How to Make a Durable Dog Bed for Less Than $25

Celebrate national dog day by making your furry BFF a comfy new nap cushion.

By: Emily Fazio

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We recently stripped out the carpeting in our house and replaced it with hardwood floors. The one most affected by this decision is our dog, who is now more limited in where he can comfortably nap, so I quickly got about making a new dog bed for him to make him feel a little more at home.

Tools and Materials:

scissors
sewing machine
22"+ zipper
thread
memory foam XL Twin mattress cover
2 yards of outdoor fabric

Step 1: Select Materials

Purchase a 1-inch-thick memory foam mattress topper and 2 yards of outdoor fabric. The mattress pad will cost markedly less than high density foam at your craft store. I bought a 1-inch topper in the Twin XL length, and then folded it in half to create a 2-inch thick cushion for the bed. I’ve found that outdoor fabric holds up really well to pets, and washes well too. I always recommend splurging on it over regular cotton fabric or upholstery material.

Step 2: Sew the Fabric

Essentially, what you’re going to do is make a pillow case for the memory foam mattress cushion. Flip the fabric inside out and cut it to size to fit your folded mattress pad. This is going to be a rectangular dog bed.

Step 3: Add Zipper

Sew all but one side of your dog bed, and incorporate a zipper into the final side. The zipper I used is a 22-inch length. Keep in mind that the wider the zipper opening, the easier it will be to remove the insert and wash the fabric cover.

Step 4: Assemble Bed and Snuggle Up

Flip the finished bed correct side out, and stuff it with the folded memory foam mattress topper.

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Beds: Built-In Blanket

For the pup who loves to snuggle under the covers, make this cozy fleece burrow bed with an attached blanket.

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Beds: Raised Cot

An elevated cot-style dog bed can either keep your dog off the cold floor inside the house, or off a hot deck or patio when he lounges outdoors. While ready-made beds in this style can be costly, you can make one yourself using PVC for less than $30.

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Beds: Double-Duty Dresser

Transform an old dresser into a combination pet bed and bedside table. Your furry friend will love sleeping beside you.

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Beds: Upcycled Drawer

Or, turn an old dresser drawer into a comfy nest using paint, wooden feet and a plush pillow.

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Beds: Pallet on Wheels

Upcycle a wooden shipping pallet into a stylish bed, complete with casters so it's easy to move. You can even stencil your dog's name along the side for a personal touch.

Beds: Modern End Table

Turn cabinet-grade plywood into a chic, contemporary end table — plus a perch for your pup — with this easy woodworking project.

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Beds: No-Sew Cushion

No needle and thread needed for this easy DIY bed. Just fill two pieces of fleece with stuffing and secure the edges with knots.

Beds: Washable Cover

A removable, washable cover is the key to a fresh-smelling pet bed. Get out your sewing machine and make this farmhouse-style slipcover that you can easily clean when needed.

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Doghouses: Easy Plywood Pad

Make a simple shelter for your fur kid with one sheet of plywood and a few other basic materials.

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Doghouses: Open-Air Hangout

This open doghouse design lets your pup relax in the shade while still enjoying the breeze.

Doghouses: Dog Run With Digs

Transform part of your backyard into an inviting dog run, complete with an upcycled pallet doghouse. If your dog run is fully shaded, you probably won't be able to grow grass there; consider installing artificial turf instead to prevent muddy paws.

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Toys: Sturdy Braided Fleece

Tired of buying expensive toys that your dog destroys in less than a day? This budget-friendly toy holds up to the toughest of chewers. Make it from fabric scraps, old T-shirts or worn-out fleece blankets.

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Toys: PVC Puzzle

Keep Fido busy for hours with this simple DIY puzzle toy. Just drill holes in a 12-inch length of PVC pipe, fill it with your dog's favorite treats or kibble and cap both ends.

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Photo By: Emily Fazio

Toys: Fun Fabric Log

A plastic water bottle forms the center of this woodsy DIY toy. Your dog will love the satisfying crunch it makes when he chews it.

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Treats: Frosted Biscuits

Topped with cream cheese frosting, these homemade biscuits are a perfect special treat for any pup.

Treats: Muttloaf

This canine-friendly version of the classic comfort food is packed with healthy ingredients, including peas, carrots and hardboiled eggs.

Treats: Frozen Bites

Keep your dog cool this summer with PB&J-inspired frozen treats, made with healthy ingredients like natural peanut butter and berries.

Treats: Pumpkin Ice Cream

We made this healthy doggie "ice cream" with bananas and pumpkin puree, but you can also use cooked sweet potatoes or natural peanut butter, depending on your pup's preferences.

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Clothes and Accessories: No-Sew Sweater

Hanging onto an old sweater that you no longer wear? Turn the sleeve into a new outfit for your pooch.

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Clothes and Accessories: Monogrammed Leather Tag

This custom leather dog tag is a handsome addition to any dog's collar. Use a leather stamp to monogram it with your pup's initial.

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Clothes and Accessories: Festive Collar

Dress up your doggo for the holidays with this DIY holly leaf collar. This easy project requires minimal sewing skills and costs just a few dollars to make.

Clothes and Accessories: Easy Halloween Costume

For Halloween, skip the expensive store-bought costumes and make this adorable fairy getup using glittery cardstock and a favorite jacket.

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Grooming: Oatmeal Shampoo

Gentle oatmeal shampoos are great for dogs with sensitive skin, but store-bought options can be pricy. Make your own shampoo with this easy recipe.

Grooming: Dry Shampoo

If your dog tends to get a little stinky between baths, keep him smelling fresh with this DIY dry shampoo made from baking soda, cornstarch and essential oils.

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Grooming: Paw Balm

Just like human hands and feet, dogs' paws can become dry and cracked, particularly during the winter. Soothe your dogs' dry pads with this DIY paw balm.

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Safety: Stairs With Storage

If your small or senior dog has trouble jumping onto the bed or sofa, a staircase is a must. These DIY steps even offer extra storage for toys.

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Safety: Adjustable Ramp

A ramp is another great option for dogs who need a little help reaching the bed or sofa. This DIY ramp adjusts to a variety of heights so you can use it anywhere in the house.

Safety: Dutch Door

Divided in half horizontally so the bottom portion can remain shut while the top is open, a Dutch door lets you keep an eye on your dog while he's confined in another room. Learn how to convert a basic interior door into a Dutch door.

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Safety: Upcycled Crib Crate

A crate is a great tool for house training a dog or keeping him safely out of the way when you have guests. If you have an old crib lying around that you no longer use, it's surprisingly easy to convert it into a comfy enclosure for your dog.

Safety: Car Hammock

If your dog likes to hop from seat to seat while you drive, keep him safely confined in the back (and keep your car cleaner!) with this DIY car hammock.

Storage: Entryway Organizer

Keep your dog's leashes, treats, toys and other accessories in one convenient spot with this DIY pet storage station. Perfect for an entryway, it lets you easily grab everything you need before heading out on a walk.

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Storage: Feeding Station

This DIY dog bowl station features a storage cabinet for stashing food, treats and other pet supplies. Plus, it'll help keep your floor tidy if you've got a messy eater.

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Storage: Super-Organized Cabinet

Is your pup's stuff is scattered all over the house? Corral it in one place with one large cabinet. Add hooks on the inside of the door for leashes, plus a chalkboard for tracking vet appointments, the dog sitter's number and more.

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