Build Shed

Part 9 How To Build A Ramp For A Shed

Part 9 How To Build A Ramp For A Shed

Heres how to build a ramp for a shed. This shed is an 8 × 12-ft. shed and has a simple gable roof, double doors, and side and rear windows for natural lighting. For the full illustrated plans and materials list, click here to download: How To Build A Small Storage Shed - Free Plans 

Determining the width and length (and therefore the slope) of the ramp is up to you, but here is the basic construction procedure:

1. Determine the best slope for the ramp using boards or plywood set on the ground and the shed floor. Mark the ground to represent the end of the ramp.

2. Cut two 2 × 8 pads to the full width of the ramp.

3. Measure the distance from the ground to the shed floor; subtract 2" from that dimension to get the height of the tapered stringers.

4. Use the ground marking to determine the length of the stringers—be sure to account for the 1 1/2" thickness of the decking. Cut the tapered stringers from 2 × 8 lumber: cut one for each end and one for every 16" to 24" in between.

5. Attach the pads to the stringers with 16d galv. nails driven through the bottom faces of the pads and into the stringers.

6. Cut 2 × 4s for the ramp decking—the number needed depends on the length of the sloping sides of the stringers. Allow for a 1/8" gap between decking boards when calculating the number needed.

7. Attach the decking boards to the supports with 16d galv. nails or 3" deck screws, maintaining a 1/8" gap between boards.

8. Set the ramp in place against the shed and fasten it by toenailing through the end stringers and top decking board with 3 1/2" deck screws.

9. Build the ramp with pressure-treated 2 × 8s and 2 × 4s, following the plans size or building it to a custom size.


Now stand back, and enjoy your new 8x12 storage shed!





Part 9 How To Build A Ramp For A Shed