Dog ramp garden in Exeter
Professional dog ramp garden services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£85-£160
Typical Duration
1.5-3 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Garden ramp built for older dogs to access steps, decking, or level changes. Safe gradient, non-slip surface, weatherproof construction - keeping your dog mobile and independent.
When Garden Steps Become a Problem
Older dogs with arthritis or mobility issues struggle with steps. Even small level changes hurt their joints. A proper ramp means they can still get outside independently - no carrying, no struggling, no pain.
💡 Pro tip: Install ramps before your dog stops going outside altogether. Many older dogs avoid the garden because steps hurt - they just won't tell you that's why.
Why Professional Construction Matters
Garden ramps need to be safe, stable, and weatherproof. DIY ramps often end up too steep, wobbly, or slippery - so dogs won't use them.
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ Done Wrong |
|---|---|
| Gradient suitable for dog's ability | Too steep - dog can't manage it |
| Proper non-slip surface | Slippery when wet - dangerous |
| Secured firmly to ground/deck | Wobbles when dog walks on - scary |
| Weatherproof treated timber | Rots within a year, becomes unsafe |
What You Get
🔧 The Full Service
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Measure | Check height difference, plan safe gradient |
| Build | Construct timber ramp with proper support |
| Surface | Apply non-slip surface material |
| Secure | Fix firmly in place - no wobbles |
📦 You're Left With
- Safe garden ramp at correct gradient
- Non-slip surface even when wet
- Weatherproof treated timber
- Older dog can access garden independently
Pricing Guide
| Ramp Type | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Small (1-2 steps, simple) | 1.5-2 hrs | £85-£110 |
| Medium (3-4 steps or decking) | 2-2.5 hrs | £110-£135 |
| Large (long run or complex) | 2.5-3 hrs | £135-£160 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Plus materials (typically £30-£80 depending on size).
Perfect For Your Dog If...
✅ Arthritis or joint problems - steps cause pain
✅ Back/hip issues - can't jump or climb
✅ Aging - mobility declining but still wants outside
✅ Post-surgery - needs gentle access during recovery
Why Choose Us for Dog ramp garden in Exeter?
Built to safe gradient for your dog's size
Non-slip surface throughout
Secured properly - won't move
Weatherproof construction
What to Expect
Step 1: Assess & Plan
I'll measure the height difference, check how much space we have for run length, and calculate the safe gradient for your dog's size and mobility level.
Step 2: Build the Ramp
Treated timber frame built strong and level. Supports underneath so it doesn't flex. Edges to stop paws slipping off sides.
Step 3: Surface & Secure
Non-slip surface material applied (usually exterior grade rubber matting or decking grip strips). Whole thing secured firmly - either fixed to decking/steps or anchored to ground.
🔧 DIY Tips
Want to build a dog ramp yourself? Here's how to do it safely:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- Saw for cutting timber
- Drill with wood bits and screws
- Spirit level
- Tape measure
- Outdoor wood treatment/paint
- Non-slip matting or grip strips
📏 Planning the gradient
- Measure height difference (step height or deck height)
- Calculate ramp length: height × 3 minimum (height × 4 or 5 for older dogs)
- Check you have space - if not, might need switchback design
- Example: 40cm step needs 120-160cm ramp length
🔨 Building solid
- Frame: Use 2x4" treated timber for structure
- Supports: Every 60cm along length minimum
- Surface: Marine ply or decking boards screwed down
- Edges: 2" upstand each side stops paws slipping off
- Fixings: Stainless or galvanized screws (won't rust)
🌧️ Weatherproofing
- Use pressure-treated timber throughout
- External wood stain or paint for protection
- Make sure water drains OFF the ramp, not onto it
- Check fixings annually - outdoor timber moves
🐾 Non-slip surface options
- Exterior rubber matting (glue down properly)
- Decking grip strips screwed at regular intervals
- Outdoor carpet tiles (drain well, good grip)
- Coarse grit mixed into exterior paint (budget option)
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Too steep (dog can't manage it or won't try)
- No edges (paws slip off sides - scary)
- Wobbly construction (dog loses confidence)
- Slippery surface (dangerous when wet)
- Not secured properly (moves when used)
💡 Pro trick: Before building, use a plank propped at different angles to see what gradient your dog can comfortably manage. Saves building a ramp they won't use because it's too steep.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🐕 Gradient matters more than you think: A ramp that's too steep is worse than useless - your dog won't use it and you've wasted money and garden space. Always err on the gentler side.
Space considerations:
- Straight ramps need length (3-5× the height)
- Switchback/L-shaped ramps save space but are harder to build
- Some gardens just don't have room - steps might need modifying instead
Surface choices:
- Rubber matting: Best grip, even when wet
- Decking strips: Good grip, matches decking aesthetic
- Outdoor carpet: Comfortable for paws but check drainage
- Plain timber: Not enough - needs treatment for grip
Training your dog:
- Even with a ramp, some dogs need encouragement to use it
- Treats and patience - walk them up slowly at first
- Never force them - builds fear
- Some dogs take to it immediately, others need days
Maintenance: Check annually for:
- Loose fixings (tighten them)
- Rotten timber (replace sections)
- Worn non-slip surface (repair or replace)
- Stability (still firmly attached?)
Alternatives if space is tight:
- Portable ramps (less secure but flexible)
- Steps with very shallow rise (better than nothing)
- Modify existing steps to lower rise
- Rehome dog to single-level house (last resort, obviously)
Multiple level changes? If your dog needs ramps at several points in the garden, we can do them all in one visit - saves on the callout fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of garden ramps can you build?
Simple timber ramps over steps (most common), longer ramps from patio down to lawn, access onto decking, or over small retaining walls. Basically anywhere your dog struggles with a level change. I'll design the right gradient for your dog's size and confidence.
How steep can the ramp be?
Depends on your dog. General rule is 1:3 ratio maximum (goes up 1 for every 3 along). So for a 30cm step, you need roughly 90cm ramp length. Older or nervous dogs need gentler - sometimes 1:4 or 1:5. Too steep and they won't use it.
Do I need to provide materials?
I can supply everything - treated timber, non-slip surface material, fixings. Or if you've already bought specific materials, I'll work with those. Either way, I'll make sure it's built safe and weatherproof.
Will it look terrible in my garden?
Not if it's done properly. I use treated timber that can be stained or painted to match your decking/fences. Keeps it neat and blends in. Purely functional ramps don't have to be ugly - just depends on the finish.
Can you make it removable or fold-away?
For smaller ramps, yes - hinged design that folds up when not needed. Larger/longer ramps need to be fixed in place for stability. I'll advise what's practical for your specific situation.
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