Build a Dog Ramp
Whether you have a tiny dog that can't make it up and down the steps or an older or disabled dog that needs help getting in and out of your vehicle, dog ramps can make life easier for you and your pet. Use these steps to learn how to build a dog ramp for your companion.
Steps
- Calculate how long your dog ramp needs to be. If you need the dog ramp to cover a set of steps, measure the distance from the bottom of the steps to the top and add 4 inches (10.16 cm).
- Place two 2-inch by 2-inch (5.08 cm by 5.08 cm) pieces of lumber on a firm surface. Measure the desired length of the ramp. Mark the length on both boards with a pencil.
- Use a saw to cut the boards as marked. These boards become the frames for the dog ramp.
- Place a sheet of plywood on a flat surface. Position the 2 frame boards 12 inches (30.48 cm) apart on the plywood.
- Measure and mark the length and width of the plywood to the desired dimensions of the dog ramp. Cut the plywood as marked.
- Measure and mark 12-inch (30.48 cm) lengths of the remaining 2-inch by 2-inch (5.08 cm by 5.08 cm) lumber to create slats (steps) to help your dog walk up and down the ramp.
- Nail plywood firmly to the top of the frames.
- Position the slats (steps) evenly along the dog ramp, nailing them firmly to the top of the ramp.
- Examine the dog ramp. Look for splinters and nails that are not flush with the wood. Make sure to eliminate any rough or sharp edges that could injure your dog.
- Paint the ramp with a coat of water-resistant paint. You can also use glue or staples to attach carpeting to the top of the ramp. Carpeted ramps should be used for indoor stairs only.
Tips
- Use sturdy plywood for your dog ramp. Thicker plywood should be used for heavier dogs to support their weight safely.
- Visit nearby carpet retailers to find low cost carpet options for your dog ramp. If they don't have any scraps that they could give you, they probably have remnants that you can buy at a fraction of the cost.
- If you are not planning to cover the ramp with carpeting, sand all cut edges of the wood to protect your pet's paws.
- Consider the size of your dog when determining the width of your dog ramp. Small dogs can use smaller ramps, but large dogs will need wider ramps in order to navigate them safely.
Things You'll Need
- 2-inch by 2-inch (5.08 cm by 5.08 cm) pieces of lumber
- Tape measure
- Saw
- Sturdy plywood
- Hammer and nails
- Sandpaper
- Water-resistant paint or carpeting to cover the ramp
- Carpet glue or staple gun and staples
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