Dogs are not known for being really careful with their beds and toys. You may find your pooch jumping in and out of bed, scratching and digging, or just acting silly. For this reason, you may want to consider a wooden dog bed for your fur baby. Wood is stronger than most dog bed materials and is usually a more attractive piece of furniture.
We carefully reviewed over 30 wooden dog beds and found that the “Paws & Purrs Wooden Dog Bed” is not only extremely nice to look at, but it is also durable, waterproof, has a machine washable cushion cover, and has an outstanding 10-year warranty.
But I understand you might have different needs, whether you’re searching for a wooden dog bed with storage or a platform dog bed. That is why I prepared a shortlist of the top wooden dog beds that address different needs & styles.
In the review section below, we also chose our top 8 choices to help you narrow down your choices. We made sure to list those that are best for certain dogs like small, medium, and large as well as listing some of the other considerations to think about.
But first, we talk about the most common types of wood and the 8 rules of thumb for buying a wooden dog bed. In addition, we’ll share with you an expert tip of how to maintain & clean wooden furniture so they will last years.
Choose Your Favorite Wood: For Different Budgets, Weathers & Needs
A wood dog bed is a fantastic choice but there are different types of wood used to make them. Each type of wood has its pros and cons so it is impawtant that you get familiar with some of the most commonly used woods manufacturers use. Some of these common woods include:
Oak
For a nice-looking and strong wood that is hard enough to stand up to some pretty ruff play, oak is a furfect choice. It also holds stain nicely so you can get it in many different shades and colors.
It is also inexpensive and has a nice smell, attractive to humans and dogs. Oak comes in many species but they are typically categorized as either white or red. The differences are minor and will not affect the characteristics of your dog bed.
Cherry
This is an attractive wood with a little bit of a natural red tint. It also has great-looking grain patterns and plenty of knots to give the wood character. Although it is a little bit expensive, it is one of the more high-quality woods used by woodworkers.
The one problem with cherry is that it does not take stain very well so it is almost always a natural color. But this is not a problem since the wood is very nice looking in the first place. It also has a nice scent that even dogs find appealing.
Pine
Pine is likely the most commonly used wood for most consumer products, including pet beds. This is not a strong wood and is not even particularly attractive, but it is less expensive and works well in most cases. It is probably not one to specifically look for, but it is not a reason to say no.
Since pine comes in different types, it is good to know that they are categorized as being soft or hardwood. You may be able to find this information on the package or label but not always. However, many of the cheaper wood dog beds are made from southern hard pine wood, which is a pretty good choice.
Walnut
Another high-quality wood, walnut will also usually cost more than the others. But, like cherry, it has unique grain patterns, interesting markings, and plenty of knots as well. It is a dark-colored wood that ranges from a chocolate color to pale brown. It does hold a stain, but it is usually sold natural because it is so pretty.
This is a nice choice for an outdoor dog bed because it holds up to the weather well, resisting rot and mildew. However, since it is so expensive and nice-looking, most dog owners prefer to keep it in the house where they can show it off.
Maple
Similar to oak, maple has many different types as well. Sugar maple (or hard maple) is the best choice for furniture though. This is a strong wood with a fantastic look and a straight grain so it is a common choice for woodworkers.
Although maple does not have a bunch of markings and knots and is typically pale yellow or beige, there are some kinds that have special grains. The birdseye and quilted maple are both popular for their colors and grain patterns but this also makes them cost more than the traditional maple.
Cedar
This is softwood with a better-looking grain pattern and color. It also has natural rot-resistance and insect-repellent properties so it is pawfect for an outdoor dog bed. But there is a concern of splintering in the cheaper cedar products, which is a safety issue, especially if your dog is a chewer.
Although many trees have cedar as part of their names, most real cedar comes from the western red cedar or eastern red cedar tree.
Unidentified Wood
If the bed does not specify what kind of wood it is made of, it is often made of cedar or pine. Since these are both fairly cheap and easy to use, they are the go-to choice for making inexpensive dog beds.
