How to Build Dog Steps

As your canine companion ages, you may notice that he has difficulty getting up onto taller surfaces such as couches and beds. Elderly pets and small breeds are often unable to reach their favorite sitting spots and need to be lifted up, which can injure both you and the dog. A number of dog step systems are available in pet stores, but they can be costly. Building your own dog steps requires just a few tools and will make life much easier for you and your dog.

Things You'll Need

  • Heavy duty foam
  • Flexible measuring tape
  • Permanent marker
  • Knife
  • Spray-on glue
  • Fabric
  • Scissors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Lay your foam out on a flat surface and measure out three sections that will make up your steps. The largest section of foam should measure 6 inches tall by 18 inches long by 12 inches wide. The middle step should be 6 inches tall by 12 inches long by 12 inches wide, with the last step measuring 6 inches by 8 inches by 12 inches. Outline each step with your permanent marker. Note that the 12-inch width is suitable for small dogs; medium-size dogs need 14 or 15 inches and large dogs could do with 16 to 18 inches.

    • 2

      Cut each step from the foam with a sharp knife. A standard kitchen knife with a long blade will easily cut through the foam.

    • 3

      Place your largest step on your work surface and cover the top with a layer of spray-on glue. Allow the glue to set up for one minute and become tacky, then place your middle step on top of the glue, lining up one edge of the pieces to form a step.

    • 4

      Spray a layer of glue on top of your middle piece and align your smallest step on top to form a set of three steps. Adjust any of the steps as soon as possible, before the glue sets and creates a crooked set of steps. Allow the steps to air-dry for 24 hours to give the glue time to fully dry.

    • 5

      Coat each surface of your steps in a layer of glue and lay a large piece of fabric on top of the steps, pressing the fabric onto the glue. Work your way down from the top, smoothing the fabric out and pressing it against the foam to mold it to your steps. Add more glue as necessary to make sure the fabric forms a secure bond with your foam and completely covers every section.

    • 6

      Fold down the excess material that accumulates at the corner of each step as you work your way down. Pull the corner formed by the overlapping material toward the back side of the steps and apply a thin layer of glue before pressing it against the side of the steps. The flaps of material will form triangles against the sides of the steps; since they are glued down, that will prevent your dog from catching a foot in any loose fabric and injuring himself.

    • 7

      Cut away any excess fabric once you reach the bottom of the stairs, leaving approximately 2" of overlapping material. Turn the steps over and apply a thin coating of glue around the bottom edge, pressing the remaining fabric onto the bottom to keep your material from coming loose. Let your steps air-dry overnight, to make sure the glue is completely dry and your newly constructed steps are safe for your dog to use.