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Build Instructions:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Shed-Ramp/

My garage was starting to get cramped so I decided I needed a shed for the lawn/garden equipment. I thought about building one but bailed and decided to purchase a 10' x 14' shed with 6' wide doors from the nearby Amish community. To not be a total slacker, I decided I could at least build the foundation and ramp. I've never built a ramp so I did a little research online and found that there are an abundance of styles, both good and bad. Anyway, this is my attempt at ramp design. Hope someone finds it useful.

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Comments

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no spacing between the boards?

Is the wood very green now, that it will shrink? If it's dry it's too tight.
 

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Yes, very green and heavy as hell. The 2×6s measured about 5.625" wide. I butted the boards together (no spacing). I expect shrinkage.

no spacing between the boards?

Is the wood very green now, that it will shrink? If it s dry it s too tight.

- woodchuckerNJ
 

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Even after some shrinkage, this ramp will look good and it certainly looks like it is sturdy enough to hold a rider. It looks very good to me. I too would have put the boards tight if the wood is wet.
 

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The ramp looks good and fits generally overall with the shed look. FYI, I have serious shed envy at the moment as I'm in need of a bigger one.

One question from a durability perspective. I assume you have a center support in the middle of the span. And since the supports are on the shed frame, that end will be good. But on the other end, do you have a cap board or support (concrete block?) to keep the end in the dirt from flexing over time?

I'm just wondering if you always walk up the middle of the ramp, will that tend to force the center support deeper, resulting in a bow in the middle over time?

Mike
 

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Hey Mike,

Actually, there are 4 joists in the ramp. You can see the construction in the link.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Shed-Ramp/

Here is a video as well:


The ramp looks good and fits generally overall with the shed look. FYI, I have serious shed envy at the moment as I m in need of a bigger one.

One question from a durability perspective. I assume you have a center support in the middle of the span. And since the supports are on the shed frame, that end will be good. But on the other end, do you have a cap board or support (concrete block?) to keep the end in the dirt from flexing over time?

I m just wondering if you always walk up the middle of the ramp, will that tend to force the center support deeper, resulting in a bow in the middle over time?

Mike

- MikeDS
 

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Great looking ramp. I like the way you landscaped the areas on the sides so the ramp blends in rather than standing out. If I move my mower from the garage to the shed I will very likely follow your design. I also appreciate the comments on shrinkage and the wood condition wet vs dry. I'll make sure to keep it in mind if I build mine. I wouldn't have thought about those effects on a project like a ramp but now that others have raised those questions I see where it needs consideration. That's one reason I love this site. Plenty of people who want to help without being condescending of others. Thanks for posting the links to the plans.
 

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Thanks. I did the mulch because it's hard to get to that space with the lawnmower. My goal is never use a weed eater :). Thankfully, one of my deck building friends told me about the wet PT wood and shrinkage. You should also consider the grain direction of the deck boards. Others might debate it but I think the consensus is bark side up. It hasn't been brought it up yet, but make sure the PT wood is suitable for in ground applications. It will still rot but hopefully you will get 15+ years out of it.

I agree, it nice to have sites like this where the comments are positive and constructive. Instructables has that as a comment policy as well. It's a total divergence when one of projects gets shared on Twitter, Reddit or Facebook - think 12 year old boy humor.

Great looking ramp. I like the way you landscaped the areas on the sides so the ramp blends in rather than standing out. If I move my mower from the garage to the shed I will very likely follow your design. I also appreciate the comments on shrinkage and the wood condition wet vs dry. I ll make sure to keep it in mind if I build mine. I wouldn t have thought about those effects on a project like a ramp but now that others have raised those questions I see where it needs consideration. That s one reason I love this site. Plenty of people who want to help without being condescending of others. Thanks for posting the links to the plans.

- Gus01
 
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