Also, if a dog bed manufacturer goes out of their way to use an expensive hardwood, they will surely put it right on the packaging where everyone can see it. So, if you find an inexpensive bed without a wood specification, it is probably made of cedar or pine. ed
8 Rules Of Thumb When Buying a Wooden Dog Bed
There are 8 things to consider when shopping for a wooden dog bed for your pooch. Watch how he likes to sleep, first. This will give you a better idea of what style of bed to get. Another important thing to look for is the size. You want to make sure it is big enough for your pup without being too high.
Another thing to check is the hardware or what it is held together with. This is a safety issue that is very important as well. The finish of the wood should be checked too. If the wood is left bare, you may need to use some kind of sealer on it to keep it from splintering, rotting, or wearing down too fast. Also, consider whether your dog is a chewer, how long the warranty is, and if the bed is made in the USA.
- Hardware: Woodworkers can use all sorts of different methods to hold wood together. For example, nails are the cheapest and most common choice but can work their way out in time, which can be a danger to your pooch. Here are some other choices:
- Screws are not as unsightly as nails and hold wood better, typically not working loose like nails do. They can also easily be removed and reinserted if needed.
- Dowels are the best choice for furniture since they are invisible and make strong joints. But dowels are typically glued in so if you need one that can be taken apart, you will have a hard time.
- Rivets are another secure and invisible choice but these are permanent. You will not be able to take the bed apart if you choose a bed with rivets.
- Glue is usually used together with other connectors like nails and dowels so this is a very strong way to construct a bed. They look great too but they cannot be taken apart either.
- Bolts usually have nuts to keep them tight and are not as easy to hide as the other choices. Exposed metal can be dangerous to your fur baby so make sure the nuts are not in a place of contact.
- Consider Your Dog’s Sleeping Habits: If you have a floppy pup that just likes to spread out when he sleeps, you need to make sure the bed does not have any railings or other features that will prevent him from being comfy. Alternatively, if your pooch likes to be cuddled, find a wood dog bed that will surround him or one that has a bolster cushion.
- Size: You have to measure your dog before even starting to shop. First, measure him from nose to tail and add six to 12 inches. Then, measure him from shoulder to shoulder and add six to 12 inches. This is the minimum size you should get for your fur buddy.
- Height: Another measurement to consider is your dog’s height. If you are getting an enclosed bed, measure from his shoulder to the floor and add 6 inches. If you are getting one that he has to step onto, measure his legs to make sure he can get in and out of bed safely.
- Finish: Although most furniture is treated with wood sealant, some do not treat the wood at all. Untreated wood can be attractive but it is not as good for dog beds. This is especially true if you live in a humid area where the wood can rot or mold. It is also a good way to prevent splintering, which can be dangerous for your pup.
- Is your dog a heavy chewer? : Many wooden dog beds are made for adult dogs that are trained well because puppies and chewers may decide to chew on the wood. If you have a puppy or chomper, consider getting a more durable bed made for heavy chewers.
- Warranty: You probably look for a warranty whenever you buy something but with your pup’s bed, you should also pay close attention to this. If the manufacturer believes in its product, there will be a warranty. The longer the better.
- Made In The USA: The United States has very strict guidelines for any kind of manufactured item for humans or pets. Other countries may provide perfectly good products but you can only be certain if it says “Made in the USA.” However, this is not a deal-breaker since most products are not made in the USA anymore.
Our 2024 Review For 8 Wooden Dog Bed
After reviewing more than 30 wooden beds using the criteria we mentioned above, we chose our favorite 8 wooden dog beds that we think are best for specific dogs. We looked carefully at the type of wood, size, warranty, orthopedic features, and durability as well as whether it is waterproof, chew proof, machine washable, and made in the USA. Here are the ones that exceeded our expectations to help you choose what is best for your fur buddy.
Paws & Purrs Pet Bed
- Bed Size: 32L x 16W x 19H inches exterior and cushion is 30L x 15W inches
- Wood Type: Unspecified
- Orthopedic Features: Yes
- Machine Washable: Yes
- Waterproof fabric: No
- Chew-Proof Fabric: No
- Durability: Very durable
- Warranty: Yes, for 10 years
- Best for: Best overall
Paws & Purrs thought of everything with this wooden dog bed. Not only does it have a gorgeous wood finish, but it also has a 3-inch cushion to support your pup’s joints. And the cover is removable so you can toss it in the washing machine for deep cleaning. Besides all that, it even has a 28-inch drawer on the bottom to hold toys, treats, and bones.
