Introduction: Pet Ramp

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About: I am currently a full time Engineer with a Mechanical Engineering Technology Degree, hence the "eliteMET". I really would like to do, make, create, and experience large projects but I seem to MAcGyver things d…

My fiance's dog is 11 years old now and he was starting to have a hard time jumping onto and off of the couch.  So I decided that before something bad happened (he could seriously injure his back jumping off the couch), I would build him a ramp. He actually learned how to use it within the first week. We just say "Newman, use your ramp"

I had the wood, carpet, and supplies laying around the house so it didn't cost me anything to build, but if I were to guess, I would say around $25.

Step 1: Gather Tools and Materials

Wood List:
(Please see pictures for drawings of wood lengths)
- Approximately 15 feet of 1/2 plywood at 2 inch width
- One 5 inch section of 2x4 or scrap wood
- 32 inch by 10 inch piece of 1/4 inch plywood

Carpet List:
-Any thick carpet (the shaggier the better for grip) approximate length at 50 inches and width of 10 inches

Tools List:
- Hammer
- Nails
- Table Saw (for 2 inch width pieces)
- Circular Saw
- Wood glue
- Pencil

Step 2: Cut the Wood

The first set of cut wood is pictured on step 1. All of those require 2 of each piece.

The Wood cuts on this page only require 1 piece of each. I hope that everyone can read my hand writing clearly.

On the wood cuts marked with a Question Mark (?), on step 1, please keep those whole because we need to ruff assemble some pieces to get their exact measurements/cuts later.



So first, cut out all of your pieces but avoid cutting out the triangles on the Question Mark marked boards.

Second, lay out one side of the ramp with the 31.75" piece, 25.5" piece, 16" piece, and the 4" piece. The 16" piece and the 4" piece should be on the bottom. Then, mark the correct angle on the 16" and 4" pieces of wood so that you can finish cutting those pieces.

All of your pieces of wood should now be cut and ready for assembly.

Step 3: Assemble the Wood

Begin by laying out your two halves of the ramp making sure you have the pieces cut correctly and that they all fit. Assemble the two halves individually with a small amount of wood glue and small finishing nails.

Secondly, install the 8.5" cross members with glue and nails. One cross member is easily seen in the picture at the base/corner of the ramp. The second cross member is at the top of the ramp to hold the lip (10" by 2.5" flat 1/4" plywood). You can kind of make it out, its under the carpet.

Thirdly, nail down the small 5" inch piece of 2x4 (or scrap) at the bottom (front - underside) of the ramp so that you can wrap the carpet around it and nail the carpet down in the next step.

Step 4: Install the Carpet

First, lay the carpet shaggy side down and nail down one side. You may need to trim the corners of the carpet so that it fits better.

Finally, pull and stretch the carpet to the other end and nail it down. A second person works well, have them put one foot on the ramp while pulling the carpet so that you can nail it in.

Note: I left the nails a little exposed and then bent them over so that it holds the carpet better and so that we could change out the carpet easier if this one did not work.

Step 5: Test the Ramp

Make sure the pet can move up and down the ramp easily.

Notice that my measurements made the ramp fit exactly. Its the width of their ottoman and height of the couch. That way you are less likely to stub your toes.

Room for improvement:
- I might install small strips of wood horizontally across the ramp so that Newman can grip it better on the way up and down. But, he likes to slide down the ramp when he is sleepy.

Thanks for looking! Please add any Comments or Questions!

"If it ain't broke, make it better!" - Chris W.

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