Building a ramp for a deck is an easy way to make your yard more usable. Easy and affordable, you can build this ramp in just a few hours. This tutorial will show you how to lay the foundation, frame the deck and frame level it before sealing and finishing it off. The ramp is a key component of the safety of any deck, porch, or patio. Using the right material and tools, building a wooden ramp can be much easier than you might expect
The ramp is built with the same materials used to build the entire deck. The ramp has to be less than one-inch off the ground, so put your foot on one side of it and measure from there. Add two inches to the finished measurements for a snug fit, then cement it in place at the base with five inches of sand or gravel. A small tarp will be placed over it, so work fast. You can use a hacksaw to cut away the rest of the old walkway for whatever you need as long as you always wear protective gear and stay safe when using power tools.
A ramp deck can be a valuable addition to your home if you have elderly parents or family members who use a wheelchair. It provides a safe and sturdy way for them to get in and out of the house without having to use stairs. It’s also great for people with small children in strollers, and it can give pets easier access to your home as well. Ramp decks are not difficult to build, but there are some specific steps that need to be taken if you want a sturdy ramp that will last for years.
Mark the area where you want to create a ramp deck.
- Use a tape measure to mark the area where you want to create your ramp deck. You can also use a level, if necessary, to make sure that your deck will be level with the ground (or ground level).
- Use a shovel to clear away any grass and dirt from the marked-off area of land before laying down concrete footers for your ramp deck.
- Ask an adult for help with digging trenches for the concrete footers: one trench should be dug all around the perimeter of where you plan on building your ramp deck; another trench should be dug inside this perimeter trench about 12 inches deep and about 6 inches wide across its entire length (this is where you’ll pour in wet concrete).
Call the local municipality and find out if there are building codes that need to be followed.
Before you get started, make sure to call the local municipality and find out if there are any building codes that need to be followed. The city or county can tell you what materials are required for your decking and railing, if any, as well as what type of permit is required for your project. They may also advise on how big a deck needs to be before it counts as an extension of the house rather than an accessory addition.
If a permit is required, this should take some time; however, it’s important that you purchase all of your materials before applying for one so that they’re ready when everything is approved (unless they have a specific timeline in which the work must begin). If not doing so would mean delaying starting construction until after getting approval—and potentially having additional costs associated with this delay—then it might make sense just going ahead without an official permit right now
Dig a trench for the concrete footers.
- Dig the trench with a shovel or other digging tool, making sure it is at least 12 inches wide and deep. Make sure you dig straight down, as any slope will cause problems later.
- Once you’ve dug your trench, smooth out the bottom of it using a trowel.
- Use a level to make sure that your trench is straight, and then move on to Step 2: Place Concrete Footers in Your Trench
Pour in concrete for the footers and let dry overnight.
Situate each post and pour concrete for the footers. Let dry overnight.
The length of your ramp deck will determine how far apart to place your posts, but keep in mind that they should all be within reach of one another when it comes time to fasten them together at their tops. If you’re building a short ramp, it may be easier (and more cost-effective) to simply pour concrete into the holes left by rebar and let that harden overnight before moving on with construction.
Attach wooden boards to create a frame for the ramp deck.
Use nails or screws to attach the boards to the framing. Drill pilot holes into the wood and then hammer in your nails until they are flush with the surface of each board.
Attach boards to create a frame for the ramp deck. The dimensions of your ramp deck will vary depending on how wide you want it and how many steps you want in it, but for this tutorial we will use 12-foot long boards that are 3 inches wide as our starting point. Attach one board at a time by measuring where its ends should go, drilling pilot holes through those points (about 2 feet apart), inserting screws into those holes using an impact driver or screwdriver bit, and then tightening them down until they’re secure (but not too tight). Use a level to make sure all of your boards are at level with each other before proceeding to add additional steps so that everything looks nice when viewed from above or below; if necessary adjust them slightly before moving on until they’re even all around
Cut pieces of plywood to fit inside the frame as decking.
To build your ramp deck, you’ll need to cut pieces of plywood to fit inside the frame. You can use a circular saw (or jigsaw), handsaw or table saw for this. If you’re using a miter saw it’s even better because it will save you having to do any ripping cuts with a regular saw blade.
If you’re planning on making multiple decks and have access to power tools, take advantage of them! While hand-tools are certainly sufficient for building an average sized ramp deck like this one, they can be very time consuming and tedious at times – especially when cutting long lengths of wood like joists or decks boards
Attach railing posts and railings along one or both sides of the ramp depending on local code requirements.
- Depending on local code requirements, attach railing posts and railings along one or both sides of the ramp depending on local code requirements.
- Use a level to make sure that your rails are straight and plumb. Make sure they’re attached properly to the deck frame as well.
Following these steps will help you construct a solid outdoor ramp deck in your yard
Before you start construction, it’s important to understand that building a ramp deck is not as simple as buying the materials and getting to work. You will need a permit and should check with your local building authority to see if there are any requirements or limitations regarding your project.
If you have never built anything before, we recommend hiring a professional contractor for this job. If you are familiar with carpentry or have some experience on similar projects, then go ahead and get started! Just be sure that all materials conform to local codes and regulations.
Final words
If you’re interested in building your own ramp deck, keep this one important piece of advice in mind: don’t cut corners. Since ramps will be carrying weight, and often transporting people who need extra stability on a non-flat surface, it’s critical that you build the structure correctly.
