Not Really Woodworking But ...

[Dave R]

... we used a few woodworking sort of tools and I was able to get my son engaged. With no shop currently this was a little bit of a challenge.

Apologies if I already shared this, by the way.

Last year in October we had our deck redone. The original had been built in 3 or 4 phases before we bought the house. The different phases were at different heights making for numerous trip hazzards and there was a section of the desk that was a good sneeze from falling off. Sorry. No pictures of the old deck. Here's the area of interest after the new deck was complete.

IMG_20240529_200538850
After the deck was redone there was a 2-1/2 inch step outside the door. Not a huge amount unless you're on wheels so a ramp was in order. There was a bit of material leftover from the deck remodel and I played with a variety of designs aimed at using the available material without buying more.

Ramp Design
It was a stretch to get what I needed out of it. I was to the point of trying to minimize saw cuts to reduce the waste. Also couldn't figure out how to securely attach the lowest boards on the ramp whilst avoiding exposed fasteners. I finally found a suitable rubber ramp of exactly the right height.

Here's an exploded view of the deck platform that we built.

Ramp Design

We made a kit of parts in the garage and then assembled them on the deck. Well, Ian assembled them on the deck.

IMG_20240530_183611977

And a couple of pictures showing the finished project.

View from the Deck


IMG_20240603_165054710

 

[duke]

I like that the ramp is a darker colour making it more visible.
Which composite deck product is it?

 

[Dave R]

Thank you. It's the premium Trex planking.

I added the white on the side so the step would show, too. The rubber ramp is good although maybe a little more heavily textured than I'd like. It's a bit bumpy for 4 inch casters. Still, it's short enough. Small problem.

 

[Mike G]

Is there a reason why the whole thing couldn't have come up to threshold level?

 

[Cabinetman]

Is there a reason why the whole thing couldn't have come up to threshold level?

My guess is that it’s as high as the outward opening door will allow.
Looks good Dave, looks a lovely spot too, is that the UK?

 

[RogerS]

....
Looks good Dave, looks a lovely spot too, is that the UK?

It isn't. I think the building style and construction is the giveaway. Besides, it's got shadows

I know where it is but will let Dave tell you. It really is a super location.

 

[Cabinetman]

It isn't. I think the building style and construction is the giveaway. Besides, it's got shadows

I know where it is but will let Dave tell you. It really is a super location.

Well yes I agree, looks like the States to me, which made me ask I suppose.

 

[Dave R]

Is there a reason why the whole thing couldn't have come up to threshold level?

There's a door from the main bedroom out onto the deck and for some reason the floor there is lower. It's not noticeable from inside the house and we didn't know about it before the deck was being redone.

My guess is that it’s as high as the outward opening door will allow.
Looks good Dave, looks a lovely spot too, is that the UK?

It's in Minnesota in the US.

 

[Dave R]

Just thought I'd share a photo taken the other evening from the deck in the photos above. They had just touched down on the water and were climbing up again.