How to Build a Dog Ramp/Bridge on a Budget

Whether you want to give your dog access to the house through a window, or access to other places, a properly constructed dog ramp is an easy and fun project the entire family can participate in. You can save over a hundred dollars by building your own dog ramp!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 2x4s
• A scrap piece of siding/plywood
• Nails and Hammer
• Table Saw

1. 

   Determine the length of your ramp, allowing plenty of room for a comfortable include for your pet. The length of the ramp shown is 8 feet. Cut a 2x4 the length of the ramp you need. Cut the 2x4 down the center so you have two 2x2s – these will form the base for your ramp.

2. 

   Cut a piece of siding or plywood the width of your ramp. Cut it the length, minus a few inches at the bottom. Most dog ramps are about 12 inches wide.

3. 

   Cut another 2x4 lengthwise to make two 2x2s. Cut a piece that is the width of your ramp. Cut enough pieces to place every 4-6 inches the entire length of the ramp. This will allow better traction for your pet. The shorter your dog is, the closer you will want the steps. For very small dogs, you may want to cut the slats down to 1x2 in depth. Nail them in place.

4. 

   Flip ramp over and nail another slat across the top of the ramp. This will help stabilize the ramp when hooked over a window seal.

Tips & Warnings

• If you use plywood in your ramp you will need to paint it to keep it from separating when wet, if used outside.

[Altair4]

on 5/8/2009 Great information, I have two Labs and even tho I dont have the need for a ramp it gives me ideas for other applications. 5*

[Vanillatte]

on 4/16/2009 Easy to follow steps for building a dog ramp!

[digupstuff]

on 4/15/2009 Thank you Misty! I really want to make one of these for my darling pups! 5* :D Dig XOXOX

[chevee]

on 4/15/2009 Great article on building a dog/ramp bridge on a budget.

[taskeinc]

on 4/15/2009 The dog I had was so wild, I could see him going up the ramp too fast and he'd be into the wall .. nice article.