  • 4 PVC flat-top end caps
  • 1 yard army duck canvas, 10.10 ounce
  • Electric screwdriver
  • 44 #8 round-washer-head screws, ½-inch
  • Channel locks
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Instructions

    • 1

      Connect one three-way connector to a 28-inch and a 24-inch PVC pipe. This will frame the sides of the bed. Attach another three-way connector to the other ends of the pipes. Connect the other 28-inch and 24-inch pipes to the connectors to make a rectangle.

    • 2

      Secure the connectors to the pipes using a hammer to push the pipes all the way into the connectors.

    • 3

      Place the 4-inch PVC pipes into the remaining holes of the three-way connectors. These are the legs of the bed. Push the end caps onto each of the four legs.

    • 4

      Cut the fabric to measure 34 1/2 inches by 38 1/2 inches. Lay the cloth right-side down on a hard surface. Place the bed frame upside down and centered on top of the cloth.

    • 5

      Fold the corners of the fabric under the frame, so that it is angled at roughly 45 degrees. The corner of the frame should show when you turn the frame right-side up.

    • 6

      Fold one edge of the fabric over itself approximately ½ inch and then fold it over again. You will have a layered fold at the edge of the fabric. This will keep the fabric from raveling and reduce the risk of tearing.

    • 7

      Wrap the folded edge over the PVC frame and hold tightly. The fabric should reach the center of the underside of the frame. Secure the fabric onto the frame, starting at the center of the frame. Use six screws, evenly spaced, along the side to secure the fabric to the frame.

    • 8

      Fold the fabric edge on the opposite side and wrap the frame with the fabric. Secure the fabric to the frame with one centered screw. Grip the PVC pipe at one end, not the fabric, with channel locks and twist inward to tighten the fabric and the frame. Screw the remaining five screws into the side of the frame. Repeat the folding, wrapping, tightening and screwing process on the other two sides.

    • 9

      Secure the three-way connector pieces by placing two screws on opposite corners of the bottom of the connectors. This will keep the frame intact and tight. Flip the bed over. Screw five screws into the frame at the corners to secure the fabric in the corners.

    • 10

      Test the stability of the frame by wiggling it. If the bed is wobbly, flip it back over and tighten the legs with channel locks. Turn the bed over onto the legs. Call over your furry buddy and have it give the bed a test run.