How to Make a Doggie Ramp

Dog ramps are helpful for dogs of all sizes and can be easily constructed for a number of reasons. A simple plywood ramp doesn't cost much and can be built in about an hour. Use the ramp to help your dog get from the floor to your bed or from the floor into your car or to help an older dog with back problems avoid having to struggle its way up porch, patio or inside stairs.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
  • 1/4-inch thick plywood sheet measuring 16 inches wide
  • Four wooden lath strips measuring 16 inches wide
  • 20, 3/8-inch wood screws
  • 8 one-inch wood screws
  • Staple gun
  • Screwdriver
  • Circular or hand saw (optional)
  • Carpet
  • Fabric scissors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the distance from the floor to the raised surface (or bottom to top step) which you want to cover with a ramp for your dog. Cut a piece of 1/4-inch thick, 16-inch wide plywood to that length with a circular or hand saw or have it cut for you at the hardware or home improvement store where you purchase the plywood.

    • 2

      Cut a piece of carpet to fit the plywood and attach it to the plywood surface with a staple gun. Alternatively, you may glue the carpet to the plywood with carpet tack if desired, instead of using a staple gun.

    • 3

      Attach a piece of wood lath to the bottom of the carpet-covered plywood with two one-inch wood screws. Measure 11 inches up and screw another lath down. Repeat as needed until lath pieces are attached to the length of the plywood at 11-inch intervals.

    • 4

      If your ramp is a permanent one, as opposed to a mobile one which you will secure to allow your dog to climb in and out of your car, attach it with 3/8-inch wood screws to the wooden stairs or surfaces where you want it to be permanently positioned. Lay your plywood ramp down so that the top overlaps with the top step by two to three inches. Thread screws through the ramp and into the stairs in a zig-zag pattern starting at the top left and moving across the center and to the bottom right.