Some pets may be too small to jump over your high bed or coaches. A step stool, therefore, provides assistance for the animals that needs it. It also benefits large old pets that can no longer jump as high as they once did. It gives them access to their favorite higher spots while alleviating the joint pains caused by jumping.
It thus allows your pet to be more independent and comfortable by giving them access to areas they once had in their prime. The good news is, you can use some simple steps to make the stool using a few carpentry tools. You don’t have to be a professional carpenter as long as you can follow simple instructions. Here is a step by step guide on how to make a pet step stool.
Step By Step Instructions on How to Make A Pet Step Stool By Yourself?
Step #1: Gather Your Supplies
To come up with this pet step stool, you need plywood to make the sides, risers, support bar, and tread. You will also require wood glue and nails to attach the risers and steps to the support bar. If you wish to include a stair runner, you need the fabric and staplers to secure the runner as well.
It would be best to have a tape measure, a drill, a circular saw, a speed square, a nail gun, a framing square, and a miter saw. The project will take you approximately three hours. You may find it easier to make the cuts, but it takes some more time to layout and square the cleats.
Step #2: Take Measurements And Cut The Parts
Using your miter saw, cut out two support bars, each at 13 ¼ inches, and other six pieces of the same length. Next, using your circular saw, divide the plywood into three sections. Consider that you may have to lose about an eighth inch in every cut, so your parts should end up measuring 24 inches wide. Further, measure the middle section and cut it out into three areas of eight inches each to make the treads.
Step #3: Shape And Cut The Sides
Lay the plywood on a flat surface with the sides facing up. Measure six inches from the bottom to the front corner and eight inches from the top to the back corner. Mark out the angled cuts from each piece and connect the marks to each board. Cut along the lines in each plywood side using a circular saw.
It would be best to run your saw along a makeshift fence to achieve a straight cut. If you wish to try that out, unplug your saw, and quantify the distance from the saw blade to the foot plate’s outer part.
Next, mark out the obtained distance in two points perpendicular to the line. Place the board alongside those marks in that your saw runs along the board’s edges to cut straight. For instance, if your footplate runs six ⅛ inches wide to the left side of the blade, keep the board at the same distance from the cut line.
Step #4: Install The Cleats
Place the plywood facing down on your work surface, measure and mark a ¾ inch from the front edge on each side. On the marked line on each board, orient a 5½ inch riser board. Apply glue at the back of the cleat, then using your nail gun, fix it into place. It’s now time to lay out the remaining cleats.
Next, install the steps starting from the bottom. Remember to apply wood glue behind each cleat and nail it in place. Continually use your speed square to ensure that you have the right measurements.
Once you get to the uppermost tread cleat, leave a ½ inch space exceeding the cleat where you intend to set the tread. Additionally, leave out a ¾ inch opening at the rear part of the cleat to create space for the support bar that you will install later.
Step #5: Attach The Risers
Put on some wood glue at the face side of the cleat and the edges of the risers. Next, set the risers against the cleat and shove it into the inside part of the sidewall. With your speed square, hold the riser square to the side and pin through its face into the cleat using the nail gun. Repeat the process until you completely put into place all the steps.
Step #6: Place The Treads
Apply wood glue at each horizontal part of the cleat and the top edges of the riser. Fix the initial tread at the lowest cleat. Ensure that the treads’ front edges are level with the lowest riser, while the back section should lie against the middle raiser. Nail the steps into place. Repeat the procedure to install all the remaining treads. The topmost stair should be at an exact level with the raiser below. It should also rest comfortably on the back edges of the sides.
Step #7: Add The Support Bar
Fix the support bar between the sides and nail through the sides to hold the step stool in place. Note that you can choose to use the step stool while at this step or continue with the other finishing processes.
Step #8: Attach The Trim
Lay the trim on your work surface and mark each cut around the sides. Cut the boards to fit in the spaces, apply wood glue under each piece, and nail them in place. You can use nail filler or sand to cover the nail holes before finishing.
Step #9: Secure A Runner
If you want to cover the steps with a fabric or padding, leave a half-inch border around each piece and secure the cloth firmly using a hand staler. Note that you can always remove the staples and change the fabric if needed.
Video Guides on How to DIY Pet Step Stools in 20 Minutes
After reading the instructions above, do you still have trouble in DIY pet step stools by yourselves? Do not worry, here is a video to offer useful help!
Best Recommended Pet Step Stools on the Market – Why Not Trying the New?
Well, have you get all your necessary tools together and be ready for making the pet step stools? If so, just try it on. If not, what about buying a new pet step stool at an affordable price? Here are the top recommended pet step stools that are designed for bed, sofa, or for trucks and SUV.
For a detailed review of these, just feel free to check on the best-recommended pet step stools reviews.
For a brief recommence, here are:
Top 10 Best Pet Step Stools For Multiple Uses
Conclusion
Every project comes with its challenges, but nothing is as fulfilling as seeing something tangible representing your efforts. Note that you can prevent your pet from tearing your sofa or straining its joints in an attempt to climb surfaces by making them a simple step stool. You can always adjust the measurements to meet your pet’s needs, or add some extra design, to suit your preferences. Hopefully, the above guide will get you started.
