DIY Network

Tolliver Family Room A lackluster great room gets a family-friendly makeover. From "Material Girls" episode DMTG-204

(Continued from page 1)

Kelly Keener and Dwight Tolliver build a stylish bed for the Tollivers' two pugs. They make a base out of plywood and cover it with durable faux leather; then they top it off with a cushion for the dogs to sleep on.

advertisement

Dog Bed

Dog Bed

Materials:

faux leather
batting
plywood
scissors
staple gun/staples
measuring tape
nail gun/nails
screw driver/drill
wood feet

1. Start with the back three pieces of wood (you can have the wood precut at a home store to the desired size). Square up the three pieces and use a nail gun to fasten them together.

2. Attach the frame to a wooden base of the bed; then add two shorter pieces to the front side of frame. This creates an opening for the dogs to climb in and out of the bed.

3. Starting at the front of the bed, staple a long piece of batting on the inside, wrapping the batting around and underneath the bed and using a few staples to anchor it in place. Wrap the rest of the batting around the sides of the bed and continue stapling; then flip the bed over and finish stapling the batting to the underneath side.

4. Before attaching the faux leather to the front and sides of the bed, cover the opening with a strip of the faux leather. Measure the opening and add 6" to the width; then mark and cut the fabric accordingly. Starting in the center, staple the faux leather to the top and then to the bottom of the bed.

5. Measure the circumference of the box, add an extra 10" for stapling allowance and cut the fabric accordingly.

6. Fold the excess fabric over toward the inside corner of the bed and tack it in place with a staple. Then staple the bottom of the fabric right against the wall on the base. Continue this process around the bed.

7. When covering the corners, make dart cuts where it folds around the edge; make sure to smooth and tuck as you go.

8. Flip the bed over, pull the fabric tight and staple it in place.

9. Flip the bed back over to staple the sides. Starting at the inside corner, staple along the edge toward the center, being sure to pull and smooth the fabric as you go. Now turn the bed on its side and anchor a few staples in each corner.

10. Continue stapling until you reach the center; then finish the other side. Repeat the same process on the other two sides of the bed.

11. Finish the front side the same way as you did the first side.

12. Flip the bed over to add the feet. Place a foot about 4" in from each corner and attach to the base of the bed using a screwdriver or drill.

13. Flip the bed back over and add the cushion.

1 | 2 | 3