Shed Ramps: Buy or Build?
Are you looking for a location to store your mowers, tools, or other outdoor equipment? Leaving the lawn mower exposed outside could result in a dull blade; this obliges you to sharpen your lawn mower blade more often. To prevent this, you may be thinking about building or buying a shed. But if you’re like most people, you don’t know where to start. Don’t worry – we’re here to help! This blog post will teach you how to build a shed with a ramp.
How to Buy or Build for Shed Ramps
Whether you built your garden shed or acquired one already built, the entrance is probably higher than ground level.
While being above ground is the optimal location for your garden shed. It makes loading and unloading the mower, ATV, bikes, or motorcycles a huge difficulty.
If your garden shed is high, it can be tough to get the mower, ATV, bikes, or motorcycles in and out. So if you find yourself in this situation, you need a ramp. A ramp will make life easier for you by making things easy to get into and out of your shed.
Buying Shed Ramps
If you’re pressed for time or lack confidence in your abilities to construct your own shed ramps, you may always purchase ready-to-use ramps.
Some people build ramps on themselves. Others hire someone to do it for them. You can make a ramp or buy one from a store. In addition, you can also buy shed kits that have a lot of features, which are easy to install.
Ramps like these are easy to install. You just need to prepare the spot where they will be placed and then put them in place. You may need to secure the ramp to the ground and/or your shed.
There are many different types of mower ramps. You should choose one that is well-built and will last for a long time. Depending on your budget, you can find ramps that work well for you.
For instance, properly maintained aluminum ramps will not rust or corrode. However, when purchasing a pre-built set of shed ramps, you are limited to available options.
You can customize your own shed to look like your house when you build your own shed. This might make it more aesthetically pleasing.
Building Ramps
If you built your own garden shed, the odds are you can also create a ramp to accompany it. Making a ramp for a shed that you build or even one that you buy already completed brings a lot of delight.
Ramps are usually easy to build, depending on the materials you choose. Most handymen can put together a set of ramps in just a few hours on the weekend.
Although building your own mower ramps might seem like a good idea, it can be difficult to do without any problems.
There are a few things you need before working on your project. You need the time to do it right, and you also need the skills and tools.
If you are using wood, then this won’t be a problem. But if you need metal ramps for the mower or a cement ramp, you will need special tools and skills. Remember that metal and cement are also quite expensive, even if you do the work yourself.
The Materials Required to Construct Your Own Lawn Mower Ramps
Aside from doing regular maintenance on your lawn mower, you should also build your own shed and ramp to prevent damage and make it last longer. There are a few different materials you can use to build your shed ramps. Some, like lumber, are easier to work with but don’t last as long. Others, such as cement, are more difficult to deal with but result in a more lasting and robust ramp. Here are the most popular options.
1. Wood
- Lumber
To construct the frame, you will need 2 x 4 and 2 x 6 lumber. Make sure to use pressure-treated lumber so that your ramps will last longer.
The lumber in this project is pressure treated, so you need to use a special saw blade. The height of the ramp might change how long the support posts need to be, so you could use 4x4s for these.
Adding stability to your fence posts can be done by sinking them into the ground and cementing them in place.
- Plywood
You can use plywood as a floor surface for a homemade ramp. Make sure to use pressure-treated wood, though, because it is resistant to rot.
Use ¾-inch or thicker plywood to make the ramp. This will help it be more stable and less slippery when it rains or snows. You can also add furring strips or anti-slip material to keep it from being slippery.
You can paint the plywood with regular paint. But before you do that, make sure to seal it so it will not get ruined when you use paint.
Another thing to consider is adding sand or a commercially available anti-slip material to the paint. This can help reduce the risk of your floor being slippery.
2. Metal
- Steel
You can build your ramp out of steel. It is very strong and will last for many years. You need to paint it every year to ensure it doesn’t rust.
A rusty shed ramp not only looks terrible, but it will also become weak and unable to support the weight of your mower. A checker plate or diamond plate surface will provide you with years of service but can be very slippery when wet or icy.
Metal ramps are strong and can be used for harsh conditions.
- Aluminum
If you need a strong ramp that will last for many years and handle anything you might throw at it, aluminum may be a perfect choice.
Aluminum does not rust, and it is also pest-resistant. It does not require any maintenance to keep it looking good. It can become incredibly slick when wet or frozen, making it a bad idea to walk on it.
Aluminum ramps can cost a lot of money. The price ranges from affordable to expensive, depending on where you buy them.
3. Rubber
Vulcanized rubber is very heavy-duty, and it is often used in warehouses and factories. Hardened rubber is extremely durable and can withstand a great deal of weight. The difference between the two types of rubber is that hardened rubber is usually a wedge. Hence, the height of the ramp is not adjustable.
4. Concrete
Another strong and durable solution for your shed is to have a ramp made of concrete. The downside is that it will take time to build and pour, which can be slippery.
Conclusion
There are good and bad points to buying and building your shed ramp. The final decision usually depends on how much time and money you have, not function.
No matter which way you choose, the ramps will work in the same way, making it easier to put things in and take them out of your garden shed. It makes more sense to build your own ramp, but it will take more time than simply dropping in a ready-made ramp.
However, ready-made ramps may not be very customizable and may not fit in well with the rest of your yard.
Building your own shed ramp is better if you have the time and tools. However, buying a ramp is more sensible if you don’t have these things.
To learn more about sheds with ramps, you can visit this site.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shed With Ramp
Can I Buy a Ramp for My Shed?
If you choose to purchase a wooden ramp, it can be customized to perfectly match your shed. You can choose the exact color the ramp is painted, or if you prefer the look of natural wood, you can have it stained to complement your portable building.
Is It Cheaper to Build a Shed or Buy a Shed?
You may want to add more space and storage to your home. You can either build a shed or buy an already built one from a professional. It is cheaper and easier to buy one built by a professional.
How Wide Should a Shed Ramp Be?
Make sure your ramp is wide enough for the equipment you will be moving in and out of your shed. Width of 3 feet is usually enough, but if your shed door is wider than that, make the ramp even wider.
Do You Need a Foundation for a Shed?
You usually don’t need a foundation for a shed if it’s smaller. But if you make the shed bigger, you need strong foundations.
How Much Does a 10×12 Shed Cost?
Prefab 10×12 sheds cost $2500-$3800. The price can depend on the shed’s style, location, and features.
What Is the Best Angle for a Ramp?
A good slope for a building access ramp is 1:12 or 1 inch of rising per 12 inches of horizontal run. This is about an 8% slope, also written as a 4.8-degree angle slope.