pallet dog bed Wondering how to show love to your dogs? It is possible if you craft something brilliant. How about the idea of constructing a dog bed for your furry baby? If you are crafty and have the time, we have a beautiful plan for you that is within budget. Get some pallets, create a nice pallet dog bed that won’t bore a hole in your pocket. DIY Pallet dog beds are sturdy, reclaimed from old wood gotten from shipping pallets. Pallets are feasible, easy to work on, and cost nothing! This is one of the reasons for the widespread pallet wood recycling across the world. Just lay a piece of cushion or mattress on it, and your dog will sleep comfortably after playing with you. You can even personalize the bed by inscribing your dog’s name on it and customize it to match your décor. Are you ready and raring to go? The following few sections will get you started.

Why Make a Dog Bed out of Pallets?

There are many DIY materials for building things around us these days. Are you curious about why you should be making a dog bed out of pallets? Here are some reasons to give it a try.

Pallets are inexpensive

Pallet wood is a cheap alternative to buying a brand-new dog bed. With about $20 or less, you can have up to 10 pieces or more. Many retail locations and warehouses are filled with them; you can even get them for free. Just inquire from the local retailers.

They have many uses

Pallets can easily be disassembled. You may not even need to go through this stress, as some come disassembled. You can use them as they are.

Pallets are light

This depends mainly on the wood and size of the wood.

They are natural and eco-friendly

Pallets are natural and pretty. They look good as it is, and can be customized with a dog-safe paint. Reusing pallets will keep them off the landfill, which is good for our planet. Building a pallet dog bed is a lot cheaper than buying an eco-friendly dog bed.

A Note on Pallet Safety

best pallet dog bed When deciding to craft a pallet dog bed, one vital thing is choosing pallets. As mentioned earlier, they are inexpensive, and you might even get recycled ones for free.
  • When you get these pallets, pay a close look at the markings on them. If you see MB on the pallet, it means they have been used to transport toxic chemicals. You do not want these types of materials in your home.
  • If you get international pallets, look for an IPPC logo on them. Pallets carrying this mark are safe to use.
  • Steam treated, heat-treated, or kiln-dried are among the safest pallets to use. Ask the retailers about stamps, treatment, and safety guarantees.
  • Stay away from colored pallets. Some paints are safe, but others might have gone through unsafe fumigation and painting processes. You don’t want your pet sleeping on this type of bed.
  • Avoid worn/torn pallets; the wood should not bend under pressure. Go for pallets that look and feel dry and clean. Avoid pallets with too far apart slats, those with cracked or broken slates, and those full of splinters.

Materials and Supplies for Your DIY Pallet Dog Bed

  • stainless steel finish nails
  • 1 1/2” finish screws
  • hammer
  • nail puller
  • tape measure
  • wooden shipping pallets
  • drill
  • carpenter’s pencil
  • chop saw
  • large outdoor cushion

Assembly Instructions

Step 1: Dismantle Pallets and choose the best pieces

Gather safe to use wooden pallets. With the aid of a hammer or a nail puller, dismantle the planks from the pallet base. Place the wood pieces on a level surface. Based on the measurement of your shipping pallet, and your dog size, choose the pieces that will best fit the base, the front fascia, the rear, and the two sides. Bed sizing for small and medium-sized pets is about 12 to 16 inches and 14 to 18 inches for larger breeds.

Step 2: Measurement and cutting

Using measuring tape and a pencil, mark the sideboards to 24-inch lengths and cut with a chop saw. Measure and cut the rear and bottom boards to 36-inch lengths with the saw. These boards will form the bottom planks and the rear panel.

Step 3: Measure and cut the structural pieces

To create the bed structural pieces, measure 1 1/2-inch strip and mark with your carpenter’s pencil, cut with a saw. Also, cut six pieces of wood to the same length as your desired overall height.

Step 4: Attach the structural pieces

Lay out the previously cut rear panel boards on a level surface and attach structural pieces on all ends using finish nails or screws with a drill or hammer. Lay out the side panels on a flat and level surface, then attach the structural pieces to each end.

Step 5: Attach Side and Rear Panels

Using a drill or hammer, attach side panels to the rear ends of the panels with nails or screws.

Step 6: Cut and attach the fascia board

Measure the side boards with a measuring tape and mark with a carpenter’s pencil. Cut the board to the length of the front edge from one side to the other. Install the boards to the side panels with screws or nails using a hammer or drill.

Step 7: Install base planks and sand edges

Attach the planks to the frame underside with screws or nails using a hammer or drill. Ensure the planks are uniformly attached, or the bed may look crooked. Next, use an orbital sander to smoothen rough edges on the panels.

Step 8: paint or stain

Depending on your intended look, customize the appearance of the pallet with a paint or stain.

