This project was built and designed by Alex from Bevelish Creations. It’s a sleek and stylish dog bed that blends mid century modern design with playful details, including embedded tennis balls for a one-of-a-kind look.
Built from walnut and white oak, this project uses clever joinery and subtle shaping to create a piece of furniture that fits beautifully into any modern home—while still being comfortable and practical for your dog.
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Getting the Wood Ready
Alex begins the build by selecting walnut and white oak for the frame. These two hardwoods are chosen for their durability and attractive contrast, perfect for the clean lines and sharp angles that define mid century style.
Before milling, he checks the wood’s moisture content with a meter to ensure it has acclimated to the workshop. Once the wood reaches an equilibrium—typically within about 1% of the room’s relative humidity—it’s ready for milling without the risk of future warping.
Frame Joinery and Overall Design
The bed’s outer frame is a four-sided box made from three walnut sides and a white oak front panel. Each piece is joined with miter joints for crisp, seamless corners that reinforce the modern design.
Instead of using a full panel for the bottom, Alex installs two plywood cleats that support the slats and double as mounting points for the legs. These cleats fit into rabbets along the frame—shallow recesses that provide strength without bulk.
Mitering and Shaping Details
The frame pieces are cut to length and mitered at 45 degrees, then dry-fit to ensure perfect alignment. A subtle chamfer is added to the bottom edges to give the frame a lighter appearance when viewed from a distance.
The front panel includes a large curved cutout to let the dog easily step in and out. This opening is shaped using straight cuts on the table saw, then finished with a jigsaw to connect the curves smoothly.
Softening the Edges
To make the bed more comfortable and add a professional finish, Alex uses a chamfer bit to bevel the top and inside edges of the frame. This detail not only looks good but helps reduce hard corners where a dog might rest its head.
This extra step reinforces the idea that pet furniture doesn’t have to be plain—it can include the same thoughtful details you’d add to human furniture.
Adding the Tennis Ball Feature
One of the most unique features of this dog bed is the use of cut tennis balls embedded in the side panels. This playful touch adds color, texture, and a fun nod to the dog’s favorite toy.
To do this, Alex cuts tennis balls in half and routs circular grooves into the wood using a custom jig and template. The balls are then fit into the grooves, leaving small gaps due to their curved shape.
Instead of hiding the gaps, Alex fills them with yellow-tinted epoxy to match the tennis ball color. This makes the transition from ball to wood look intentional and smooth while adding durability.
Building the Tapered Legs
The legs are made from solid hardwood and tapered for a minimalist profile. Each leg is angled outward to enhance the mid century vibe and give the bed more stability.
Rather than screwing directly into the frame, Alex uses stop dados in the cleats to anchor each leg. This keeps fasteners hidden and makes for a clean, furniture-grade assembly.
To reinforce the leg connections, he adds dowels through the side of each joint. These provide extra strength and keep the legs rock-solid even under shifting weight.
Improving the Front Panel
After stepping back, Alex decides the front panel feels too flat. To add dimension, he cuts a series of wide grooves across the surface, giving it a more dynamic, textured look.
Though the process required some trial and error with tool control, the final result adds visual interest without overwhelming the design. He also notes that a CNC would allow for future customization, like adding the dog’s name.
Final Assembly and Finish
Once all parts are shaped and sanded, a protective finish is applied to bring out the beauty of the walnut and white oak. The legs are attached to the cleats with countersunk screws, and plywood slats are installed to create a sturdy base for the dog’s cushion.
The final product is both elegant and practical—a blend of modern design and thoughtful woodworking details. From the joinery to the materials to the tennis ball inlays, this bed is clearly built with care.
Learn more about this project here: https://www.bevelishcreations.com/projects/dog-bed/.