DIY RAMP HOW TO BUILD A QUICK, EASY STRONG RAMP FOR HOME, SHED, DOG

We show you how to build a quick and easy ramp with just a few tools in just an hour or two. Great for garden sheds or if someone has an injury and has a difficult time using steps. It also works great for aging pets that are having a hard time with stairs.
NOTE; Not meant as a permanent replacement for handicap ramps and it's the builder's responsibility to adhere to local codes and not for bicycle or skateboard stunts even if it looks fun.
#dog #wheelchair #doglover #homeimprovement #diy #steps #stairs #accessibility #access #shed #diyhomedecor
www.freesfx.co.uk

[@thesociallyawkwardgamer1738]

I just found this tutorial and it’s nice to see you’re still making videos. Keep it up!

[@pappytinkers]

Thank you! I ended up needing the ramp a lot longer, but it's still working great. I'm surprised at how many people still watch this, and I keep getting comments about how it's helped them

[@CC-uj6oe]

Just what I needed! Great tutorial. Still useful even 3 yrs later! Thank you! 😀

[@pappytinkers]

Thank you CC! I hope it helps you, mine is still working great even after 3yrs, and haven't had to fix anything with it. I might put some of that sandpaper friction tape on it though to help the dogs

[@CC-uj6oe]

@@pappytinkers Thanks I will keep that in mind as well. :)

[@alygiskaas1021]

Thank you for this video. My dog developed some neurological issues (sadly she is not as young as she used to be). Your video was a HUGE help! We built her a ramp and I can’t express how much easier it is on her to have it in place. Thank you so much! I’ll be sharing this with my family and friends! Our steps weren’t as deep as yours so we didn’t have to trim the frame down any but it’s great you had that info in the video!

[@DavyKrankit]

OMG, same...

[@pappytinkers]

My oldest dog has some hip problems, so this helps him as well. I may add some of that sandpaper like traction tape to help him

[@allisonjames2923]

Exactly what I’m looking at this for. His arthritis in his hips is making it hard for him to get up the steps. Poor floof 😢🐶

[@Dmonieluv]

Great tutorial. Inspired me to make one to get my Harley in the house, now that it's getting colder. I hope your wife recovered quickly.

[@pappytinkers]

I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only one to pull his bike into the house! She had some setbacks over the summer, but now is back on track and walking better than she has in years!

[@ReneaDooserider]

Are used to bring my motorcycle in the back sliding glass door and put it in the kitchen with a sheet over it. 😂

[@allisonjames2923]

Lol 😂 I had no idea men brought their bikes inside to keep them warm & safe 🤷‍♀️ I’m sure they appreciate it & purr when you take them out

[@trasua5764]

I'm planning to get a scooter soon but it would have to be parked inside our house due to space restrictions. I'll be coming back to this video in June once I have free time to actually build a ramp. I'm a preschool teacher and I have only worked with cardboard and hot glue my entire life. I'm grateful to come across your tutorial. :)

[@pappytinkers]

Thank you! And thank you for being a teacher ❤️. I hope this will help you build it and if you have questions later, I'll be happy to try to talk you through them

[@rich4501]

Wanted to build a ramp for the dog because he’s getting old. Didn’t want to spent hundreds of dollars building a ramp that I wouldn’t need in a year if the dog passes away. Nicely done. Simple, sturdy, and inexpensive. I appreciate the video.

[@pappytinkers]

Thank you! I hope your dog stays with you much longer than that!

[@RyArmani]

Thank you for sharing!! Like many have stated already I too needed assistance with my dog. I found another video, but yours is much easier to do and just as sturdy!

[@pappytinkers]

Thanks for watching! As my dog got older, he needed some of that anti-skid tape on it to keep from sliding, especially if his nails were long.

[@sugetoosty1685]

Awesome! Everyone needs a "Pappy"- esp. one that tinkers and can fix/make everything!

[@pappytinkers]

LOL Yes they do! Many things are a easy fix, and you never know til you try!

[@Dreamintn]

Thank you for this video. Its quick to build, explained thoroughly and sturdy. I appreciate you so much.

[@pappytinkers]

Thank you ! I hope it serves you well. I should do an update on it. I've moved washers, stoves, and a bunch of other furniture up and down it without any issues!

