Overview

The Coolaroo Original Elevated is fundamentally different from every other bed in this comparison. There is no foam, no fill, no cushioning of any kind. Instead, you get an HDPE fabric panel stretched across a powder-coated steel frame, elevating your dog several inches off the ground. It is a hammock for dogs, and it solves problems that traditional beds cannot touch.

For outdoor use, warm climates, or dogs that overheat easily, the Coolaroo is practically unbeatable. Air circulates freely underneath, the fabric resists mold and mildew, and cleaning means hosing it off in the yard. The trade-off is obvious: zero cushioning means zero orthopedic support. Dogs with joint issues or those who prefer soft surfaces will not find comfort here. But for the use cases it targets — outdoor porches, hot weather, easy cleaning — nothing else comes close at $38.

Features Deep-Dive

Elevated HDPE Fabric Design

The Coolaroo's fabric is made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), the same material used in commercial shade sails. It is UV-resistant, breathable, and mold-proof. The fabric sits 7-9 inches off the ground depending on the size, creating a continuous airflow channel underneath the dog. In hot climates, this design can reduce the dog's resting temperature meaningfully compared to a foam bed sitting on a warm floor. The fabric has some give — it is not rigid — so it contours slightly to the dog's body weight, providing a gentle cradling effect without traditional cushioning.

Near-Indestructible Cleaning

This is where the Coolaroo truly shines. Traditional foam beds absorb odors, trap hair in fabric, and require careful machine washing. The Coolaroo requires a garden hose and five minutes. Mud, drool, dirt, wet fur — everything washes off the HDPE fabric and drains through the mesh. For multi-dog households, dogs that spend time outdoors, or breeds that get into everything, the cleaning ease is transformative. The fabric also resists the bacterial growth that causes that unmistakable "dog bed smell" in foam beds after a few months.

Steel Frame Construction

The powder-coated steel frame is genuinely robust and resists rust even with regular outdoor exposure. The legs feature rubber feet that protect floor surfaces and prevent sliding. Assembly takes about five minutes with no tools required — the frame snaps together. The construction is strong enough to handle dogs up to about 75 pounds without issues. Above that weight, the fabric can begin to sag toward the center, which reduces the elevation benefit and puts more stress on the frame joints.

Pricing Analysis

At $38, the Coolaroo is budget-priced but it is not really competing with other budget beds — it is solving a different problem entirely. Comparing it to the FurHaven or Bedsure on comfort misses the point. The relevant comparison is against other elevated beds: the K&H Bolster Pet Cot at $80 adds a cushioned bolster, and the Kuranda Aluminum at $135 offers an indestructible aluminum frame. The Coolaroo delivers the core elevated-bed experience at the lowest price. Replacement fabric panels cost about $15-20, and since the frame lasts essentially forever, the ongoing cost is minimal. Over a 3-year period, the total cost of ownership is lower than almost any foam bed, which makes it exceptional value for outdoor and warm-climate use.

Who Is This For?

Coolaroo Original Elevated works best for:

• Warm-climate dog owners whose pets overheat on foam beds — the airflow underneath is the most effective cooling solution short of an air-conditioned room
• Outdoor and patio use where traditional beds would absorb moisture, grow mold, and deteriorate — the Coolaroo shrugs off weather exposure
• Owners who are tired of smelly dog beds — the HDPE fabric resists odor buildup and cleans in minutes with a hose
• Multi-dog households where keeping beds clean is a constant chore — buying several Coolaroos is affordable and maintenance is trivial

Who Should NOT Use This

Coolaroo Original Elevated might not be the right choice if:

• Your dog has arthritis, hip dysplasia, or joint issues — there is zero cushioning here. Dogs needing pressure relief should look at the FurHaven, Bedsure, or any foam-based option.
• Your dog weighs over 80 pounds — the HDPE fabric sags noticeably under heavier dogs, and the steel frame joints are stressed beyond their comfortable operating range. The Kuranda Aluminum is built for this weight class.

Bottom Line

The Coolaroo Original Elevated is the best outdoor and warm-climate dog bed available at any price. For indoor use in climate-controlled homes where comfort is the priority, look elsewhere. But for its intended purpose — breathable, cleanable, durable elevation — it is unmatched at $38.

FAQ

Will my dog actually like sleeping on a raised fabric surface?

Most dogs adapt within a few days, especially if the bed is placed in a familiar sleeping spot. Dogs that naturally seek out cool tile floors or elevated furniture tend to take to it immediately. Dogs that prefer burrowing into soft blankets may resist the transition. You can add a thin blanket on top during colder months without losing the elevation benefit.

How long does the fabric last before it needs replacing?

With outdoor use including sun exposure, expect the HDPE fabric to last 2-3 years before UV degradation causes it to weaken. In shaded outdoor or indoor use, the fabric can last 4-5 years or more. Replacement panels snap onto the existing frame in minutes and cost $15-20, making this one of the most economical long-term options available.

Can large dogs use this safely?

The manufacturer rates the bed for dogs up to about 100 pounds, but real-world performance starts declining around 75 pounds. The fabric sags more, the frame legs may bow slightly, and the elevation benefit diminishes. For large breeds, the Kuranda Aluminum with its stronger frame and taut fabric is the better elevated option.