Ramps are a great way to make your home or business accessible for people with mobility issues, but they’re not always as simple to build as you might think. If you have concrete steps in the way, it can be a challenge to figure out how best to build a ramp over them. Luckily, we’ve got some tips and tricks that’ll lead you through the whole process, from planning and design to construction and finishing touches. Read on.
Install a 2 x 12-inch groove along the inside edge of each concrete step.
Use a circular saw to cut the groove. The groove should be about 2 inches deep and run along the inside edge of each step, from the top down to just shy of the bottom.
- Make sure you have the right depth: This is how far into the concrete your ramp will sit. In this case, we’re installing two 12-inch long ramps on each step (the total height will be 2 x 12 x 2 = 24 inches). So we need to make sure that our grooves are cut so that they’re exactly half as tall as our ramps (12 inches / 2 = 6).
- Make sure you have the right angle: It’s important that your angles line up with one another when you put them together (if they don’t line up then there won’t be enough room for any sort of slope). Luckily, because all three sides here are straight lines (no curves), it’s easy! Just measure out from where one side meets another vertically; if these measurements fall short by any more than half an inch or so then adjust accordingly before cutting any more grooves.
Apply a bead of construction adhesive to the tops of each step.
It’s important to apply a bead of construction adhesive to the tops of each step. If you don’t, the plywood sheets may slip when you’re walking up or down your ramp.
You’ll want to start with the bottom step and work your way up. Make sure that when you’re applying adhesive, it goes into all four grooves in each sheet of plywood. You can use a trowel or putty knife to spread it around evenly in those grooves.
Ideally, you want enough adhesive that there’s still some left over after spreading it all out. This will help keep everything secure and prevent any movement once finished building your ramp over concrete steps.
Lay the plywood sheets on top of the concrete steps.
- Lay the plywood sheets on top of the concrete steps.
- Make sure that each sheet is level with the previous one and parallel to it.
- Make sure that each sheet is straight, not twisted or bowed in any way, so that when you add more layers of plywood over them, you will have a flat surface for laying your ramp down onto later on in this process.
If one or two layers of plywood are not level with each other, then this can cause problems when building your ramp because there could be gaps between each layer where water would collect and make it slippery for anyone walking up or down the ramp.
Secure the plywood in place with a drill by placing screws every 8 inches on the end of each sheet, making sure to angle them at 45 degrees so they can reach down into the wood grooves.
If you don’t have a drill, you can still secure the plywood to the concrete with nails and a hammer. Take care not to use too many nails, as this may weaken the board’s structural integrity. Also, make sure you place them every 8 inches along each edge of each sheet, angling them 45 degrees so they reach down into the wood grooves.
In addition to securing your ramp in place with screws or nails, it’s important that you also provide additional support for its weight by anchoring it directly against the ground at both ends.
Screw an additional 3 screws every 6 inches down the length of each plywood sheet.
- Use a screw gun, not a manual screwdriver.
- Make sure to use a drill bit the same size as the screw you’re going to use. If you don’t have one, ask any hardware store employee or go online and find out what size bit fits your screws. You can also get two different sizes of drill bits if necessary—one that fits the wood and one that fits the concrete screws (which are usually bigger).
- Make sure there is enough room for your grip on the handle of your drill so that it doesn’t slip off when drilling into concrete steps. If you hold onto something with both hands while using this tool, then all bets are off; however, if there’s only one hand available for holding on to something solid like another person’s shoulder or arm etc., then make sure it’s securely gripped around something sturdy in order not to let go during operation time.
Building a ramp is not as difficult as it sounds, but be sure to follow these instructions carefully.
Building a ramp is not as difficult as it sounds, but be sure to follow these instructions carefully. If you are inexperienced in the building trades and are not familiar with how to build a ramp over concrete steps, do not attempt this project without help from a professional. It is important that you don’t rush through any of the steps, especially when you are building on concrete steps and your safety depends on being certain about your measurements. Also make sure that all materials used for this project are high quality and meet all current industry standards for strength and durability. This will ensure longevity for your ramp so that it can be used for many years to come.
Final words
I hope that this article has been helpful and informative as you plan your ramp project.