[@aya_511]

Thank you for the video, my farther has become very ill and can’t walk so we needed to make a ramp for his wheelchair. This video has helped a lot 👍🏻

[@pappytinkers]

I'm so glad it helped! Life sometimes puts challenges on front of us. I hope he is able to get better soon. But I'm sure that he feels better about being at home and able to get in and out

[@angelluislozada4556]

Hey Pappy, Thank for your video. I was searching. A quick, easy, well-design and safe ramp. A neighbor asked for help building a ramp for his beloved aging golden retriever. The gentle giant of a dog has trouble climbing stairs and your ramp fit the bill, easing his pain greatly. He actually seems to enjoy using it. Thanks!!!!

[@pappytinkers]

Yes, those bigger dogs tend to have problems with their hips. My black lab has to use the ramp sometimes too. Glad he likes it!!

[@allisonjames2923]

I’m glad it’s worked well for your neighbour. My best friend has issues with his hips too so was looking for ideas to make getting inside easier for him

[@australianbaby3871]

Thanks for the video! Mom just got femur surgery and I have 3 steps leading into the house so this was very easy to follow. Will be doing this!

[@pappytinkers]

1 year in and it's still in great shape! It gets wet, but not in direct weather

[@kylemiller2429]

Great video. My 13 year old boxer will be sending his thanks!

[@pappytinkers]

My old Lab appreciates it too!

[@docmast4959]

Love the Teamwork/Team family

[@pappytinkers]

Thank you! I always liked working with my kids. I wish I would have videos of that instead of just pictures.

[@PlasmaCoolantLeak]

Very cool! We have porch steps that are similar to this design, looking forward to putting one together.

[@Chidoeg]

What a wonderful idea. Thanks for sharing.

[@pappytinkers]

Thank you!

[@joepedroza4707]

Great video. Fast and quick too Thank u for this awesome idea.

[@pappytinkers]

Thank you for watching!

[@docmast4959]

Btw, I watched this most helpful, charitable video at least 6 times. Thank you all.

[@pappytinkers]

Thank you for watching and I hope it helps you!

[@timothyj4702]

Thank you! I want to make something just like this for my Dad

[@pappytinkers]

Your welcome and thank you for watching! I ended up building a second one for my son's house so his grandparents could come over to visit

[@bjr2940]

Very good information, thanks this was very helpful. I can do this!

[@pappytinkers]

Absolutely!

[@lindafryer4515]

Oh my ty so much. Simply yet useable I can do this. I need a wheelchair ramp. I'm getting one without paying 400bucks for one. Great job

[@tandiparent1906]

Yep, that's what I was just thinking 🤔

[@pappytinkers]

Money is so tight now days, we have to save where we can. 3 years now and its still going strong. Plus I've used it to bring in refrigerators, washing machine and other heavy items

[@FlutePlayer777]

I am building a ramp for my dog and I love your ideas.

[@pappytinkers]

As one of our dogs gets older, he uses the ramp more than the stairs, it's just easier on his old hips

[@pappytinkers]

Thank you! Send a picture when you're done, and let me know if you added anything for 'doggy traction'

[@FlutePlayer777]

@@pappytinkers ended up buying one. The project got too hard and too big for me.

[@pappytinkers]

@@FlutePlayer777 Bummer! But don't sell yourself short, you learned to play a musical instrument and that is very hard. Not everything comes out perfect the first time.

[@robinlewis1975]

Awesome idea thank you

[@pappytinkers]

Thank you for watching, I hope it helps you!

[@Turbozee]

awesome video i will be building something like this after seeing this video to get my motorbike in and out!

[@pappytinkers]

It works great for that too!

[@uzmasiddiqui5718]

Great idea. Thanks for sharing. What keeps it from moving?

[@pappytinkers]

Thank you for watching. A couple things keeps it from moving. It can't slide forward because it's against the top step. 3/4 inch plywood is heavy, plus it's got about 8 points of contact creating a lot of friction to try to overcome.

[@katylowe3504]

Thanks. Very useful.

[@pappytinkers]

Almost 4 years later and I'm still using it!

[@moviemanjoe9583]

Great vid! Thank you!

[@pappytinkers]

Thank you for watching!

[@ManoharSingh-lq8po]

Very well done

[@pappytinkers]

Thank you!

[@JohnNevin-dy5fg]

Thank you for this tutorial! My wife just had ankle replacement surgery and I need to build something like this to get her in and out of the house while she heals. Question for you - how did you figure out the angle to cut notches in the 2x4 frame so that it aligns with the top step (1:10 in your video)?

