How to Make a Ramp Out of Wood
Whether you are making an entrance to a deck, or something to help make a handicapped person's day run more smoothly, a ramp can be a very helpful tool. You do not need to be a professional carpenter to make a solid and safe ramp. Hiring someone to come out and build a simple wooden ramp is a meaningless expenditure. You can learn to build one yourself by following this easy step-by-step guide.
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Things You'll Need
- 5 piece of 2-by-8 wood Sheet of plywood Miter saw Hammer and nails Tape measure Pencil
Instructions
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1
Measure how large a ramp you will need by calculating the height, from the ground, of the surface to which you will be connecting the ramp.
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2
Use your miter saw to cut three of the two-by-eights to the correct height for the ramp.
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3
Cut all three pieces of two-by-eights from Step 2, lengthwise, at a 45-degree angle. The miter saw's base will have adjustable markings to denote where 45 degrees is.
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4
Measure the width of the opening you would like the ramp to cover.
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5
Cut one of the two-by-eights the correct width that was measured in Step 3. This will be the back support for the ramp.
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6
Nail one of the 45-degree angled two-by-eights at each end of the ramp support from Step 5. The third 45-degree angled two-by-eight will be nailed directly in the center of the ramp support.
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7
Measure the distance between the two openings created by the three 45-degree angled two-by-eights being nailed to the back ramp support.
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8
Cut the remaining two-by-eight so you have two pieces of wood, the exact measurement you just calculated in Step 7.
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9
Nail the two support beams in place by putting them between the three 45-degree angled two-by-eights.
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10
Measure the length and width of the ramp frame that you have created up to this point. This is the top of the ramp where the face will be laid.
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11
Cut the piece of plywood to the exact measurements that were calculated in Step 10.
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12
Nail down the plywood to the top of the ramp frame. Use one nail, spaced evenly apart, about every three inches. This does not have to be exact, just eyeball it and nail it down so the plywood top does not move out of place.
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Tips & Warnings
Measure twice and cut once.
