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How to Build a Shed Ramp

Updated October 31, 2026

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The short answer: Measure the rise from the ground to the shed floor, multiply by 8 to 12 for the ramp length, and build a frame of pressure-treated 2x4s (2x6 for heavy loads) with a treated plywood or decking surface and grip tape. A portable ramp can be built in 1 to 3 hours for roughly $40 to $60 in Family Handyman's example.

Plan the size

  1. Measure the rise: the vertical distance from the ground to the shed floor.
  2. Pick a slope. Family Handyman says OSHA guidelines recommend a maximum 1:3 slope for slip-resistant ramps, but for non-permanent ramps a gentler 1:8 to 1:12 is more practical.
  3. Multiply rise by your ratio. A 4-inch rise at 1:12 is 48 inches long; at 1:8 it is 32 inches.
  4. Measure the door width. Family Handyman's example door is 32 inches wide.

Build a portable ramp (Family Handyman)

  1. Cut two outside stringers, a middle stringer, a header and blocking boards from pressure-treated 2x4s.
  2. Cut the ramp slope on the outside and middle stringers.
  3. Drill pocket holes in the blocking and screw the stringers to the header with exterior screws. Center the middle stringer.
  4. Fasten blocking between the stringers.
  5. Cut a runner from ground-contact pressure-treated 1/2-inch plywood and screw it to the stringers with exterior-rated screws, using shorter screws toward the narrow end.
  6. Clean the top and apply grip tape.

Materials in that example: a 1/2-inch by 4 ft. by 4 ft. pressure-treated plywood sheet, two 8-foot pressure-treated 2x4s and 2-1/2-inch exterior pocket-hole screws.

Permanent ramp

Home Depot's shed guide suggests a simple version: a 2x4 frame screwed to the shed just below the threshold and finished with pressure-treated decking. It also suggests planning the ramp for wheeling mowers and wheelbarrows when you design the door.

If someone in a wheelchair needs access, don't rely on these shed-ramp slopes. Check accessibility requirements and local codes.

What will your shed cost?

Our free calculator compares building it yourself, buying a kit and hiring a builder for your exact size.

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Common questions

What slope should a shed ramp have?

Family Handyman suggests a gentle slope between 1:8 and 1:12 for a non-permanent ramp. At 1:12, multiply the rise in inches by 12 to get the ramp length in inches: a 4-inch rise needs a 48-inch ramp, and at 1:8 it needs 32 inches.

2x4 or 2x6 for a shed ramp?

Family Handyman: for heavy equipment use 2x6 lumber; for a push mower or snowblower, 2x4 is sufficient.

What wood should I use?

Wood and plywood that hold up outdoors, such as pressure-treated, ground-contact lumber and exterior-rated plywood.

How do I stop a wooden ramp being slippery?

Family Handyman applies grip tape across the runner, cut to width and spaced 1-1/4 inches apart. Wooden ramps can become slippery when wet.

Don't design it from scratch

A good set of plans gives you a cut list, a materials list and drawings for every step, which saves money on wasted lumber and time on head-scratching. See our guide to choosing shed plans, free and paid.

Compare shed plan optionsBrowse paid plan packages

Related guides

Sources
  1. Family Handyman: How to Build a Ramp for a Shed in an Afternoon (updated Apr. 18, 2025)
  2. The Home Depot: How to build a shed