A grooming table can make life a lot easier for you and your dog, especially if you home-groom your companion. However, tables can cost thousands of dollars, and regularly taking your dog to the groomer can also burn a hole in your pocket. Luckily, there is the option to DIY one, which will save you money and the time you would spend going back and forth to the groomer. Grooming your dog efficiently and safely at home is also a great opportunity to bond.
We have found some great DIY dog grooming tables that you can try today. Some may be simpler than others, but there will be one that you can pull off. Let’s get started!
Top 5 Sturdy DIY Dog Grooming Table Plans
1. Small DIY Grooming Table
| Materials: | Old table, 15mm copper wall plate elbow (outside water tap adaptor), 15mm compression elbow, 15mm copper pipe, 15mm saddle pipe clips, carpet tiles, staples, self-tapping screws |
| Tools: | Staple gun, saw, utility knife |
| Difficulty Level: | Moderate to difficult |
To construct this grooming table, you will need to find an old table. If the table is slightly damaged, that’s okay since it will be covered with carpet tiles. Although this design involves repurposing an old table, it still requires some skills and knowledge about certain fittings and how to make them work better.
The instructions are excellent, so don’t be afraid to give it a try! Also, by using an old table, both the height and size are predetermined.
2. DIY Grooming Table for Small Dogs
| Materials: | Plywood, rubber surface, spray adhesive, machine bolt and nuts, washers, repurposed worktable |
| Tools: | Saw, drill, utility knife |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy to moderate |
This DIY grooming table is sturdy and won’t take up too much room. You can have it completed in an hour using a repurposed workbench and a few basic materials and tools. The rubber grip surface can also be removed if you want to use the table in between grooming sessions.
The best part is that this project is inexpensive, and the result is a sturdy grooming table that will save you countless trips to the grooming parlor.
3. DIY Folding Wood Grooming Table
| Materials: | 2” trim molding or baseboard, ⅜” plywood, piece of carpet or rubber matting, 1 or 2 strips of hardwood, stain/paint/polyurethane |
| Tools: | Saw, miter saw, drill, nail gun |
| Difficulty Level: | Difficult |
Save space with this folding grooming table that is perfect for easy storage. This project is ideal for those with woodworking skills and a lot of patience, and the result will be so rewarding. The plan for this table is ideally suited to tiny dogs, but if you have the skills to adjust measurements and customize plans, you can make one for a larger dog.
4. DIY Grooming Table for Big Dogs
| Materials: | Wood, deck screws, toggles, nuts, washers, pipe or dowel, |
| Tools: | Miter saw, drill, hole saw, measuring tape, speed square |
| Difficulty Level: | Moderate |
This DIY grooming table is perfect for big dogs but can also be customized to suit your dog’s size. It includes a grooming arm to help keep your dog more stable, and the design utilizes wheels if you decide not to keep it stationary. You can easily add a non-slip mat or yoga mat for grip while trimming and then remove it when you want to wash your dog so the water can drain quickly.
5. DIY table
| Materials: | Fold-up table, rubber mat, grooming arm |
| Tools: | Drill, clamps |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
This is a straightforward and cost-effective DIY project that is perfect for beginners. The design is based on using what you already have and adding a grooming arm which you can learn to make here. It is suitable for most sized dogs, but you can easily modify the plans to suit your dog.
Grooming Arms
Grooming arms can be bought separately and attached to your table, or they can be DIYed. They are highly recommended to keep your dog safe and stable and teach them to stand still.
You can build a grooming arm using PVC pipe, metal, or wood.
The Benefits of Using a Grooming Table
When it comes to grooming your dog, usually the bathroom floor, the patio, or even your lap are places that seem to get the job done, but once you experience the benefits of a dog grooming table, you won’t be tempted to go back to your old methods.
- A dog grooming table is more convenient. You won’t need to constantly turn around or turn your dog around.
- Grooming tables makes the job safer. Most tables have a non-slip cover so your dog’s feet can grip the surface and stay balanced and stable.
- A DIY grooming table will be made to suit your dog’s height, so there is no need to try and lift a large dog, especially if it is resistant to getting onto the table in the first place.
- Having your own grooming table at home can save you money now that you have a place where you can efficiently groom your dog.
What Makes a Good Grooming Table
The great thing about a DIY grooming table is that it can be made specifically for your dog and its needs. Before you decide on a design and begin your project, there are a few things to consider.
- Where will you store it?
- How often will it be used?
- Does it need to be portable?
- Does it need any customizations or extras to suit your dog?
You want a grooming table that will make your life easier and more convenient but also something that is comfortable for your dog.
Size
Your table needs to be the correct size for your dog, with a bit of extra space. If there is no space left after securing your dog, it is too small, and your dog may feel uncomfortable.
Measure your dog beforehand, and if you have more than one dog of different sizes, consider making a large table with multiple accessories. If it is possible, a table with an adjustable height is ideal.
Strength
Make sure your grooming table is sturdy and can support the weight of your dog. A table that wobbles while you are busy grooming is not safe, so ensure the table is solid and stable to prevent injuries.
Material
Use a durable material to build your table as you want it to last long without having another one in a few years or making repairs. Quality materials will make it safer and more functional for you and your pet. Durable materials include stainless steel and wood.
Securing Harness
A securing mechanism can significantly reduce the chances of your pet being injured during grooming. The size of your dog will determine the correct securing mechanism. Nooses are commonly used for smaller breeds, whereas harnesses are ideal for larger breeds.
Another safe option for dogs is a cross tie with an adjustable cord. It is put around your dog’s neck and secured by anchoring it to the table.
These mechanisms may sound harsh, but rest assured that they are safe and perfectly suitable for grooming your pet.
Grooming Arm
A dog grooming arm is a handy tool to have when grooming your dog. While some dogs will sit tight without one, many dog owners find that a grooming arm is a game changer. You can use a single arm that extends vertically or horizontally and adjusts to the pet’s height.
An H arm works well for pets who don’t particularly enjoy being groomed. It includes nooses and hooks that secure your dog, but they can make it difficult to reach certain areas of your dog while grooming because they restrict the freedom of movement of your arms.
In Conclusion
Grooming can be a strenuous exercise, but these plans for DIY grooming tables can help ease the strain on your body. The materials can easily be found; in some cases, you may already have them available and stored away. It is a cheaper option that will also save you money in the long run, and grooming your dog at home will be a great way to bond.
Featured Image Credit: hedgehog94, Shutterstock
