Build a Dog Ramp Out of Plywood

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!

Jo Soliday is indebted to her friend, Ruth, for the instructions for this dog ramp. Ruth's 17-year-old Lab has been using such ramps for years. For more ideas on dog ramps or making things for dogs, visit Jo's website at http://www.make-and-build-dog-stuff.com.