This 36" wide X 58" long X 3/4" thick plywood parking base will be located on a side porch to accomodate my new 11.5 hp, 300 lb (wet) 30" wide Craftsman Snowthrower to protect the wooden flooring. I'll also use it as a ramp for entry-exit ease to/from the porch. To prevent slipping and to increase traction when used as a ramp, I'll tack down
four flexible outdoor rubber mats with drain holes the size of a quarter. At one end (only) of the base/ramp, I'll nail/screw a piece of 36" long X 1" wide scrap wood to prevent slippage. This part will be touching the ground when used as a ramp. The rubber mats are 16" wide by 28" long. In addition, I bought a larger version of the same brand name mat to be placed between the porch floor and ramp top-edge "lip" to act as a smooth drive-on transition to the ramp. Back in World War II after the U.S. invaded Normandy and placed fighter aircraft in France, they hastily built airbases and used steel mats placed over dirt for runways and taxiways. The dirt became mud on rainy days and the planes could still takeoff while supported by these mats.
I purchased a "large" slab of plywood at Home Depot @ $34.99, had it cut to size with the idea that the leftover pieces will come in handy. The four 16" wide X 28" long rubber mats were found at Lowes @ $3.97 each and were not available at Home Depot. The brand name is Hexagon Mat. I'll use grey deck paint. It'll look nice with the black mats. Once built, I plan to place the base with the rubber mat side facing down to act as a thin cushion against the wood flooring and to allow air to enter. We'll see how that plays out.
By the way, my porch is not very high, only two normal size steps. I bought the materials today, plan to assemble and paint tomorrow. The reason for this ramp/base? My garage is too far away for practical storage and the snowthrower is just outside my door.
