Upcycled Pet Beds
Custom one of a kind Pet beds transformed with Shabby Paints
When you have rescue pit bulls you can’t just make a bed out of anything. You have to think BIG, especially when they have to be touching each other at all times.
I had gotten this full size waterfall bed for $10.00 about 6 months ago with the intentions of repairing the busted post and selling it or making a bench out of it if I couldn’t.
Luckily my husband has gotten really good over the last 22 years understanding my weird drawings and explanations.
I decided the best way to do this for long term, heavy dog use was to use an inexpensive crib mattress so they have a good foundation. Crib mattresses are usually water and dirt resistant so with some washable bedding on top of it, clean up will be easy. I paid around $30.00 with free delivery from amazon. If you have ever purchased pet beds you know that is a steal.
First we needed to make it low enough to accommodate Dixie, she has a hard time getting on furniture that is too high. We cut the head board down and removed the top footboard post so it didn’t tower over the rest of the bed.
Crib mattresses are usually around 27″ x 52″, so we made the frame to fit it using 2×4’s.
After attaching the headboard and footboard to the 2×4 frame we cut a piece of plywood for the crib mattress to rest on. Of course I had to add large locking wheels to the post so I could move them around from room to room with me if needed. 🙂
Time to paint!
I cleaned her up really well with vinegar and water. She was pretty nasty from the 6 months of sitting on the carport waiting on a new life, so I had to go over her three times to get the grime off of her.
I painted her with two coats of White Ice, then did the usual..looked at her for a few hours trying to figure out what was next 🙂 As you can see I have an audience and the pressure was on! 🙂
So I finally decided to go for a layered, heavily distressed look.
I used a slightly damp Vax Applicator Sponge to apply the black reVAX all over for depth, then I took sandpaper to it, to reveal some of the white ice.
In some areas I applied more pressure to reveal the beautiful wood.
To add even more depth and to change the look try using different grit sandpaper and change directions. Dust off, then go over with a slightly damp VAX Applicator sponge and sheer VAX. Let dry. That is it, you just created a one of a kind, pet safe, dog bed!
That bed for your furbabies is absolutely amazing!!! I so love it!! Would have been perfect back when my heart, Moose, or 130 pound Rottweiler was still with us. I never would have gotten him out of it!! Not sure if our current three would use it. Bernice, our 110 pound Bernador likes the cool tile floor now that we live in Florida. And our 15 1/2 year old probably couldn’t climb up there. But you inspire me to make something for her and for Dixie, our 39 pound hound mix. She loves to nest so something like that would be perfect. Thanks for sharing!!!
Thank you Karen. Sorry for your loss. We are looking for steps to add for Dixie, she is doing okay now but as you know large dogs and bad hips seem to go together :(. On hot days they lay on the cool floor and then once they have cooled off they end up back on the beds. 🙂
Shannon
Oh my! I never realized until seeing these photos just how large the bed actually is! Is the headboard a twin size? You and your husband did a FANTASTIC job! My lil pooch will only get in his bed during the day and only if it is well hidden in a corner! lol!
It is a full size bed 🙂 Thank you..was really fun to make.
🙂
[…] a wonderful idea. To find out more about this really cool DIY upcycled pet bed, check out the DIY Upcycled Bed Frame Pet Bed tutorial. Your little one (or big one) will totally love […]
I don’t which I adore more … your pits or the bed. You can never spoil your dogs too much. Especially the ones with achy knees and hips. Someday we’ll all be in the same boat! Kisses to your ‘models’.
🙂 xoxo
Love the bed, such a great idea and the finish is GORGEOUS! I have been wanting to try a retail chalk paint and now that I see you guys are fellow pit lovers/rescuers my choice will DEFIANTLY be Shabby Paints! I love nothing more than supporting companies/people that know what a joy it is to have a pittie as part of your family. Now I have to figure out what colors I want to try first =)
🙂 Once you have been owned by a Pit..that is it. Check out our Pit Bull Pink, 50% of proceeds go to animal rescue.
Thanks so much..Shannon #pitluv
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[…] bed frame dog bed […]
Wow! That is quite a bed! I love that they have to be together and share. So cute! I am pinning to my ‘Spoiled Rotten’ board! Thanks for sharing!
[…] 23. Shabby Chic Twin Bed for Pups Project via Shabby Paints Home Design […]
[…] Project via Shabby Paints Home Design […]
[…] of the beds shared so far are for smaller dogs, but there are many options for larger breeds. Shabby Paints shared how to build a dog bed from a recycled headboard and footboard. It requires construction of […]