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Wheelchair ramps can be built using various materials, such as wood. While wood is initially cost-effective, it may become more expensive over time due to the maintenance it requires.
iStockphoto.com/Phil CardamoneTwo decades ago, wheelchair access ramps were not as commonplace as they are now. It wasn’t until the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990 that there were established guidelines for the necessity of ramps and other accommodations for the disabled. Today, there’s a significant demand for builders who know how to construct a wheelchair ramp.
The ADA is a federal civil rights law that forbids discrimination against people with disabilities in daily activities [source: United States Department of Justice]. Some public buildings are now required to have ramps to make them more accessible to individuals with disabilities. If you’re considering adding a ramp to an existing building, it might be a project you can tackle yourself, but it’s important to approach it with caution and responsibility.
When properly built, wheelchair ramps are reliable, robust structures that grant individuals with disabilities access to places they might otherwise be unable to reach.
The ADA has helped raise awareness about the barriers that prevent people with disabilities from accomplishing the tasks they wish and need to do. It established a set of guidelines to standardize the construction of wheelchair ramps and specified the materials to ensure safety for all users. Numerous lawsuits have arisen over hazardous wheelchair ramps, most of which stem from neglect.
In this article, you’ll gain insight into the ADA’s specifications for wheelchair ramps, including slope ratios and horizontal projections. We’ll also cover important details such as ramp width, length, handrail placements, guardrails, and the best ways to protect ramp users. Additionally, we will examine various materials available for ramp construction and their respective pros and cons.
You’ll also discover the essential steps for building a durable wheelchair ramp, as well as important considerations to ensure your ramp is ready for use. With numerous options available, you can either build or purchase a ramp depending on what best fits your needs.
Wheelchair Ramp Guidelines
When designing a wheelchair ramp, it is crucial to consider the needs and limitations of the users. The ramp should be wide enough to ensure safety, sturdy enough to support electric wheelchairs, and have a gentle slope that allows manual wheelchair users to navigate easily. Safety is a critical aspect, and a variety of factors must be carefully considered.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) outlines how ramps should be designed for public spaces, ensuring they are safe, sturdy, and accessible. For private homeowners, the ADA offers guidance on building ramps that meet these standards. The recommended slope ratio ranges from 1:16 to 1:20, as a 1:12 ratio is too steep for some individuals to navigate. While public spaces must comply with these ratios, homeowners aren’t strictly required to do so, though if space permits, it’s advisable to follow them [source: Access-board].
The ADA establishes the following guidelines for wheelchair ramps:
- The minimum ramp width must be 36 inches.
- Edge protection is required on ramps to prevent anyone from slipping off.
- Ramps must have landings at both ends that are at least as wide as the ramp and 60 inches long.
- Handrails are mandatory on ramps with a rise of more than 6 inches or a horizontal projection greater than 72 inches.
- Cross slopes must be less than 1:50, and the surface must be slip-resistant and stable.
There are additional surface requirements that must be met, which will be discussed in further detail in the next section.
Ramps can be made from a variety of materials, with some being more suitable than others. Before purchasing materials or starting construction, it’s important to review local building codes, city and county regulations, and obtain any necessary permits. In the next section, we will explore the best materials for specific ramp building scenarios.
To figure out the slope of your ramp and the horizontal space it will need, follow this calculation based on ADA guidelines: Multiply the height your ramp needs to rise by your desired slope ratio, then divide the total by 12 (this converts the required horizontal space to feet). For instance, if the rise is 31 inches and the slope ratio is 20, you get 620. When you divide 620 by 12, the result is a 51-foot horizontal projection [source: WheelchairRamp].
Materials for Building Wheelchair Ramps
When constructing a wheelchair ramp, it’s important to consider the needs of not just wheelchair users but also individuals using crutches, canes, walkers, or those who have difficulty walking at a regular pace.
Wheelchair ramps can be built from a variety of materials including aluminum, wood, steel, or concrete. Concrete ramps are typically more expensive but are an excellent option for permanent installations. Before the concrete sets, you can texture the surface to add slip resistance directly into the material.
Wood is a more budget-friendly option for ramp construction, but this lower cost comes with the need for ongoing maintenance. A wood ramp should be treated with a sealer or varnish to prevent decay and deformation. To avoid accidents, you’ll also need to apply non-slip features like grit strips. Wooden handrails must be properly finished and maintained to avoid splinters. The boards should be placed close enough to eliminate uncomfortable bumps but spaced far enough apart to allow proper water drainage.
Steel must undergo galvanization to prevent rusting and corrosion, and the surface should be textured to enhance grip and reduce the risk of slipping.
Aluminum is a durable, corrosion-resistant material, but it comes with a high price tag. Since aluminum is lightweight and can bend under pressure, it’s essential to calculate the weight requirements for a wheelchair with a person inside when designing an aluminum ramp. Additionally, the surface of the aluminum must be textured to prevent it from becoming slippery and hazardous.
Ready to get started on building your wheelchair ramp? Move on to the next page to find out how.
Building a Wheelchair Ramp
The design and materials you choose for your ramp will determine the construction process. In this section, we will outline the general steps for building a wooden ramp for a private residence. Before we dive into the process, there are a few important things to consider first:
- Electric wheelchairs can be quite heavy, so it is essential to use 2-by-6 lumber for the framework to ensure stability.
- Nails can work their way loose from wood decking, posing a safety risk. It is safer to use screws instead of nails.
- For decking, exterior-grade plywood is the preferred choice unless a higher-quality material is being used.
- All wooden components should be treated with a varnish or sealer to prevent rot [source: Young].
It is generally easier to construct a ramp in modular sections. Begin with the upper landing section and attach each subsequent section one by one, ensuring that the slope is correct for each. Secure the first section to the house using concrete anchor bolts, and place support posts at the far end of the first section.
Once the slope ratio is confirmed, lay out the second section. Again, position support posts at the far end, double-check the slope, and secure the sections together with bolts. Continue this process for each section until the ramp is fully assembled.
The final section should feature a beveled transition where the ramp meets the surface. This ensures that wheels won’t get caught at the edge where the ramp ends, and it also prevents a jarring bump for wheelchair users when they exit the ramp.
