How to Build Pet Steps

Pet steps can help a dog or cat around the house.

Whether because of old age or injury, a dog or cat is sometimes no longer able to jump up onto furniture or make it into the car without assistance. For some pet owners, lifting a heavy dog isn't an option, and many pet owners want to make sure their pet is comfortable in the house. Building a set of four pet steps 6 inches wide by 6 inches tall makes it easier for a pet to jump up onto high surfaces and to travel in the car.

Things You'll Need

• 3 lumber sheets, 1/2 inch thick by 2 feet wide by 2 feet long
• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Table saw
• 8 lumber boards, 2 inches thick by 6 inches wide by 2 feet long
• 4-inch nails
• Carpet runner
• Hammer
• Tacks

Instructions

1. Measure out the number of steps needed for your pet. Stairs are usually 6 inches tall and 6 inches wide for most medium-sized pets; larger and smaller pets might require different sizes. Adjust the dimensions for the climbing abilities of your individual pet.

2. Outline the stairs on two sheets of 2-foot long by 2-foot wide lumber. Outline the stairs with a pencil or pen to create a guide to use when cutting out the stairs. Leave the third 2-foot long lumber sheet aside; it will become the back portion of the steps.

3. Use a table saw to cut out the steps from both sheets. Make sure the steps line up with one another on the lumber sheets so that the stairs will be level.

4. Place one of the 2-inch by 6-inch boards on the top edge of one of the lumber sheets to start building the stairs. The 6-inch face of the board should be flush with the 2-inch edge of the top of the stairs. Attach the board with 4-inch nails.

5. Attach the other end of the 6-inch wide board to the top of the other lumber sheet to start forming the structure of the stairs.

6. Add a board to the vertical 6-inch portion of the top step and attach it with 4-inch nails at both ends. Continue attaching the 6-inch wide boards to the stairs until all eight boards are on the stairs. The front portion of the pet steps should have no open spaces left in it.

7. Align the remaining 2-foot by 2-foot lumber sheet with the open back portion of the pet steps to make the structure sturdier. Attach the sheet to the sides and top of the stairs with 4-inch nails. Hammer in one nail every 3 to 4 inches along all three sides.

8. Place carpet on the steps to make them more comfortable for your pet. Attach the carpet with carpet tacks to keep it in place. Hammer in one carpet tack every 2 inches along each step.

Tips & Warnings

• Small to medium0-sized pets should have stairs that are 4 to 6 inches tall to accommodate their size, while larger animals may need taller steps. Have your pet walk up and down stairs to see whether they can manage 6-inch stairs comfortably and adjust your measurements for the comfort of the animal.

• Check to make sure all nails and tacks are flush with the wood before using the pet steps to avoid snagged furniture or injury to your pet.

References

• Make and Build Dog Stuff: Build Doggie Stairs

Resources

• This Old House: Three Pet Projects