Choosing the correct height for pet stairs can be confusing—especially when the stairs will be used beside a tall bed.
Many pet owners assume the top step must be perfectly level with the top of the mattress or sofa cushion. That is not always necessary.
Your dog can usually climb from the top step onto the furniture using one additional step-sized movement. This means a set of pet stairs may work with furniture that is taller than the listed height of the top platform.
Understanding this measurement can help you choose stairs that provide a comfortable transition without purchasing a model that is unnecessarily tall or takes up more floor space than needed.
The Most Common Pet Stair Measuring Mistake
When customers measure their furniture, they often compare the height of the mattress directly to the height of the pet stairs.
For example, someone with a 36-inch-high bed may assume they need pet stairs with a 36-inch-high top platform.
However, pet stairs are designed so the furniture can function as the final step in the climbing sequence.
The top platform does not necessarily need to be level with the mattress. Instead, your dog climbs onto the top platform and then takes one final step onto the bed or sofa.
The basic formula is:
Top-platform height + one step rise = approximate maximum furniture height
A step rise is the vertical distance from one step to the next.
How 30-Inch Pet Stairs Can Reach a 37½-Inch Bed
Consider a set of pet stairs with:
- A 30-inch-high top platform
- A 7½-inch step rise
Using the formula:
30 inches + 7½ inches = 37½ inches
This means the stairs can potentially be used with a bed measuring as high as 37½ inches from the floor to the top of the mattress.
The dog climbs each 7½-inch step until reaching the 30-inch platform. The final transition from the platform to the mattress is another 7½-inch rise—the same height as the other steps.
Think of the furniture as the final step
The bed or sofa becomes the last landing surface in the sequence:
Floor → Step 1 → Step 2 → Step 3 → Top platform → Furniture
When the final rise is similar to the other step heights, the transition can feel more natural and predictable for the dog.
How to Measure a Bed for Pet Stairs
Use a rigid tape measure rather than a flexible sewing tape. Measure from the floor directly beside the location where the pet stairs will be placed.
1. Measure from the floor to the top of the mattress
Place the end of the tape measure flat against the floor.
Measure vertically to the surface where your dog will land. This should normally be the top of the mattress—not the bed frame, box spring, headboard, or footboard.
Record the measurement in inches.
Example: Floor to top of mattress = 36 inches
2. Measure the available floor space
The height of the stairs is only part of the equation. Taller pet stairs generally require more horizontal space because additional steps or deeper steps are needed to create a gradual climb.
Measure outward from the side of the bed to determine how much room is available.
Make sure the stairs will not:
- Block a doorway
- Extend into a major walking path
- Interfere with a dresser or nightstand
- Create a tripping hazard
- Prevent a door or drawer from opening
Do not assume a taller staircase will fit simply because there is enough vertical space.
3. Check for bed-frame overhang
Some mattresses sit inside a frame, while others extend beyond the frame.
Look closely at the intended landing point. The top platform should allow your dog to approach the mattress without running into a wooden frame rail, footboard, or other obstruction.
A mattress that overhangs slightly may also compress when the dog steps onto it. Consider the actual path your dog will take—not only the measurement shown on the tape.
4. Decide which direction the stairs will face
Pet stairs may run parallel or perpendicular to the bed.
A perpendicular placement points directly toward the mattress. A parallel placement allows the dog to climb alongside the bed and turn onto the mattress from the top platform.
The best arrangement depends on:
- Available floor space
- The dog’s turning ability
- The width of the top platform
- Nearby walls or furniture
- Whether side or back rails are being used
For older dogs or dogs with limited mobility, a straight and unobstructed transition is generally easier than a tight turn.
How to Measure a Sofa for Pet Stairs
Measuring a sofa follows the same general process, but sofa cushions can create a few additional considerations.
Measure to the top of the seat cushion
Measure from the floor to the upper surface of the cushion where your dog will land.
Do not measure to the top of the sofa arm or backrest unless that is genuinely the surface your dog is trying to reach.
Account for cushion compression
Soft cushions may compress when a dog steps onto them. The uncompressed height is still the most useful starting measurement, but observe how much the cushion moves under your hand.
A deeply cushioned sofa may create a slightly different landing experience than a firm mattress or upholstered bench.