[@pappytinkers]

I wish I could tell you a secret tool or formula, but I didn't use that. I laid the 2x4 where it would go, with the top support, on the top step. When I did that, I could see that it would be about an inch too tall. So I marked an inch up, into the 2x4, then then line to have that lay on the step. It took a few tried to get it right, cutting a little more at a time. Look at 2:55 and you will see how it's laying there. You don't want to cut that runner more than half way through. And you can see that I have a 4x4 very close to that cut to give it more strength. And FYI, it's STILL working as strong as ever! Msg me again if you have more questions

[@johndeyoung9230]

Great video!!! I was wondering if you or anyone else could please explain how to get the notches in the 2 x 4 for the stairs, the correct depth. I have to build a ramp soon as my mother has recently been assigned to a wheel chair. As it is a more permanent condition, I will be building it out of two by sixes and maybe running an additional one in the middle. I caught everything in the video, except how to make the notches the correct depth thanks.

[@pappytinkers]

I had a filming glitch for that part, sorry. I laid the runner where I wanted it, then used a sheet of paper to trace out the step. It took a couple tries and trimming to get it right, but that might have been just me. Once you get the first runner done just copy that to the other. And I would use that friction sand paper tape for extra traction for the wheel chair. Let me know how it works!

[@johndeyoung9230]

@@pappytinkers thanks I will I will be building it within the next week or two when I have a chance

[@pappytinkers]

@@johndeyoung9230 cool! Let me know how it works for you our send me a pic of it when your done!

[@mikesthilaire9807]

great video! hope your wife is getting better by the day!

[@pappytinkers]

Sadly she suffered a brain injury a few months after I built it, that put her recovery way behind, and she still needs it

[@mikesthilaire9807]

@@pappytinkers ill keep her in my prayers! Best of luck to you guys

[@ZalexMusic]

thank you!

[@Mrmel64]

Awesome!

[@deeanna8448]

I have been watching KZbin videos on how to build a ramp for my dog and this was the best one! What size scews did you use? Thank you!

[@pappytinkers]

Thank you!! I used different sized screws for different parts. For the walk on part, 1"1/4 (inch and a1/4) choose course dry wall screws. For the frame and going into the 4*4s I think I used 2 and a 1/4 inch? It's been a couple years now, so I'm not positive. If it's gonna get wet, you might want to use some sandpaper traction tape on it . And remember to pre drill the holes! You can send me a pic on Instagram when you're done!

[@alexs.5295]

Thanks for the video! I'm planning on building a ramp for my dog, how can I ensure the ramp itself doesn't slide around? (It would be a over step from a concrete sunroom floor to the house)

[@pappytinkers]

Mine is wide and heavy enough that it doesn't slide. Anything over 3' wide will probably be the same. Other ways would be to make it so it fits inside the door frame, a small squirt of construction caulk on one end or on the legs. Regular caulk or silicone might be better if it's only the dog using the ramp, and easier to remove.

[@renee2005]

Awesome🥰

[@pappytinkers]

Thank you!

[@docmast4959]

Thank you for sharing this. Question: did you ever consider building the frame and all first before install? I’m just a unskilled person asking. What I see is/ what I’m asking is: does a build like this have to be so custom and specific/build to ?

[@pappytinkers]

It does have to be custom to your steps. Start with a 2x4 and lay it across the steps to make sure the angle is something easy to walk up. You can build it all with just a Jig saw. Instead of using 4x4s for the legs, you can screw '2' 2x4s together, that will be just as strong.

[@katylowe3504]

As an experienced non professional, building it custom in place is necessary. The three steps I’m going to build this on have risers of 4.1”, 4.5” and 4.75” where I’m putting the ramp. This risers were supposed to be identical. The treads also vary and this is on steps professionally poured in concrete. It just wouldn’t fit right unless done in place with careful measurements.

[@tiffanybearden77]

How much weight do you think that will hold?

[@pappytinkers]

I weigh 210, my son about 275, and a fridge. So mine will hold at least 500-600 lbs. I have built a second one that held over an over 800 Lbs motorcycle, but it had a different frame

[@alukie7014]

How thick is the plywood? Did you use pressure-treated. Thanks.

[@pappytinkers]

I used 3/4 plywood, untreated. I thought it would only be needed for 2-3 months, but she has had to use it for 9 months now. Still no issues with the wood, but it is on concrete. It even survived a hurricane!

[@alukie7014]

Thank you for answering my questions.

