Man's best friend should get to sleep in style right? If your dog is part of the family you can't just throw a cushion on the floor and call it a day. No, you need to build a proper bed for your bestie, and of course it should include toy storage, because, why not?
If you decide to take on this project you can start by downloading the printable PDF to have with you in the shop. This includes a cut list that shows you exactly how to cut the boards you'll need. Download Printable PDF
Assembling the Side Panels You can either glue the panel in place with pocket holes only in the frame or you can pocket screw the panel in place. I chose to glue the right side panel since it would be exposed and screw the left side panel since the holes can be hidden within the toy box. Assemble the top 2x2 to the side 2x2s first, with pocket holes facing inside. Then install the panel and lower 2x2.
Assembling the Frame Start by drilling pocket holes per the plans and assemble the back and bottom to complete the frame in the same manner that you did the side panels.
Assembling the Front Panel Drill pocket holes and assemble the front panel using 1-1/4" and 2-1/2" pocket screws.
Install Front Panel and 1x2 Install front panel using 1-1/4" and 2-1/2" pocket screws through the existing pocket holes. Then install the 1x2 bottom rail using wood glue and 1-1/4" brad nails.
Assembling Interior Panel Drill pocket holes and assemble the interior panel using 1-1/4" pocket screws.
Installing Interior Panel Screw panel in place using 1-1/4" and 2-1/2" pocket screws. (Make sure that the pocket holes are within the toy box.)
Installing Lid & Supports Cut 2 (using hinges) or 4 (not using hinges) 2" 45 deg triangles. Then glue and nail them in each corner of the toy box using 1-1/4" brad nails. Optional: Install hinges and handle as desired.
Personalize (Optional) We decided rather than using hinges and a handle we opted to cut out a dog bone shaped hole for accessing the toy storage. I drill two 1-3/8" overlapping holes for each end of the dong bone and cut out the center with a jig saw.
Finishing We stained the edges with dark walnut wood stain and applied vaseline to keep the paint from sticking in certain areas such as edges and corners. Then we painted with a charcoal chalk paint. After the paint dried we then removed the paint in the areas where the vaseline was applied using 220 grit sandpaper and/or a scraper to achieve a distressed look by exposing the stained surface below.
Man's best friend should get to sleep in style right? If your dog is part of the family you can't just throw a cushion on the floor and call it a day. No, you need to build a proper bed for your bestie, and of course it should include toy storage, because, why not? <a href="http://eff5c75290b0e498bfcc-cdb2fd2cc8e016557784fa363a2704b5.r93.cf1.rackcdn.com/pdf/Large%20Dog%20Bed%20Plans%20-%20Printable%20PDF.pdf" target="_blank">Click here to download the project plans for this How-To!</a>
If you decide to take on this project you can start by downloading the printable PDF to have with you in the shop. This includes a cut list that shows you exactly how to cut the boards you'll need. Download Printable PDF
Assembling the Side Panels You can either glue the panel in place with pocket holes only in the frame or you can pocket screw the panel in place. I chose to glue the right side panel since it would be exposed and screw the left side panel since the holes can be hidden within the toy box. Assemble the top 2x2 to the side 2x2s first, with pocket holes facing inside. Then install the panel and lower 2x2.
Assembling the Frame Start by drilling pocket holes per the plans and assemble the back and bottom to complete the frame in the same manner that you did the side panels.
Assembling the Front Panel Drill pocket holes and assemble the front panel using 1-1/4" and 2-1/2" pocket screws.
Install Front Panel and 1x2 Install front panel using 1-1/4" and 2-1/2" pocket screws through the existing pocket holes. Then install the 1x2 bottom rail using wood glue and 1-1/4" brad nails.
Assembling Interior Panel Drill pocket holes and assemble the interior panel using 1-1/4" pocket screws.
Installing Interior Panel Screw panel in place using 1-1/4" and 2-1/2" pocket screws. (Make sure that the pocket holes are within the toy box.)
Installing Lid & Supports Cut 2 (using hinges) or 4 (not using hinges) 2" 45 deg triangles. Then glue and nail them in each corner of the toy box using 1-1/4" brad nails. Optional: Install hinges and handle as desired.
Personalize (Optional) We decided rather than using hinges and a handle we opted to cut out a dog bone shaped hole for accessing the toy storage. I drill two 1-3/8" overlapping holes for each end of the dong bone and cut out the center with a jig saw.
Finishing We stained the edges with dark walnut wood stain and applied vaseline to keep the paint from sticking in certain areas such as edges and corners. Then we painted with a charcoal chalk paint. After the paint dried we then removed the paint in the areas where the vaseline was applied using 220 grit sandpaper and/or a scraper to achieve a distressed look by exposing the stained surface below.
