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Homemade Curb Ramp Options - Concrete, Steel, and Wood

If you're one of the many Americans that hates the jolt of going over a rolled curb, we feel your pain. A common solution - all too common, actually - is constructing a DIY curb ramp to ease the jolt. Here are the pros and cons of three popular homemade curbs:

Concrete Curb Ramps

Concrete curb

Thinking about installing a concrete curb ramp? Don't.

Concrete ramps are cheap - you can buy a bag of concrete with the spare change in your pocket - and easy to install. It'll take you less than an afternoon to mix it, lay it, and smooth it out in front of your driveway. However, concrete curb ramps might be the WORST route to take to smooth out your driveway...and here's why:

  • They're illegal. Local law enforcement could see a DIY concrete curb ramp as defacing public property and will most likely issue you a ticket. Plus, when you have to remove the ramp, you'll be on the hook for any repairs that have to be made to the original curb.
  • They don't last long. Your concrete curb ramp, while cheap, most likely won't last a full season. Unless you support the edges of the ramp, the concrete will erode around the edges.
  • Mail Delivery. DIY Concrete ramps pose a problem for anyone trying to drive or park along your curb. It could cause damage to UPS trucks, street sweepers, or anyone else driving by. Their complaints will lead directly back to you.

Wooden Curb Ramps

Wood ramp

If you think a wooden curb ramp like this will last more than a week, think again.

What are the advantages of homemade wooden curb ramps? They're cheap, easy to put together, and easily moved.

However, of all the options out there, DIY wooden curb ramps are the least durable. They'll likely crack or snap after a few uses, and they're not always easy for people to drive over (unless they're really wide). Plus, you can't leave them out all the time. They can wash away with even moderate rain or someone may steal them.

Steel Curb Ramps

Steel ramp

See how this steel curb ramp is already showing signs of rust?

This is where we'd list off the "pros" of a steel curb ramp...if there were any. Steel is expensive, and bolting it to your curb or sidewalk could get you in a load of trouble with the local authorities.

Also, a steel concrete ramp will begin to corrode the second it's installed, resulting in a rusty mess that's sure to break down. Another thing to keep in mind is the danger these pose to service vehicles that drive up and down neighborhood roads.

Last but not least, steel ramps tend to be noisy when you drive over them. If you're leaving or entering your driveway at odd hours, your neighbors may complain about the noise.

The Solution: BRIDJIT Curb Ramps

BRIDJIT Curb Ramps are the perfect (and affordable!) solution for anyone looking for a smoothed-out ride. Here's what you're getting when you install a BRIDJIT Curb Ramp:

  • A Great Fit. It can be hard to make homemade ramps fit the way you want, at least at first. With BRIDJIT Curb Ramps, you don't have to make any adjustments. They're made specifically to fit rolled curb driveways. They're so unobtrusive that it's unlikely they'll cause any issues with law enforcement, neighbors, or delivery trucks.
  • Durability. Unless you plan on driving a tank over your driveway, your BRIDJIT Curb Ramp will hold its own through every season. BRIDJIT Curb Ramps are made from recycled tires, which are incredibly long-lasting.
  • Simple Install. In the time it takes you to heat up a frozen pizza, your BRIDJIT curb ramp could be installed and ready to use.
  • They're Legal. BRIDJIT curb ramps are designed to let water flow beneath them, which means you won't be breaking any city ordinances by blocking drainage.

Make the Switch

DIY curb ramps, while generally inexpensive, simply aren't worth it and may end up costing you a lot in fees and fine from the city or your HOA. If you're thinking about constructing a DIY curb ramp or already have one that's not working for you, it's time to get a BRIDJIT.