If you have a small or an old dog who cannot leap onto the bed, then you need to acquire a step stool. However, buying new or hiring someone to make it for you can be costly; therefore, we found the need to provide you with tips on how to make a dog step stool yourself. Whether you are a busy person, it won’t consume much of your time since you can even do it in less than 3 hours.
How to Make a Dog Step Stool?
Before we explore the steps, you need to assemble the necessary tools and materials for smooth working. These are;
Necessary tools:
- Jigsaw
- masking tape
- wood glue
- circular saw
- hammer
- tape measure
- pine board
- finish nails
- paint
- a sheet of sanded plywood
- straight edge
Step #1 Obtain the right sized parts
If you are doing it on your own, use a circular saw to cut the plywood sheet to the required sizes of treads, risers, bottom, back, right, and left sizes. We preferred a circular saw since it is easier to use it and ensure that you support your work correctly to facilitate proper size cutting. So, the sizes should be;
- Two threads of 25 by 12.5 inches each
- Two risers of 25 by 8.75 inches each
- Right, left, and back sides should be 24 by 18 inches each
- The bottom should be 24 by 23.75 inches
Step #2 Mark the corners on both sides
For you to make a pair of steps, therefore, you will need to remove both sides of the upper right corner to obtain a 9-inch riser and a 12-inch thread for the steps. This is how you should go about; measure 9 inches from the top right corner and mark a line that is 12 inches from the point you obtained by measuring 9 inches from the top right corner. Ensure that your line is 90 degrees to the edge; you can use a straight edge to confirm it. Once you have confirmed, draw a 9-inch line upward to the top of your board. Ensure that the lines you are obtaining are right angles.
Step #3 Cut the parts
Once you finish marking the board, you will need to make your cuts. You can use a jig saw, round blades, or a handsaw. We preferred a handsaw since it doesn’t have a habit of wandering when making your cuts, just like a jigsaw. If you use round blades, you might cut farther than you expect; therefore, you don’t have to use it if you are not cautious. Similarly, using a circular saw might result in bad cuts, thus can alter the whole project.
Step #4 Base reinforcement and assembling sides
When reinforcing the base, you need to frame the outer edges of the base. Use both glue and nail to tighten the frames on the edges of the base plate. Consequently, to assemble the sides, you need to set your base on a flat surface then run the glue around two sides. Stand the sides, prevent them from falling by using a painter’s tape to hold them in place, and then secure them with nails. Apply this on the remaining side.
Step #5 Installing stairs, risers, and painting
At the top edges, run a bead of glue where the stairs will rest on. Attach two 12 inches, then secure them with nails, and then spread the glue on where the 9-inch riser will rest. Secure it with the nails, then allow it to dry properly before proceeding. Once the joints have dried, wipe the whole project before applying the paint of your choice. Once it has dried, you can add rubber pads at the base to protect your floor. You can now add a non-slip pad and your dog step stool is ready for use.
Having trouble reading the instructions above? Do not worry, here are detailed videos on how to make a dog step stool in simple steps.
How to Make A Dog Step Stools with Cleats?
Alternatively, you can apply the method of using cleats, which can also be the best option for creating your dog step stool. It doesn’t have much difference with the method we have shared. However, it is also essential if we can go through it so that you can have options to choose from. Since it doesn’t differ much from the above method, this method will demand more measurements so that you can adequately fit the cleats. It involves the following steps.
Step #1:
Shaping the sides of the cuts you obtained from the sizes we have shared on the first.
Step #2:
Cutting the sides to achieve an appropriate angle that will accommodate the installment of cleats. With this step, you need to ensure that you achieve straight cuts.
Step #3:
Come up with the cleats’ layout to help you determine the number of cleats you will require and their orientation.
Step #4:
The layout of the cleats will help you in their installation. You will need a speed square to ensure that everything is square. Always apply the wood glue, then securing them using nails.
Step #5:
Involves attaching the risers; for the first riser, you will need a speed square to position your risers properly. But for the remaining cleats, the first riser will help you since you will just place it against the cleats.
Step #6:
Once you have attached the raisers, you need to install the treads. Therefore, apply the wood glue at the top of the horizontal cleat from the lowest cleat to the upper one. Use the nails to secure them.
Step #7:
Add the support bars; don’t use the wood glue to hold them in place but use the nails. You can then choose whether you will attach the trim or not.
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Conclusion
Dog step stools are necessary for the modern lifestyle; therefore, you can save on your budget and design yours. Be sure to consider the right size that can match where you intend to be used by your dog. Similarly, doing it yourself will equip you with skills; therefore, if you need a dog step stool in the future, you won’t spend much time trying to figure it out.
