How to build ramps for Absco garden shed?

Johnnyl

Hi all,

I’m in the process of planning my shed slab and garden, shed will be on an elevated area and finished floor level of slab will be 500mm higher than garden bed. 

the shed is an absco 2200mmx 1400mm shed and will be sitting on a rebate

The ramp will need to be 2000mm long and will need to be built on batter grade to reach the shed rebate

My Questions are what width should the ramp be if the shed will be storing mainly garden equipment and do I finish the ramp flush with the rebate or with the shed slab?

EricL

Hello @Johnnyl 

Since your Absco 2200mm x 1400mm shed will be sitting on an elevated slab with a finished floor level 500mm higher than the garden bed, and you plan to use it mainly for storing garden equipment, it’s important to ensure your ramp is both functional and safe. With a 2000mm long ramp planned on a batter grade, you’ll have a 1:4 gradient, which is reasonably steep and requires a solid, non-slip surface.

In terms of width, a minimum of 800mm is serviceable for most garden tools like trimmers or narrow wheelbarrows. However, to make access smoother and more practical especially if you’ll be pushing a lawnmower, garden cart, or any wider items a ramp width of 1000mm is recommended. If space allows, you could increase this to 1200mm for even easier access, which would still be proportionate to your shed's 2200mm width.

As for where the ramp should finish, it’s important to align it with the top of the rebate, not the main slab height. The rebate is there so the shed walls sit slightly lower than the slab surface, helping to anchor the shed and prevent water ingress. If the ramp finishes flush with the slab rather than the rebate, you'll be left with a small drop into the shed, which could create a tripping hazard or make it harder to roll items inside. Finishing flush with the rebate allows for a seamless, level transition.

Lastly, since your ramp will have a steep incline, consider a broom-finished texture for grip, and reinforce the ramp with mesh or rebar if you’re pouring it in concrete. Including a small upturned edge or lip along the sides can also help guide wheels and prevent accidental slips off the edge.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric