DIY Pet Steps

Older pets sometimes need assistance getting onto furniture.

As pets become older, just like humans, their joints become worn down. They become stiff and sore and it becomes difficult for your furry friends to get around. This can make it difficult for your dog or cat to make it on to the couch or your bed. Pet steps are a way you can help your four-legged companion reach its favorite resting spot in the house. Commercial pet steps are expensive, so making your own is a more economical choice.

Things You'll Need

• 1/2-inch plywood
• 3/4-inch plywood
• Circular saw
• Sandpaper, medium-grit
• Hammer
• Nails
• Paint
• Stain
• Carpet

Instructions

1. Cut the the sides of the steps using a circular saw from 1/2-inch plywood. You will need two pieces for the sides, each 11 1/4 inches by 16 1/2 inches.

2. Cut the risers of the steps from 1/2-inch plywood. You will need one piece for the lower riser, 5 1/4 inches by 14 1/2 inches, and one piece for the upper riser, 6 inches by 14 1/2 inches.

3. Cut the treads of the steps from 3/4-inch plywood. You will need two pieces, 9 1/4 inches by 16 inches each.

4. Cut the back brace from 3/4-inch plywood. It should measure 9 1/4 inches by 13 1/2 inches.

5. Sand your wood to ensure the edges are smooth using medium-grit sandpaper.

6. Place your bottom riser flat on your work surface. Square up the edge of the bottom riser with the bottom edge of one of the side boards. Attach the two pieces together using a hammer and nails.

7. Attach the second side board to the other side of the bottom riser. Square up the edges and use hammer and nails to attach the two pieces together.

8. Square up the edge of the upper riser with the top edge of the two side boards, which are now attached to the bottom riser. Attach the pieces together using a hammer and nails.

9. Place the back brace on the back of the steps. Make sure the edges of the back brace are flush with the edges of the side pieces. Use a hammer and nails to attach the pieces together.

10. Center one of the tread pieces on the top riser. Attach the tread in place by hammering nails through both the front and back of the tread, into the riser. Attach the second tread to the bottom riser by centering it and nailing it in place.

11. Paint or stain your finished steps. Allow them to dry completely before using. If desired, the finished steps can be covered in carpet. You will need two 9 1/4- by 16-inch pieces of carpeting. The carpet can then be attached to the top of both steps using a staple gun.

Tips & Warnings

• Plywood is sold in sheets of various sizes. This project will require one, 1/2-inch sheet of 4 by 8 feet (or two, 2 by 4-foot sheets), and one 3/4-inch sheet of 4 by 4 feet.

• Pet steps are also an ideal solution for small breeds of animals that cannot make the jump onto furniture.

References

• Make and Build Dog Stuff: Build Doggie Steps
• Lowes: Pet Steps