This shed needs a ramp or stairs for its front door.
A shed built above ground on footings with floor framing requires either steps or a ramp for access. Steps are fine if you're only storing hand tools and a few supplies. A lawnmower, wheelbarrow or other wheeled items require a ramp. Ramps follow the same basic rules as deck building and stairways. A ramp that runs 8 inches for every 1 inch in rise works fine for a short ramp into a shed, but check local requirements before you start building.
Instructions
1. Measure the distance from the ground to the shed floor in inches. Multiply this number by 8 to find the length of the ramp and provide the proper slope. If the shed floor is 8 inches from the ground, the ramp length is 64 inches and your 2-by-8 lumber must be at least this long. The length of the ramp divided by 5 5/8 inches will yield the number of 36-inch long 2-by-6s you will need.
2. Lay the square on the end of a 2-by-8 and use the rule portion to make a mark on the edge 1 inch from the end. Align one leg of the square with the mark and with the corner of the 2-by-8 on the other edge, and draw a line using the square as a guide. This marks the correct angle to cut the 2-by-8 end. Mark three 2-by-8s in this fashion. Cut off the ends of the 2-by-8s with the saw using the lines as a guide. These pieces are the joists.
3. Measure and cut a 2-by-8 to 33 1/2 inches long for use as the ledger. The ledger fastens the 2-by-8 stringers to the shed.
4. Lay the three 2-by-8 joists flat with the longer edge facing you. Measure along the long edge with the tape measure and mark the ramp length on the 2-by-8s. Draw a line across the planks using the framing square and cut the 2-by-8s to length.
5. Mark a joist on the square cut end 1 inch from the edge closest to you. Lay the framing square on the end of the joist just cut, with the 8-inch mark on the long leg aligned with the mark made on the end of the joist and the 2-inch mark on the short leg aligned with the edge of the joist closest to you. Draw a line from the mark on the end of the joist along the square. Extend this line until it meets the edge of the joist furthest from you.
6. Cut the joist along the line just drawn. Draw similar lines on the other two boards using the cut plank as a template and cut them the same way. This angled cut is the portion that will sit on the ground or concrete slab if you have one.
7. Stand the 2-by-8 joists on edge with the cut bottoms facing down. Hold the ledger against the wide ends and with the joist tops flush with the top of the ledger. Screw the ledger to each joist with three, 3 1/2-inch, evenly spaced deck screws through the ledger.
8. Make two marks on the shed framing 1 1/2 inches below the door, at each side of the doorway. Hold the ledger against the marks and screw the ledger to the shed framing using three, 3 1/2-inch deck screws spread top to bottom on the ledger, 2 inches from each joist.
9. Measure and cut 2-by-6 pieces 36 inches long to use as decking. Start at the bottom of the ramp and place the first 2-by-6 with the ends overlapping the joist sides by 1 1/4 inches. Make the front edge of the first deck board flush with the joist ends. Screw the deck board to the joists using two 3-inch deck screws through the deck board into each joist. Add additional deck boards spaced 1/8 inch away from the previous board.
10. Cut a 2-by-6 to 36 inches long. Set the saw blade angle to 45 degrees and clamp the 2-by-6 to a sturdy work surface. Using the edge of the 2-by-6 as the cut line, cut along the length of the 2-by-6. Fasten this final piece to the front of the ramp with deck screws for a smooth transition from the ground to the ramp.
Tips Warnings
You need three joists spaced 16 inches on center. If you want the ramp wider, add an additional joist for each increase in width up to an additional 16 inches. To make the ramp 24 inches wider, you need two more joists.
Check your local building code enforcement department for necessary permits and inspections. Ramps higher than 12 to 15 inches may require railings.
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