How to Make Ramp Stairs Inside Garage

Add a wheelchair ramp to your garage to make it easily accessible for those who may be wheelchair-bound.

Tony Hawk is the most recognizable name in the skateboarding world. He uses a simple inclined plane, known as a ramp, in the execution of his tricks. The use of ramps isn’t restricted to skateboarders. In your home, a ramp placed over garage stairs allows you to move things in and out of your home without lifting, gives your children a place to race their toy cars and trucks, and offers safe and easy access to your home for wheelchair-bound loved ones. Making a custom ramp is an inexpensive project you can complete in an afternoon.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• 84-by-38-by-1 1/4-inch plywood
• Circular saw
• Medium-grit sandpaper
• 7-by-4-by-4-inch posts, 2
• Protractor
• Wood glue
• Hammer
• 4-inch nails, 2

Instructions

1. Measure from the top of the doorjamb to the ground using a measuring tape. Record the measurement in inches. Multiply the total by 12 to determine the rise of the steps. In this example, the top of the doorjamb measures 7 inches tall, so the rise is 84 inches.

2. Cut a piece of plywood measuring 84-by-38-by-1 1/4 inches using a circular saw. Doorjamb widths may vary, starting at 30 inches. In this example, the width is 34 inches. Sand the edges of the plywood with medium-grit sandpaper. Paint or stain the wood as desired. Let the plywood dry overnight.

3. Cut two 7-by-4-by-4-inch posts to support the top of the ramp. Cut one end of each post at an angle of 8 degrees. Place a protractor against the end of the post to determine the correct angle. Sand the cut edge with medium-grit sandpaper.

4. Place the two posts on the ground spaced 38 inches apart with the angled edges up and facing the same direction. Apply a thin layer of wood glue to the angled edges of the posts. Rest the plywood piece on the posts. Ensure the edges of the plywood are square with the edges of the posts. Hammer one 4-inch nail through the top of the plywood into the center top of each post to secure it.

5. Place the ramp over the steps with the posts flush against the garage wall and the ramp bottom resting on the ground.

Tips & Warnings

• If your doorjamb varies in size, adjust your measurements accordingly.

• Ensure you have enough room at the bottom of the ramp for a wheelchair to turn around.

• In the event that there is not enough room on either side of the garage steps to place a post to support the ramp, cut the posts the height of the step below the doorjamb, and the ramp width the same as the doorjamb’s width. Once the posts are attached, rest the posts on the first step below the doorjamb.

• For added safety, cut two 1-by-1-inch strips of wood, the same length as the plywood. Place the strips on either side of the ramp to act as a small railing.

References

• United States Access Board: Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS)
• U.S. Department of Justice ADA: Title III Regulation 28 CFR Part 36