6 Sheep Barn Ramp Materials That Old-Time Shepherds Recommend

Watching a nervous ewe balk at a steep, slick ramp is a frustrating sight for any shepherd. One slip can cause a lasting injury or simply make the entire flock distrust that pathway forever. The right ramp surface isn’t just about convenience; it’s a critical part of low-stress livestock handling and animal safety.

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Selecting a Safe and Sturdy Sheep Ramp Surface

The best ramp surface gives a sheep confidence with every step. Their small hooves need a material they can dig into, providing undeniable traction whether it’s dry, damp, or a bit mucky. A slick surface is an invitation for injury, leading to sprains, breaks, or falls that can harm a pregnant ewe.

Think about three key factors: grip, durability, and drainage. A material must hold up to hundreds of pounds of moving sheep and the harshness of the weather. It also needs to handle rain and manure without turning into a slippery mess.

Some materials excel in one area but fail in another. Plywood is cheap but won’t last long exposed to the elements without treatment and reinforcement. Concrete is permanent but requires significant upfront work and cost. Your choice depends on the ramp’s slope, its exposure to weather, and how much time you can dedicate to its upkeep.

Rough-Sawn Lumber for Natural Hoof Traction

There’s a reason old barns are full of rough-cut wood. Unlike smooth, planed lumber from a big-box store, rough-sawn planks have a fibrous, uneven surface that a hoof can really grab onto. This natural texture provides excellent grip, especially when dry.

For a simple ramp, spacing these boards a finger-width apart can improve footing and allow some debris to fall through. Use thick, solid wood like oak or treated pine for longevity. The main drawback is that, over time, a shaded or constantly damp wood ramp can develop a slick layer of algae. A stiff brushing or a bit of sun is the best remedy.

Adding Wood Cleats to Plywood for Secure Footing

A sheet of plywood is a tempting, inexpensive starting point for a ramp, but on its own, it’s dangerously slick, especially when wet. The classic solution is to add cleats—thin strips of wood screwed horizontally across the ramp’s surface. This gives the sheep a series of small "steps" to push against as they climb.

The key is proper spacing. Cleats should be about 8 inches apart for a standard ramp, allowing a sheep to get a secure footing with each step. Make them from 1×2 lumber and use quality deck screws to attach them securely. The biggest weakness of this system is the plywood itself; use only pressure-treated or marine-grade plywood to prevent it from delaminating and rotting away after a few seasons of rain and muck.

Using Metal Grates for Grip and Self-Cleaning

For a durable and low-maintenance option, nothing beats expanded metal grating. This material offers exceptional traction in all conditions—ice, mud, and manure are no match for it. The open design is its greatest feature, as droppings and dirt fall right through, keeping the walking surface clean and dry.

This isn’t a place to use flimsy mesh. You need a heavy-gauge, non-slip grating, often sold as "traction tread" or livestock flooring. While the upfront cost is higher than wood, a galvanized steel grate will likely outlast the rest of the barn. The primary consideration is ensuring the openings are not large enough to trap a lamb’s foot, so choose your pattern carefully.

Poured Concrete with a Textured Broom Finish

A concrete ramp is the definition of a permanent solution. When you’re building a new barn or have a high-traffic area, pouring a concrete ramp provides unmatched durability and is incredibly easy to clean with a pressure washer or a stiff broom. It will never rot, warp, or break under the weight of your flock.

The most critical step is the finish. While the concrete is still wet, it must be dragged with a stiff broom to create a rough, grooved texture. A smooth trowel finish on a concrete ramp is an accident waiting to happen, becoming as slippery as ice when wet. This "broom finish" provides the essential grip that makes the ramp safe for livestock.

Compacted Earth and Gravel for a Natural Incline

Sometimes the best ramp isn’t a structure at all, but a well-built grade. For small rises, like leading into a barn with a slightly elevated foundation, a ramp made of compacted earth and topped with gravel is a natural and effective choice. Sheep are very comfortable on this type of surface, as it feels just like the pasture.

Building it correctly is crucial to prevent it from washing away in the first heavy rain. Start with a base of larger crushed stone, build up with compacted soil or road base, and top it with a layer of smaller, angular gravel that will lock together. The slope must be gentle, and you’ll need to ensure water can drain away from the barn’s foundation. It’s a solution that works with nature, not against it.

Recycled Rubber Matting for Cushion and Grip

Heavy-duty rubber matting offers the best of several worlds: it’s grippy, cushioned, and non-absorbent. Old-timers might have used scraps of conveyor belts, but today’s heavy stall mats work perfectly. The textured surface provides secure footing, while the rubber itself offers a bit of give, which is easier on the animals’ joints.

Rubber matting isn’t a standalone structure; it must be laid over a solid base, like a wood or concrete ramp. Secure it firmly with battens or screws and washers along the edges to prevent it from shifting or curling up. Its non-porous surface makes it simple to scrape or hose clean, preventing the buildup of filth that can lead to hoof problems.

Maintaining Your Ramp for Long-Term Flock Safety

A ramp isn’t a "set it and forget it" project. No matter the material, regular inspection is essential for keeping your flock safe year after year. A little bit of preventative maintenance saves you from having to deal with a lame sheep or a collapsed ramp during a storm.

For wood ramps, check annually for soft spots that indicate rot and hammer down any popped nails or tighten loose screws on cleats. For earthen ramps, be prepared to add more gravel to low spots after heavy rains. Concrete and metal are low-maintenance, but you should still check for cracks or bent sections that could pose a hazard.

Ultimately, the safety of the ramp is your responsibility. Before you move animals, walk the ramp yourself. If you feel unsteady or see a potential problem, you can be sure your sheep will, too.

The best ramp material is one that instills confidence in your flock, holds up to your climate, and fits your budget and building skills. By focusing on non-slip traction and long-term durability, you create a safe and stress-free path for your animals, making chore time easier for everyone.