Stairs and Dominos

[mastercabman]

I started a little project for one of my dog.He has bad joints problem on his rear legs.He loves to lay on the bed and he has a hard time getting up.
So i am making a stair for him.It's about 24" tall, 24" wide.I am making it out of whitewood pine.I am making dado joints with the threads and stringers.
And I'm just going to pocket holes the risers.This is just a prototype,I'm not even sure he's going to use it,so i don't want to spend too much time and money.
But i was wondering how good the domino would be if i was to use it to connect the steps to the stringers.
Does anyone ever tried to do some like that?  Would it be strong enough?  What size domino would you use?What about making stairs without risers,would it be strong enough? using 10mm dominos?

 

[Brice Burrell]

I can't imagine an elder dog putting much stress on a small set of stairs.  I'd do the Dominoes with no risers.

 

[mastercabman]

I can't imagine an elder dog putting much stress on a small set of stairs.  I'd do the Dominoes with no risers.

He is only 4 years old!!!  110lbs!! 
I do think that if i use the dominos and no risers,it would be ok.But i may have to build more of those stairs.My wife works at a consignment shop and told me that those "little stairs" goes quick.People like them for their pets but some like to use them for themself.Short people really like those things.
So if i was to make some like that with just dominos,would it stand for average people?

 

[woodguy7]

I think for a dog the Domino will work just fine but i would not trust it for a human (they can sue your ass).  I would house the tread in.  A riser would not be required but you would need some sort of triangular bracket on each side underneath to stop it folding flat.  Or you could fit a plywood back to the stairs.

Woodguy.

 

[mastercabman]

OK So there it is.I just need to sand it and try it.If i'm going to do it over.I'm going to use some better lumber and i think i may get away with the risers.
And i'm going to put a folding leg on the back instead of the brace i put on those stairs.

Let me know what you all think and what you would do to make it better?

 

[woodguy7]

Think you nailed it  [thumbs up]

 

[jmbfestool]

You said it needs a sand looks like you have already giving it abit of a sand

JMB

 

[Corwin]

I'd prefer to see you make a spiral staircase.  That way, your dog can climb the stairs and chase his tail at the same time.  [big grin]

 

[mastercabman]

You said it needs a sand looks like you have already giving it abit of a sand

JMB

Yes i did,on the joints.I just need to sand it down smooth with 120-150 G. before i apply a clear coat.

 

[mastercabman]

I'd prefer to see you make a spiral staircase.  That way, your dog can climb the stairs and chase his tail at the same time.   [big grin]

HEE HEE , That's not a bad idea!! [laughing]

 

[grobin]

I have been building open carcase bookcases  with Lyptus for the stringers and balic burch for the shelves.  I just use dominos (5 mm) and have a couple of cases for folio size and magazines that are 32" wide.  The load is around 160 lbs (73 kg) per shelf no problems so far.  I have one with 4 shelves and a smaller bookcase stacked on top.

I am thinking of not gluing the dominos on one end so that I can break down the cases.  Would that give enough strength?

>

 

[mouppe]

I have been building open carcase bookcases  with Lyptus for the stringers and balic burch for the shelves.  I just use dominos (5 mm) and have a couple of cases for folio size and magazines that are 32" wide.  The load is around 160 lbs (73 kg) per shelf no problems so far.  I have one with 4 shelves and a smaller bookcase stacked on top.

I am thinking of not gluing the dominos on one end so that I can break down the cases.  Would that give enough strength?

Well I probably wouldn't put Grandad's urn on the top shelf.

Why don't you screw in a stretcher at the top and the bottom so you are not completely reliant on the dominos? You could still easily break the bookcase down but you would have some lateral strength.

Richard.

 

[grobin]

Thanks that would make a good addition.  I am using 25/32x2" Lyptus with 4 5mm dominoes per joint.  I would have to figure a way to cover the screws though.  I need to think about i and do some testing first I guess.