DIY Indoor Dog Ramp

There are several reasons why you might want an indoor ramp for your dog. Your dog might be too old and arthritic to negotiate the stairs. Your dog might be too small to make the transition between heights itself. Your dog might have a medical condition that makes climbing difficult. Whatever the reason, a ramp can be a useful tool. While you can buy a ramp ready-made, making it yourself will enable you to tailor it to your dog's needs.

Things You'll Need

  • 3/8-inch plywoord for the ramp top
  • 1/2-inch plywwod for the sides
  • Piece of 2-by-2 lumber long enough to make the supports and the braces
  • Pencil
  • Saw
  • Carpet
  • Paint/stain
  • 11/4-inch drywall screws
  • Staples
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Instructions

    • 1

      Determine the size of your ramp. Measure according to the specific task for which your dog will use the ramp, such as climbing onto the couch. Note the height from the floor to the top of the ramp, and how far you need the ramp to extend. Make sure the slope is not too steep for your dog.

    • 2

      Create the sides of the ramp. Draw a horizontal line that is as long as the first measurement you took -- the length measurement -- onto the 1/2-inch ply. Then, starting at one end of this line, draw a second line -- the height -- vertically, forming a corner with a 90-degree angle. Finally, draw a third line between the ends of the first two to complete a right triangle. This third leg is the ramp's slope, extending from the top of the ramp to the floor. This triangle is your pattern for the sides of your ramp. Cut two identical side pieces out of the plywood.

    • 3

      Create the supports. Cut two pieces of 2-by-2 that are 4 inches shorter than the longest edge of the side pieces. Lay a length of the 2-by-2 along this edge of one of the side pieces, 1/2 inch down from the top. Insert screws at 4-inch intervals to secure the support to the side. Repeat this process with the other side piece.

    • 4

      Draw the pattern for the ramp's platform -- the area where your dog will walk -- on the 3/8-inch plywood, after first determining its dimensions. The platform is basically a long rectangle. The rectangle's length is the same as the slope of the large triangles in Step 2, and you will determine the width based on your dog's needs. Cut the rectangle out.

    • 5

      Cut two pieces of 2-by-2 the same width as the ramp. These will be the braces.

    • 6

      Lay one of the side pieces down with the support side up. Lay the platform in place, with the underside of it resting on the support. Insert screws at 4-inch intervals along the length to secure the platform to the first side.

    • 7

      Turn the ramp over and repeat the process to attach the other side of the ramp.

    • 8

      Lay the ramp on the floor with the sides toward you; then, lay the braces on the bottom of the ramp, between the supports. Screw the braces to the supports to strengthen the ramp.

    • 9

      Apply paint or wood stain to the ramp, allowing it to dry before stapling the carpet into position.