15 DIY Pet Stairs, Ramps, & Steps You Can Build Today (With Pictures)

Pet ramps or stairs allow older pets easier access to different parts of your home. Some pets struggle to climb onto the bed, sofa, or car, and ramps and steps are the best way to help them avoid pain or injuries. Pre-made pet stairs and ramps are expensive and fairly unsteady, and it can be difficult to find the right size for your needs.

Building your own pet stairs and ramps can solve these problems because they are inexpensive, they can be built to your exact specifications, and it’s a fun and easy weekend project. We scoured the internet to find the best pet stair, ramp, and step ideas for you to try out.

The 15 DIY Pet Stairs, Ramps, & Steps Plans

1. Simple DIY Wood Steps by Ana White

If you are woodworking inclined, these steps are a great permanent option. The design is so simple to make that even woodworking novices can build the steps without much trouble at all! A few 2x4s, a dozen screws, and sandpaper are all you need to make a great-looking set of steps for your pup!

2. DIY Crate Pet Steps by Ikeahackers

If you have any wood or plastic crates lying around, they can easily be repurposed into functional pet steps. Simply stacking a few together and adding cushioning makes a great set of steps and provides valuable storage space. Plus, you’ll finally have a use for those crates!

3. Collapsible DIY Dog Ramp from Family Handyman

Most pet stairs and ramps have the added problem of storage. They are typically bulky, oddly shaped, and difficult to store. This collapsible dog ramp solves that issue by collapsing, making it easy to keep under the bed. It may involve slightly more involved carpentry with the hinges, but the result is worth it!

4. Quick & Easy DIY Dog Ramp by Kolchak Puggle

This simple dog ramp can be built quickly and easily with items already lying around the home. Two simple pieces of flat wood, a chain or string to act as a hinge, and grippy carpeting are all that’s needed. Plus, the ramp folds flat for easy storage.

5. Compact DIY Kennel Steps by Baby to Boomer

Another step-and-kennel combination design, these pet steps are easy to build. The kennel is located underneath the steps to provide more space and make the steps easier to build.

6. DIY Storage Ramp from HGTV

Do you need extra storage space along with a ramp for your pet? This project is ideal since it combines various sizes of storage and shelving with a carpeted ramp for your pet. The ramp is easy and inexpensive to build and is the perfect way to reduce clutter while allowing your beloved pet access to a cozy bed! The storage space can also double as extra kennel space for your pet to snooze.

7. Inexpensive & Simple DIY Wooden Dog Stairs by Family Handyman

Family Handyman does a great job of explaining everything you need to know and do for each of their projects, and this simple wooden dog stairs guide is no exception. The stairs do not have advanced features, but they’re simple to build and get the job done.

The guide doesn’t walk you through painting or decorations, but with a simple wood finish, you can customize the final appearance however you’d like to match the rest of the décor in your home.

8. DIY Under the Bed Pet Stairs by Do It Yourself Furniture

If your dog likes to hang out in your bed but struggles to get up and down, building these collapsible stairs using the guide from Do-It-Yourself Furniture is a great idea. When you’re not using them, they fold down flat and fit underneath the bed so they don’t get in the way.

9. DIY Scrap Wood Dog Stairs by Instructables

Do you have scrap wood hanging out in your basement, garage, or shed? If so, this DIY dog stair guide from Instructables is for you! It involves repurposing the wood you already have into simple dog stairs your pup can use in various settings.

Whether they need help getting in and out of bed or up and down somewhere else, these stairs are a great choice that you can build without breaking the bank.

10. Simple DIY Dog Steps by Live Laugh Rowe

For elegant households that need dog stairs, this design from Live Laugh Rowe is outstanding. It’s ideal for amateur crafters since it is so simple to build.

If you follow this guide from Live Laugh Rowe, you should be able to complete the project in just a few hours, giving your pup new stairs to use in no time.

11. Easy Cardboard DIY Pet Stairs from Mild Mile

We have some concerns about the durability of these cardboard pet stairs, but there’s no denying that the design from Mild Mile is pretty cool! It’s also an inexpensive project; just don’t expect the stairs to handle the weight of larger dogs.

But this is a fun little project you can knock out in a few hours for small pups that need stairs in an indoor setting.

12. Inexpensive DIY Doggie Ramp by Instructables

If you’re looking for something other than stairs and don’t want to spend much, this guide from Instructables is exactly what you’re looking for. The plan converts simple and inexpensive wire shelves into a ramp that’s durable, lightweight, and reliable.

It’s the perfect solution that can save you a big chunk of change and it shouldn’t take you long to complete the project!

13. DIY Wood Dog Ramp by Fox and Brie

This is another DIY dog ramp you can build in a few hours. It uses a wooden frame with slats throughout to help your pup keep their balance and navigate the ramp. While it’s not the cheapest option, it works great for indoor and outdoor settings.

14. DIY Dog Ramp with Carpet by Pretty DIY Home

If you think your pup needs more traction when walking up and down the dog ramp, this DIY guide from Pretty DIY Home walks you through everything you need to know to build a dog ramp that includes carpeting for your pup.

Since you get to pick out the carpet yourself, you can select a color and pattern that matches your interior design! This ramp works great for indoor and outdoor applications.

15. Simple & Inexpensive DIY Dog Stairs by Build-Basic

These dog stairs from Build-Basic are an outstanding combination of simplicity and value. They’re a great weekend project that even the most inexperienced woodworkers can handle. Build-Basic claims it only takes about 3 hours to make, so it’s an easy Saturday morning project that your pup can enjoy for years!

Conclusion

Building your own stairs, ramp, and steps for your beloved pup does not need to be expensive or complicated, and there are designs to suit every level of DIY expertise. From simple cardboard box steps to complicated storage ramps, any of the previous plans will allow your pet access to the bed, sofa, or car, and you can add extra storage space!

See Also:

• Awesome DIY Cat Stair Plans You Can Make Today (with Pictures)
• How to Train Your Dog to Use a Dog Ramp (6 Tips)

Featured Image Credit: Masarik, Shutterstock