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How to add a ramp over dog stairs?

summitone77

Hi all

I need some advice.

I have made these stairs for our dog but he currently has a sore foot.

I want to make and put a ramp over top of the stairs for him to make it easier.
The actual ramp part is fine, but I don’t want it permanently attached.
Any ideas how I can attach a caperted ramp (1200x400) temporarily but securely, so I can remove when his foot is better? The ramp will go from the front of the top step to the ground in front of the bottom step

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EricL

Hello @summitone77

Thank you for sharing your question about your dog ramp. A simple temporary solution would be to have a plywood panel cut to the same width as the steps and attach one end to the leading edge of the top step using traditional cabinet hinges. This would allow the panel to sit securely over the steps while still being easy to remove later.

For better grip and to make the ramp more comfortable for your pup, you could cover the plywood with the same rough-textured carpet you have used on the steps, securing it firmly with staples. When choosing the plywood length, keep in mind that a longer panel will create a gentler slope, making it easier for your dog to walk up and down while their paw is recovering.

Once your pup's paw has healed properly and the ramp is no longer needed, you can simply unscrew the hinges and remove the panel. This should give you a practical temporary solution without requiring any major changes to the existing steps.

Let me call on our experienced members @patorodriguez, @Alicia_Woodwork, @LePallet, @SpencerGre and @lifestylebymari for their recommendations.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

summitone77

Thanks Eric.
Would you suggest a continuous hinge to attach it? It is 400 wide

EricL

Hi @summitone77

If it will reach the top step with no issue, I see no reason why you can't use it. But just to be safe, I suggest measuring the width of the hinge to make sure you don't run into any issues.

Eric

Jason

@summitone77,

Just thought I'd add that the wonderful @Alicia_Woodwork shared plans and detailed steps if you'd like to consider building her Hamptons-inspired dog ramp.

Jason

summitone77

Thanks Jason

That is a really cool ramp she made.
I was looking to use bunning carpet squares as covering on mine and cut them to size, but now rethinking that after that project.
The carpet squares do now look like they could be slippery. Does Bunnings have any alternate that might be less slippery?
thanks

EricL

Hello @summitone77

I suggest looking at the https://www.bunnings.com.au/eva-50-x-50cm-black-solid-interlock-foam-mats-4-pack_p0126584 and the https://www.bunnings.com.au/smart-home-products-basic-60-x-40cm-polyester-gel-back-outdoor-mat-black_p0498656 . These are non-slippery and can be mounted with adhesive or stapples.

Eric

summitone77

That outdoor mat looks ideal.

Any specific adhesive for this? I will be going tomorrow to purchase everything

EricL

Hello @summitone77

I suggest using https://www.bunnings.com.au/selleys-250g-clear-liquid-nails-construction-adhesive_p1232420 for the outdoor mat. My best advice is to place something heavy over the surface so that the mat edges don't curl up while the adhesive cures.

Please remember to wear personal protection such as gloves and goggles.

Eric

Noyade

G'day @summitone77

Can you please keep us updated with your project and if your dog 'accepts' the ramp - as I'm in the exact same situation with our small dog. I'll hopefully head to Bunnings today for wood and will look at ideas you have both mentioned above.

Cheers!

Noyade

Hi @JacobZ

I'm looking for plywood - enough to support a plump little dog (5kg) the full span of 1 metre and 300mm wide.

I can cut - but it's pouring rain, anything ready made from Bunnings around this size. I need two. Cheers!

JacobZ

Hi @Noyade,

The best option I could find in plywood is this https://www.bunnings.com.au/1200-x-396mm-12mm-plywood-pine-premium-bc-grade-12mm_p0390156 . Not perfect, but pretty close in terms of size.

Alternatively, a piece of https://www.bunnings.com.au/285-x-19mm-1-8m-dar-pine-premium-1-8m_p8401477 would work, you'd just have to cross cut it to length and maybe narrow off your runners a little bit.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

Noyade

'Carpet' and wood are a Perfect fit - thanks @JacobZ 👍️ Makes shopping easy when you can show staff photos and I/N numbers.

Cheers!

JacobZ

Looks good @Noyade.

Hopefully it makes things easier for your pup.

Jacob