How to Build a Wheel Chair Ramp for One Step

Determine your lumber needs. Start by measuring the height of your step. Then decide on the slope of the ramp. Standard specs call for at least a 1:12 slope -- in other words, for every inch of rise, there should be 12 inches of ramp. Gentler slopes, like 1:16, or even 1:24, may be called for if the person using the wheelchair is not very strong. In this case, let's assume a stair height of 6 inches, and a slope of 1:12.

Nail a 2x4 board to the stair riser. You'll attach the top of the ramp to this. See the diagram.

Now cut a piece of plywood 72 inches long. Remember, 12 inches of ramp for every inch of rise. Make the plywood as wide as the step.

Reinforce the plywood with 2x4 lumber in a ladder pattern underneath. Space the cross pieces 16 inches apart. See the diagram.

Lay the ramp, add a support halfway along the length, and secure the ends with heavy wood screws. Add a metal threshold to each end to prevent the wood from chipping.