How to Build a Dog Ramp From Wood

It's disheartening to see your dog having difficulty getting into your vehicle or up your steps onto your porch. This difficulty arises as a natural product of aging but also from physical problems such as hip dysplasia. Build a wooden ramp to make life easier for your dog.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
  • Marker
  • Straight edge
  • 4-by-8 feet sheet of 3/8-inch plywood
  • Circular saw
  • Non-skid indoor outdoor carpet, astroturf or shingles
  • Scissors or cutting tool
  • Heavy-duty glue
  • Wood screws
  • 4 heavy duty angle braces
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure and mark a 6-foot-by-16-inch piece of plywood to use as the base of the ramp. Use your straight edge to draw the cutting line and cut the ramp base with the circular saw.

    • 2

      Measure and mark two 6-foot-by-4-inch piece of plywood to use as the ramp's sideboards. Use your straight edge to draw the cutting lines and cut the pieces with the circular saw.

    • 3

      Measure and mark one 16-by-6-inch of plywood to use as the ramp ledge. Use the straight edge to draw the cutting lines and cut with the circular saw.

    • 4

      Choose a the covering for your ramp. Remember, you are trying to help a dog that is unsure on its feet so the surface must provide it with purchase. Cut out a 6-foot-by-16-inch section of your chosen material and attach it to the ramp with heavy-duty glue. Cut another piece of the same material to match the dimensions of the ramp's ledge and glue to the ledge.

    • 5

      Screw your side sideboards to either edge of the ramp from the underside, further securing the flooring material and protecting your dog from sliding off the side of the ramp.

    • 6

      Attach the ramp ledge to the ramp platform using your angle braces on the underside of each piece. The ramp ledge provides greater stability when leaning the ramp over the top of the stairs or in your vehicle.