Why a Raised Dog Bed?

• Airflow and temperature control: Elevation lets air circulate under your dog, keeping them cooler in summer and away from cold floors in winter.
• Joint support: A taut fabric or mesh reduces pressure points, helping seniors and large breeds.
• Cleanliness: Keeps fur and dander off the floor and away from damp surfaces.
• Durability and portability: A simple frame with a replaceable sling lasts through seasons and is easy to move or clean.

Plan the Perfect Size

Measure your dog from nose to base of tail and across the widest part of the chest.

• Bed length: dog nose-to-tail-base + 6–8 in (15–20 cm)
• Bed width: chest width + 4–6 in (10–15 cm)
• Height from floor: 6–8 in (15–20 cm) for small/medium dogs; 8–10 in (20–25 cm) for large/giant breeds to allow airflow without making it hard to step up.

Common finished sizes (sleep surface):

• Small: 24 × 18 in (61 × 46 cm)
• Medium: 36 × 24 in (91 × 61 cm)
• Large: 48 × 30 in (122 × 76 cm)

Project Overview

• Skill level: Beginner to intermediate (basic cutting and drilling)
• Time: 2–4 hours (plus finish drying time for wood option)
• Estimated cost: $30–$90 USD depending on size and materials
• Two build options:
  • Wood frame + fabric/mesh sling (classic, sturdy, easy to refinish)
  • PVC frame + fabric/mesh sling (lightweight, weather-friendly, simple cuts)

Materials and Tools

Shared Materials (both builds)

• Breathable, strong fabric: outdoor mesh (textilene/phifertex) or heavy-duty canvas (8–10 oz). For chewers, look for coated mesh rated 70+ lbs tear strength.
• Stainless steel or galvanized screws (outdoor) or zinc-coated screws (indoor)
• Rubber feet or furniture glides to protect floors and prevent slipping
• Optional: bias tape or webbing to reinforce fabric edges; grommets and rope/lacing if you prefer a laced sling
• Optional: non-toxic, water-based polyurethane or exterior spar urethane (for wood, outdoors). Let finishes fully cure before use.

Tools

• Measuring tape, pencil, square
• Saw: miter saw, hand saw, or PVC cutter (depending on build)
• Drill/driver with bits (pilot holes) and screwdriver bits
• Staple gun (for wood sling wrap) or grommet kit and mallet (for laced sling)
• Sandpaper (120–220 grit) for wood
• Scissors or rotary cutter for fabric
• Optional: pocket hole jig or corner brackets (wood build)

Wood Build: Materials for a Medium Bed (36 × 24 in sleep surface)

• Boards: 1 × 3 nominal (actual ~0.75 × 2.5 in) or 1 × 4 for a beefier frame. Cut list below.
• Four legs: 2 × 2 nominal (actual ~1.5 × 1.5 in) cut to 7 in (18 cm) each
• Corner blocks or metal corner brackets for rigidity (optional but helpful)
• 1.25–1.5 in wood screws (30–40 mm)
• Fabric piece approx. 44 × 32 in (112 × 81 cm) to wrap edges around frame
• Staples: 3/8–1/2 in (10–12 mm)

PVC Build: Materials for a Medium Bed (36 × 24 in sleep surface)

• Schedule 40 PVC pipe, 1-1/4 in (32 mm) for sturdiness
• Four 90° elbows + four tees (to form corners and legs)
• Four short leg sections 6–8 in (15–20 cm)
• Self-tapping stainless screws (optional for securing fittings if not gluing)
• Fabric piece approx. 40 × 28 in (102 × 71 cm), plus grommets and paracord or lacing
• Optional: PVC primer and cement (permanent assembly) or leave dry-fit and screw for serviceability

Cut Lists and Dimensions

Wood Frame (Medium 36 × 24 in sleep surface)

• Long rails (2): 38 in (to account for 1 in fabric wrap clearance and leg thickness)
• Short rails (2): 26 in
• Center support (1, optional for large dogs): 24 in
• Legs (4): 7 in (adjust to preferred height)

Note: If using 1 × 4 boards, adjust overall height and screw length accordingly.

PVC Frame (Medium 36 × 24 in sleep surface)

• Long sections (2): 36 in
• Short sections (2): 24 in
• Crosspieces for legs (4): 3–4 in (connect tees to elbows each corner)
• Legs (4): 6–8 in

Tip: Dry-fit components first; PVC fittings add ~1–1.5 in (25–38 mm) to overall dimension per connection.

Step-by-Step: Wood Raised Dog Bed

1) Prep and Sand

1. Cut all boards to length. Mark pieces for quick assembly.
2. Lightly round sharp edges with sandpaper (dogs scratch less on eased edges).

2) Build the Rectangle Frame

1. Lay out two long rails and two short rails as a rectangle, with short rails inside the long rails for cleaner end grain.
2. Pre-drill pilot holes to prevent splitting. Use wood glue at joints if desired.
3. Fasten with 1.25–1.5 in screws—two per corner. Verify squareness by measuring diagonals; they should match.
4. Optional: add a 24 in center support across the width. Pocket holes or angle brackets work well.

3) Add Legs

1. Position legs flush with each interior corner so they meet both rails.
2. Pre-drill and drive two screws per leg face (4 per leg total). Use corner brackets for extra rigidity if your dog is over 60 lb (27 kg).
3. Test for wobble; shim or re-square if needed.

4) Finish the Wood (Optional but Recommended)

1. Vacuum dust. Apply a water-based polyurethane for indoor use or exterior spar urethane for outdoor use. Avoid pressure-treated lumber for indoor beds.
2. Let cure fully per manufacturer guidance before attaching fabric and allowing pet use.

