I built a DIY shed ramp that is sturdy, ultra durable, and easy to make. Check out the Trex lineup online: https://www.trex.com/products/decking/ Or in person at your local Division of US LBM: https://uslbm.com/about/locations/ Sponsored by Trex and US LBM 🎥 DIY Shed Build Series: 1. Building a Shed Foundation - • Don't use concrete, do THIS instead! 2. Framing a Shed Alone - • Contractors Hate Me For Showing You This! 3. Roofing a Lean-To Shed - • Roofing My Overbuilt Shed 4. DIY Shed Doors & Windows - • Don't Spend Big $$, Make Your Own Windows... 5. Finishing My Overbuilt Shed - • Did I Make My Shed TOO Nice? 6. 10 Shed Storage Ideas - • 13 Simple Shed Storage Ideas ➤Tools/Supplies Used (Amazon affiliate): Our Amazon Shop - https://amzlink.to/az0gW91ihuW7m Trex Select Composite Decking - https://www.trex.com/products/decking... Trex Protect Joist Tape - https://amzn.to/3IaH9BA Trex Deck Screws - https://homedepot.sjv.io/QjL1xM Kreg Track Saw - https://amzlink.to/az0bslpcxdY4x Kreg VersaGrip Clamps - https://amzlink.to/az05OR5imrAso ISOtunes Bluetooth Hearing Protection - http://bit.ly/2Ru4Es8 (10% off code: FTBT) ➤Support the FTBT Channel: Buy FTBT Woodworking Plans: https://fixthisbuildthat.com/plans Buy FTBT Merch: https://bit.ly/2YgiHnd Links to My Tools & Gear: http://bit.ly/FTBT-tools Subscribe: http://bit.ly/FTBT-youtube ➤Join the FTBT Builders Club!!! http://bit.ly/2abkaSV More content, early access, FREE plans, video credits ➤Thank you to these partners for supporting our channel. Go check them out! Kreg Tool: https://amzn.to/2FXZIGp ISOtunes: http://bit.ly/2Ru4Es8 (10% off code: FTBT) Music Licensed through Epidemic Sound - Get a FREE month: https://bit.ly/3qCwWiW --- This video walks through building an ultra‑durable shed ramp using Trex composite decking over pressure‑treated joists, including layout, ground prep, framing, moisture protection, and decking installation.[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltAeStEtlu0)​ ## Project goals and ramp layout - The builder sets two goals: make the ramp **super** sturdy and super durable for years of use.[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltAeStEtlu0)​ - He explains typical shed ramps are about 4 ft long but instead designs length as “multiples of board width” (deck boards 5½ in wide plus 3⁄16 in gap), initially choosing 11 boards (~60½ in) and later extending to 13 boards (~72 in) after encountering the existing gravel perimeter beam.[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltAeStEtlu0)​ ## Ground prep, ledger, and joist geometry - Ground in front of the shed is excavated ~4 in deep and widened after test‑fitting a 2×6 shows the angled joist will bear on the dirt and then conflict with a 4×6 perimeter beam; this forces extending the ramp length and adjusting the pit.[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltAeStEtlu0)​ - A trim/kick board at the shed threshold is cut back so a pressure‑treated 2×6 ledger can mount directly to the shed; ledger height is set to clear the door swing by about ⅛ in above the Trex board thickness (boards are ⅞ in thick).[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltAeStEtlu0)​ - The landing pad is leveled with compactable “all‑purpose stone” (described as crusher run/No. 57‑type jagged aggregate), over tamped soil to provide a stable bearing surface.[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltAeStEtlu0)​ - To find the joist angle and length, he uses a full‑length 2×6: places it on the ledger, lets it rest down on the gravel pad, marks the cut against the ledger, and transfers the drop (5½ in) with another 2×6 at the toe, then cuts the long bevel with a track saw.[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltAeStEtlu0)​ ## Joist cutting, layout, and support - The first test joist hits a post at the gravel edge, so he notches about ½ in out of the joist underside, then uses that joist as a “master template” to trace and cut the rest.[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltAeStEtlu0)​ - Joists are dry‑fitted and the gravel re‑graded until all bear evenly; the ramp is 62 in wide and uses joist spacing at 12 in on center (0, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60 in) to achieve a roughly 200 lb/ft² rating for Trex Select decking.[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltAeStEtlu0)​ - A straightedge across top and bottom of the joists highlights high/low spots; instead of recutting, he adjusts soil and gravel under the toes for a flat plane.[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltAeStEtlu0)​ - Before fastening, Trex Protect self‑adhesive joist tape is applied to the joist tops to shed water, seal screw penetrations, and isolate galvanized hardware from wet wood.[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltAeStEtlu0)​ ## Structural connections and blocking - Open‑ended rafter/joist hangers are used at the ledger so skewed joists can be hung from the side rather than end‑screwed from behind; he lengthens the ledger slightly to clear hanger “ears” and sets joist height to suit the deck board thickness.[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltAeStEtlu0)​ - Trex Protect tape continues under the hangers, and galvanized screws are driven into hanger holes and ledger, then joists are screwed into hangers from both sides.[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltAeStEtlu0)​ - The underside of the pressure‑treated joists is sealed at the cut area to protect exposed end grain in ground contact.[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltAeStEtlu0)​ - Short support spacer blocks (blocking) are installed between each pair of joists, slightly lower than the tops so they do not interfere with decking but keep joists spaced and aligned during deck installation.[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltAeStEtlu0)​ ## Trex product selection and cutting - The video includes a segment at Walker Lumber with a Trex rep, summarizing Trex’s “good, better, best” lines: - Enhance: entry‑level, scalloped bottom, lighter and lower cost. - Transcend: 1 in solid board with thicker shell and 50‑year warranty. - Select: ⅞ in solid core, 35‑year warranty, mid‑tier balance of price and performance.[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltAeStEtlu0)​ - For the ramp he selects Trex Select in the “Whiskey Barrel” color, highlighting its natural grain, subtle streaking, and resistance to stains, scratches, and mold.