How To Build Wheelchair Ramps
Is your house handicap accessible? If not, do you have family or friends who could benefit if it was? Has someone in your household been injured and in need of this accessibility? If the answer is yes to the latter questions, then you may be thinking about how to build a wheelchair ramp yourself. If that's the case, there is some planning involved. You need to consider wheelchair ramp design and construction. Below are some tips to build a safe and functional ramp for your family and guests.
Tips to Build Wheelchair Ramp Yourself
Design
The first step in building wheelchair ramps is choosing a wheelchair ramp design. This could be a straight ramp or one that wraps around the house or one that includes several landings. To build a ramp yourself, simpler is probably better unless you're a professional. The most important thing is that the construction is done properly so the ramp serves its purpose.
Regulations
When you build a ramp, you need to find out and use standards for ramps. The Americans with Disabilities Act has ramp guidelines and wheelchair ramp specifications that you can follow to make your ramp standard approved.
Materials
Concrete and metal are popular for ramps. Regardless of what you choose, when you build a wheelchair ramp yourself make sure the materials are rated for outdoor use and pressure treated. Also, having a textured ramp surface will prevent slipping and sliding.
Elevation
The proper elevation ratio for a ramp can be found in the ADA wheelchair ramp specifications guidelines. This is an important step when you build a ramp yourself. If the ratio is off, your friends may not be able to make it up the ramp.
Clearance
There is no point to build a wheelchair ramp yourself unless it's wide enough for your family or guests. So measure a standard wheelchair and add around two feet to that number for the right amount of ramp clearance. A wide landing at the top of the ramp will also let users turn around without a problem.
Handrails and Wheel guards
You must remember handrails when building a handicap ramp. Sturdy handrails will let your family or friends to easily reach the top of the ramp. Wheel guards will protect your family or friends from slipping off the ramp edge and prevent injuries.
Metal Lip
A metal lip at the end of the ramp gives users an easy transition from pavement to ramp. Remembering little things like these makes a big difference when you build a ramp yourself.
When building a handicap ramp, the most important thing to remember is its purpose. Whatever design or materials you choose to build it with, it should, above all else, help a dear family member or friend to easily access the inside of your home. Keeping this in mind when you build a wheelchair ramp yourself will help you design and construct a simple, functional, and safe ramp for your loved ones.
