When working on projects, our dog Layla is always nearby. We decided to build her a dedicated resting space at the shop with a few specific requirements.
Must-have features
- Enclosed design to minimize dust and debris
- Storage for food and water bowls
- Elevated off the ground to separate from cold concrete
Design & planning
After browsing Pinterest for inspiration, we mixed and matched designs to fit our needs. We modeled the design in Fusion 360 to plan the cut list.
Dimensions: 24.5" long × 17.25" wide × 16.5" tall Material: Approximately half a sheet of ¾" plywood
Construction process
Cutting
We used a circular saw to break down plywood into manageable pieces, then finished cuts on a table saw.
The tricky opening
The oval/circular opening wrapping around the corner proved most challenging. We stacked wall pieces together using painter's tape and CA glue to ensure identical heights. A bucket served as a template for tracing the arc.
A table saw mistake occurred when cutting straight lines: the leading edge cut deeper than intended on the bottom pieces. The fix was simple: separate the pieces, retrace the arc further down, and finish with a jigsaw.
Sanding & edge banding
After sanding all pieces, we applied birch edge banding. Initially using a heat gun and roller, we found it time-consuming. An iron completed the work faster the next day. For gaps between edge banding and panels, we filled with wood glue mixed with sanding dust for a natural-looking filler.
Assembly
Before assembly, we painted the two open wall pieces white, then assembled the walls using wood glue, brad nails, and 90-degree corner clamps. After spraying oil-based polyurethane, we realized the timing created extra work later, a lesson for next time.
Bowl shelf
We used a CNC to cut shallow pockets for food and water bowls, letting the bowls sit in a solid base while using their rubber grip bottoms. For edge banding on the shelf's exposed edge, we used a scrap hardwood piece from a previous project that matched perfectly.
Wall & roof assembly
Because of the polyurethane coating, we couldn't rely on glue alone, so we drilled pocket holes for structural integrity. The bowl shelf was mounted level and secured with pocket holes, and the roof was attached by flipping the bed upside down and driving in screws.
Legs
We cut 1.5" dowel legs about 1.5" tall. To find the center of the circular end, we used a simple geometry trick: draw two 1" chords opposite each other, mark each chord's center, draw 90-degree lines from each center point. The intersection marks the circle's center. After predrilling and countersinking at the drill press, we secured the legs with 1.5" Powerpro screws.
Finishing touches
A rechargeable magnetic LED light was installed inside using 3M double-sided tape for easy placement. We added a blanket, set up the food and water bowls, and revealed the bed to Layla. She immediately enjoyed her new space.
Important: Allow the finished project to air out completely before regular pet use.