Any dog who struggles with stairs, getting into a car, or also climbing furniture can benefit greatly from a ramp. Even while you can purchase dog ramps in stores, you can easily create your own at home with plywood and also boards of wood. No matter what size your dog is, you can create and adapt a ramp to fits them with a few simple tools.
Calculate the length and height requirements for the ramp:
Pick the location where you’ll use the ramp. Determine the height of the ramp by taking a measurement straight down from the top of the location you want to help the dog access to the ground. Measure the length of the ramp at a gradual slope that your dog can walk up, starting at the top of the surface and down to the ground.
A ramp might be helpful next to a steep step, sofa, or bed, to name a few locations.
Before you begin cutting wood, put on eye protection and a dust mask:
You will have to cut a number of pieces of wood to build the ramp. Keep your eyes and lungs prior to using a saw. Avoid wearing anything that could be caught in a saw blade, such as gloves, jewelry, or lengthy clothing.
Using a miter saw, cut two boards of pine to the length needed for the ramp:
The ramp’s frame will be made of these pine planks. Always make sure they are as long as that of the ramp you intend to install. Using a miter saw or jigsaw, you can quickly cut the pieces to the desired length. Another simple approach is to use a hand saw, but the cheaper blades tended to blunt more rapidly.
Make two side supports that are as thick and length as the ramp:
The ramp will be framed by these supports, which will join it with the side boards. The width of these supports just needs to be sufficient to maintain the upper half of a ramp level with the base below it. For your dimensions, refer to the ramp and sideboards as a reference.
Cut two more pine boards into legs for the ramp:
The higher end of the ramp needs two legs to be supported. The opposite end will rest upon the base’s wooden boards. The legs ought to be around the same height as the ramp.
The base requires 4 boards, which must be cut to size:
Depending on how you construct it, the base may be the trickiest component. Only 4 boards are required to create a base that serves as a frame for the ramp and legs. Cut these from pine planks that are approximately 34 in (1.9 cm) thick.
Drill pilot holes through the base’s boards’ ends:
To create the foundation’s fundamental shape, put the four baseboards together. You must drill holes into the longer boards’ ends in order to join them together. Each hole should be drilled around 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the board’s end. Place each hole 1/3 of the way from the top or bottom of the board.
Construction screws measuring 2 in (5.1 cm) in length attached to baseboards:
Using an electric screwdriver, insert a screw into each of the pre-drilled holes to secure the boards. Push against the baseboards and feel for any wriggling before continuing. Tighten the screws because this can be an indication of shaky ramps and loose boards.
Carriage bolts measuring 14 in (0.64 cm) are used to secure the legs to the base:
Place the legs upright within the base, up against the base boards’ intersections at the corners. The ramp’s taller side will be supported by the legs. Drilling a single hole into to the side’s baseboard and up each leg’s widest portion, about 5 inches (13 cm). To complete the base, attach 31/2 in (8.9 cm) long by 14 in (0.64 cm) wide carriage bolts.
A plywood ramp should be placed in between side supports:
Whenever you screw the ramps and the other parts together, make sure they are as flat as you can make them. The 48 in (120 cm) long supports should first be positioned to the left and right of a ramp. They should really be leveled with the ramps and laid flat on the work surface.
Construction screws measuring 14 in (0.64 cm) are used to secure the side supports:
Mark these locations in pencil 2 in (5.1 cm) or so from the end of the supports. Regardless of the plywood ramp, these areas ought to be in the center of the boards. Following that, use a 3/8 in (0.95 cm) drill bit to go through each area. Finish by driving the screws into the plywood ramp from the side of the supports.
Using 2 in (5.1 cm) construction screws, fasten the side borders:
Measure approximately every 12.5 in (32 cm) along the middle of the side borders while holding them up against the supports. To mark each location for drilling, use a pencil to mark it. Drill into each location with a 3/8 in (0.95 cm) bit before adding the screws to hold the board together.
Using 14 in (0.64 cm) carriage bolts, fasten the legs to the ramp:
Align the sides of the ramp with the top of the legs when you place it on top of the base. To adjust the washer or trying to lock nuts on the bolts, use an adjustable wrench.
Verify that the ramp has the required slope and that the legs are vertically straight. Undo the bolts and realign the parts as necessary if the ramp appears to be off-center.
To smooth the ramp’s edges and remove any sharp edges, use 180-grit sandpaper:
Now that your ramp has been built successfully, take a few short safety measures to guard against your dog receiving splinters while using it. Particularly the cut edges may appear slightly jagged or pointy. These parts should be lightly rubbed down with sandpaper or even a sanding block.
Carpet the ramp to make it more comfortable:
Use a small knife or carpets cutters to cut a piece of carpeting from a scrap that is the exact size of your ramp. Cover the ramp with the carpet. Use a staple gun to directly attach both the top and bottom end of the carpeting to the ramp to secure it.
FAQs:
What should the slope of a dog ramp be?
Your dog ramp’s elevation shouldn’t be too great. The inclination of a dog ramp should be around 18 and 26 degrees to be considered optimum. Walking up the ramp will be more difficult if the angle is greater.
Which is preferable for a dog stairs or a ramp?
For older dogs, dog ramps are usually preferable over stairs since they are simpler to utilize. Get a ramp if your dog is older and has trouble getting into the car, your bed, or the couch. You can choose the one that folds if space is a concern.
Do dogs enjoy ramps?
Dogs who are older or who have joint issues frequently choose ramps. Since their legs might be relatively short for the steps, smaller dog breeds typically choose ramps.