Hi all:
Please excuse me if this question is 'too basic, and dumb' for this
group. But I could use some advice..... ;)
I have two dogs that are getting up in years. I would like to build
a simple set of stairs so they can easily get up on their place of honor,
my bed...
Anyway, the bed is about 26" high. I plan on making the steps about
22" wide, 10"deep and either going two steps @8 1/2" high, or three steps
@6 1/2" high. Haven't decided which way to go. (they are still in good
shape, I'm more concerned about the effect of them jumping down from
that hight day after day onto a hard surface.
I would like advice on what wood to use. The heaviest dog is 70 pounds.
What wood would offer good/safe support for the build. Particle wood is
I imagine a lot cheaper than Ply, and I have to build this cheap.
Thanks for your guidance!
--
--PHIL--
HAHA! I am just finishing mine! Well mine is not a stairway, but rather
just one step 14" high. It basically looks like a mini coffee table that is
carpetted instead of tiled. It is made of Peruvian Walnut, and the top is a
mitered frame around hardboard that is carpetted. My dog is afraid of
everything, so if the step was slick, he'd be afraid to use it. :-)
Brian.
"PHIL" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Hi all:
>
> Please excuse me if this question is 'too basic, and dumb' for this
> group. But I could use some advice..... ;)
>
> I have two dogs that are getting up in years. I would like to build
> a simple set of stairs so they can easily get up on their place of honor,
> my bed...
>
> Anyway, the bed is about 26" high. I plan on making the steps about
> 22" wide, 10"deep and either going two steps @8 1/2" high, or three steps
> @6 1/2" high. Haven't decided which way to go. (they are still in good
> shape, I'm more concerned about the effect of them jumping down from
> that hight day after day onto a hard surface.
>
> I would like advice on what wood to use. The heaviest dog is 70 pounds.
> What wood would offer good/safe support for the build. Particle wood is
> I imagine a lot cheaper than Ply, and I have to build this cheap.
>
> Thanks for your guidance!
>
> --
> --PHIL--
In article <[email protected]>, PHIL
<[email protected](PHIL)> wrote:
> I would like advice on what wood to use. The heaviest dog is 70 pounds.
> What wood would offer good/safe support for the build. Particle wood is
> I imagine a lot cheaper than Ply, and I have to build this cheap.
Scrounge a bunch of pallets and some old rug if you're really on a
budget. (Not joking...)
70 pounds isn't that heavy, and all of that weight won't be on any step
at any time. You could easily build this out of 3/8 to 1/2 inch
material with a bit of design cleverness.
djb
[email protected](PHIL) wrote:
> Hi all:
> I have two dogs that are getting up in years. I would like to build
> a simple set of stairs so they can easily get up on their place of honor,
> my bed... {message snipped}
Thanks everyone. I'll go to Home Depot this Saturday and get the
supplies. I'm actually kind of looking forward to this little project.
And since I don't own a pneumatic nailer ( that'd be COOL! ) I'm thinking
I'll use screws to put it together (pre-drill holes first) instead of
nails. That sound right?
--
--PHIL--
Rick Samuel <[email protected]> wrote:
> A ramp would work a bit better, also simpler.
Yes, but I don't have the space for one in the room.
Good thought though : )
--
--PHIL--
"J.B. Bobbitt" <[email protected]> wrote:
> I'd just cut the legs off.
>
> (The bed).
>
> -JBB
< BG !! > Thanks, I'll remember that when/if I get frustrated
during the build!
--
--PHIL--
A ramp would work a bit better, also simpler.
PHIL wrote:
> Hi all:
>
> Please excuse me if this question is 'too basic, and dumb' for this
> group. But I could use some advice..... ;)
>
> I have two dogs that are getting up in years. I would like to build
> a simple set of stairs so they can easily get up on their place of honor,
> my bed...
>
> Anyway, the bed is about 26" high. I plan on making the steps about
> 22" wide, 10"deep and either going two steps @8 1/2" high, or three steps
> @6 1/2" high. Haven't decided which way to go. (they are still in good
> shape, I'm more concerned about the effect of them jumping down from
> that hight day after day onto a hard surface.
