Raised Sleeping Platform
A simple bed raised 150 mm off the ground, away from damp or hot surfaces. Place it in shade in summer or under a canopy.
Extreme heat needs a cooler safe space, not a better closed house. Provide shade, water and freedom to leave.
“Data validated” means only the data and calculations are checked; the model has not been built or tested physically.
This model has no 3D view; the drawing and dimensions below fully describe the construction.
- For beginners with basic tools and a small budget.
- For one medium dog as an auxiliary outdoor solution; measure the dog before building.
- For summer months, as shade and cover with water and freedom to leave.
- At a fully exposed spot: it needs shelter from wind and rain (a wall, fence or eaves).
- As a sleeping shelter: this is an auxiliary structure.
- As a replacement for a cooler safe space during extreme heat.
- As a substitute for being indoors during dangerous cold or heat.
- For young, old, sick or unacclimated animals without extra protection and supervision.
- Required tools
- Hand saw, Drill
- Budget class
- Low
- Location
- Sheltered outdoor spot
- Supported calculations
- Geometry, Bill of materials, Cut list, Sheet nesting, Cost estimate, Drawing, Build guide
Dimensions
| Outside size (W × D) | 900 × 700 mm |
|---|---|
| Height front / rear | 168 / 168 mm |
| Raised off the ground | 150 mm |
| Chambers | 1 |
| Geometry type | derived from canonical dimensions |
What you have and what to obtain
Quantities come from the model geometry; items marked as assumptions are planning allowances. Reused material must pass the checklist.
Fill in “My workshop” to see what you still need to buy.
My workshop- Exterior plywood1 sheetssheet nesting · 1 × 2500 × 1250 mm (planning format; check with your supplier).
- Solid softwood (battens, studs)4.01 mfrom geometry · Total length from the cut list + 10% allowance.
- Wood screws1 packassumption · Joining the frame and top; countersink the heads.
Parts to cut
topPlatform top · Exterior plywood900 × 700 × 18 mm1legLeg45 × 70 mm · 150 mm4rail-widthFrame across the width38 × 58 mm · 900 mm2rail-depthFrame along the depth38 × 58 mm · 624 mm2Parts on sheets
Sheet formats are planning assumptions; check your supplier's format. Sloped parts occupy their rectangular envelope.
Exterior plywood · 18 mm1 × 2500 × 1250 mm
Weather exposure
A warm shelter that gets damp can be worse than a simpler one that stays dry. This is an explanation, not a condensation calculation.
- Ground contactRaised about 150 mm off the ground.
- Rain splashHigh enough that rain splash from the ground does not hit the floor.
- Roof drainageThe lid is flat: water runs off to the sides. It must close well and the entrance must not sit below a drip edge.
- Rain at the entranceOpen structure without an entrance.
- DryingCan be opened to dry out and change bedding.
- Absorbent materialInterior surfaces do not absorb much moisture.
- Maintenance accessAccess for checks and cleaning is simple.
Cost estimate
Quantities come from the model. Prices are not fabricated: enter what you actually pay locally and the estimate stays in your browser.
Sheet, XPS, framing and hardware quantities come from the compiler. The estimate still excludes delivery, tools, labor, local taxes and unforeseen losses beyond the stated allowances. PROVISIONAL and product-specific items remain explicitly labeled.
Check the spot
This is not a safety certificate for the spot: it only means none of the listed questions is ticked.
What goes inside
- RecommendedNo beddingNothing to absorb moisture. Not applicable.
- AcceptableStrawRepels moisture and stays loose. Replace when damp, compacted or soiled, and when seasons change.
- AcceptableTowelAbsorbs moisture like a blanket. Wash and swap as soon as it is damp.
- AcceptableWood shavingsPartly absorbs moisture. Change when damp or compacted.
- AcceptableWashable dog bedDepends on fabric; textile absorbs moisture. Dry or swap as soon as it is damp.
- Not recommendedHaySoaks up moisture, turns cold and can mould. If already in a shelter, replace it with straw.
- Not recommendedBlanketAbsorbs and holds moisture; a damp blanket chills. Wash and swap as soon as it is damp.
Inspection schedule
- MonthlyCheck the roof covering, overlaps and that water runs off at the rear, away from the entrance.
- MonthlyCheck that screws and nails are tight and no tip protrudes.
- MonthlyCheck edges: no splinters, cracks or swollen areas.
- WeeklyCheck that the spot is still fully shaded in the hottest part of the day and that fresh water is nearby.
- Each seasonClean the interior; service access must allow cleaning without dismantling.
Where to go next
Each step states what you add, what you gain and what stays limited. A new model has a new plan ID; changing an existing build has no canonical plan.
Previous step: Summer Shade Medium
Don't have this material?
- OSB/3 boardThe substitute changes the construction (thickness, strength or water protection); parts and joints must be re-planned.
- OSB/4 boardThe substitute changes the construction (thickness, strength or water protection); parts and joints must be re-planned.
Build steps
Progress is stored in this browser against the exact plan ID; it works offline once the page has been opened.
Assemble frame and legs
Join the frame and legs, check that it is level and does not rock.
Fix the top
Fix the top board, countersink screw heads and sand the edges.
Place in full shade
The spot must be shaded through the hottest part of the day, on grass or soil, not on hot concrete or metal. Fresh water must be nearby and the animal must be free to move somewhere cooler.
Sources and verification status
A source supports a guideline or material value, but it does not confirm this specific model. Container sizes are assumptions and build time is a planning estimate.
- Data validatedcurrent
- Geometry validatednot confirmed
- Engineering reviewnot confirmed
- Physical prototypenot confirmed
- Field validationnot confirmed