How to Make a Folding Ramp in 5 Steps

Lead Image for How to Make a Folding Ramp in 5 Steps
  • 10-20 hours
  • Intermediate
  • 1,000-3,000
What You'll Need
Two 1x18 pieces of strong wood, 8 feet long
Three 2x2 8 foot pieces of wood
Wood screws
Drill
Wood glue
Four 1x3 hinges
Non slip adhesive strips
What You'll Need
Two 1x18 pieces of strong wood, 8 feet long
Three 2x2 8 foot pieces of wood
Wood screws
Drill
Wood glue
Four 1x3 hinges
Non slip adhesive strips

A folding ramp can be used for many purposes. Some people have them as portable wheelchair ramps, while some choose to use them for getting items in and out of truck beds. Just as there are many uses for folding ramps there are also many different ways that you can make one. Here is one simple way that should only take you part of an afternoon to finish.

Step 1 - Lay it out

The ramp that you are going to make will be 36 inches wide, with a lip to keep the item on the ramp if it starts to slide. Lay out one 2x2 board then two 1x18 boards, and then end with a 2x2 board. Because we are going to have a lip on the outer edges you will need to attach the hinges first.

Step 2 - Attach the Hinges

Lay the 1x18 inch boards on top of each other. Make certain that they are even, and then every two feet attach one of the hinges. Once correctly attached, the boards will open to make a flat surface. If you are not concerned about having edge supports you can use this rough ramp as is.

Step 3 - Attach Edges

Now you will lay out the ramp open and face up. On each long end, you are going to attach the 2x2 boards, first with glue, then securing with the wood screws. This will form a lip that keeps items from sliding off the side of your ramp.

Step 4 - Optional Supports

If you are going to be using the ramp on the same surface you can install optional supports that will help support the excess weight that gets put on the ramp. Place the ramp on the surface that it will be used on, and then measure the distance from the board to the ground. Use the extra 2x2 board and some smaller hinges to attach the board to the ramp.

Step 5 - Finishing Touches

You can make your ramp as plain or as decorative as you wish. Use sandpaper to make a smooth finish. Then you can apply paint, stain, or any other finish that you wish. Once you have the look that you want, open up the ramp. You will now need to apply the adhesive strips to the surface. You can also apply these in any pattern that you wish, as long as they can provide a non-slip grip.

Making a folding ramp is not difficult, and you can make it in various lengths. Once you have made your folding ramp you will be able to store it in a smaller space and have more alternatives for your ramp needs. Keep in mind safety precautions when you are building your ramp, to keep you and those who use the ramp safely.