Ramp

Smokeydog · Feb 9, 2021

One of the best retirement jobs we did was to add a deck all along the back of the house. 48’ long, 13-14’ wide, mostly covered. Don’t like wood outside steps so bought steel and concrete used stair section from hotel demolition to install.

Time changes plans. Had to spend time caregiving Dad. Spent years trying to build an entry ramp for dad but was strongly rebuffed. Finally after several falls on the steps he agreed. He loved it as well as everyone else coming and going helping him stay in his own house.

Got me rethinking the deck steps. A ramp would be nice and an added feature on our forever home. Thank goodness for my patient wife as this project took 10 years to get to.

Under construction now. Two ~14’ sections.

Test fit and pour piers

Working on railing now.

Once fabrication is done will get it powder coated.

deezler · Feb 9, 2021

So it's a 28' long ramp?!? holy cramoly. Hope it's not too slippery when wet or frozen, b/c a fall on that thing looks awful painful.

Very nice fabrication, not trying to be a hater here. But why not wood to match the house? And it looks like you could have just built the dirt/gravel up on the driveway edge another foot or two also, to minimize the ramp height needed, no?

Thomas · Feb 9, 2021

That should las life time. :thumbsup:

kevin37b · Feb 9, 2021

Very nice place . What is the building down the hill ? Kevin .

Wakey · Feb 9, 2021

kevin37b said:
Very nice place . What is the building down the hill ? Kevin .

Right? In the same pic Smokeydog, why can’t you find a stick for the dog?

Awesome looking houses on your property.

Smokeydog · Feb 9, 2021

View attachment 685942
In the test fit position had a few light snows and hard frosts. Traction is good not painted yet. Expanded metal rolled flat and tread plate. Kind on paws and bare feet. Steps get icy too. If after powder coat too slick will paint with sand in the mix.

Original 270 year old cabin with some updates in background.

Rail frames tacked. Disassembled and transported back to shop for final railing fabrication and paint prep. Half mile transport to shop thru winding wooded driveway. Half inch clearance carrying cross ways. All outside, will not fit in shop. Each section ~1500#. Sourced most material scrap or 2nd hand. The 25.5’ 4x4 square galvanized tubing was free for hauling.

Be extremely harder to fabricate and install without the use of a good tractor.

Smokeydog · Feb 10, 2021

Marriage of old and new. Told these wagon wheels are about 1880? Most of my driveway was a wagon trail and one of the few places to cross the Clinch river. Travelers could imbibe in spirits passing by Poison Hallow spring where we get our water. From our deck we watch the spirits of the past roll along. Wheels are like the circle of life.