20 DIY Wood Dog Beds You Can Make Today (With Pictures)
By Kit Copson
Updated on
As cute as store-bought dog beds are, they can be really expensive—especially high-quality ones. DIY is an alternative to spending tens or even hundreds of dollars on basic dog supplies and if you’ve got some old wood panels lying around—even better! If not, you can get wood panels and basic attachments in-store and online for pretty cheap. In some cases, all you need is a wooden crate or a piece of Ikea furniture that you can spruce up.
In the case of DIY dog beds, a wood-based one is the best option for reasons of sturdiness and durability. Whether you’re a practiced hand or a complete beginner, we’ve got DIY wood bed plans from some awesome creators for all levels of experience.
Before we get started, we’d advise you to check the detailed material lists and instructions of the linked plans before gathering together or buying what you need. In many cases, the creators give detailed instructions on materials, tools, what size cuts to make, and anything else you might need to know.
The 20 Incredible DIY Wood Dog Beds
1. DIY $12 Pet Bed by Shanty 2 Chic
| Materials: | Furring strips, pocket hole screws, wood glue, nails, wood stain, chalkboard spray paint (for name tag), wet-erase chalk pen (for name tag) |
| Tools: | Drill, Kreg jig, saw, nail gun, sander |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
This DIY pet bed was made with $12 worth of wood according to the creator. It’s put together with furring strips, pocket hole screws, nails, and wood glue and is big enough for a small dog. The creator personalized the bed by making a chalkboard spray paint name tag and writing the dog’s name with a wet-erase chalk pen.
This brings the price up somewhat if you don’t have these materials, but of course, personalization is optional and there’s no need to spend extra cash if you don’t want to. If you do want a name tag, you can always get creative with whatever you have available to make one.
2. Rustic Dog Wood Bed
| Materials: | Wood pieces (various lengths), wood glue, nails, wood stain, scrap wood |
| Tools: | Nail gun, sander, saw |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
This beautiful, cozy-looking dog bed is an option worth considering for those who want to go for a more rustic look. According to the creator, it cost less than $50 to make. It’s put together with various pieces of lumber and scrap wood, nails, and wood glue and then finished with a wood stain to give it a rustic effect.
The dog modeling the bed appears to be a Weimaraner, so from that, we’d guess that it’s okay for medium-sized dogs—be sure to check measurements first based on your dog’s size.
3. “Pottery Barn Knockoff” DIY Dog Bed by The Inspired Workshop
| Materials: | Wood, furring strips (various lengths), wood glue, pocket hole screws (various sizes), wood stain |
| Tools: | Miter saw, Kreg jig |
| Difficulty Level: | Moderate |
If you’re interested in a crate-style DIY dog bed that looks like something sold commercially, the creator of this project describes it as a “Pottery Barn knockoff” and mentioned that it cost only $20 to make—and an extra $20 for the cushion (optional).
This one looks a bit more time-consuming than some of the other options and may require a little more patience to make, but if you can set aside the time, the end result is totally worth it! The plan includes extra instructions for making a DIY cushion, too, if this is something you’d like to have a go at.
4. IKEA Hack Large Dog Murphy Bed
| Materials: | Mattress, birch pieces, nails, wood glue, wood stain, piano hinge, locking mechanism, screws |
| Tools: | Drill, tape measure |
| Difficulty Level: | Moderate |
This DIY Ikea hack dog bed was made out of an Ikea wardrobe frame. The creator placed a mattress on the bottom and added a front piece that closes up to fold the beds away if need be. The dogs in the photo appear to be two Dobermans, so this is perfect for medium or larger dogs.
If you’d like to make something like this, we’d recommend looking out for some discount furniture either from Ikea or elsewhere. The creator bought the wardrobe they used for just $49.90 (on discount) from IKEA.
5. Easy Murphy Dog Bed by Room for Tuesday
| Materials: | Cupboard with drawer, light drop cloth, brass pin pull, clear silicone, white paint spray, pebble paint spray, copper mesh |
| Tools: | Screwdriver, grit sanding block |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
If you like the above IKEA hack bed for large dogs but you’ve got a smaller dog, here’s a similar murphy bed plan for you. Taking an old cupboard with a top drawer, the creator removed the front doors and moved the top drawer to the bottom of the structure to act as a bed. The project is finished with some spray paint to give it a more “high-end” look.
The great thing about this DIY murphy dog bed is that you can also place things on top of it, allowing it to double up as a stand. Best of all—it’s super easy to put together and spruce up.
6. Easy Dog Bed for All Dog Sizes by The Pretty Mutt
| Materials: | Pine board, table legs, angle top plates, screws, hinges, pillows |
| Tools: | Drill, screwdriver |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy to moderate |
The person who made this dog bed has some serious taste—the choice of cushions makes it look like it belongs in a manor house somewhere! So, if you’ve got a posh pooch, this DIY plan could serve as inspiration for your next project. The creator even thoughtfully included a sizing guide for extra small to large dogs, which is sure to be appreciated by beginners.
They also mention that it cost $65 to make the bed itself, but the cushions were much more expensive. You can always go for cheaper cushions, though, or have a go at making your own.
