Dog stairs for bed (take 1)

I have 3 senior dogs.  They're all allowed in my bed, but they're starting to have trouble getting in.  One has hurt herself recently; I thought she had decided not to try to join me in bed anymore, but after about a month she started trying to jump up again.  She can't.  So I made her a set of stairs.

As you'll see, my first attempt didn't work out for her, but it did make quite a nice set of stairs.  It's just too steep in its current configuration.  Take 2 will involve dismantling this project to see if I can find another solution that does work for her.

This particular set of steps is made to rest on the bed frame.  This way it takes up minimal amounts of space in a pretty small bedroom.  I wanted something very lightweight, since I can't carry much that's heavy.  It's also relatively inexpensive, and was quite easy to make.

Step 1 Supplies and Tools

Supplies:
* 2 stair stringers (~$5/each) -- for the side of the stairs
* 1 1"x8"x10' board, cut into 18" pieces (~$10) -- for steps
* box of 1 1/2" screws (~$5)

Optional supplies:
* a piece of pipe insulation; this piece is 1/2" rubber insulation, but it's expensive (~$6).  could possibly use just regular insulation, about 1/4 the cost -- for padding the underside
* piece of runner carpet, 2'x6' (again, I got a somewhat expensive piece at $12, could be much cheaper) -- for traction on the steps

Tools:
* Drill
* Staplegun
* Measuring tape
* Pencil
* I had them precut my board at the store, but you might need a saw.

Comments

[ikoda]

 Why not a easy to make ramp?

[galadriel]

I think the dog who needs the help would slip on a ramp, unless it were so gradual as to be about 5 feet long. 

[LoneWolf]

Nice Job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!