[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltAeStEtlu0)​ - He explains Trex’s recycled‑content story: boards combine polyethylene plastic film and wood scrap, rooted in the founder’s early recycling of bread bags and wood waste; Trex is described as one of North America’s largest recyclers of polyethylene film.[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltAeStEtlu0)​ - Trex boards are 16 ft long in this build (also available in 10 and 12 ft); he rips them into three ramp planks each, supporting them on 2×6s while cutting with a Diablo/Trex‑branded 44‑tooth composite blade to avoid melting and rough edges.[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltAeStEtlu0)​ ## Decking installation and finishing details - Deck boards start tight at the threshold and run down, with equal overhangs on both sides; side faces will later be covered with Trex boards instead of separate fascia.[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltAeStEtlu0)​ - He uses Trex Hideaway composite deck screws (color‑matched) as face fasteners, two per joist, noting that 12 in joist spacing raises the allowable load from about 100 to 200 lb/ft² for Trex Select.[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltAeStEtlu0)​ - A 3D‑printed drilling jig wraps over the board and locates screw positions; the first board uses a special lower hole to avoid hitting joist hangers, while all subsequent boards use the standard top and bottom jig holes.[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltAeStEtlu0)​ - Gap spacers are also 3D‑printed to maintain the required 3⁄16 in expansion gap between boards; he explains that composite needs gaps (unlike tight‑butt pressure‑treated) to avoid buckling as boards expand in heat.[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltAeStEtlu0)​ - He pre‑drills all holes to prevent mushrooming; notes earlier experiences with composite mushrooming when screwed without pre‑drilling, but here the boards sit clean and flush.[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltAeStEtlu0)​ - To manage warped pressure‑treated framing, temporary loose boards at the sides keep spacing; he measures from top reference points and adjusts gaps and overhangs to keep the ramp straight.[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltAeStEtlu0)​ - Near the bottom of the ramp, some screws hit rocks under the toe; a problem screw lifts the board, so he trims about ¾–1 in off that screw to allow it to bite into wood only.[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltAeStEtlu0)​ - After top decking is on, he trims all board ends in one pass with a track saw to create a perfectly straight lower edge despite any underlying framing irregularities.[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltAeStEtlu0)​ - Trex boards are then applied as side trim, using offcuts and notches to clear the gravel foundation timbers; screw holes in trim are pre‑drilled and fastened for a fully wrapped look.[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltAeStEtlu0)​ - Final backfilling of dirt around the ramp makes a smooth transition; the ramp is tested with a table saw, pressure washer, buggy, and described as super sturdy, durable, and visually matched to the shed.[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltAeStEtlu0)​ ## Materials list (as shown or described) ## Structural framing and base - Pressure‑treated 2×6 lumber for: - Ledger board on shed front. - Ramp joists (cut with long angled toes, ~72 in length). - Cutting supports under composite boards.[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltAeStEtlu0)​ - Existing perimeter foundation timber (4×6 around shed gravel base), which drives the design change to a longer ramp.[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltAeStEtlu0)​ - Compactable aggregate (all‑purpose stone / crusher run / No. 57‑type gravel) for the pad at the ramp toe.[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltAeStEtlu0)​ - Soil, tamped to form a compacted sub‑base under the gravel.[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltAeStEtlu0)​ ## Connectors and moisture protection - Open‑ended rafter/joist hangers suitable for angled joists, sized for 2×6.[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltAeStEtlu0)​ - Galvanized screws for joist hangers and ledger attachment.[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltAeStEtlu0)​ - Trex Protect Joist Tape (self‑adhesive) for joist tops and under hangers.[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltAeStEtlu0)​ - Sealant/wood preservative for undersides of cut pressure‑treated joists.[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltAeStEtlu0)​ - Short 2×6 spacer blocks (blocking) between joists.[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltAeStEtlu0)​ ## Decking and fasteners - Trex Select composite decking boards (Whiskey Barrel color), 16 ft length, cut into ramp planks.[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltAeStEtlu0)​ - Trex Hideaway composite deck screws, color‑matched, used as face fasteners.[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltAeStEtlu0)​ - Optional Trex hidden‑fastener system with notched boards (mentioned as a deck option but not used on this ramp).[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltAeStEtlu0)​ ## Tools and accessories - Circular saw fitted with Diablo Trex 44‑tooth blade (or equivalent high‑tooth composite blade).[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltAeStEtlu0)​ - Track saw and straightedge for long, accurate bevel and edge cuts.[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltAeStEtlu0)​ - 3D‑printed drilling jig for screw layout and 3D‑printed gap spacers.[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltAeStEtlu0)​ - Straightedge for checking joist plane, shovels for digging, and hand tamper for compaction.[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltAeStEtlu0)​ - ISOtunes (or similar) Bluetooth hearing protection.[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltAeStEtlu0)​ If you want, this can be converted into a concise BOM table with estimated quantities for a ramp sized to a specific door height and width. 1. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltAeStEtlu0](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltAeStEtlu0) ---