For safety, the corners are rounded and the wood is sanded and treated so there is no worry about splinters or sharp edges. The color is espresso melamine with a beige cushion that fits in well with just about any decor. It even has a 10-year warranty. But it is only for small to medium pups up to 50 pounds.
What We Like:
- Machine washable cover
- Drawer for toys, bones, and treats
- 10-year warranty
What Dogs Love about it?
- The thick cushion is comfy
What We Don’t like:
- Only for small and medium pups
MPI WOOD Medium Dog Bed
- Bed Size: 30L x 20W x 17H inches
- Wood Type: Baltic birch
- Orthopedic Features: No
- Machine Washable: No
- Waterproof fabric: No
- Chew-Proof Fabric: No
- Durability: Very durable
- Warranty: Yes, for 30 days
- Best for: affordable
Baltic birch has a very nice appearance for furniture and is commonly used on furniture, shelves, and cabinets. It is plywood made from several high-quality layers, making it stronger than many other types of wood. MPI Wood boasts precut settings and all you have to do is fit the pieces together.
The bed is made in the USA, unlike most dog beds on the market, so if that is a concern for you, this is one worth considering. It is also easy to take apart as needed and is very lightweight. However, it does not come with a cushion and is not treated wood so you may want to treat it yourself if you are worried about moisture.
What We Like:
- Several layers of wood for durability
- Easy to put together and take apart
- Made in the USA
What Dogs Love about it?
- Easy to get in and out of
What We Don’t like:
- No cushion
- Not treated
Petsfit Indoor Dog Bed
- Bed Size: 28L x 19W x 26H inches exterior and 17L x 18W x 22H inches inside
- Wood Type: Unspecified
- Orthopedic Features: No
- Machine Washable: No
- Waterproof fabric: Yes
- Chew-Proof Fabric: No
- Durability: Very durable
- Warranty: Yes, for one year
- Best for: Puppies
Petsfit Indoor dog house is quite unique in that it has an iron door that is lockable to enclose your dog if needed. The window also has stainless steel bars so your pooch can look out but cannot crawl through, possibly getting stuck or hurt. The floor is removable too for easy cleaning.
The sturdy steps are between 4.2 and 3.7 inches high and 6.5 inches wide so make sure your pup can fit. It is not for large dogs or even medium pooches. It is best for small or toy dog breeds like a Yorkshire terrier or toy poodle. Also, the rooftop terrace has a wooden railing about five inches high to keep your pup from falling off.
What We Like:
- The lockable door means your puppy stays where you put him
- The high railing keeps your pup from falling off the top
- Since puppies are ruff on stuff, the long warranty is important
What Dogs Love about it?
- He can see things from a higher perspective
What We Don’t like:
- Has no cushions
Merry Pet Wood Pet House
- Bed Size: 29L x 22W x 25H inches exterior and 17L x 17W x 15H inches inside
- Wood Type: Unspecified
- Orthopedic Features: No
- Machine Washable: No
- Waterproof fabric: Yes
- Chew-Proof Fabric: No
- Durability: Very durable
- Warranty: Yes for 30 days
- Best for: Small Breeds
This Merry Pet Wood Dog House can be used indoors or outdoors since the wood is kiln-dried, stained, and treated. That being said, some people have had issues with rotting or splintering if left out in the rain or snow constantly so use common sense. The upper deck is furfect for your little fur buddy to climb up and look around, which is great for short dogs that do not get that opportunity much.
The lower room is raised about an inch off the floor to keep it from getting wet or dirty and provides better circulation to prevent rotting and mildew. The door is approximately 9L x 11W, so it is made for small pups. The steps are sturdy and durable but the whole thing is lightweight so you can move it if needed. Also, you can remove the roof for easier cleaning.
What We Like:
- Has lattice railing for safety
- The lower room is elevated
- Wood is treated
What Dogs Love about it?