>
> I would like advice on what wood to use. The heaviest dog is 70 pounds.
> What wood would offer good/safe support for the build. Particle wood is
> I imagine a lot cheaper than Ply, and I have to build this cheap.
>
> Thanks for your guidance!
>
"PHIL" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
>
> I would like advice on what wood to use. The heaviest dog is 70 pounds.
> What wood would offer good/safe support for the build. Particle wood is
> I imagine a lot cheaper than Ply, and I have to build this cheap.
Agree with the others: 3/8" Particle Board. I just built a little stage for
the kids - about the same weight if two of the three get on it. No problem.
Even I can stand on it - albeit I stay close to the 2x4 supports underneath.
I think I paid 9 bux for a 4x8 sheet from Home Depot.
PHIL wrote:
> I have two dogs that are getting up in years. I would like to build
> a simple set of stairs so they can easily get up on their place of honor,
> my bed...
SWMBO was just showing me this yesterday... http://www.puppystairs.com/
Of course, the fun part of it is removed with that response.
Mike
I'd just cut the legs off.
(The bed).
-JBB
"PHIL" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Hi all:
>
> Please excuse me if this question is 'too basic, and dumb' for this
> group. But I could use some advice..... ;)
>
> I have two dogs that are getting up in years. I would like to build
> a simple set of stairs so they can easily get up on their place of honor,
> my bed...
>
> Anyway, the bed is about 26" high. I plan on making the steps about
> 22" wide, 10"deep and either going two steps @8 1/2" high, or three steps
> @6 1/2" high. Haven't decided which way to go. (they are still in good
> shape, I'm more concerned about the effect of them jumping down from
> that hight day after day onto a hard surface.
>
> I would like advice on what wood to use. The heaviest dog is 70 pounds.
> What wood would offer good/safe support for the build. Particle wood is
> I imagine a lot cheaper than Ply, and I have to build this cheap.
>
> Thanks for your guidance!
>
> --
> --PHIL--
"PHIL" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Hi all:
>
> Please excuse me if this question is 'too basic, and dumb' for this
> group. But I could use some advice..... ;)
>
> I have two dogs that are getting up in years. I would like to build
> a simple set of stairs so they can easily get up on their place of honor,
> my bed...
>
> Anyway, the bed is about 26" high. I plan on making the steps about
> 22" wide, 10"deep and either going two steps @8 1/2" high, or three steps
> @6 1/2" high. Haven't decided which way to go. (they are still in good
> shape, I'm more concerned about the effect of them jumping down from
> that hight day after day onto a hard surface.
>
> I would like advice on what wood to use. The heaviest dog is 70 pounds.
> What wood would offer good/safe support for the build. Particle wood is
> I imagine a lot cheaper than Ply, and I have to build this cheap.
>
> Thanks for your guidance!
>
> --
> --PHIL-
70 pounds is not going to do too much to anything thicker than 1/2 inch.
You could probably get away with 3/8 inch unless you have some intent on
climbing on them. I think the plywood might be a bit easier to work with,
as it is somewhat less dense. Using a few 2x2's as a frame might make the
whole business stronger, but it would add about $7 to the cost.
Some stores have some "hobby" wood for sale at reduced prices. You might be
able to do quite well with some of that on this project.
Michael
Fly-by-Night CC <[email protected]> wrote in news:onlnlowe-
[email protected]:
> The challenging part may be getting the dogs to use the stairs instead
> of jumping. <s>
>
Yeah, no kidding. We just went through this with our dog (though much
smaller, at about 15lbs). Had to teach her 'one step at a time' -- she'd a
rather just had us lift her up.
But a few weeks later ... no problems.
Back to the OP's *real* question -- 3/8 or 1/2 will be plenty strong
enough.
Regards,
JT
On 13 Aug 2004 04:03:57 GMT, [email protected](PHIL) vaguely proposed a
theory
......and in reply I say!:
remove ns from my header address to reply via email
My only thought in all of this is that if you use ply (not veneered
MDF which some "ply" practically is) then you will maybe pay a
_little_ bit more, but be able to build a lot lighter, by using 1/4"
(probably 3/16"!) ply instead of 1/2" MDF, and probably lighter frames
as well.
