How To Build Wheelchair Ramps

Is your house handicap accessible? If not, do you have family or friends who could benefit if it was? If you have a family member who is physically disabled and in a wheelchair, and still feels very much independent, you might want to consider building a ramp from the porch to allow easy access to the street and into the house. 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 a 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. Remember that a ramp can take up a lot of space depending on the angle of the ramp. You want to make sure that you have enough space for the ramp before you start constructing it. When building the ramp you also have to consider that the wheelchair user needs aids like crutches, canes and that outdoor surfaces, particularly when it rains or when it's snowing, should not be slippery. The floors can be hazardous if not properly treated. Once someone slips and falls, other injuries might be involved. You want your loved one to maintain his or her independence.

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.

Wheelchair Ramp Materials

Once someone has an accident, it can take time to build up confidence. Avoid accidents by using the right materials. Concrete and metal are popular for ramps.

The materials you will need are cement, steel, wood, or aluminum. You can make a wheelchair ramp using aluminum, wood, steel or concrete. The most expensive of these is concrete, but it's a great choice if you need a permanent wheelchair ramp as you want it to last. Before the concrete dries, you can brush the surface to incorporate anti-slip properties right into the concrete.

  • Wood - Wood is one of the more inexpensive materials for ramp building, but the cheaper cost comes with a maintenance price. If you use wood, it makes sense that the wood be protected with sealer or varnish to prevent rotting and warping, and adding non-slip protection, like grit strips, will prevent accidents. Wooden handrails must be smoothed down and finished to prevent splinters. Wooden boards must be placed close together to prevent uncomfortable bumps; still, it must also be spaced far enough apart to allow water drainage.

  • Galvanized Steel - Use galvanized steel to prevent rust and corrosion as you don't want heavy maintenance after every winter. A texture must be added to the surface to give grip and prevent slipping.

  • Aluminum - Aluminum is strong, corrosion-resistant, and, unfortunately, expensive, but if you want it to last for more than one or two seasons, it's your best bet. Because lightweight aluminum bends, when you're building an aluminum ramp, calculate the weight requirements for an occupied wheelchair. You'll also have to add texture to the aluminum or it will be slippery and dangerous.

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. For someone confined to a wheelchair, there will be more mobility for the user if he can get in and out of the house and property. It instills confidence and allows him or her to be independent. A physically disabled person can lead a normal life and will feel much better if he does not have to be pushed in and out of doorways everywhere. If the person can still stand on his own and walk short distances, it will be particularly encouraging if he can do these small things for himself. If you are not familiar with building a ramp and want to ensure safety, consult someone with experience who can guide you through the process.