How Do I Cut The Angle Of A Ramp?

By  Jeannine Lowe

Things Needed

  • 2-inch by 4-inch by 8-foot treated lumber

  • Plywood sheets

  • Pencil

  • Straight edge

  • Circular saw

  • Spring clamp

Tip

Take your time when making the long cuts, since free handing with the circular saw makes accuracy difficult.

Warning

Make sure to tighten the nut of the adjustable square to ensure the proper angle.

Many people want access to a shed or building using a ramp. Ramps accommodate those who have difficulty climbing stairs. Ramps are usually framed from treated 2-inch by 4-inch by 8-foot treated lumber, and decked with plywood or treated decking lumber. Cutting the proper angle on a ramp may seem challenging, but if you follow a few steps you can build a ramp to fulfill your needs.

Step 1

Use the circular saw to cut a piece of plywood tall enough to go from the ground to the top of the floor of the building and long enough to accommodate the desired length of the ramp. Place it next to the building.

Step 2

Make a mark on the plywood using the pencil to designate the place where the floor of the building and the stringer will meet.

Step 3

Align the end of the straight edge with the mark and adjust the other end to produce the desired slope. Use the pencil to trace along the length of the straight edge creating a template of the slope and angle to be cut.

Step 4

Use the adjustable angle square to transfer the short angle from the template onto the 2-inch by 4-inch stringers. The square can be adjusted to match the angle by loosening the nut, adjusting the angle and then tightening the nut.

Step 5

Attach the plywood template to the 2-inch by 4-inch by 8-foot treated board with the spring clamp and mark the long angle down the template.

Step 6

Repeat the process for all stringers.

Step 7

Use the circular saw to make all cuts on the stringers.

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