Homemade Pet Ramp

As our pets age or become disabled, climbing into a vehicle, or even onto furniture like a sofa or bed can become difficult for them. Pet ramps and steps can be made at home to accommodate them by making it easier to climb without jumping. Pet ramps and steps are simple to make and can be customized to suit any pet.

  1. Materials

    • For this project, you will need two 2.5' sections of shelving board or 16" wide lumber, four 2.5' sections of baseboard molding, 10 #6 drywall screws in 1.25" length, one 6' by 15" section of carpeting or desired material such as indoor/outdoor carpet, and 20 half-inch flathead nails or screws. If you wish, you can purchase an additional 6" section of lumber to serve as a ramp ledge, and four 135-degree angle braces to attach the ledge to the ramp. Heavy duty hinges and 24 half-inch flathead screws will also be needed.

    Ramp Assembly

    • Cut baseboard molding to the length of the ramp pieces, using #6 drywall screws to attach molding to the sides of ramp pieces to serve as sides for the ramp. Holes may need to be pre-drilled before inserting drywall screws for best result. Attach angle braces to the top end of the ramp, then to the lumber to serve as the ramp ledge. The ramp ledge will lend more stability to the pet ramp, allowing for it to sit more naturally. The angle bracers will make it possible for the ramp ledge to be flexible. Attach the carpeting or matting to the length of the ramp using half-inch flathead screws or a staple gun. Extra length can be wrapped under and attached for additional stability.

    Folding Ramp Assembly

    • Attach the two halves of the ramp together using heavy-duty style hinges. Ensure that the hinges are spaced evenly apart from one another. This will allow the ramp to fold neatly together with both of the bottom sides touching properly. This way, the ramp can be folded in on itself for easy storage in a home or vehicle.

    Finishing

    • Further customization of the pet ramp can entail painting, staining or sealing the wood in order to protect the finish, or decorating the pet ramp by other means. Customizing the pet ramp will make it look better as well as last longer, and so sealing or staining it is recommended. This will ensure that the integrity of the wood lumber is allowed to remain strong for many years.