How to Build a Sturdy Wooden Ramp
- 1). Measure the distance from the landing to the ground to determine the rise of the ramp. This measurement will also determine the length of the ramp in accordance with ADA guidelines.
- 2). Sketch out the blueprints for the wooden ramp and decide on the layout that best fits your needs. The ramp need not be straight from the landing to the ground if there is not enough room. Consider an L- or U-shaped ramp or a series of switchbacks depending on the space with which you have to work.
- 3). Fasten carpenter's string to the landing using 16d nails temporarily. Put a stake at the planned end of the ramp and stretch the string to the stake at ground level. Do this for both sides of the proposed ramp.
- 4). Dig a post hole every 4 feet along the carpenter's string, 3 feet deep. Dig another set of post holes parallel to the others 36 inches to the side.
- 5). Use 4-inch-by-4-inch posts for vertical supports and set them in the holes. Tamp down the dirt around the posts using a tamping bar. Cut off the posts level with the string using a reciprocating saw. Remove carpenter's string and the stake.
- 6). Nail 2-inch-by-8-inch boards on the sides of the posts flush with the tops. Theses boards should extend from the landing to the ground.
- 7). Nail 2-inch-by-6-inch boards across the boards nailed to the supports posts. These are positioned across the width of the ramp and measure 40 inches. Continue this process from the landing to the ground.
- 8). Attach a 2-inch-by-4-inch board on top of the ramp decking boards installed in the previous step on each edge with 16d nails to form a lip on the edges of the ramp. Attach a 2-inch-by-4-inch upright that measures 36 inches long, every 3 feet on each side of the ramp lip using 16d nails.
- 9). Nail a 2-inch-by-4-inch board to the top of the uprights using 16d nails to create a handrail.
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