How to Build Stairs for a Dog to Get on a Bed

Make your bed accessible to your dog with dog stairs.

Dogs naturally rest in packs and usually welcome the opportunity to share a bed with their owners. Smaller, older or disabled dogs, however, may be unable to jump on or off a bed and may injure themselves when attempting to. Attempting to bend down and lift a dog onto a bed may cause back pain for the owner. A small staircase can help your dog get onto the bed safely and easily.

Things You'll Need

• 2 15-by-19¾ wood sides, ¾-inch thick
• Handsaw
• Sand paper
• 1 15-by-28½ wood back, ¾-inch thick
• 1 7-by-30 wood riser, ¾-inch thick
• 1 8-by-30 wood riser, ¾-inch thick
• 2 11-by-31½ wood treads, 5/4-inch thick
• Wood glue
• Drill
• Screwdriver
• 6-by-1 5/8-inch-long trim-head square-drive screws
• Paintbrush
• Stain or primer and paint
• 2 10-by-30½ pieces of carpet
• Staple gun and staples

Instructions

1. Cut an 8-by-12 rectangle out of both side pieces, using a handsaw. Cut the 12-inch sides from the 19¾-inch sides and the 8-inch sides from the 15-inch sides.

2. Sand all of the wood pieces to make them smooth.

3. Assemble the staircase to verify that the pieces fit together well. Place the two sides, long edge down, on a flat surface 30 inches apart. Place the risers in place across the two side pieces, perpendicular to the ground. Place the treads in place across the two side pieces, parallel to the ground. Place the back piece in place across the back of the side pieces. Mark any uneven areas, and saw or sand the boards to correct the dimensions if necessary.

4. Glue the boards in place with wood glue and allow it to dry thoroughly.

5. Mark the placements of the screws once the stair pieces fit together well, then drill 5/8-inch screw holes through these markings. Screw the boards in place, using a screwdriver. Secure each riser and tread in place with three evenly placed screws on each side. Secure the back piece to the side pieces with four evenly placed screws on each side.

6. Brush wood stain -- or primer, then paint -- on the stairs to enhance their appearance and to protect the staircase from moisture. Allow the stain or paint to dry before proceeding.

7. Center a rectangle of carpet on each tread and staple it in place. The carpet will provide traction, preventing your pet from slipping on the stairs.

References

• Blogspot/Evansfam; DIY (Do It Yourself) Dog Stairs; May 4, 2007
• This Old House; Three Pet Projects; Keith Pandolfi