How to make dog steps for a bed?

[TrishH]

Has anyone made any doggy steps for a medium size dog? (ie to get up on to a bed)  - thinking just using a light wood like mdf and pine battons.

Just need ideas as to the frame etc for say 2 steps. I'm a complete novice (but have my late husband's tools at hand) and don't mind investing in proper woodworking tools if necessary.

Thank you

Trish

ps I did a search and could not find anything under the Pet section.

[Noyade]

Hi @TrishH 

Before I build one, I told my wife I wanted to buy a cheap version - from Kmart - just to see if our dog would actually use it.

We tried a couple of cheap designs that fold down and detach.

One came with three detachable steps depending on the bed height.

If successful I was gonna replicate it from pine.

But I see no point at this stage.

He refuses to use any of the steps. Instead, he goes left or right of the steps and whimpers to be lifted.

If you have any tips for me on how to train him - I'm all eyes on the monitor.

Cheers.

[JacobZ]

Hi @TrishH,

A warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community and thank you for your question.

You might like to check out @Alicia_Woodwork's Hamptons-inspired dog ramp. 

Alicia used 70x35 untreated pine for her frame. She then clad the frame with MDF and EasyVJ panels. You could adjust this design to suit you, but the materials used would be perfect.

To create a two-stepped design, you could use the 70x35 and make two different-sized boxes then screw them together. Something along the lines of this would work well.

To create this or the Hamptons-inspired dog ramp, you would need a circular saw, drill, some drill bits and driver bits.

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob

[Alicia_Woodwork]

 

Hi @TrishH,

I’ve made a cute little ramp to go at the end of our bed. Like @JacobZ mentioned, it was created using basic materials from Bunnings. This is the link https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/t5/Featured-Projects/Hamptons-inspired-dog-ramp/ta-p/205828 

Please let us know how you go as it’s always wonderful seeing how others have created their ramps.

Thanks, 

Alicia 

[TrishH]

Haha thank you 😂 yep I get “the look” to be lifted so fingers crossed 🤞 

[TrishH]

Thanks Alicia, I did see yours but unfortunately mine can’t go that way, but I did use your post to work out the nails (I then Googled nails and didn’t realise the ‘science’ behind all the different nails!)  and I also got tips from you on the other hardware including the paint etc and have already gone to Bunnings, to it was super helpful, thank you!

[TrishH]

Thank you Jacob, what a great idea appreciate your pics! I can do that! And thank you, yes I did see Alicia’s and got all the info on her hardware and went straight to Bunnings yesterday and got some stuff to start, including paint and nails!

I will post progress shots for sure. Ps - and I just went to see a neighbour and they have given me mitre (drop) saw to use for as long as I like.   And I have a circular saw in the shed. 👍

[JacobZ]

Hi @TrishH,

I'm excited to see how you go.

Good luck!

Jacob