Depends if you need it light. But check out the price of 1/4" ply
compared to 1/2" MDF. It may only cost an extra few $.
Another thing. If you use MDF particlelarly (ark ark) then make sure
you seal it. It is not nice stuff to sleep next to unsealed night
after night. Sealing will help to prevent the fumes, and also stops
the stuff scuffing up and putting out nasty dust.
>Hi all:
>
>Please excuse me if this question is 'too basic, and dumb' for this
>group. But I could use some advice..... ;)
>
>I have two dogs that are getting up in years. I would like to build
>a simple set of stairs so they can easily get up on their place of honor,
>my bed...
>
>Anyway, the bed is about 26" high. I plan on making the steps about
>22" wide, 10"deep and either going two steps @8 1/2" high, or three steps
>@6 1/2" high. Haven't decided which way to go. (they are still in good
>shape, I'm more concerned about the effect of them jumping down from
>that hight day after day onto a hard surface.
>
>I would like advice on what wood to use. The heaviest dog is 70 pounds.
>What wood would offer good/safe support for the build. Particle wood is
>I imagine a lot cheaper than Ply, and I have to build this cheap.
>
>Thanks for your guidance!
*****************************************************
It's not the milk and honey we hate. It's having it
rammed down our throats.
On 13 Aug 2004 04:03:57 GMT, [email protected](PHIL) vaguely proposed a
theory
......and in reply I say!:
remove ns from my header address to reply via email
My guess is you would only need one step, certainly at this stage. Why
not use one of those translucent plastic containers on wheels? They
cost bugger all, and you can store stuff in them. Put a bit of foam on
top, and one on the floor.
*****************************************************
It's not the milk and honey we hate. It's having it
rammed down our throats.
In article <[email protected]>, [email protected](PHIL)
wrote:
> (they are still in good
> shape, I'm more concerned about the effect of them jumping down from
> that hight day after day onto a hard surface.
The challenging part may be getting the dogs to use the stairs instead
of jumping. <s>
--
Owen Lowe and his Fly-by-Night Copper Company
Offering a shim for the Porter-Cable 557 type 2 fence design.
<http://www.flybynightcoppercompany.com>
<http://www.easystreet.com/~onlnlowe/index.html>
As long as your dogs don't figure out how to use the screwdriver, you are
ok. A wee bit of glue in the joints would make things a tad stronger.
Enjoy your project. It sounds like a fun one.
Michael
"PHIL" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> [email protected](PHIL) wrote:
> > Hi all:
>
> > I have two dogs that are getting up in years. I would like to build
> > a simple set of stairs so they can easily get up on their place of
honor,
> > my bed... {message snipped}
>
> Thanks everyone. I'll go to Home Depot this Saturday and get the
> supplies. I'm actually kind of looking forward to this little project.
>
> And since I don't own a pneumatic nailer ( that'd be COOL! ) I'm thinking
> I'll use screws to put it together (pre-drill holes first) instead of
> nails. That sound right?
>
> --
> --PHIL--
On 13 Aug 2004 04:03:57 GMT, [email protected](PHIL) wrote:
>Hi all:
>
>Please excuse me if this question is 'too basic, and dumb' for this
>group. But I could use some advice..... ;)
>
>I have two dogs that are getting up in years. I would like to build
>a simple set of stairs so they can easily get up on their place of honor,
>my bed...
>
>Anyway, the bed is about 26" high. I plan on making the steps about
>22" wide, 10"deep and either going two steps @8 1/2" high, or three steps
>@6 1/2" high. Haven't decided which way to go. (they are still in good
>shape, I'm more concerned about the effect of them jumping down from
>that hight day after day onto a hard surface.
>
>I would like advice on what wood to use. The heaviest dog is 70 pounds.
>What wood would offer good/safe support for the build. Particle wood is
>I imagine a lot cheaper than Ply, and I have to build this cheap.
>
>Thanks for your guidance!
Might I suggest a plywood ramp with a decor-matching Berber carpet
over a 2x4 frame?
Mike Patterson
Please remove the spamtrap to email me.
"I always wanted to be somebody. I should have been more specific..."