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How To Build a Ramp for Your Barn
This plan gives you the material requirements and drawings to construct a 4'x4' ramp for a barn storage building. With a little modification and some additional material, it can easily be resized to a larger ramp.
Ramps should be made from #2 dimensional lumber that has been pressure treated. This lumber is readily available at Home Depot, Lowe's and most lumberyards. Cedar though decay resistant, should not be use since it is not a very strong wood. Plywood, even pressure treated plywood also makes a poor ramp. It tends to delaminate and warp when exposed to the outdoor elements. I usually add deck stain or sealer to help reduce the weather effect and extend the life of a ramp.
Follow the plans below to build and install your ramp. You may find it necessary to lengthen the ramp if the height of your building's floor is significant. This will help keep your ramp from being too steep. A ramp with a steep angle can cause problems with items like riding lawn mowers and slippery feet! As a lawn mower's front wheels clear the top of the ramp with the rear wheels, still on the ramp, the mower deck can drag the floor at the door opening.
For additional strength when lengthening or widening your ramp, add one or more "runners" under the "treads".
As a last recommendation, make certain that your closed barn doors will clear the top of the ramp. It may be necessary to modify some doors to obtain the clearance that's needed.