[@gabrielemanduri2407]

Great video, thanks! A dumb question, if I may: what prevents the ramp from moving? I was thinking the whole thing could slide "down" (as in: away from the steps), become unstable and make a gap appear at the top. Did you screw the frame into the bannister? Sorry if I missed the point in the video where you already explain this 😅 I have very bad connection and I had to jump over some parts of the video that wouldn't load!

[@pappytinkers]

Gabriele, I have not had to attache this ramp to anything. Mine is sitting on concrete, and have not had an issue with it moving. During the 2+ years it's been up, I've moved refrigerators, washer, dryer, and other furniture up and down the ramp without issues. The weight of the ramp is plenty heavy enough to keep it in place during the average storm. However you can always attache to the banister or concrete with some "L" brackets if yours seems to move.

[@gabrielemanduri2407]

Great, thanks!

[@baw1098]

​@@gabrielemanduri2407 I was wondering the same thing and was waiting the whole time to see how he was going to attach it. I'm a home renter and didn't want to screw anything into the concrete steps if I didn't have to. Glad to know that the weight of the ramp (with the notches) will be enough to stabilize it. I'm going to build it today, thanks Pappy and Dakota for this great n easy video!

[@dianefisher8402]

If you happen to live in New Jersey, I would sure love to have your services, we a ramp for my sisters house.

[@pappytinkers]

Sorry Diane, I am about 800 miles away. But remember, Lowes and Home Depot will both cut the plywood the width you need, and many of them rent the other tools you would need. Hope that helps!

[@tacuvo]

That boy’s grandma is probably looking for her shorts. Great video though, thank you.

[@pappytinkers]

Just be glad I didn't add grandma's chicken legs to the video! LOL

[@TheSebastienB]

😂😂😂

[@WilliamStott007]

I’m curious why not put the crossbeams the other way so the 4” side cover more space directly under the plywood?

[@nova31337]

Because that's how support blocking works. If you turn the 2x4 on its wide edge, the board will just flex when weight is applied to the sheet on top, which defeats the purpose.

[@darktoadone5068]

How thick was your plywood? I'm going to try and build one like yours.

[@dougmulle2627]

I used 3/4 inch thick. And it's still going strong. I didn't intend to need it this long but everything seems to last.

[@vegvixxxen829]

Thanks my husband has a disability and he has a wheelchair now and I’m trying to figure stuff out so this has helped so much thanks wil this work for 5 steps?

[@pappytinkers]

That's really going to depend on how steep/tall the steps are. Lay a 2X4 over the steps and look at the angle from the side. Is that something he could roll up and down safely? If yes, then try it. If it looks too steep, then you may need the lengthen it by a couple of feet. But the process is still the same.

[@vegvixxxen829]

@@pappytinkers ok thanks alot

[@fantasiasanchez6827]

Love the video and the song is awesome. Just makes me want to boogie🥰🍻🎼🤙I looked it up but it’s just people readying a cute book lol but my Shazam gave me the name “Dream Big little pig cheaper 2 by kristie yamaguchi” but I was hoping you know the name to look it up on KZbin? I just love the 🎷 sax haha Me and my sister have been planning to build a ramp for her granny dog and this is perfect

[@pappytinkers]

Good luck with the build! The song was something I found on www.freesfx.co.uk/sfx/50s I think this one is called cool dude. Good music while building makes it go faster and much more fun!!

[@corvettew.s.4360]

Thank you so very much I wished your premarking the plywood showed on the video mine was blacked out.

[@pappytinkers]

Every once in a while it seems to do that. I dont know it its something I did or?

[@tandiparent1906]

Do I need to do anything different if it's not going to be on concrete? Thanks

[@pappytinkers]

You might. It depends on if its sand or dirt and how wet it gets. It may be helpful to put a 1 foot square of pressure treated plywood under each leg to prevent sinking. And some of that traction tape might be a good idea as well

[@ashylarry3442]

Music made me feel like I was watching the beginning of a 70s sitcom.

[@pappytinkers]

Hopefully that was a good thing!

[@wabajack8250]

How do you know how big of a notch to put on the 2x4 for the stairs?

[@pappytinkers]

I just eyeballed it, but you can take a piece of notebook paper while it's leaning against the steps and sketch it

[@wabajack8250]

@@pappytinkers thanks for the reply!

[@pappytinkers]

@@wabajack8250 sorry it took so long! I've been making more videos lately and I guess I missed your question when you wrote it

[@knotNyourHead]

How do you measure to know where to cut the notches out?

[@FlutePlayer777]

you lay down the frame and mark it.