Check the sofa base
Some sofas have a recessed base, wide armrest, decorative trim, or angled legs. Confirm that the pet stairs can sit securely against or near the sofa without contacting an obstruction.
Should the Top Step Ever Be Level With the Furniture?
A level transition may still be preferable in certain situations.
Some dogs may benefit from having the top platform closer to the furniture height, including:
- Very small dogs
- Dogs with severe mobility limitations
- Dogs that hesitate at the final transition
- Dogs recovering from surgery or injury
- Dogs that require an especially gradual climbing path
The formula provides a practical way to estimate the maximum furniture height a staircase can serve. It does not mean every dog should automatically use the maximum possible height.
Your dog’s size, balance, confidence, joint mobility, and previous experience with stairs should also be considered.
When uncertain, choosing a smaller final rise may provide a more comfortable transition.
Step Height Is Not the Only Measurement That Matters
Two sets of pet stairs can reach a similar height while providing very different climbing experiences.
Consider the following measurements together.
Step rise
The step rise is the vertical distance between steps. A shorter rise generally creates a more gradual climb.
Step depth
Step depth is the amount of horizontal space available for the dog’s paws and body.
Deeper steps can provide more room for a dog to place all four paws, regain balance, and approach the next step confidently.
Stair width
Wider stairs may feel more secure for larger dogs or dogs that tend to turn while climbing.
Top-platform depth
The top platform gives the dog space to pause, turn, and prepare for the final transition onto the furniture.
A deeper platform can be particularly useful beside tall beds because the dog is not forced to jump immediately after reaching the top.
Rails
Side and back rails can help guide a dog along the intended path and reduce the chance of stepping off an exposed edge.
Rails should be selected based on how the stairs will be positioned and which sides will remain open.
To learn more about the construction and safety features to consider when selecting pet stairs, read Pet Stairs | Built for Safety, Style, and Snuggles.
A Simple Pet Stair Measurement Checklist
Before ordering pet stairs, record the following:
- Floor-to-furniture height: Measure to the top of the mattress or seating cushion.
- Available floor length: Measure how far the stairs can extend into the room.
- Available width: Check the space between nearby furniture, walls, or doorways.
- Approach direction: Decide whether the stairs will run parallel or perpendicular to the furniture.
- Obstructions: Look for bed rails, sofa arms, nightstands, doors, and drawers.
- Dog measurements: Consider the dog’s height, body length, weight, and mobility.
- Preferred final rise: Decide whether the dog can comfortably climb one additional step from the platform to the furniture.
Taking all seven measurements provides a much clearer picture than selecting stairs based on furniture height alone.
Frequently Asked Questions About Measuring for Pet Stairs
Do pet stairs need to be the same height as my bed?
Not necessarily. The furniture can serve as the final step. Add one step rise to the top platform height to estimate the maximum furniture height the stairs can accommodate.
Can 30-inch pet stairs work with a 36-inch bed?
Potentially, yes. When the stairs have a 7½-inch rise, a 30-inch top platform can create a consistent final step onto furniture measuring up to approximately 37½ inches high.
Where should I measure my mattress?
Measure vertically from the floor to the top surface of the mattress where the dog will land.
Should I measure the bed frame?
Only when the frame affects the dog’s path. The primary height measurement should normally be taken to the top of the mattress, but any raised rails, footboards, or projecting frame components should also be noted.
Are taller pet stairs always better?
No. Taller stairs take up more space and may include more steps. The best option is the staircase that creates a comfortable climbing path while fitting safely in the available room.
What should I do when my dog has limited mobility?
Consider reducing the height of the final transition and selecting stairs with an appropriate rise, deeper treads, a stable platform, and rails where needed. A veterinarian can provide guidance when a dog has a diagnosed mobility condition or is recovering from an injury.
Get Help Choosing the Correct Pet Stair Height
Measuring pet stairs does not have to involve guessing.
Record the height from the floor to the top of your mattress or sofa cushion, along with the available floor space beside the furniture. A clear photograph of the intended location can also help identify possible obstructions or placement concerns.
Explore our handcrafted wooden pet stairs or contact Aria Wood Designs with your measurements before ordering. We can help determine which stair height and configuration may provide the best fit for your furniture, room, and dog.