5) Attach the Fabric Sling

1. Cut fabric to size (about 4 in/10 cm extra per side to wrap under the rails).
2. Hem edges or sew on webbing for reinforcement. For chewers, double-layer the edges.
3. Center the fabric over the frame, pattern side up. Flip the frame so the bottom faces you.
4. Start on one long side: pull fabric snug and staple every 1–1.5 in (2.5–4 cm).
5. Move to the opposite long side: pull taut across, staple from center outward to distribute tension.
6. Repeat on short sides, neatly folding corners. Keep tension even to avoid sags.
7. Add a second row of staggered staples for durability. Tap staples flush if needed.

6) Add Feet and Inspect

1. Install rubber feet or felt pads on leg bottoms.
2. Press down on all corners to check stability. Tighten any loose screws.

Step-by-Step: PVC Raised Dog Bed

1) Dry-Fit the Frame

1. Assemble a rectangle: long pipe into elbows, short pipe into elbows, with tees inserted at each corner between elbow and long side for legs.
2. Add short crosspieces between tees and elbows if needed by your fitting layout.
3. Insert leg sections into the tees. Check squareness and height.

2) Secure the Joints

1. Option A (serviceable): Drill small pilot holes and use stainless self-tapping screws to lock fittings.
2. Option B (permanent): Use PVC primer and cement on each joint. Work quickly and align carefully.

3) Prepare the Sling

1. Cut fabric with 2–3 in (5–7.5 cm) allowance each side for grommet rows.
2. Hem edges or sew webbing. Install grommets 1.5–2 in (4–5 cm) apart along all sides.

4) Lace the Sling

1. Lay the fabric centered over the frame. Start lacing one long side to the pipe with paracord, rope, or heavy zip ties.
2. Move to the opposite side; tighten gradually to keep even tension across the surface.
3. Lace short sides last. Aim for a drum-tight surface without over-stressing grommets.
4. Trim and melt rope ends to prevent fraying. Tuck knots safely.

5) Add Non-Slip Feet and Test

1. Slip on rubber chair tips or adhesive pads to each leg.
2. Press down and check for racking; adjust lacing tension if the surface sags.

Customize Your Bed

• Chew-resistant build: Use hardwood (oak, maple) and stainless hardware. Consider aluminum edge trim to protect fabric edges.
• Outdoor use: Choose PVC or sealed cedar; stainless fasteners; breathable UV-stable mesh.
• Indoor cozy: Add a removable fleece topper with corner elastic straps for winter.
• Orthopedic support: Place a 1–2 in (2.5–5 cm) closed-cell foam pad beneath the sling for extra give, or add a zippered cushion that sits atop the taut fabric.
• Easy cleaning: Use removable, machine-washable covers; design sling with snaps or screws instead of staples for quick swaps.
• Personalization: Stencil your dog’s name or choose fabric to match your decor.

Safety and Comfort Tips

• Round all corners and sand splinters. Avoid exposed sharp staples—cover with trim if needed.
• Use pet-safe finishes; allow full cure time before use (often 3–7 days for urethanes).
• Avoid pressure-treated lumber for indoor beds due to chemical preservatives.
• For puppies or seniors, choose a lower height (4–6 in / 10–15 cm) to ease step-on.
• Check screws and fabric tension monthly; tighten or replace worn parts.

Cleaning and Maintenance

• Vacuum hair weekly; wipe frame with mild soap and water.
• For mesh, hose down outdoors; for canvas, spot clean or machine wash if removable.
• Re-tension laced slings as fabric relaxes over time.
• Inspect feet for wear to protect floors and maintain grip.

Troubleshooting

• Sagging center: Increase fabric tension; add a center support rail (wood) or a mid-span PVC crossbar with tees.
• Wobble: Re-square frame; tighten screws; add corner brackets (wood) or secure PVC joints with screws or cement.
• Squeaks: Add a thin fabric or rubber shim where frame meets sling; re-tighten fasteners.
• Chewing at edges: Add edge guards; offer chew toys; apply a pet-safe bitter deterrent to exposed corners.

Budget and Eco-Friendly Options

• Use reclaimed cedar or pine and sand thoroughly.
• Repurpose an old lawn chair sling or outdoor banner as the fabric (ensure it’s clean, nontoxic, and strong).
• Buy hardware in stainless bulk to save over time, especially for multiple beds.

FAQs

How tight should the sling be? Aim for a firm “drum” feel with about 0.5–1 in (1–2.5 cm) of give when you press at the center. Too tight risks tearing; too loose can sag and reduce support.

Can I make it foldable? Yes. Use knock-down hardware on wood or leave PVC unglued and secured with screws you can remove. Hinged legs are possible but require careful bracing.

What fabric lasts longest? UV-stable PVC-coated polyester mesh (often sold for outdoor furniture) resists moisture, mildew, and claws better than plain canvas.

Will this help with allergies? A raised, wipeable surface collects less dust and is easier to clean than bulk foam beds, which may help reduce allergens at floor level.

Quick Reference: Medium Wood Build Summary

• Sleep surface target: 36 × 24 in (91 × 61 cm)
• Cut: Long rails 38 in (2), short rails 26 in (2), legs 7 in (4), center support 24 in (1 optional)
• Fabric: ~44 × 32 in (wrap and staple)
• Fasteners: 1.25–1.5 in wood screws; 3/8–1/2 in staples
• Feet: Rubber pads or glides