Two things we especially love are dogs and challenges.  We received a call from the owners of a pack of Brussels Griffons.  They explained that after having a litter of the little creatures, they were going to keep the entire lot.  The problem was that the short-legged pups and the older male could not make it up and down the steps leading outside.  Carrying one dog was not an issue, but four became too much.  The owners wanted a ramp built to allow the dogs to scamper rather than climb.  It sounded relatively simple until The Other Man went to look at the site, a beautiful house perched on a wooded hillside.  It was quickly determined that a useable ramp would run over 30’ in length to accommodate both the dogs and the slope of the property.  The owners voiced their concerns about steps for the dogs, fearing falls, stuck heads, and twisted legs. 

A few days later, The Other Man returned with plans for an outside staircase that would alleviate the owner’s fears.  The steps are 14” deep, 4” high, and 42” wide, constructed of 3 boards with spaces less than 1/4” wide.  The backs are closed and the spindles are spaced 4” apart to keep small heads out.  The total run or length of the stairs is over 16’.  Building off the existing landing considerably lessened the cost of the project and we tried to match the existing deck work as closely as possible. 

Total cost, including materials and labor --- $1827 (much less than vet bills!).

The Other Man........(732) 291-2808

New Jersey License #13VH02634100