How do you make a homemade elevated dog bed?

An elevated dog bed is a great way to help keep your dog comfortable and cool during hot summer months. Elevated beds allow air to circulate underneath your dog to prevent overheating. They also keep your dog up off hard floors for cushioning and joint support. Making an elevated dog bed at home is easy with just a few supplies from your local hardware store. Read on to learn the step-by-step process for constructing a basic elevated dog bed frame and how to add a comfy mattress on top.

What are the benefits of an elevated dog bed?

Here are some of the key advantages of using an elevated dog bed:

• Improved airflow – An elevated frame allows air to freely circulate underneath your dog’s body, helping them stay cool on hot days.
• Pressure relief – Being up off the floor reduces pressure on joints and bones, ideal for elderly or arthritic dogs.
• Added comfort – An elevated bed gives your dog a soft, cushioned sleeping surface for maximum comfort.
• Mobility aid – The raised height makes it easier for less mobile dogs to get on and off the bed.
• Protects floors – Keeps your dog from direct contact with cold, hard flooring that can exacerbate joint pain.
• Hygienic – Allows moisture, dirt, and hair to fall through the bed instead of accumulating on flooring.
• Portable – Many elevated dog bed frames fold up for convenient portability and storage.
• Affordable – Building your own frame is generally less costly than buying a pre-made elevated dog bed.

The increased air circulation is the primary advantage of an elevated dog bed during summer. The airflow underneath the bed helps carry heat away from your dog’s body. This allows them to stay cool even when the weather is hot. An elevated bed frame also gets your dog up off a hard floor that absorbs and radiates heat. The combination of airflow and distance from the hot floor helps prevent overheating and discomfort.

What materials do you need to make an elevated dog bed?

Making a basic elevated dog bed frame doesn’t require many supplies. Here is a list of the main materials you will need:

• 4 PVC pipes (two 12″ long pipes and two 18″ long pipes)
• 4 PVC elbow joints
• 4 PVC T joints
• PVC pipe cutter
• PVC cement
• Screws and washers
• Drill
• Tape measure
• Cordless screwdriver
• Scissors
• Fabric for mattress cover
• Foam or upholstery padding for mattress
• Mattress cover zipper

You can find these supplies at any hardware store. Schedule 40 or 80 PVC pipes, elbows, and T joints work well for constructing the frame. Make sure to get an appropriate pipe cutter, PVC cement, drill bits, and screws too. You may also need scissors, tape measure, and screwdriver. For the mattress, choose a durable, washable fabric and 2-4 inches of foam or padding. A zipper allows you to remove the mattress cover for washing.

Step-by-step instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to construct a basic elevated dog bed frame at home:

1. Measure and cut PVC pipes – Cut two 12″ lengths and two 18″ lengths of pipe using a pipe cutter.
2. Assemble the frame – Connect the pipes with elbow and T joints using PVC cement. Construct a rectangular frame.
3. Reinforce joints – Drill pilot holes and drive screws with washers into each joint for added stability.
4. Measure mattress dimensions – Measure inside dimensions of frame for cutting foam and fabric.
5. Cut foam padding – Use a utility knife to cut foam to size. Aim for 2-4″ thickness.
6. Sew mattress cover – Cut fabric larger than foam. Sew fabric into a cover shape, leaving one end open.
7. Insert foam padding – Slide foam into fabric cover through open end.
8. Add zipper closure – Sew zipper across open end to enclose padding.
9. Place mattress on frame – Put finished mattress on top of elevated frame.
10. Add bedding – Top with a blanket, towel, or dog bed for comfort.

Be sure to check the frame for stability and sturdiness before placing your dog on the bed. The joints may need additional reinforcement if the frame seems loose or rickety. You can also decorate the frame with paint or other embellishments.

Tips for measuring the mattress

Taking accurate mattress measurements is an important step:

• Measure inside dimensions of the frame for length and width.
• Mattress should be around 2″ smaller than frame on all sides.
• Account for thickness of foam padding when sizing cover fabric.
• Cut foam at least 1-2″ smaller than cover all around.
• Take measurements right before cutting foam and fabric.
• Use a tape measure for precision and write down sizes.

