Building a shed ramp can be quite easy. You need to calculate the slope of the ramp. Decide on the foundation for the ramp. Will you attach the ramp to your shed or just let it rest on the shed. Assemble the final ramp and you’re done. Learn more below.
You built your shed and now you need easier access to the shed. Therefore, you need to learn how to build a shed ramp. A ramp for a shed is different than a handicap ramp for a house because the handicap ramp has a different slope by code. However, a shed ramp can be at many different angles but you do not want to build it too steep. If you need the ramp for walking into the shed or for driving a vehicle into the shed makes a difference on the build of your ramp.
How To Build A Shed Ramp – Slope
The first part of building the ramp is getting the slope correctly. This allows one to plan and get the right materials for the building process. Once you get the slope then you need to make sure the ground is level. So you will need to do a little digging to get it level. This is a very important part to the shed ramp, because you do not want your ramp abnormally tilted.
How To Build A Shed Ramp – Foundation
Decide if you want to have a gravel or concrete foundation for the ramp. Furthermore, you may want to just have the ramp lay on the ground. Having it lay on the ground is fine for most ramps but not good if you are driving equipment on the ramp. Heavy equipment can prevent the ramp from being level and drive the edges further into the ground if not on a secure foundation. Therefore, you need to make sure you have a gravel or concrete foundation for your ramp if you are using equipment.
How To Build A Shed Ramp – To Attach Or Not?
Now that you have the slope and the foundation done you can start the building process. This is relatively simple but you first have to decide how you want your ramp attached to your shed. You can actually have it attached to the door opening or you can build the shed ramp and place it at the opening not attached. Which way you decide depends on the purpose of your ramp. If it is for a walking slope then you can get by with building a ramp and placing it at the doorway. However, if you are driving equipment on the ramp, then it is recommended to attach it to the building for stability.
How To Build A Shed Ramp – Put It Together
Cut your frame with the right angles from the slope calculations above. Make sure the framing is not too far apart or the boards on top may sag over time. Therefore, 12-16″ framing is appropriate for most shed ramps. Once the framing is in place then attach the top boards to the frame. You may also want to attach a no slip cover on the ramp for safety. This will help heavy equipment tires with gripping the ramp for ease of entry and less slippage.
How To Build A Shed Ramp – Conclusion
Now that you found a great set of shed plans and you built your shed you need to build the shed ramp. Keep the above tips in mind as you build your ramp. Get the slope, level the ground, and figure out your foundation. Then build your ramp and decide whether to attach it to the shed or not. Add a nonslip cover to the ramp for safety and ease of equipment driving up the slope. Don’t make it too difficult.
I hope this helps,
JB
