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The following links will take you to publications that have good wooden ramp planning and building advice:

Wood Ramp Design and Construction Manual

Wood Ramp Design - NC State University

This is not a novice-level building project. The safety of everyone who uses the ramp is at stake, so the ramp must be made of the best materials and constructed according to all local building codes.

Here are a few ramp building tips:

  Use treated lumber - The ramp you build will last much longer and require less maintenance if you start with treated lumber.
  Use the right fasteners - Only use fasteners that are treated for outdoor use. The fasteners specified for use in fences and decks will work fine.
  Make the walking surface slip-proof - Adhesive grip tape and non-skid paints are commonly used for slip-proofing wood ramps. Unfortunately, they only work for a short amount of time before they fail and need to be reapplied.

A far better choice are the new aluminum non-skid tread strips. They are easy to install and last a lifetime.

For more information on Aluminum Non-Skid Tread Strips call (847) 680-7700 or visit our Where to Get a Ramp page for specifications and ordering information.