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11 DIY Dog Couches You Can Build Today (With Pictures)
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Dogs love to lounge and relax just as humans do. Unfortunately, this often means that our dogs take up most of our couch space! Since we love our furry companions, we don’t want to kick them off the comfy couch and relegate them to the hard floor. Luckily, if you have a bit of DIY capability and a few materials and tools available, you can build your dog an excellent couch or bed so that they have some personal space to call their own. Hopefully, they’ll love their new couch so much that you’ll get your old space on the full-sized couch back!
Top 8 DIY Dog Couches
1. DIY Dog Couch by Michael Root
| Difficulty: | Moderate |
The DIY Dog Couch from Michael Root is a basic piece of puppy furniture that's built from wood pieces and a cushion. It's simple to build if you have a bit of woodworking knowledge. It's 5 feet long and 30 inches wide, plenty of space for even the largest dogs. It's made of old scrap materials that were laying around, including salvaged wood from a few pallets. If you have some scrap wood laying around, you can also build a cheap and comfortable couch for your furry companion.
2. Build a High-End Dog Sofa by hometalk
| Difficulty: | Advanced |
This DIY High-End Dog Sofa takes your dog’s comfort to the next level, while also adding to the décor of your home. It’s easily one of the best-looking DIY couches we’ve seen, and it’s on our list of projects to build. It looks fancier than any dog couch we’ve seen, and most people certainly wouldn’t assume it’s a DIY project. The frame is made from wood, but comfortable orthopedic foam was used to cover the entire couch, making it ultra-comfortable for your furry friends. You’ll definitely need some DIY skills and a bit of extra time for this project.
3. Pet Bed by Build Basic
| Difficulty: | Moderate |
If you're looking for a pet bed build that can test your woodworking skills a bit and help you improve your DIY experience, then try this Pet Bed by Build Basic. It’s not terribly difficult overall, but you’ll need to do some cutouts with a jigsaw and make holes with a pocket jig. The end result looks excellent, and it should only take a few hours to complete. No one will assume that you built this since it looks like something purchased from an expensive store! And you can even pick the paint color to match what’s in your home now.
4. Convert an Old Chair
| Difficulty: | Easy |
An old chair can be transformed into a cozy and comfortable dog couch with just a few modifications. Remove the seat cushion and replace it with a piece of foam cut to size. Cover the foam with a blanket or cushion cover, and voila! You have a stylish and comfortable dog bed.
5. Use a Wooden Crate
| Difficulty: | Moderate |
A wooden crate can easily be turned into a comfortable dog couch. Simply add a cushion to the bottom of the crate, and then add a second cushion to the top to create a backrest. You can even paint or stain the crate to match your home decor. In some cases, you may need to use an electric saw to remove the front sides of the crate so the dog can easily access the inside. And be sure to sand it before painting!
6. Repurpose a Side Table
| Difficulty: | Moderate |
An old side table can be transformed into a stylish and functional dog couch. Flip the table over, remove the legs of the coffee table and add a nice cushion to the top. Or you can simply keep the legs and install a couple of support beams beneath the bottom of the coffee table--that is, if it has a low shelf for books. Paint or stain the table to match your home decor, and you have a unique and comfortable dog couch.
7. Pallet Couch
| Difficulty: | Moderate |
A pallet bed is a simple and comfortable dog couch that can be made in about an hour or two. Simply stack two pallets on top of each other and secure them together. Add a cushion to the top pallet, and you have a cozy and comfortable dog bed. In many cases, however, you will need to fasten the pallets together using screws and nails. After that, you'll also need to saw off the front of the pallets so that your dog can access it without having to jump into it. Check out this design!
8. Suitcase Dog Couch/Bed
| Difficulty: | Easy |
A suitcase dog bed is a unique and stylish dog couch that can be made using just an old suitcase and a cushion. Remove the inside lining of the suitcase and add a cushion to the bottom. You can even add a backrest by attaching a piece of wood to the back of the suitcase. Paint or decorate the suitcase to match your home decor, and you have a one-of-a-kind dog couch.
The 3 DIY Dog Bed Options
9. Fabric & Stuffing Bed
| Difficulty: | Moderate |
Here is a really simple dog bed that you can create simply using fabric and a bit of cotton or polyester stuffing. You can buy all of these products at stores like Walmart, Amazon, or Michael's. It's best to First measure out the fabric according to your dog’s size, making enough room for the dog to roll over and lay comfortably. Next, simply so your pieces together and then feel it with the stuffing. Also, make sure to stuff it firmly to prevent quick flattening once the dog uses it for a while.
10. Memory Foam Pad Bed
| Difficulty: | Moderate |
Who said dogs don't appreciate memory foam like humans do? Well, you'll be surprised by how much your pup will take to a simple dog bed made from a few pieces of cut memory foam. This simple and easy quick project can be completed in about an hour and it won't break the bank. And if you want to get a bit fancier with it you can even install the memory foam inside of a crate or a pallet.
11. Dog Blanket Bed
| Difficulty: | Easy |
A blanket dog bed is a simple and comfortable dog couch that can be made using just a throw blanket (old or new) and some stuffing if you want to make it more comfy. Cut the blanket into a square and sew three sides together. Stuff the blanket with old clothes, old pillow stuffing, (or blankets), and then sew the fourth side closed. You can even add a cushion to the bottom for added comfort.
Final Thoughts
Making a cozy dog couch for your pooch is a lot easier with these ideas and plans. Whilst some take a bit more knowledge and practical skill, there are still plans here that are easy to make using just a few items you will already have around the house. Before you know it, your dog will be lounging in his own personal comfortable couch!
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Featured Image Credit: Armin Forster, Pixabay
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Nicole is a lover of animals of all sizes but is especially fascinated with the feline variety. She’s the proud mom of Baby, a Burmese, and works every day so he can relax in the sunshine or by the fire. She’s always had a cat in her home and has spent countless days with others, observing behaviors and softening up even the grouchiest of the lot. Nicole wants to share her kitty expertise with you so you and your cat can live happy, healthy, and care-free.
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