How to build dog steps/stairs

Homemade Dog Steps/Stairs

Because of age or injury, your pet may be restricted from the jumping they once did with ease. Here are some simple instructions for building a set of steps for any resting place they choose to access. The step system is very wide and gives generous access.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• THESE ITEMS ARE FOR A TWO STEP SYSTEM. FOR A VERY SMALL DOG, YOU MAY NEED THREE STEPS.
• hammer
• screw driver
• a tape measure
• nails of average size
• a piece of cheap carpet runner the length of your step (for mine, about 48 inches)
• pkg of carpet tacks
• 18 to 29 screws, 1 1/4 inch long
• 10 feet of 2 by 4
• 2 pieces of 1/2 inch thick plywood, one foot wide and as long as the area of the item they are heading for - for example, my bed is 80 inches long - the steps I made are 48 inches long which gives gen

1. (Refer to the photo to see how finished stairs will look. Please note that stairs are pushed together - the lower one placed in front of the higher one.)
   You want to have the legs exactly the right size for stability so have your lumber supplier cut your wood for you. The stairs I provide instructions for here are for the side of a bed.
   I used 2 pieces (of 1/2 inch plywood) 4 feet long and 1 foot wide. Wanting only two steps, I also needed
   6 pieces (of 2 x 4) 7 inches long for the bottom step legs and
   6 pieces (of 2 x 4) 12 inches long for the top step legs.

2. Working first with the bottom step, line up the six 7 inch long leg pieces of 2 x 4. Put one in each corner and one in the middle of each long side of the step. If you can't get a friend to help you, prop them up on books. If you can use a drill and pre-drill your screw holes the process is easier. If this is not possible, start your screw holes by hammering a nail in slightly. Pull it out and proceed with your screw driver. Use 3 screws on each step leg.

3. The second step is the same only you work with your 12 inch long leg pieces of 2 x 4. Paint or stain and let dry thoroughly. Cut your carpet runner in half long way so you have half for each step. Use carpet tacks to fix your carpet runners in place. Push steps tightly against the desired piece of furniture and introduce your them to your pets.

Tips & Warnings

• These steps are adaptable to any chair, sofa or bed. Merely adjust the length of plywood that you are using. For a chair you will only need 4 pieces of 2 x 4 for the step legs, instead of the 6 needed for a sofa or bed.