How do I Make a Utility Shed Ramp?

Utility sheds are one of the most common outdoor buildings. They are often used to store heavy equipment and machinery, so a ramp is an essential addition. With a sturdy ramp, moving lawn mowers, wheelbarrows and other heavy objects in and out of the shed is much easier and safer. Build ramps of good-quality materials because they will have to bear large amounts of weight while being subject to weathering.

Measuring tape
2-by-6-inch pressure-treated lumber
Circular saw or jigsaw
Drill with screwdriver bit
2-inch galvanized wood screws
Chalk line
4 pieces of 2-by-12-inch pressure-treated lumber
3/8-inch plywood

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the width of the shed's doorway and add 6 inches. Cut the 2-by-6-inch lumber to this measurement with your saw.
- 2
  Screw the board onto the shed so that its top edge is 1/2 inch below the bottom of the doorway and the center of the board is centered in the doorway. Drive screws every 6 inches, using your drill.
- 3
  Measure the height between the ground and the bottom of the doorway. The sides of the ramp should be at least four times this measurement, longer if a more gentle grade is desired. The steepest slope for a public ramp is 12 inches of length for every 1 inch of height. Many private builders suggest a slope 8 inches in height per 1 inch of length. Cut the four two-by-12 boards to the length you prefer.
- 4
  Place a 2-by-12-inch board against the 2-by-6-inch board. Run a chalk line from the point where the two-by-12 meets the two-by-six, to the opposite end of the board's bottom corner, creating an angled line. Snap the chalk line hard enough to leave a solid mark for cutting. Repeat this will all four two-by-12s. Cut them along the chalk lines with your saw.
- 5
  Screw the two-by-12s into the two-by-six with 2-inch galvanized wood screws. Divide the length of the two-by-six by 3. Place one two-by-12 at each end of the board. Place another at 1/3 of the board's length and the fourth at 2/3 of the length.
- 6
  Mark a large square on the plywood. The width of the square will be the width of the two-by-six. The length of the square is the measurement of the two-by-12 along its angled, cut side. Cut out the square of plywood with your saw. Set the square on the two-by-12s so the edge is flush against the wall of the shed. Screw the plywood into the two-by-six and the two-by-12s with 2-inch galvanized screws.

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Walkways