DIY Network

Doggie Dock Ramp From "Barkitecture" episode DBAR-206

Dogs should have easy access to the water, too! So with that in mind, the Barkitecture crew gets busy on a doggie dock ramp!

advertisement

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F
	Figure G

Materials:

pressure-treated, marine grade lumber (2x6, 2x4, drop piece of plywood)
chop saw
bolts
speed square
2-1/2" deck screws
sheet of marine grade plywood (look for scrap pieces)
circular saw
drill
waterproof, self-adhesive grip tape
tread strips
used wakeboard

Doggie Dock Ramp

1. Start by cutting 2x6s with a chop saw (figure A). Cut two 28" pieces and one 12-1/2" piece that will be bolted to the dock to form the back of the ramp. Now, take a 2x4 and cut a 24" stretcher to go across the bottom of the back of the ramp, then go ahead and cut the two 64-1/2" long pieces for the bottom of the triangular frame. Then, to support the plywood ramp, cut 2x4 stretchers for underneath the ramp.

2. Use a speed square to calculate the angle for the end of the frame by subtracting the angle you want (25 degrees) from 90. Then, use the chop saw to cut the ends at a 25 degree pitch to allow the ramp to lay flat. You are ready to screw the frame together using 2-1/2" deck screws and a cordless drill (figure B).

3. With the frame assembled; cut marine-grade plywood to size for the top of the ramp. Cut the plywood to 24" wide and 6' long using a circular saw. Apply three strips of self-adhesive grip tape down the length of the ramp (figure C), then nail on tread strips made from scrap wood to provide even more traction for your dog. The frame can now be attached to the dock (figure D).

4. Do not attach the ramp to the frame yet, you want to be sure you can access the frame when attaching it to the dock. Drill deck screws almost all the way through to the edge of the back of the frame, so that when you put it in the water you can quickly finish driving the screws into the dock (figure E). Once the frame is attached, attach the ramp securely using more screws (figure F).

5. To create a portable ramp for your boat, use a wakeboard (figure G). Standard tie-downs attach to the end of the board, loop under the ski platform, and attach to the toe-hooks on the back of the boat. Remove the bindings on the wakeboard, add self-adhesive grip tape and the portable ramp is complete.

RESOURCES :

Young-Williams Animal Center
Website: www.knoxpets.org

The American Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)
Website: www.aspca.org

Petfinder.com
Website: www.petfinder.com