what kind of wood do i need to make a ramp?

Question

i want to make a ramp for my pathfinder so that my dog can walk up the ramp. he is getting old and has a time jumping in and out of the door. he is about 15 yrsa old and 110lbs. i want the ramp to be at the back hatch of the vechile.

Answer 1

your best bet, would be something that is more then just wood. you could try going to your local hardware store and getting an aluminum frame set at a length that is easy to store in the vehicle in question. this will reduce the weight of the overall product and make it eaiser to slide in and out of the vehicle. you can then use something along the lines of 1/4 inch ply to cover the top half of the fame to provide a sturdy walking path and even should you choose to add a bit of non-slip to the whole shebang while your at the DIY store pick up a bit of indoor out door carpet and then staple/ tack that to the ply... drill holes in the end of it and attach some kind of sturdy rope for a pull cord and your done.

Answer 2

To answer your question specifically, you would want pressure treated 2x4s and pressure treated plywood. If he is really lame, you'd either have to make the ramp really long or use some 1x2 cleats (like a gangplank for a boat). They act like steps for him to hook his claws in, rather than just a slick, smooth piece of plywood.

Alternatively, you might opt for a fiberglass set of stairs like they use on mobile homes. If he can climb stairs, they are three feet tall (I think), and can be dug into the ground to match your tailgate height. They are about $200 (maybe less), but it would be a ready-made solution. They are heavy, but they weigh less than a pressure treated ramp would weigh, plus you can use it for the base of a ramp if your dog ever gets worse and can't climb the stairs. And when your dog finally passes away, you can sell them, unlike a wooden ramp.

Answer 3

I recommend a a ramp use to load motorcycles in the back of pick up trucks. They are light and already ribbed so he won't slip. Get the least expensive. Were not talking about a lot of weight here. Some are folding so it won't take up much room.

Answer 4

2 x 4 wood, or somthing wide and flat. You will probably need some underneath going horizontal on the back to nail them to. Go to Home Depot or Lowe's and tell them what you are going to do and they should be able to direct you.

Good Luck!

Answer 5

Why not just buy a small step stool or a stair-set little boys use to reach the poddie. Both are less than $30 and you can find them at wall mart, target, etc... Or if you have alot of money a Tommy gate is perfect! lol

Answer 6

Harbor Freight sells good, solid, metal ramps at affordable prices. Easy to handle, and easy to resell!

Answer 7

I could tell you what type and kind of wood but all seriousness, you can buy one (metal or heavy plastic) that would last longer and not as heavy. We have 5 dogs and we know.

Answer 8

You want something that will take the weather, no doubt. Try preasure treated lumber from your local DIY place. Or, you can use cedar, but it will cost more.

Answer 9

1/2 inch plywood should do the job

Answer 10

Sturdy, hard and probly from a oak tree. (Just a guess ^^)