How to Build a Pet Wood Ramp

You can create a simple pet ramp to help your dog or cat much like a wheelchair ramp can help a person. If your older or injured animal has a hard time getting up stairs, a ramp can give them the assistance they need. Once the pet ramp is built, you'll no longer have to watch as your animal makes failed attempts to jump onto the elevated surface.

Things You'll Need

  • Plywood
  • Carpet
  • Tape measure
  • Staple gun and staples
  • Wooden lathe
  • Screws and screwdriver
  • Nails and hammer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Use 3/8- or 1/2-inch plywood if your dog is more than 100 pounds or if humans will use the ramp. If your dog is less than 100 pounds and humans will not be using the ramp, use 1/4-inch plywood.

    • 2

      Use a tape measure to find the total distance from the ground to the top of the stairs, adding approximately 4 inches.

    • 3

      Cut the plywood and carpet to match the distance from the ground to the top of the stairs, plus 4 inches.

    • 4

      Use a staple gun to staple the carpet to the plywood. If the carpet is wider than the plywood, trim the edges or fold it and staple it underneath.

    • 5

      Use your screws and screwdriver to screw the wooden lathe to the bottom and top of the ramp. The wooden lathe should be the same width as the ramp. Screw in additional sections of wooden lathe every 10 to 12 inches.

    • 6

      Set the ramp on top of the stairs. Allow your pet to try it out. If your dog can use the ramp easily, nail down the top of the ramp using your hammer and nails. You'll need to use concrete nails if your steps are made of concrete.