How to Build a Ramp

A ramp is very simply any inclined surface that is used to travel between a lower point and a higher one. It is one of the simplest machines, the inclined surface making it easier to travel to the higher point much easier than when it is done vertically. To build a ramp, you only need simple materials as follows:

• Wood,
• Nails and screws
• Pink foam
• Carpet samples
• Bricks and a gutter
• Rubber treads and masking tape
• Black colored PVC

The tools used to complete this project are as varied as the materials. A good posthole digger, tape measure, tin snips, claw and framing hammer, caulking gun screwdrivers hand saw and hacksaw, staple gun and chisel.

Step one:

Check your local building codes before starting construction. Measure the ground to get the length of the materials needed. For every inch of elevation, 1`will ne needed. Square the landing 5`on either side with batter boards. After measuring one, place the ramp edges with the help of the batter boards. To make a perfect triangle you will have to use the 3 4 5 triangle principle to square and level the positions of for the ramp.

Step two:

Now create a solid base for the ramp by digging in about 3¨into the ground. You can place the post locations using the masking tape or a plum bob, if you have one, and some powdered chalk to transfer the marks to the post. Once this is done, make your post holes 6” deep before retying the lines indicating the exterior post faces.

Step three:

Now that the ramp is set up, fill the tubes with concrete. Use premixed concrete for the best results and make sure that all of the air bubbles are eliminated. Let the posts dry for about two days before beginning to work again.

Step four:

Once everything that you need is set up, cut some crossbeams in the same length as the exterior faces. Make some holes for the bolts on the beam. Use your washers to make sure it is firmly secured. Reinforce the landing joists with the running joists, making sure that the landing joists are laid out and cut to fit exactly in the sides between the posts. Test your ramp by stepping on it and doing a few trial shakes.

Building a ramp doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult.