Are you always tripping over your dog's food and water bowls? Are they an eyesore in your kitchen? This DIY dog feeding station can change that. In the article Large Dog Food Station, Jen Woodhouse shares how she built one for her dog, Watson. She also includes plans for a smaller version for breeds like Chihuahuas and pugs.
Materials:
- (1) 3/4" thick, full sheet, plywood
- (1) 1/4" thick, quarter sheet, plywood
- (1) 18-inch drawer slides
- (1) drawer knob
- (1) 1 1/4-inch pocket screws
- (1) 3/4-inch brad nails
- Wood glue
Tools:
- Clamps
- Drawer slide jig
- Pocket hole jig
- Circular saw
- Drill
- Jigsaw
- Nail gun
- Sander
- Carpenter square
- Tape measure
Step 1: Build the Sides
Measure, mark, and cut 3/4-inch plywood sides and base to size. Drill 3/4-inch pocket holes into the side panels and attach them to the base with 1 1/4-inch pocket screws and wood glue. The side panels should be attached flush to the back.
Step 2: Attach the Back
Measure, mark, and cut 3/4-inch plywood back to size. Drill 3/4-inch pocket holes into the top and bottom edge of the plywood and attach to the base and sides with 1 1/4-inch pocket screws and wood glue.
Step 3: Build the Top
Measure, mark, and cut 3/4-inch plywood top to size. Using a jigsaw, cut out two 9-inch diameter circles for the dog bowls. Optional: Wrap the top with waterproof marble contact paper. Attach the top to the carcass with 1 1/4-inch pocket screws and wood glue.
Step 4: Build the Drawer Box
Measure, mark, and cut 3/4-inch plywood drawer box pieces to size. Drill 3/4-inch pocket holes into the front and back and attach them to the sides with 1 1/4-inch pocket screws and wood glue. Measure, mark, and cut 1/4-inch plywood bottom to size. Attach the bottom panel with 3/4-inch brad nails and wood glue. Install 18-inch drawer slides according to the manufacturer's directions. Rule of thumb: standard drawer slides require a 1/2-inch clearance on each side, so measure the width where your drawer will go and build your drawer box 1 inch narrower.
Step 5: Add the Front Pieces
Measure, mark, and cut the front panel and drawer face to size. Attach the front panel to the carcass with 1 1/4-inch pocket screws and wood glue. Slide the drawer box into place and attach the drawer face to the drawer box with 1 1/4-inch wood screws driven in from the inside. Install a drawer knob or pull.
Step 6: Add the Feet
Screw on plastic feet to keep the dog food station slightly elevated. Not only will this help protect the piece from any spills on the floor, but it will allow for the drawer to slide in and out easily, so it doesn't drag.
This feeding station will hold a 10-gallon storage tote and is great for large dogs. To build a feeding station for smaller breeds, click here.
READ MORE: Large Dog Food Station