How to Make a Pet Ramp

Pet ramps are the ideal solution for pets that have trouble climbing onto things such as stairs, furniture or even into cars. Pets that have gotten older and arthritic, have been injured or are simply small and need the extra boost all benefit from the use of a ramp. A ramp provides these pets with a stable way to climb onto these higher surfaces. Building your own pet ramp takes only hours and is an inexpensive way to make your pet's life easier.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
  • 16-inch-wide, 1/4-inch thick plywood, cut to length
  • Board (optional)
  • Screws
  • Electric screwdriver
  • 16-inch-wide indoor/outdoor carpeting, cut to length
  • Heavy-duty staple gun
  • Heavy-duty staples
  • 16-inch wood lath strips
  • 2-inch x 4-inch wood stud, cut to length
  • Hammer and nails
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the distance from the top of the surface you are building the ramp for ( such as stairs, sofa seats, car floorboard) to the bottom (in most cases, the floor or ground) with the measuring tape.

    • 2

      Add 4 inches to the length you measured. This determines the length of plywood and carpet you need.

    • 3

      Cut or have your plywood cut to the length you have calculated.

    • 4

      Create a longer ramp out of more than one piece of plywood if your plywood is not long enough. Place a board on the ground and lie the plywood end to end (lengthwise) on the board. Screw the plywood to the board underneath by placing screws into the plywood through the board in a zigzag pattern using an electric screwdriver.

    • 5

      Cover the ramp with indoor/outdoor carpeting and cut to the length of the ramp. Attach the carpet to the ramp using a heavy-duty staple gun and staples.

    • 6

      Attach wood lath strips to the ramp by placing them on top of the carpeting (horizontally) at 11-inch intervals. Screw them into the ramp. These make small grips for your pet to climb on.

    • 7

      Place the ramp onto the surface your pet needs help climbing. For a set of stairs, nail a wood stud (16 inches long) to the end of the top and bottom of the staircase, then screw the ramp into the wood stud for stability. For furniture or car use, simply steady the ramp by holding it during use or by tucking the top into the cushions of the furniture.