Build Your Own Platform Pet Steps
It is so hard to find the perfect pet steps for your home, and most pet stores don’t have a selection of them. If you have a pet who needs some help getting to the top of your furniture or bed, or if you have an aging pet that has trouble jumping up on high surfaces, then this article is for you. Building a set of wooden pet stairs is not difficult, and will be able to provide your pet with assistance with their mobility.
WHY BUILD YOUR OWN PET STEPS?
It can be difficult to find the right pet steps for your home. Many pet stores don’t have a good selection, and it’s easy to get discouraged when you finally do find one.
Fortunately, Build Your Own Platform Pet Steps is here! We understand that not everyone wants to buy pre-made pet steps. That’s why this post will teach you how to make your own platform pet steps in no time!
In addition to these instructions, we provide a list of materials you may need for this project. From tools to screws and nails, we’ve got everything you need. With these easy-to-follow instructions, you will be able to create wood pet steps in no time!
MATERIALS YOU WILL NEED
To create your own pet steps, you will need the following materials:
– Wood (2x4s or 2x6s)
– 2x4s or 2x6s for platform
– Screws (3 inch)
– Nails
– Masking tape
– Level
– Drill bit (1/8th)
– Saw (hand or circular saw)
PLANNING YOUR STEPS
When you walk up to a pet store, they often have multiple pet steps for you to choose from. But how do you know which one is right for your home?
The first step in deciding what kind of pet step to get is determining the size of the step. There are many different sizes because not all dogs and cats are created equally!
You will also need to consider the height of the stairs, depending on where they will be placed and who will be using them. If you plan to use the pet steps in a room with a high ceiling, you may want to build taller steps than if you plan on using them in a room with a lower ceiling.
These two factors will play an important role when selecting your materials for this project. Consider these factors when building your own platform pet steps.
BUILDING THE FRAME
Before you can attach the plywood and assemble your pet steps, you will need to construct the frame.
To start this project, take one of the 2×4 boards and cut it in half to create two 2×2 pieces. Next, take the remaining 2×4 board and cut it into four pieces: two at 16 inches and two at 20 inches.
Now, take three of your 16-inch-long pieces and put them together as shown below. Make sure they are flush on both ends. Attach these with a single nail near each end of the board.
Next, do the same for the other three long boards with two nails near each end. Now you will have four intersecting frames that form a box shape. These are called “sides” in most instructions because they are what will hold up your pet steps! Attach these together with 10 or so nails per side to keep them sturdy.
Nail all of your sides together in this way to form a box shape for your pet steps. Now measure around the outside of all four walls to get an idea of how wide they are so that when you attach plywood later on, it is attached properly with no gaps or overlaps
CREATING THE PLATFORM
Start by measuring the height of your pet from their back to their paws. This is the height that will determine the length of the platform you will need to build.
Once you have measured your pet, cut a piece of plywood to size and paint it with a coat of oil-based enamel paint.
Next, attach a 1×4 board on the top and sides at the back. Then, measure out an additional 1×4 board for the front and attach it with nails.
Measure out two pieces of 1×4 board for each side and nail them together to form a box. Place this box inside of the platform and then measure around to get an accurate measurement for how high up it should be from the ground. The height should be approximately your pets’ height from their back paw to their head when they are standing up on all fours. You want them to be able to step onto and off without having any trouble or feeling unsteady when they climb up or down!
Then, nail in another side piece so that there is no gap in between for your pet to fall through!
Attach two more pieces on either side so that you can place 2×2 boards on each one. This will
FINISHING TOUCHES AND FINALIZING THE PROJECT
Once you’ve constructed your pet steps, you will need to finish the project. To give the wood a nice shine, we recommend using a polyurethane sealer spray.
We also recommend sealing the edges of the wood with mineral oil or latex paint. If you want to keep your steps from being stained from dirt and smudges, you can use a sealant on the top and bottom of the steps.
The last step is giving it a name! A fun way to do this is by engraving your pet’s name into the old piece of wood that’s going to be used as a sign for your pet steps. With this method, every time they go up or down their new set of stairs, they’ll know what it’s called.
Now you have a custom pet steps for your home, garage or anywhere else. Building your own pet steps is not only a fun project to take on, but the end result will be a sturdy set of stairs that will stand up to the wear and tear of your furry family member’s paws.