Having the mattress slightly smaller than the frame allows it to fit snugly inside. The extra inch or two also helps keep the mattress from shifting. Be sure to factor in foam thickness when cutting the fabric cover so it can easily fit over the padding. Measure precisely each time rather than relying on previous dimensions for accuracy.

Padding and fabric recommendations

Picking the right mattress materials ensures your dog’s comfort:

• Foam padding should be at least 2″ thick for cushioning.
• Aim for medium density foam that is supportive but not too firm.
• Memory foam or egg crate mattress toppers work well for padding.
• Upholstery foam is an affordable padding option.
• Use durable, machine washable fabric for the mattress cover.
• Canvas, denim, or quilted outdoor fabric are good choices.
• Make sure cover fabric is non-toxic if dog chews or licks it.

The thickness and density of the foam padding will determine the level of support and comfort. Memory foam molds nicely to your dog’s body but can retain heat. Upholstery foam is inexpensive and provides decent cushioning. Choose a tough fabric that can withstand regular use and washing for the mattress cover. Measure padding height to select the right cover fabric width.

Helpful tips for construction

Here are some helpful tips to make construction easier:

• Use a miter box to cut PVC pipes straight and at precise lengths.
• Smooth rough pipe edges with sandpaper before assembly.
• Wear gloves when using PVC cement for safety.
• Reinforce joints with 2-4 screws at each elbow and T connection.
• Pre-drill holes with a power drill to prevent cracking pipes.
• Construct frame upside down for easier assembly.
• Tightly secure end caps on exposed pipe ends with cement.
• Label pipe lengths to ensure correct placement while assembling.

Having the right tools and taking precautions makes construction smoother. A miter box with a pipe stopper ensures straight, clean cuts at the desired lengths. Pre-drilling prevents cracking and allows screws to bite into the PVC better. Assembling upside down lets gravity help hold joints tightly together as the cement sets. Take your time and carefully follow each step.

Making modifications

You can modify the basic design in various ways:

• Use wood instead of PVC for a more decorative look.
• Elevate higher off the ground for extra airflow.
• Add wheels or casters to make the bed portable.
• Include built-in storage bins under the bed.
• Use a larger frame and mattress for big dogs.
• Add side rails or a front lip to contain bedding.
• Use mesh fabric for increased breathability.
• Paint or finish the frame to match your decor.

Wood frames should be constructed from rot-resistant woods like cedar. Apply polyurethane for water protection. Add wheels or casters to two adjacent corners so you can roll the bed to different areas. For big dogs, simply use longer pipe lengths and a larger mattress. Side rails help contain the dog in one spot and can double as storage. Get creative with your own modifications and decorations!

Mattress care and maintenance

Here are some tips for properly caring for the dog bed mattress:

• Spot clean the cover regularly to remove hair and dirt.
• Take the cover off and machine wash on cold, gentle cycle.
• Air dry the mattress cover to prevent shrinking.
• Check foam and batting for permanent indentation or flattening.
• Replace foam if it becomes too compressed or uneven.
• Use an enzymatic cleaner to remove stains and odors from mattress.
• Vacuum mattress before replacing cover to remove pet dander.
• Avoid using harsh cleaners or bleach that could damage fabric.

Frequently washing the removable cover keeps the mattress clean and bacteria-free. Flushing out pet odors with an enzymatic foam prevents them from setting in. Replace the foam padding if it becomes overly compressed or loses support. A well-maintained mattress will be more hygienic and last longer.

Conclusion

Creating your own elevated dog bed is an easy DIY project with many benefits for your pet. An elevated design allows air circulation to keep your dog cool. It also provides joint relief by getting your pup up off hard flooring. Following basic construction steps, you can build a PVC pipe frame and customize it to your liking. Be sure to use comfortable foam padding and durable, washable cover fabric for the mattress. With occasional cleaning and maintenance, a homemade elevated dog bed can provide your best friend with years of relaxed comfort.