Long Ramps

 If you have an elevated shed, you've probably found that you need a Shed Ramp. This is a definite necessity if you own a riding lawnmower. However, the ones at the store can be expensive. Metallic surfaces can be slippery when wet. Making your own is much cheaper, as well as a lot easier than you might think!

It is important to determine how much wood you will need before you begin building a shed ramp. To calculate how long the ramp should be, measure how high off the ground your shed is. It is best to have the ramp incline upward at no more than 3 inches per foot. So if your shed is six inches off the ground, you need a two-foot-long ramp.

                                                                                 Ramp Store

There will be a lot of issues if your ramp is steeper than this. First, the ramp will become slippery when wet or icy. A ramp that is too steep is only going to make your lawnmower slide down it again. Second, a steeper ramp will grind against the blades of your mower. In addition to damaging your lawnmower, this could damage your ramp as well.

The next step you need to take is to figure out how wide you want your ramp to be. In order to give you a little room on either side, it should be about 1 foot wider than your Long Ramps. Once you know how wide and long of a ramp you need, you can get the wood for the frame.

It's a good idea to use at least four by four pressure-treated lumber for the frame. Set these at most 12 inches apart, so the ramp can support your weight and a 400-pound lawnmower. For the top, you will place pressure-treated plywood measuring 34 inches wide. It's helpful to stick a layer of nonslip rubber matting over this to prevent accidents.

Building a shed ramp is simple. Layout the 4" X 4"s 12 inches apart in the length you need the ramp to be. In order to match the level of the ground, you may need to cut off the ends. Attach the plywood securely, making sure the screws are level with the plywood. Rubberize the ramp's surface to prevent slipping. Secure the ramp to the shed and check the level to make sure it's not too steep.

You can find plans for shed ramps, as well as plans for just about any woodworking project you can imagine, at Best Shed Plans. Not only can you learn how to build a ramp, but you can also learn how to make just about anything, from sheds to dog houses to jewelry boxes. Handymen and women should have access to this resource.