Now that you have a new shed that you built yourself or just bought, you will need an easy way to get your lawn mower into it without having to lift it and hurt your back. A simple DIY shed ramp is the answer.
While it is simple enough to install, there are things that you need to know to build it properly so that it will be strong and last as long as your shed will. It needs to be strong enough so that it does not collapse, and made in such a way that it does not become a hazard when wet and becomes slippery.
The rate of incline for the ramp should be 3″ per vertical foot. If it is steeper than that, it can cause problems, for example, the underside of the lawnmower and the blade hitting the shed entrance. One other hazard to be aware of is that if you are building with wood, when it gets wet it can grow algae making the surface very slippery causing you to fall or lose traction.
It is important to have enough slope, to ensure runoff of water and to get your machinery safely into the shed, and also important that it is not too steep either.
The ramp also needs to be strong enough to withstand the weight that it will need to carry. If you have a ride on lawnmower, the weight of the mower and driver could easily equal 600 pounds. If the ramp is not sturdy enough it will only collapse.
There are two options to consider here that work well, wood and concrete. Concrete is bit more involved in that you may need reinforcing and you will need advice on the load rating.
Wood is an excellent DIY option and done right can be made to last.
For your ramp, you will need a minimum of 4″x4″ pressure treated timber for the framing, and they need to be set no more than 12″ apart. For the ramp surface use ¾” pressure treated plywood. Use either real rubber on the deck or a non-skid material to stop the ramp becoming slippery when wet.
You can also buy metal pre-made shed ramps, but they tend to be expensive. If you construct your DIY shed ramp from wood it can be just as sturdy, safe and be built to last.
Your shed would have been built on a foundation that could raise it up from the ground by as much as a foot or so. In order to get your equipment in the shed safely you will need some kind of ramp. This will make sure that your access to the shed is safe for you, prevents damage to any equipment that you are putting away in the shed, and prevents your shed being damaged as well.
Having a properly sloped ramp will ensure a safe entrance to your shed and the right incline for your walkway will be easier on your knees.