7. DIY Modern Dog Bed by Woodshop Diaries
| Materials: | Plywood, wood scraps or wood board |
| Tools: | Kreg pocket hole jig, drill, jigsaw, Kreg rip cut, miter/circular saw |
| Difficulty Level: | Moderate |
This amazing DIY dog bed has raised sides for extra coziness but a lowered section as well to make it easy for dogs to step in and out of. It’s designed to fit large dogs and measures 25 x 35, but it could definitely be adapted for smaller dogs. The creator kindly includes instructions on how to modify the size to make sure your dog fits.
We’ve labeled the difficulty level “moderate” because, for beginners, it may be a bit time-consuming as it’s made completely from scratch, but if you have some experience with DIY, this should be a breeze.
8. DIY Dog Bunk Bed
| Materials: | Wood pieces in various sizes, OSB sheet, wood screws, pocket hole screws, finishing nails, grit sandpaper, wood filler, wood glue, wood stain, brushes/rags |
| Tools: | Kreg jig/biscuit joiner, clamps, chop saw, tape measure, power drill driver, power nailer (optional), pencil |
| Difficulty Level: | Difficult |
If you run a multi-dog household, this DIY doggy bunk bed could be just what you need. This one is definitely more suited to people with experience doing DIY due to the cuts to various sizes you need to make and somewhat advanced instructions, but if you’re a beginner and are looking for a challenge, there’s absolutely no reason why you couldn’t give it a go!
This is the perfect dog bed if your goal is to save space in your home since multiple dog beds do tend to get in your way, especially if you live in a smaller space.
9. Repurposed Wine Barrel Dog Bed
| Materials: | Wine barrel |
| Tools: | Sandpaper, garden shears, sharpie, screwdriver, wedge, hammer, electric saw, dog bed/cushion |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy to moderate |
What better way to repurpose a wine barrel than turning it into a comfy bed for your pooch? This wine barrel bed was cut down to size and had the edges smoothed with sandpaper to avoid scratches and cuts.
That being said, if you want a more enclosed bed for your dog, you could simply cut an opening in the full-sized barrel for your dog to hop in and in out. The end result is a sturdy, rustic-looking dog bed that is perfect for your dog to curl up in and feel safe.
10. DIY Dog End Table Crate
| Materials: | Maple wood, sanded plywood, wood glue, tapered legs, round metal stair balusters, plywood edge banding, piano hinge, wood stain, Kreg pocket hole screws, wood dowel, paste wax, playing cards |
| Tools: | Clamp, drill, grinder, drill press, saw, tape measure, pencil, router, chisel, paintbrush, painter’s tape |
| Difficulty Level: | Difficult |
If you have some DIY skills under your belt already or want to make something completely from scratch, this dog crate that doubles up as a dog bed and an end table might be worth investing time in.
We like that this is a multipurpose project that allows for extra storage while offering your dog a neat, safe, and cozy spot of their own. If you’re looking for a hideout rather than a crate, you could simply leave the door off.
11. Plywood Pet Bed
| Materials: | Plywood, board, base cap molding, pocket hole screws, finish nails, wood filler, pocket hole plugs (optional), primer/paint |
| Tools: | Circular saw, jigsaw, miter saw, square, tape measure, drill, nail gun, sander |
| Difficulty Level: | Moderate |
If you want something less “square” or “rectangular” in shape, this plywood pet bed has some nice curves around the edges, giving it a softer appearance that some may prefer. It’s finished with paint to give it a more stylish look, so this could be a good option if you’re not a fan of the rustic look. What we love about this one is how much it looks like an actual bed—a mini one, but a bed nonetheless!
12. DIY Dog Bunk Bed & Feeder Station
| Materials: | Wood pieces, nails, wood glue, paint/primer |
| Tools: | Saw, sander, hammer, pencil, drill, clamp |
| Difficulty Level: | Difficult |
Another DIY wood bed that helps you optimize space, this one doubles up as a bed and feeder station. The bed is a bunk-style bed and sits atop a base where you can either put your dog’s food and water bowls or make the space into a second bed depending on your needs and preferences.
This one seems to be rather time-consuming and is probably best suited to more advanced DIY-ers. Furthermore, the instructions are in the form of a YouTube video in a follow-along style with no explanations, so it’s perfect for those with experience but may be a bit tough for complete beginners.
13. IKEA Malm Dog Crate Hack
| Materials: | IKEA Malm 3 drawer dresser (or any dresser in a similar style), wood, plywood (various lengths), wood scraps, wood glue, flat l brackets, small hinges, slide bolt door latch, stain/paint, peel and stick tile, liquid nails |
| Tools: | Clamps, level, orbital sander, router, table saw, reciprocating saw, miter saw, drill & driver, nail gun |
| Difficulty Level: | Moderate |
There is a long list of materials for this IKEA malm dog crate hack but the end result is well worth the effort. It’s basically an IKEA dresser-turned-dog crate and dog bed that can be closed and opened as needed. IKEA furniture—or any old furniture you have available—is great for repurposing as it offers you a ready-made structure to build off, saving you time as a result.
