This step by step woodworking project is about dog steps plans. This article features detailed instructions for building basic wooden dog steps. The best part of this project is that you can build the dog steps in just a day. We have designed the diy plans to keep the expenditures under control and to involve the least amount of work possible.
When buying the lumber, you should select the planks with great care, making sure they are straight and without any visible flaws (cracks, knots, twists, decay). Investing in cedar or other weather resistant lumber is a good idea, as it will pay off on the long run. Use a spirit level to plumb and align the components, before inserting the galvanized screws, otherwise the dog steps won’t have a symmetrical look. If you have all the materials and tools required for the project, you could get the job done in about a day. See all my Premium Plans HERE.
Projects made from these plans
Dog steps plans
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- A – 2 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 21 3/4″x17 1/4″ long SIDES
- B – 4 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 7 1/4″ long, 2 pieces – 5 3/4″ long, 4 pieces – 5 1/2″ long, 2 pieces – 3 3/4″ long SUPPORTS
- C – 3 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 14″ long RISERS
- D – 3 pieces of 1×8 lumber – 14″ long TREADS
- E – 3 pieces of 1×3 lumber – 14″ long SUPPORTS
- 1 piece of 3/4″ plywood – 4’x4′
- 1 piece of 1×3 lumber – 4 ft
- 1 piece of 1×6 lumber – 4 ft
- 1 piece of 1×8 lumber – 4 ft
- 1 piece of 1×2 lumber – 8 ft
- 1 1/4″ screws
- 1 5/8″ screws
- 2 1/2″ screws
- filler, stain
- glue
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Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level
Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander
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One day
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How to build dog steps
The first step of the project is to build the sides for the dog steps. Mark the cut lines on a piece of 3/4″ plywood and get the job done with a circular saw. Smooth the edges with 120-grit sandpaper and remove the residues.
Continue the project is to attach the 1×2 supports to the interior faces of the plywood components. Use glue and 1 1/4″ brad nails to lock the supports into place. Leave no gaps between the components and make sure the corners are square.
Fit the risers to the structure, as shown in the diagram. Cut the components out of 1×6 lumber and secure them to the supports using 1 1/4″ finishing nails. Add glue to enhance the bond of the components.
Build the treads for the dog steps out of 1×8 lumber. Fit the slats to the structure and secure them into place using 1 1/4″ finishing nails.
Fit the 1×3 supports to the back of the dog steps. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the supports and secure them to the sides using 1 1/4″ screws and glue. Align the edges with attention before inserting the screws.
One of the last steps of the woodworking project is to take care of the finishing touches. Therefore, fill the pilot holes with wood putty and smooth the surface with 120-grit sandpaper.
Top Tip: If you want to enhance the look of the project and to protect the wooden garden chair from decay, we recommend you to cover the components with paint or stain.
This woodworking project was about dog steps plans. If you want to see more outdoor plans, we recommend you to check out the rest of our step by step projects. LIKE us on Facebook and Google + to be the first that gets out latest projects and to hep us keep adding free woodworking plans for you.
1 comment
Hello if i had to add more steps do i divide the rise by 7 inches and put in a 10 inch width per step?