How to Build a Folding Dog Ramp

A dog ramp can assist your older or disabled dogs when getting in and out of the car or going up and down short flights of stairs. A folding dog ramp has the added benefit of being able to be stored away when not in use and carried and set up easily when needed. Dog ramps are available for purchase at pet supply stores and specialty stores, but with a little time, effort and supplies from your local hardware store you can create and customize your own ramp for your dog.

Attach the four 2 1/2 foot wide baseboard molding to the two 2 1/2 foot lumber with six 1 1/4 inch screws on each side. Secure the screws through the thickest part of the molding to ensure that the molding is securely fastened to the lumber. This is will create the main portion of your dog ramp.

Flip the dog ramp over so that you are now working on the bottom side of the ramp. With the ½-inch flathead screws attach two of the 135-degree heavy-duty angle braces to the edge of the top of the dog ramp. Attach the 2 1/2 foot by 6-inch piece of lumber to the angle braces with the same 1/2 inch flathead screws. Ensure that the edge of the top of the dog ramp and the 6-inch piece of lumber is flush. Finally, secure the dog ramp by attaching the remaining two angle braces to the structure with the ½-inch flathead screws beside the angle braces already attached.

Attach the two 2 1/2 foot lumber pieces together with the two heavy duty hinges to the bottom on the dog ramp with the screws provided in the kit. Ensure that the hinges are evenly spaced.

Attach the two slide bolts to the sides of the ramp for added support with the screws provided in the kit.

Cut carpet in half with utility knife. Place each carpet piece over the two 2 1/2 foot portions of the dog ramp. Once in place, secure carpet to ramp with a heavy-duty staple gun.