Why We Decided To Craft A Ramp For Pancho
We have a doggie called Pancho and he turned 11 years old last week. He’s a little 6 lb. yorkie with the energy and soul of a one year old puppy, but his knees don’t feel the same way. He’s had two knee surgeries in his lifetime. His knees want Pancho to take it easy and stop jumping.
All of Pancho’s life we’ve had doggy steps around the house so he could climb on the couch or the bed when he wanted to. But Pancho is getting older (and heavier) and we noticed he was having a harder time going up and down the doggie steps.
At first, we bought a ramp online to make it easier on his little old knees. Unfortunately, the incline was so steep Pancho was afraid of using the ramp. He wouldn’t go anywhere near it. So we did what any crafty owner of a beloved pet would do. We built a ramp for Pancho. It was really easy and he loves his new ramp!
Follow the instructions below to build your doggie a ramp!
Dog Ramp Materials
- Cube (Available at Target)
- Hardboard (Available at Lowe’s Home Improvement)
- Piano Hinge
- 12 small wood screws (1/2″ long)
- 6 small phillips flat-head screws (1/2″ long)
- 2 L brackets
- 1″ x 2″ wood plank (8′ long)
- Cork sticker sheet
Dog Ramp Tools
- Razor knife
- Electric screwdriver
- Measuring Tape
- Hand screwdriver
- Hacksaw for wood
- Heavy Pliers
Dog Ramp Instructions
Step 1: Cut Hardboard to Size
Measure the hardboard to fit the side of the cube. If you are using the Target cube listed above, cut the hardboard 15 inches by 48 inches. We cut it using a razor knife.
Step 2: Cut Wood Planks & Screw To Hardboard
Measure Planks & Mark With Pencil
Cut Planks Into 3 Pieces (dimensions below)
Cut the wood plank into 3 sections that will be used to reinforce the hardboard. We used two 3 foot sections to reinforce the long sides of the hardboard; and one 11 3/4 inch section to reinforce the short side that will connect to the cube with a hinge.
Attach Wood Planks To Hardboard
Once the wood planks are cut, attach them to the hardboard using the small wood screws.
Step 3: Attach U Brackets
Bend L-Brackets into U-Brackets Using Pliers
Attach U-Brackets To Hinge Using Flat Head Phillips Screws
Attach the U brackets to the inside of the piano hinge (see photos below).
Step 4: Attach Piano Hinge
Mark Hinge Screw Holes on Wood
Using a pencil trace every screw hole on the piano hinge on to your small piece of wood.
Drill Pilot Holes
Using the 1/16″ drill bit screw pilot holes for the wooden screws. These holes help the screws go in easier than if you try to insert a screw into a solid piece of wood. Just make sure your pilot hole is smaller than your wood screws to avoid your screw falling out.
Screw Piano Hinge To 11 3/4″ Wooden Piece
Using wood screws, attach the piano hinge to the small piece of wood.
Screw Mounted Piano Hinge To Hardboard ramp
Slide the 11 3/4″ wood into place on the hardboard and screw it in using wood screws.
Fasten the piano hinge to the 12 inch wooden plank using small wood screws. Make sure to orient the hinge so that it will allow the hardboard to angle down from the cube.
Step 5: Attach The Cork Self-adhesive Sheet
We add a sheet of adhesive cork to our ramp because hardboard is too slippery on its own. Adding cork gives your puppy some grip to safely go up and down the ramp without slipping.
Center the cork sheet on the hardboard ramp. Starting at the top of the ramp, unroll the cork sheet pressing the sticky side toward the ramp as you go.
Use duct tape to secure the cork to the bottom of the ramp.
Step 6: Connect Ramp To Cube
Using the U brackets, connect the amazing new ramp to the cube. Close the lid of the cube and you are all done!
Step 7: Introduce Your Doggy To Their New Ramp
We lured Pancho up and down the ramp with a treat and that was it! He loved his ramp and knew how to use it. Enjoy your new doggy ramp.
Pancho Ramp Gallery
Here are some pics of Pancho enjoying his new ramp and interfering in the ramp build-out.