How to Make a Threshold Ramp with Wood

If you need a threshold ramp in order to get in and out of your house, you do not have to spend a fortune to buy one. Save money by building your own out of standard pieces of lumber. You can buy the materials at a fraction of the cost of a fully assembled threshold ramp.

Step 1 - Prepare Materials

You will want to get all the materials out where you need them in order to access them better when you need them. First, take your 2x8 and place it on the door of your choice. You can use your front door, or back door. You will want to screw it into place securely, making sure that it doesn’t jiggle when you move it.

Cut a 45-degree angle into both 2x6-inch pieces to ensure they fit snugly with your 2x8. You will then screw both 2x6 boards into the 2x8 on either side of it, so you have two pieces of wood coming out from either side. You will then want to make sure they are screwed in tightly to ensure maximum protection and stability.

Step 2 - Cut the 2x4 Lumber

Cut your 2x4 boards at a 45-degree angle in both of them. You can then screw them down on the inside of your 2x8. You will once again want to make sure that they are screwed on tightly to ensure stability. When weight is added, you do not want one of them to give out, so you also must make sure that the wood you choose is tough, and doesn’t have cracks, or bends in them.

Step 3 - Finishing and Testing

Place your 36-inch deck boards on top of the boards you have just screwed in. This will serve as your walkway when using it. Screw the sides of the plywood down on the boards tightly. You will want to make sure that they are secure on this since this is the board that will hold the most weight.

You can add screws in the middle of the board as well to add extra stability. If you would like one in a different doorway as well, you can follow these steps on the other doorway. You are also able to cut the pieces of wood to fit in your doorway properly.

Test out the ramp by going over it a couple of times until you are satisfied that it will hold the right amount of weight, as well as a bit extra to ensure that it will be stable enough to use.

A threshold ramp will give you additional mobility for anyone in a wheelchair. They will also make it easier for those with arthritis or other joint issues to get in and out of a doorway with less effort and little pain. Since they are easy to assemble, there isn't any reason you can't add one to your home by yourself.