How to Make the Slope for a Concrete Slab for a Ramp

A sloped concrete slab acts as a ramp easing the movement of items such as wheelchairs, carts and vehicles. The chief advantage of concrete ramps is stability and durability. Disadvantages include cost and almost no ability to modify with changing situations. Forming and pouring a concrete ramp requires the same skills and tools as a flat or level slab and falls within the abilities of do-it-yourselfers with concrete experience.

2-by-4-inch lumber
Wood stakes
Gravel
Cement
Trowels
Broom

Instructions

- 1
  Excavate the sod from the planned location of the ramp. Remove enough soil to create at least a 4-inch space for the concrete the entire length of the ramp.
- 2
  Build a form for one side of the ramp. Cut a 2-by-4-inch board to the planned length of the ramp. Drive stakes at least 1 foot into the ground every 3 feet along the form. The Americans with Disabilities act requires wheelchair ramp slopes to be no steeper than 1 inch rise in every 10 inches for slopes rising a total of no more than 6 inches and 1 inch rise in 8 inches for slopes rising no more than 3 inches.
- 3
  Position a board at the desired slope and nail through the stake into the board to hold it in place. Measure the slope by placing a 4-foot carpenter's level on the top of the form and raise it until the bubble shows level. Measure the distance between the end of the level and the form. This indicates the rise of the ramp in 48 inches of horizontal distance. Divide the 48-inch length by the inches of rise to determine a ratio. For example, if the measurement between the ramp and level is 4 inches the slope would by 1 inch in 12.
- 4
  Add form pieces under the initial form board to fill the opening between the bottom of the initial form board and the ground.
- 5
  Build an additional form on the other side of the planned concrete ramp. Place a 4-foot carpenter's level across the planned ramp opening between the two forms. Adjust the second form until the two forms are level. If the space between the forms is more than 4 feet place a straight board between the forms and set the level on top of it.
- 6
  Add gravel to the ramp space. Fill with gravel to a level about 4 inches away from the forms and 4 inches below the level of board when it is placed on the form edges. Pack the gravel using hand tools or a vibrating plate tamper.
- 7
  Pour the concrete into the form. Mix or order a slightly stiffer than normal mix so it will hold in place along the slope of the ramp. Level the concrete in the form by pulling a screed, a straight board resting on the top of the forms, down the slope.
- 8
  Tap the forms with a hammer to vibrate the forms and settle the concrete. This helps eliminate air bubbles in the concrete. Finish the surface with a trowel.

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