How do I pour concrete to make a ramp out of three 3 inch stairs?

Beth Corbin
by Beth Corbin

I have a walkway that is only two feet wide, and I want to expand it to 3 feet, and make the three gentle steps -- only 3 inches high each -- into a ramp. It leads to the entrance of my sister's basement apartment, and she just got a mobility scooter, and would like to be able to park it next to her door. I've never poured concrete, and don't really know the process. I also don't have the funds to just redo the entire walkway, or to hire someone. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

  4 answers
  • Skip pouring concrete, you are much better building a ramp instead that meets ADA requirements. See if this is easier and cheaper for you.


    https://www.familyhandyman.com/decks/how-to-build-a-wheelchair-ramp/view-all/


    https://www.handiramp.com/ramp-design.htm


    https://youtu.be/WicUn5BPRwg

  • Kelli L. Milligan Kelli L. Milligan on Sep 14, 2018

    Too hard of a project to take on. Get estimates, you don t know yet if you can't afford it.

  • William William on Sep 14, 2018

    Naomie is correct. it has to meet ADA requirements and local building cores. Had neighbors a few doors from me build a ramp and the village had them take it down in a few days. Didn't meet building codes and permit was not pulled.

  • Beth Corbin Beth Corbin on Sep 15, 2018

    The community I live in allowes homeowners to do some projects, like a sidewalk, without a permit if you do the work yourself. There is no step down from the house, as my sister lives in the basement apt in my home. The only impediment is the width of the sidewalk and the 3 ADA steps I had the contractor include to the sidewalk. Building a ramp is too costly, and would detract from the curb appeal. I think I could use pavers along the side of the current sidewalk, and then I just need the steps replaced with a gentle slope of concrete. I’ve just never poured concrete myself. I’be seen it done, but not sure I was paying close enough attention to do it myself.

    • See 1 previous
    • Beth Corbin Beth Corbin on Sep 18, 2018

      Naomie Moore, with all due respect I did not come here to be lectured about the ADA. I am fully familiar with the ADA. Thank you for the links, this is what I was looking for from the start. I have watched concrete being poured for three different projects around my home, I've just never done it myself. There is already a 2 foot wide walkway from the door to the sidewalk, so I only need to have another foot beside it. I would like to include a fun pattern, so it looks a little better. There are three ADA steps that I need to take out and replace with a gentle slope. The suggestion of contacting Habitat for Humanity is a good one, thanks.