| Nursery, Childproofing and Repair Odds and Ends: Dog Ramp and Safety Gate |
From "Help on the Homefront"
episode DHHF-105 |
|
|
|
advertisement
|
The family dog, Macy (figure A), is getting older and isn't able to get up and down steps well. The DIY crew will build a nice ramp off the deck, in addition to a safety gate that will keep Jacob from crawling off the deck. - Use a shovel to dig out the dirt from around the base of the handrails, then use a reciprocating saw to cut the rails at the posts.
- Mark the cut angle on 4 x 6 lumber for the main joist using a speed square. Use a circular saw to cut the three joists.
- Dig out a shallow hole at the base of the ramp, and insert a two by eight section of pressure treated lumber, the same width as the ramp to create a landing board.
- Install a 2 x 4 piece of lumber at the top of the ramp as a ledger board (figure B). Mark the mortar joints and nail in the ledger board, using masonry nails.
- Mark and cut the bottom ends of the joists, so that they will be flush at ground level. Level and shim the joists if necessary.
- Cut the first 1 x 6 pressure-treated decking lumber to width, and install at the top of the ramp with galvanized decking nails. Repeat this process all the way to the base of the ramp.
- Use a chalk box (figure C) to create a straight cut line at both edges of the ramp, and then cut to length using a circular saw.
- Cut the angles, and detail as desired into the 4 x 4 lumber to match the existing deck.
- Dig postholes with a posthole digger, and then notch out an area corresponding to the width of the ramp in post lumber.
- Drill and countersink heavy-duty lag screws through posts into the ramp joists for a secure fit. Use an adjustable wrench to tighten down the screws.
- Cut handrails to length out of 2x4 pressure-treated lumber, and then attach to posts with galvanized nails.
- The balusters should be cut to length with a circular saw from two by two inch pressure treated lumber, and then fastened into position with galvanized nails at 4" intervals.
Safety Gate - Cut 2 x 4 pressure-treated lumber to length, using a circular saw.
- Use a router or dado blade on a band saw to create rabbets (figure D) at the ends of the lumber for strength and support. Add wood glue, and then drive galvanized wood screws into the ends with a screw gun.
- Cut a 2 x 4 angle brace to length with a circular saw, and then cut the ends at a 45-degree angle. Add wood glue and drive galvanized wood screws into the ends with a screw gun.
- Install 2 x 2 balusters to match the existing deck.
- Attach heavy-duty galvanized hinges, and then secure the latch with wood screws using a screw gun. Attach to support posts on deck.
RESOURCES :
Benson Builders, Inc.
Painting, designing and contracting
Benson Builders, Inc.
Virginia Beach, VA 23454
Phone: 757-496-9614
Fax: 757-496-3712
Email: jim@bensonbuilders.com
Website: www.bensonbuilders.com
| 
)
)
)
)
