Front Porch Ramp
We have planned several projects for the summer this year, and Lord Willing, be able to complete them. One of those projects was a ramp for the front porch. This is that project.
We noticed that over the years, our canine friends have gotten older, which has made it more difficult for them to get up the steps of the front porch. Also as WE get older, we may have need for a ramp. When we built the back porch, we did a ramp there, but had not at that time planned the same for the front.
This fixes that issue, and provides for the future. The first design exited the porch side in the same location, but with a platform instead of a short ramp section. It was then going to turn left and down to another platform in the corner, then exit away from the house. However, we quickly decided it was overly complicated and used much more lumber. The desire was to not block access on the north side so vehicles could still access that area.
Instead, we did the short ramp section, then a platform and another ramp section to the ground. That eliminated one platform and saved four posts. All posts were placed to 18 inches minimum in concrete to be below the frost line to prevent heave in the winter. We then finished the end with roughly-finished concrete for stability, traction and to bridge the 5 inch step to ground level.
We managed to use only six posts instead of ten the original design would have required. For longevity, we used posts and boards pressure treated for ground contact. The original front porch boards were treated for severe weather, but not for ground contact. However, we found another supplier that had boards available with both posts and dimensional lumber treated.
In any case, the next and final step will be to paint the completed ramp with Penofin penetrating oil. It’s a bit pricey, but is very good. We also discovered it comes in several shades, which we didn’t know. We got “transparent cedar” this time, so the ramp may not be exactly the same shade as the porch, which was “sable.”
Have a great Memorial Day! And remember the greatest sacrifice ever made was Jesus dying for our sins, so we could be reconciled before God!