How to Build a Ramp Leading to the Front Door for Walker Access

Set out four 2-by-4-by-90-inch boards parallel to each other on the working surface with their wider surfaces facing down. Arrange the boards about 8 inches apart from one another so that the distance from side to side of these boards is 36 inches or less. Consider these boards the support boards.

Put a 3/4-by-36-by-96-inch plywood sheet on top of these boards, evenly spaced so that an equal amount of the board sticks over each end of the support boards and along the sides as well. Drill holes through the plywood board every 16 inches into the support boards. Place 2-inch galvanized wood screws in all the holes and tighten them securely to attach the plywood sheet to the support boards.

Flip the ramp upside down and slide a 2-by-4-by-36-inch board against one end of the support boards so that its widest surface is touching the end of the support boards. Position its long, thin surface so it touches the plywood sheet. Drill two holes through this board, which is the stair support board, and into the ends of each of the support boards. Secure the board to the support boards with 2-inch galvanized wood screws fastened through the holes.

Flip the ramp over and drill holes every 8 inches through the plywood sheet and into the stair attachment board. Fasten it into place with 2-inch galvanized wood screws.

Set the ramp against the stair, with the stair support board flush against the front face of the top step. Drill holes through the stair support board into the front surface of the stair if you intend to make the ramp permanent. Drill 4-inch galvanized wood screws in the holes to attach the ramp to the steps.

Spread a 1/8-by-6-by-36-inch rubber strip evenly across the plywood board and the top surface of the step. Staple the rubber to the ramp every 4 inches using galvanized staples. Staple the rubber to the top surface of the step if installing the ramp permanently.