10 DIY Plans for Making a DIY Pallet Dog Bed

1. A beautiful mini pallet bed for your mini dog

The guy who built this DIY pallet dog bed created a headboard for his bed and discovered he had wood leftover. “Why not make something comfortable for my furry baby,” he thought? Bigger breeds won’t fit, but his mini-sized dog can be cozy and snuggled up in a tiny bed. The DIY instructions are only 8 steps. Get the step-by-step breakdown here!

2. Low to the ground pallet bed for your furry baby

You will surely love this lovely DIY project. The cute paw prints on the frame! The color! What makes it outstanding is the low to ground design with an easy accessibility opening. Oldies may rise from bed with a stiff, and descending from a high bed might make them uncomfortable. This low bed design makes it easier for senior dogs to get in and out of bed. Not forgetting your furry babies with tiny legs.

3. The Bunk dog Bed design

We like to state in advance that we do not support placing your dogs on a bed where it is difficult for them to safely come out on their own. But we do like the design for the treats, leashes, toys, and all other extras that do not need to hop down and injure themselves. One look at this bed and you may think it is not a pallet bed – in fact, it is! Saved By Love Creations include instructions on disassembling a shipping pallet to help you get started ASAP. This bed requires more skill and time, but the end result is totally worth it. Catch the instructions at SavedByLoveCreations.com!

4. The Minimalist Pallet Bed

This pallet bed is simple, stylish, and sleek. It is suitable for large senior dogs. It sits right on the floor, so no need to step up or down from a frame. Well, you actually need to worry about your dog rolling out of it. Catch the complete tutorial and the supply list on YouTube.

5. Simple to build, easy to move DIY dog bed

This is a cute pallet bed that requires little effort to make; plus, it is very handy. The bed has space for short baskets, a feature you can choose not to include in your design. We actually recommend you skip it if you have a doggie who might become over-excited and decides to run and jump into his new bed. To make this bed, you will need some power tools that can be rented from stores like Lowe’s or home depot if you do not own them. The full instructions and supply can be found at HomeDepot.com.

6. The Simple built dog Bed

If you are not a fan of power tools, you should check this out! The only tool you need to get it done is a sewing machine! You may add a little support between the slats, although the lovely Dalmatians in this crisp video do not seem to have problems playing on their bed. This dog bed is suitable for pet owners who want to maximize space out of a pallet. Perfect for creatives who are not comfortable with drills and saws.

7. Extra Stylish Pallet Bed

You can’t go wrong with being extra stylish when it comes to your canine friend – in fact, it is laudable! If your pet deserves to be treated like royalty, wearing pretty makeup and dresses, you will love this pallet bed from Suzelle DIY. This bed is designed with twinkle lights and a sign. The bed needs a canopy or step-in for dogs with little legs. Watch the video on YouTube!

8. A bed at the foot of your own bed

This creative man built a DIY bed for a client who wanted a beautiful dog bed to sit at the foot of his own bed, one that will fit both of his pets. This dog bed was crafted using only a circular saw and drill and in a driveway. Do not be discouraged if you do not have a workshop to get it done – you don’t need one! Although this bed was not made using a pallet, you can still repurpose it using a pallet to build something similar for your pup.

9. DIY Pallet bed by Rachel Metz

Rachel Metz came up with a beautiful solution for her sweet Cali, who loves sleeping in different places all over the house – she made a moving bed! This bed is fitted with swivel casters at the bottom for easy movement wherever your pup needs it to be.

10. Seaside interiors doggy pallet bed

Helen made a pallet bed for her dog, Dozer. The tutorial is an enjoyable family-adventure read. She got her kids involved, together they were able to create a cozy bed for their lovely pet. Read her family adventure here.

Conclusion

With some luck, one of the methods listed above will have caught your attention, and already you are drawing a plan of action as we speak. A pallet dog bed is an excellent way to unleash your creativity and make your dog loved. If you love these DIY dog beds but think you’re not up to the carpentry task, try an eco-friendly bed. Alternatively, you can check out these superb wooden pet beds for your canine friend if you love something with premium furniture quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are pallet beds safe?

Pallet contains no chemical treatment, they have no contamination and are safe to use. Being steam treated or heat-treated means they can be used to create a safe pallet bed for your pet.

Do pallets attract termites?

Termites are a common sight on much outdoor wood, including pallets. When choosing the pallet for construction, look for tiny “wood piles.” These spots are signs of infestation. Old grocery pallets might not be infested by termites but have stains and spillage that could lead to mold; closely look at them and smell them before picking the woods to use.

How many pallets do I need to make a pallet dog bed?

Two pallets are enough for an extra-large dog bed. The pallets should be at least 20 inches long to allow for cutting allowance and be in good condition. They should have no cracked or broken slats. Don’t pick any pallet for the fun of it; ensure they are in pristine conditions.

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Katelyn Son