- Small pups can see the world from a higher vantage point
What We Don’t like:
- There is no cushion inside or out
New Age Pet ecoFLEX Manhattan Raised Dog Bed
- Bed Size: 34L x 10W x 23H inches exterior and cushion is 39L x 15W x 27H inches
- Wood Type: Ecoflex
- Orthopedic Features: Yes
- Machine Washable: Yes
- Waterproof fabric: Yes
- Chew-Proof Fabric: No
- Durability: Extremely durable
- Warranty: Yes, for 10 years
- Best for: Medium Breeds
The New Age Pet Manhattan bed is absolutely beautiful and is made with high-quality furniture-grade materials. The wood is made of a blend of wood byproducts and recycled polymers in a patented material that stands up to years of use. It is also perfectly fine for the outdoors although it is so attractive you probably want to keep it inside where you can show it off.
The Exoflex material is guaranteed for 10 years, resisting moisture, stress, and insects as well as rowdiness. It will not crack or warp from moisture or temperature change and will never splinter. The 3-inch memory foam cushion is pawfect for any dog and has a machine washable cover as well as a waterproof membrane inside to protect the foam. It even has stainless steel legs and rails.
What We Like:
- 10-year warranty
- Recycled but extremely strong materials
- Can fit large dogs
What Dogs Love about it?
- The cushion is thick and soft
What We Don’t like:
- Not for giant breeds
Furhaven Pet – Elevated Mid-Century Modern Style Dog Bed
- Bed Size: 22L x 17W x 10H inches to 46L x 37W x 10H inches
- Wood Type: Veneer
- Orthopedic Features: No
- Machine Washable: No
- Waterproof fabric: Yes
- Chew-Proof Fabric: No
- Durability: Very durable
- Warranty: Yes, for 90 days
- Best for: Large and extra-large dogs
The Furhaven Elevated Mid-Century Platform Bed is modern looking with stunning grain patterns and knots to make each one unique. It is available in three shades. The bamboo is a light pale wood color that has a striated grain. Gray wash is more of a black oak color with varying wavy grain. And the walnut bed is reddish-brown with light and dark grain.
The design makes it fit in with any decor in your home and has pre-drilled settings for easy assembly. The wooden legs keep your pooch up off the floor and the lattice bed supports are sturdy but have space for air circulation. It does not come with the cushion though so you have to buy that separately. Also, it has a 90-day warranty, which is better than most.
What We Like:
- Longer warranty
- Comes in three colors and four sizes
- Very nice looking
What Dogs Love about it?
- Keeps air circulating for better cooling
What We Don’t like:
- Does not come with a cushion
Great Deal Furniture Ophelia Mid Century Modern Ped Bed
- Bed Size: 30L x 18W x 11H inches
- Wood Type: Acacia
- Orthopedic Features: Yes
- Machine Washable: Yes
- Waterproof fabric: Yes
- Chew-Proof Fabric: No
- Durability: Extremely durable
- Warranty: Yes, for 30 days
- Best for: Platform bed
Because the acacia tree has more than 1,000 species and they grow quickly, Acadia wood is considered an environmentally friendly wood. The wood is not only beautiful with its multi-colored grain, but it is also very strong at 2,300 psi. In fact, it is 23% harder than hickory, 55% harder than white oak, and 90% harder than bamboo.
The iron legs are very stylish as well as durable and the entire piece is waterproof with a water-resistant cushion cover. Being elevated and having a memory foam cushion means it is excellent for dogs with dysplasia or other orthopedic issues. This stylish bed is a great choice for any small to medium dog.
What We Like:
- Attractive wood grain
- Very durable wood
- Water-resistant fabric
What Dogs Love about it?
- The thick cushion is comfortable
What We Don’t like:
- The cushion is not machine washable
MSMASK Pet Dog Bed Frame with Drawer
- Bed Size: 22L x 16W x 10H inches to 38L x 28W x 10H inches
- Wood Type: Medium density fiberboard (MDF)
- Orthopedic Features: No
- Machine Washable: No
- Waterproof fabric: Yes
- Chew-Proof Fabric: No
- Durability: Extremely durable
- Warranty: Yes, for 30 days
- Best for: Bed with storage
The frame of this sophisticated wood dog bed is actually made of iron so it is incredibly strong and can stand up to quite a bit of ruff-housing. The bed is made of an extremely durable medium-density fiberboard (MDF) that is actually stronger than plywood, less expensive than hardwoods, and is made of layers of wood fiber, wax, and resin. It does not crack or warp, it repels moisture and water and does not splinter.