[@pappytinkers]

I just laid the 2x4 over where it was going to be and marked it with a pencil

[@bondsfdy]

What did you cut the notches out with?

[@pappytinkers]

@@bondsfdy I used a Jigsaw. A 2x4 is a little thick for jigsaws, but if you go slow it works. Plus I didn't have anything else that would work at the time

[@cherie5454]

Well you can mark where doing that, but how do you judge depth of not notch?

[@paulmullins4676]

I am curious if at the top the ramp surface was flush with the porch or was it raised a bit.I would think that the notching on the 2X4 runner determines this? That would be the place skill level shows. Do you go by trial & error?

[@pappytinkers]

Mine is flush. I measured the top step, then subtracted the 3/4 inch for the thickness of the ramp. Maybe I just got a little lucky on my first attempt LOL

[@rachbloxy6264]

For Surrey or a shed what about a skateboard or bmx or scooter

[@pappytinkers]

Hmm., well skateboard you might have to angle the edge so the wheels dont get stuck. For BMX, it's probably safer than the old slide I used as a kid!

[@wabajack8250]

How did you cut the notch for the stairs

[@dougmulle2627]

I set the 2*4 on the steps to get a good idea of where the notch was needed, then used a jig saw to cut out the wedge. A couple tests to get it right, then transferred that to the other 2*4. It doesn't have to be perfect as long as some of the wedge is sitting on the step. This one is STILL working!

[@wabajack8250]

@@dougmulle2627 nice thanks for the info I want to make one for my dad so he don’t have to walk down steps he has a degenerative spine disorder and won’t let me buy him an actual ramp so fine il make one

[@dougmulle2627]

@@wabajack8250 I'm sorry to hear about your dad! Since the ramp will be in use longer, I would use treated lumber and maybe add some skateboard tape for traction.

[@wabajack8250]

@@dougmulle2627 that’s exactly what I did and I made it longer

[@harrythelocksmith]

what's the length of the 2x4s ?

[@pappytinkers]

I used 8 footers. The 96 inch ones. But that might be different for you depending on how long you need your ramp to be

[@Crackerssouth]

Curious as to the overall cost ?

[@pappytinkers]

It's going to depend on if you use treated wood or not and prices in your area. But plan on 1 4x8 sheet of 3/4 plywood, 1 8 foot 4x4, and 2-3 2x4s plus the screws if you don't already have them. Plan on around $50 bucks or so

[@johnkrystek847]

@@pappytinkers probably triple that price now! 😬

[@pappytinkers]

Yes the cost will vary with how lumber prices are going crazy, so keep an eye out for skids to re purpose. I just finished a garden shed completely out of that!

[@docmast4959]

Thank you

[@strokerace4765]

If that rise is 16 inches the ramp should be 16 feet long

[@Dmonieluv]

@Sroker Ace so 1ft per sq inch? What else would I need to do so it will support about 800 lbs?

[@pappytinkers]

I didn't have that long due to other structures. The ramp extends into a carport with concrete walls

[@pappytinkers]

@@Dmonieluv I have used similar for motorcycles. 2 choices, add another 3/4 plywood top or a couple more legs. More legs will make it a little lighter to move if you need to

[@nameless1763]

​@@Dmonieluv 1 foot length per inch of rise is the ADA requirement so that manual wheelchair users can easily propel themselves up the ramp without strain and down the ramp without safety risk

[@clarkairbase3526]

@ 10:46 video goes blank.. Really good video up until then

[@pappytinkers]

Thank you. Learning how to edit these things was/is more of a pain than building it! LOL

[@nikkitalley1413]

Do you need buliding permit to build ramp

[@pappytinkers]

That is going to depend on local regulations as well as who owns the property. But under most circumstances that I looked up, something like this for temporary needs is fine, especially if for medical reasons. Other places depended on the cost of the project. For me locally, they have no issues, no permits, no problems

[@thomasindler1576]

Any kid, could make a jump' ramp, for his bicycle, / hopefully no one fell trying to walk up a hillbilly slide,

[@pappytinkers]

That's probably why my parents wouldn't let me have any tools as a kid! My old Schwinn sure took a beating back then!

[@johndeyoung9230]

Ok jackass not everyone is a carpenter this video saved my mother from falling again with this straight forward ramp. So I glad he made it.

[@pappytinkers]

@@johndeyoung9230 thank you John, you and your mom are who I made this video for

[@karenspangler1435]

​@@pappytinkers!!