If you have a shed with a wooden ramp, you probably know how this goes. It looks fine the first year. Then the boards turn gray, the bottom edge sitting on the ground starts to go soft, and after a rain the surface gets slick enough that you think twice before rolling the mower up it. Eventually you tear it off and build another one.
An aluminum ramp ends that cycle. Here is how the two compare, what to look for, and how to tell which size fits your shed.
Why Wooden Ramps Wear Out
Rot. A shed ramp spends its whole life outside, and its lower end sits on or near the ground. Wood that stays damp breaks down, and the ramp's weakest spot is usually the part carrying the load as the wheels come off the ground.
Slippery surfaces. Weathered wood gets slick when it is wet, and that is exactly when you are hurrying to get the mower, wheelbarrow or ATV under cover.
Upkeep and replacement. Keeping a wooden ramp sound means sealing or painting it and replacing boards as they go bad. Sooner or later, most get replaced entirely.
What Makes an Aluminum Ramp Different
It never rots. Aluminum does not absorb water, so there is nothing to soften, swell or rot, no matter how long the end sits on the ground.
Lifetime warranty against rust. Every ramp we sell comes with a lifetime warranty against rust.
A non-slip surface. The ramp surface is ribbed aluminum, so you have grip for your feet and your tires.
Rated for real equipment. Our ramps are rated for 1,000 pounds per axle and 500 pounds per wheel. Both limits apply, so check your equipment before you buy. Call us if you are unsure.
| Wooden ramp | Banner aluminum ramp | |
|---|---|---|
| Rot | Can rot, especially at the ground | Never rots |
| Rust | Fasteners can rust | Lifetime warranty against rust |
| Surface when wet | Can get slippery | Ribbed, non-slip aluminum |
| Upkeep | Sealing, painting, replacing boards | No painting or sealing |
| Load rating | Depends on how it was built | 1,000 lb per axle, 500 lb per wheel |
Sizes and Prices
Our ramps come in three widths. Every ramp is 72 inches (6 feet) long. The size name is the nominal width; the actual width is 2 inches less, so measure your door and your equipment against the actual numbers:
| Size | Actual size | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 4x6 | 46" wide × 72" long | $499 |
| 5x6 | 58" wide × 72" long | $599 |
| 6x6 | 70" wide × 72" long | $699 |
Sales tax applies to the ramp. Free pickup is available at our Columbus lot, and delivery is $50 through 30 miles or $75 over 30 through 45 miles. See all three sizes and order online.
Will It Fit My Shed?
A ramp only works if the slope works. According to the installation instructions:
- Door height: the door should be no more than 24 inches above the ground.
- Slope: the installed slope should not be steeper than 3:12 (a 24-inch drop over 6 feet), and should have at least a 1:12 slope (a 6-inch drop over 6 feet) so water runs off.
- Ground: the lower end has to sit flush with the ground. If needed, dig a small trench where the ramp lands, or on concrete or asphalt, shim the building.
- Width: choose a width that suits your door opening and the equipment you will roll in.
How It Installs
A mounting rail screws to the shed at the door threshold, the ramp hooks onto the rail, and a safety screw on each side locks it in place. All the hardware comes with the ramp, including the mounting bracket and safety screws. You need a drill, a 5/16" nut driver bit and a level, and it takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
The ramp's installation instructions call for a qualified installer. If you would rather not do it yourself, we offer shed installation for $95, subject to photo approval, with delivery. You can read the step-by-step instructions or download them as a PDF before you buy.
The Bottom Line
A wooden ramp is a project you repeat. An aluminum ramp that never rots, carries a lifetime warranty against rust, and gives you a non-slip surface is one you buy once. That is why we call it the last shed ramp you will ever buy.
Shop aluminum shed ramps from $499, or call us at 706-568-0500 with questions.