This bed has two storage drawers to hold your pup’s toys, bones, treats, and brush, or whatever else you want to hide in there. And the elevation is good for dogs with orthopedic issues. However, there is no cushion so you have to get one or your pooch will be laying on a hard surface. It also comes in white, gray, or brown and you can choose from two sizes. The medium can hold up to 60 pounds and the large can handle up to 100 pounds.
What We Like:
- Iron frame
- Durable MDF wood
- Waterproof
What Dogs Love about it?
- Has drawers for toys
What We Don’t like:
- Does not come with a cushion
Expert Tips For Wood Furniture Care & Maintenance Guide
Real wood furniture has to be dusted, cleaned, and polished, or waxed to keep it looking its best and lasting for a long time. Here are some important tips.
Dusting
Dusting your wood is vital to its care as dust and other airborne particles can scratch the wood. Dust weekly for best results. Some of the ways to dust include:
- Lambswool dusters: These contain lanolin, which is a natural magnetic attractant to pick up dust.
- Terry cloth towels to dry and remove moisture.
- Treated cloth to attract dust and dirt.
- Lint-free cloth traps dust and will not leave any fluff behind.
- Ostrich feather dusters are great for any surface with small fibers to pick up dust.
Clean
Whenever you clean wood, you need to use a soft cloth that will not scratch the surface. If you do not clean it often, the dust that builds up can scratch the wood and cause irreparable damage. To clean properly, use these steps:
- Spray furniture cleaner on the wood evenly and try not to use too much.
- Wipe the wood in a circular motion with a clean microfiber cloth.
- Last, wipe down the surface again with a soft dry cloth.
Polish or Wax
You only have to polish or wax your wood one time a year. Any more than that can cause wax buildup. Do not use silicone products because they can be absorbed. Try Brazil wax or carnauba wax and only use a little bit.
D.I.Y Make Your Own Dog Wood Bed
If you are handy with wood and DIY projects, why not try making your own wooden dog bed? It is easy, takes very little time, and definitely costs a lot less than buying one. Here are the steps to making your own custom dog bed:
- First, measure your fur baby and then cut a piece of plywood for the base.
- Then, you can cut four side pieces out of one 2×6 for a bed that is 24L x 18W inches.
- Cut a rabbet on the bottom inside of each piece to make a more secure fit for the plywood base.
- Next, miter the corners at 45 degrees.
- Mark out the opening for the bed to the size that you need. The one in this video is 7 inches in from each side and 2 inches from the bottom.
- Cut the opening with a band saw or its equivalent.
- To make the wood look more rustic, make some markings with some nails and a hammer before staining.
- Then, stain the wood, making sure to get it down into all of the dings and marks.
- After, sand the wood and then use a steel brush to texture and scrape the wood for a weathered look.
- Next, apply a lighter color stain to the wood.
- Once it dries, assemble the bed using wood glue and brad nails.
- After that, protect the wood with several coats of tung oil.
- While it dries, cut angle iron into 6-inch pieces and drill 4 holes in each one.
- Attach the angle iron to each corner for maximum strength. Paint them if desired.
- Make the pillow using cotton for the bottom and sheepskin on top. Insert a foam cushion and sew the edges together.
- Put the pillow in the bed and you are done!
The Final Woof
It may not be furfect for every pooch out there, like large or giant dogs, but the Paws & Purrs Wooden Dog Bed is our choice for the best overall. This bed is not just a stunning piece of furniture that will look great in your home, but this wooden dog bed is also great for your pup with a 3-inch foam pillow for support.
After checking out more than 30 dog beds using the above criteria, we think this one is the best wooden dog bed because of all its features that fit most pups out there like the cover of the pillow being machine washable so you can give it a deep cleaning when needed and the drawer can keep all his toys in one spot.
For safety, the corners are rounded and the wood is sanded and treated so there is no worry about splinters or sharp edges. The color is espresso melamine with a beige cushion that fits in well with just about any decor. It even has a 10-year warranty. But it is only for small to medium pups up to 50 pounds.
