Here's a design for a light weight portable wheelchair ramp I made for the http://www.tulgeywood.us camp.

Requirements: able to transport it out to the island of Nantucket, put in to place for wheelchair accessability and store when we're not there.

This project might be useful to anyone who has a friend/loved one in a chair that visits occasionally

Step 1: Parts

The door we're accessing opens on to a 5 3/4" drop, 46" long step to another 5" (ish) drop. The second drop opens out on to uneven lawn. I figured I could make two seperate identical ramps and hinge them together then shim up or dig out the second lower ramp once I install the ramp and figure out the uneven parts of the lawn.

Something to think about if you're building one of these. The top ramp section must go flush up to the door step but the lower ramp section must be high enough to clear the end of the step, allowing it to line up with the end of the upper ramp.

So, a sheet of 3/4" ply (smooth on one side) cut in to 3 sections. 2 of 48"32" will make the ramps and the other 48x32 will be used for the sides and ends.

Some 2x1" for securing the end & sides

A load of 1 1/4" deck screws
Wood glue
Varnish
Acrylic deck dust to provide a non slip surface.

Step 2: Cut the End & Sides

The oringinal sheet was cut in the shop for me, making it easier to transport. I had the 2x1 spare and proceeded marking and cutting the sides and ends

Step 3: Paint

Here is a very simple and quick method for stenciling nice sharp lettering. The tracing paper is non absorbant but thin making it ideal for the job.

1)Sand wood
2)Coat of varnish, let dry
3)drew out some lettering on a long sheet of paper and spray tacked that on to the ramp
4)Cut out letters and spray painted them
5)Another coat of varnish
6)before the 2nd coat dries I added a light coat of acrylic dust to make not slip

Note, if you have trouble with the spray tack not coming up, use a hair dryer (this method works well for taking off vinyl decals fyi)

The second coat of varnish has to go on quick and light or you run the risk of disturbing your lettering. 3rd coat should not be a problem.