DIY Dog Ramp

According to ScienceDaily.com, veterinarians believe that 20 percent of older dogs have osteoarthritis, which can make jumping painful or impossible. Pet steps can help an older or smaller dog reach its favorite resting spot without jumping or being injured, but a dog ramp can do the same thing while reducing the strain on arthritic joints. A ramp can also be placed over existing stairs in a home to help a dog ascend and descend the stairwell. Building a dog ramp is an inexpensive project that can be completed in a couple of hours.

Things You'll Need

  • 3/4-inch plywood, two 4-feet by 8-feet sheets
  • Saber saw
  • 3/8-inch lumber, 10 feet in length
  • Tape measure
  • Pencil
  • Screwdriver
  • 44 drywall screws, 1 5/8 inch
  • 150-grit sandpaper
  • Carpet remnants
  • Carpet glue
  • 24 drywall screws, 1 inch
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut a sheet of 3/4-inch plywood into the following sizes with a saber saw: 16-inch x 16-inch piece for the landing, 16-inch x 36-inch piece for the ramp, two 15 1/4-inch x 14 1/2-inch piece for the back panel and center support, one 3-inch x 14 1/2-inch piece for the end cap and two 16-inch x 42-inch piece for the sides.

    • 2

      Measure one of the side pieces with a tape measure and mark 16 inches from the end. Cut a 45-degree angle from the mark to the other end. Lay the angled side piece over the other side piece and trace the angle with a pencil. Cut along the line to cut an identical angle.

    • 3

      Cut the 3/8-inch lumber into six strips that are 3/4 inch x 14 inches for the treads.

    • 4

      Position the center support between the side pieces in the center of where the landing will be placed. Secure it with a screwdriver and six 1 5/8-inch drywall screws. Position the end piece on the back of the ramp and secure it with 12 screws.

    • 5

      Place the landing on the top of the sides and secure it with 12 screws. Position the ramp and front cap and attach with screws approximately 8 inches apart.

    • 6

      Sand the edges of the entire ramp with 150-grit sandpaper.

    • 7

      Cover the top of the assembled ramp with carpet. Secure it with carpet glue. Place a tread at the edge of the landing and on the bottom of the ramp. Secure it with 1-inch drywall screws. Place the remaining treads 7 inches apart between the top and bottom treads and secure them with screws.