Ridge waveguides have been fabricated in Nd:YAG ceramics by using ion irradiation and precise diamond blade dicing. The dependences of the waveguide attenuations and the maximum waveguide laser output powers at 1064 nm on the widths of the ridges have been investigated. Efficient waveguide lasers at 1064 nm have been realized through optical pumping at 808 nm. The maximum ridge waveguide laser power is ~130 mW with a slope efficiency as high as ~43%.