The finished project is a stylish, sophisticated, and neat-looking dog crate/bed that looks great in your home.
14. DIY Chevron Wooden Dog Bed
| Materials: | Plywood and poplar (various lengths/cuts), pocket hole screws, satin polyurethane, brad nails, bottle of wood adhesive |
| Tools: | Accu-Cut, Kreg pocket hole jig, mobile project center, circular saw, miter saw, drill, nail gun, sander, shop vacuum |
| Difficulty Level: | Moderate |
This Chevron dog bed was designed for an Alaskan Klee Kai, which is a medium-sized dog, but you can always adjust it for smaller or larger dogs if need be. It’s a really simple and neat design with a lovely crisscross wood effect, but it’s moderate in difficulty due to all the tools you need to use and the cutting skills required for sizing the panels, legs, and trim.
We like the raised sides and lowered front panel for easy access and exiting and think this would look great with a tasteful cushion in the base.
15. DIY Large Wooden Dog Bed by Hometalk
| Materials: | (6) 2” x 6” x 45”, (2) 1” x 12” x 33”, 1” x 12” x 46.5”, 1” x 4” x 45”, (2) 1” x 2” x 11.25”, (4) 1” x 3” x 11.25”, (4) 1” x 3” x 29.75”, stain/paint, bedding, wood screws, wood glue, and finishing nails |
| Tools: | Circular saw, drill, and wood clamps |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
If you have a larger dog and don’t want to spend a fortune on their dog bed, you can always build this massive dog bed from Hometalk. It’s large enough for any dog of any breed, and it’s sturdy enough to last their entire life with ease.
Even better, if you don’t have the best DIY skills, it’s pretty straightforward to build. The guide does a great job of walking you through everything you need to do to build it from start to finish.
16. DIY Side Table Dog Bed by 86 Lemons
| Materials: | Old side table, sandpaper, wood filler, wood glue, and paint |
| Tools: | Screwdriver |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
This is one of the most unique dog beds you can build, and while it really only works for smaller dogs, it looks great and fits into just about any décor. It’s also multi-functional, meaning it’s not just taking up a ton of space somewhere in the room.
It’s not always easiest to find the necessary parts to make it, but once you have everything you need, it’s pretty easy to make. The guide from 86 Lemons does a great job of walking you through everything you need to do to build it.
17. DIY End Table Pet Bed by Southern Revivals
| Materials: | End table (broken or otherwise), paint, screws, and dog bedding |
| Tools: | Paintbrush |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
This guide from Southern Rivals is all about repurposing something that you couldn’t keep using into a fully functional dog bed. But while that’s the intent of the post, nothing is stopping you from turning a perfectly functional end table into a pet bed if you don’t have a broken one!
You might not love the design, but it’s pretty creative, and your pup isn’t going to complain when they have somewhere comfy to lay down their head.
18. DIY Modern Dog Bed by Centsational Style
| Materials: | 5/8” plywood sheet, 0.75” x 5.5” poplar planks, 1.5” x 4’ poplar hobby boards, painter’s tape, 1.25” wood screws, primer, furniture feet, wood glue, bedding, and exterior paint |
| Tools: | Drill, paintbrush, brad nailer, and clamps |
| Difficulty Level: | Moderate |
While many DIY dog beds only work for indoor use, that’s not the case with this DIY modern dog bed from Centsational Style. It’s an exterior dog bed that’ll work just fine indoors, but it also has the perfect style to fit in right next to the pool.
This makes it one of the most versatile dog beds on our entire list, and that alone makes it worth checking out, even if it’s not the easiest project for DIY beginners.
19. Rustic Industrial Dog Bed by Laura Makes
| Materials: | 6” pine boards, brackets, spray paint, metal pipe, fittings, and bedding |
| Tools: | Table saw, measuring tape, pencil, drill, and a level |
| Difficulty Level: | Moderate |
Rustic does a great job of describing this dog bed, even though you will be building it brand new. It features dimensions that are great for both smaller and larger dogs, but if you don’t want it to take up so much space, nothing is stopping you from shrinking it down a bit.
It’s not the easiest DIY project to complete, but there’s no denying that its rustic charm fits into all kinds of modern décor.
20. Mid-Century Style Pet Bed by Our Nerd Home
| Materials: | Dog bedding, plywood, wood screws, wood glue, furniture legs, paint/stain, and brackets |
| Tools: | Screwdriver, drill, and a paintbrush |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
We’re not sure that mid-century describes this DIY dog bed best, but it is the terminology that Our Nerd Home uses in their guide. But no matter how you describe it, the result is a great-looking dog bed that can add a unique flair to just about any room.
Of course, if you do want something that blends in a bit more, you can swap out the neon blue paint for something a little more subdued, allowing you to get a more classic look with the finished project.
Final Thoughts
And voilà! The incredible DIY wood dog beds by some very talented creators. We’ve made sure to include images and plans for various designs and styles ranging in difficulty from beginner-friendly to advanced. We hope you’ve found something you can’t wait to get started with from our roundup.
Featured Image Credit: Lenti Hill, Shutterstock
