Build a Dog Ramp Out of Plywood

Executive Summary about dog ramp By Johanna soliday

Before you start, consider the following:

How big and how heavy is your dog?

How often will you need to move the ramp?

How wide do you want your ramp to be?

Is there a chance that humans will use the ramp too?

How many ramps will you need?

For a dog or humans over 100 lbs, you may need 3/8 or 1/2 inch plywood; otherwise you can use 1/4 inch plywood.
If the ramp is to be moved frequently, you will most likely want as light a ramp as possible. The recommended width is between 16 and 24 inches.
MATERIALS NEEDED

Plywood (for length see Instructions below)

Indoor-outdoor carpeting to cover one side of the plywood

4 strips of wooden lathe, each piece as long as the ramp's width

Wood or drywall screws

INSTRUCTIONS

Measure the distance from the top of the stairs to the bottom

Add 4 inches

This will determine the length of the plywood and carpeting

Cut the plywood

Staple or glue the carpeting to the top side of the plywood

Starting from the bottom, screw the lathe crosswise over the carpeting at regular intervals, for example every 10 or 12 inches

Place the ramp over the steps and let your dog try it

If the ramp is too steep, add another two feet of plywood and try again (screw a piece of board underneath the two sections to join them)

Once your dog can use the ramp, move it to where you want it, then anchor the top end to the stairs with screws or nails

Make sure nothing pokes out to hurt your dog's paws

If your steps are made of cement, use concrete anchors or concrete nails for fastening

Congratulations, that's all there is to building a dog ramp out of plywood!

Dog Ramp Or Not To Dog Ramp, That Is The Question...

Executive Summary about dog ramp By Matt kush

well, I hate to say it but my dog is getting old and I hate to see that. He's been loyal to me and yet, can not make it up the stairs by himself or into the car for that matter. It breaks my heart. Without knowing anything, I ran out to the store and bought some pet stairs, another chew toy, and of course got him a squeaker because he's in so much pain (what a good dog).

The experience I got in the store was less than desireable. I really don't know anything about what to buy for my friend with old age. I didn't even put myself in his position as to what he needs, I was only worried about how many they had on the shelf and took that as a sign of a good product or a terrible one.

To help others out there, and before you pull the trigger...some things you want to keep in mind are as follows:

1) Does it store well?

2) Does your pet need stairs or a ramp?

3) Does your pet travel with you a lot?

4) Do you have couches?

5) Does your pet sleep with you at night?

6) Is the gripping good?

7) Does it have side rails to ensure your pet does not fall off?

8) Is it sturdy?

9) Is it lightweight?

10) Can it fit into a car?