How to Build a Dog Ramp in a Bedroom

Build a ramp to help dogs climb onto the bed easily.

Families love their dogs, and some individuals love to let their dogs sleep on their beds as well. Dogs are often considered part of the family, which is why pet owners like to create an easy way for a dog to get onto a bed. By creating a ramp for your dog in the bedroom, you enable your dog to freely get on and off of the bed during the night.

Things You'll Need

• One 1/2-inch plywood (24 inches long by 30 inches high)
• One 1/2-inch plywood (38.42 inches long by 30 inches wide)
• One 1/2-inch plywood (23 1/2 inches tall by 29 inches wide)
• One 1/2-inch plywood (30 inches long by 30 inches wide)
• Hand saw
• Pencil
• Straight edge
• Wood glue
• 1 box 2-inch screws
• Drill
• Phillips head drill bit

Instructions

1. Place the 24-inch by 30-inch section of plywood horizontally on a flat surface. Line the straight edge from the bottom-left to the top-right corner and draw a diagonal line from corner to corner.

2. Cut along the drawn line with a hand saw. This will create two triangular sides for the ramp.

3. Place the 30-inch by 30-inch section of plywood on a flat surface. Line up the 30-inch bottom edge of each triangle and press one triangle onto two of the 30-inch edges on the 30-inch by 30-inch plywood so that both triangles run parallel, with the angle rising from left to right. Hold this in place for 1 to 2 minutes.

4. Flip the structure over and rest it flat on the angled edges. Drive in one 2-inch screw every 6 inches along the length of the triangles to attach them permanently to the base. Flip the structure back over so that the triangles are on top of the 30-inch by 30-inch base.

5. Place the 23 1/2-inch by 29-inch section of plywood between the high ends of the triangle. This will be a back side of the ramp. Line up the back edges of the triangles with the back edge of the 23 1/2-inch-tall by 29-inch-wide section and drive 1 nail every 5 inches around the edges to join together the four sections of wood.

6. Place the 38.42-inch-long by 30-inch-wide section of plywood on top of the triangles so that it is running diagonally over the top of the triangles. Drive one 2-inch screw every 6 inches along the two sides and back edges to complete the ramp.

Tips & Warnings

• Cover ramp with scrap carpeting for a more attractive ramp.

References

• This Old House: How to Build a Dog Ramp

Resources

• The Fun Time Guide: How to Build a Dog Ramp Yourself