Wheelchair Ramp Building Code Overview

Are you building a wheelchair ramp for your home? Are you aware of the building code for wheelchair ramps that you must follow? Building a handicap accessible ramp is not as simple as throwing some 2 x 4s together and attaching it to your porch. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has specific ramp building guidelines that you need to follow for a code-approved ramp. You may think this is a hindrance, but it's actually making ramps safer for everyone involved. Following the code provided by the ADA wheelchair ramp specifications can help you not only to make a safer ramp, but it can also give you instant solutions to different ramp building problems. If you're unaware of these specifications, this article will give you an overview.

Adhere To The Building Code For Wheelchair Ramps

The Americans With Disabilities Act Ramp Codes

The ADA ramp codes make sure that all public buildings have easy access for wheelchair users. This basically means that buildings can't have a ramp that, while functional, is too difficult for someone in a wheelchair to navigate alone. It means more equal access. It also means less work for you, the ramp builder. Why? Well, while building code for wheelchair ramps force companies to provide functional ramps instead of saving money on a ramp that won't really help anyone, it also means you won't have to spend a lot of time figuring out dimensions.

Ramp Dimensions From The Building Code For Wheelchair Ramps

This building code for wheelchair ramps provides specific ramp dimensions. Ramps need to be in compliance with these dimensions, but that actually means less time for you. For instance, you don't need to sit down and figure out the best rise for the ramp; it's already been figured out. You may still need to measure for the desired ramp width, but a minimum has already been laid out so at the least you can simply go with that number. Having a wheelchair ramp building code really works out well for everyone.

Basic ADA Guidelines

So what are some of the basic guidelines outlined by the Americans with Disabilities Act?

  • A 1:12 ratio for slope and rise
  • A rise no more than 30 inches

  • A minimum width of 36 inches for the ramp

  • A minimum width of 60 square inches for the landing

  • If the ramp has a rise of 6 or more inches and/or is 72 inches long, it must have handrails

  • It must include something to prevent water buildup and slipping

While there is no requirement on the type of material ramps for wheelchairs are built with, it must always meet the building code for wheelchair ramps. Popular ramp building materials are:

  • Metal

  • Wood

  • Concrete

It's also good to keep in mind that these codes also apply to portable ramps. And local and residential buildings codes will also come into play. This will change if you're in the southern part of the country or western or northern. So find out what codes besides the ADA apply to your ramp. Remember too that these guidelines are for American ramps and will not necessarily apply out-of-country such as in Canada. Look online at the ADA website or building code books to get specifics.