Elevated Dog Beds
Here is a video explaining one way to make an elevated dog bed, and two more videos by manufacturers from which you can figure out how to make theirs as well. All three are slightly different styles and approaches.
The No-Sew Method
The Channeled PVC Method (Kuranda)
The Sleeved Method (Rover Company)
I am in the process of making a pair of "no-sew" elevated beds. I prefer custom made, not only for the price ($10 materials vs $120 Kuranda!) but because I can customize the size to fit my crates and kennels. The beds I am making now are approximately 30" x 23" and they fill an Intermediate sized crate (36" x 23") while fitting snugly in the short end of a Giant sized crate (48" x 30"). However I haven't been able to find good fabric for this. I would like to use cordura or ballistic nylon, like the Kuranda beds are made from, but can't find a local store that carries it. I'm a little reluctant to order fabric online, I'd rather be able to see it in person and touch it before deciding. Anyway, here is my progress pic so far. The two types of fabric we have is an outdoor material and a 12oz denim.
The No-Sew Method
The Channeled PVC Method (Kuranda)
The Sleeved Method (Rover Company)
I am in the process of making a pair of "no-sew" elevated beds. I prefer custom made, not only for the price ($10 materials vs $120 Kuranda!) but because I can customize the size to fit my crates and kennels. The beds I am making now are approximately 30" x 23" and they fill an Intermediate sized crate (36" x 23") while fitting snugly in the short end of a Giant sized crate (48" x 30"). However I haven't been able to find good fabric for this. I would like to use cordura or ballistic nylon, like the Kuranda beds are made from, but can't find a local store that carries it. I'm a little reluctant to order fabric online, I'd rather be able to see it in person and touch it before deciding. Anyway, here is my progress pic so far. The two types of fabric we have is an outdoor material and a 12oz denim.
Comments
Also, in warmer climates, it's cooler for the dogs than resting on foam beds or carpets. The dogs could rest on tile/concrete, but those surfaces tend to form callouses on the elbows.
- They're all-weather with the right fabric; I don't have to worry about leaving it outside when it rains. A foam bed or stuffed pillow can get funky and mildew.
- Cleaning the foam or pillow can be downright impossible; you may be able to put the outer covering in the wash, but eventually the stuffing deteriorates. I've restuffed all of my dog beds once before and it wasn't cheap.
- I have one dog who likes to rip up beds and other dogs who like to "help" once a hole is started in any fabric or upholstery.
- I have dogs who despite my best efforts rearrange each others' beds and then some dog ends up sleeping on the hard floor; I want something orthopedic that they can't bunch up in the corner.
- The beds provide good air flow during hot weather and get the dog up off the ground during cold weather.
- It's time to replace all of our beds again and building one of these is cheaper than buying a new bed of any type OR restuffing our existing pillow beds.
EDIT: Here are the first few results:
- http://www.onlinefabricstore.net/performance/coated-and-uncoated-nylon-fabric/cordura-and-textured-nylon-fabric.htm?N=13564+4294963637
- http://www.seattlefabrics.com/nylons.html#fc1
- http://www.ahh.biz/cordura/
We bought some Never Wet to spray it down and protect it from moisture and stains tomorrow.
<img src="paste the url here" />
<img src="https://sphotos-a-sjc.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/q85/s720x720/1174749_10202053703089824_548626459_n.jpg" />
EDIT: @oddball, just edit your post and copy/paste the above text and it will work.