Wooden Wheelchair Ramp Design Plans

As uncomplicated as throwing a makeshift ramp together may seem, and as appealing as it may be if you have an emergency or are moving into a new home, it's not the best of ideas. You obviously don't want the person using the ramp to sustain injuries or have an accident while navigating the ramp or not be able to scale the ramp. How can you avoid all of these pitfalls? By taking time to make out plans for wooden wheelchair ramp. There are a few steps you can take to ensure your ramp is safe and usable.

Step 1: Look at the Building

The design and structure of the house or building you're considering adding a ramp to will have an affect on your plans for wooden wheelchair ramps. It may seem like you can slap something together and lean it against the house and there's your wheelchair ramp. In reality, this will doubtfully be successful. Look at the structure and then consider different ramp designs, consulting to see which one will work best for your house or building.

Ask yourself:

  • Where will your ramp go?

  • Is it inside or outside the building?

  • Do you have enough space to build an easy sloping ramp?

Step 2: Look at the Users

You want to build a wheelchair ramp yourself or buy the ramp, but someone else may actually be using it. Consider their needs and what will or will not work in their case. Everyone is different. Some may be stronger or weaker, have more mobility or very limited movement. For public buildings, you have to generalize more. But for a private home, you can tailor the plans for wooden wheelchair ramp to more specific needs or just desires.

Step 3: Look at Building Codes

Every locality will have its own codes for a wood wheelchair ramp, but you must consider the guidelines from the Americans with Disabilities Act as well. Even if you're just adding a ramp to a private residence, your plans for wooden wheelchair ramp must be in line with the ADA guidelines. This is actually a good thing. They have outlined standards that should make your life easier in some ways. And the codes they have for slope and rise, landings, and ramp width allow for differences in wheelchair users and take into consideration the people actually using the ramp. You can find their guidelines on the Web and also plans for ramps.

Step 4: Look at How to Build a Ramp

If you want to know how to build a homemade wheelchair ramp and this is a do-it-yourself project for you and you're unskilled in this arena, do your research to learn how to properly execute the wooden wheelchair ramp design plans. There are Web sites and books that can help you to learn basics of framing and finishing your ramp. It doesn't have to be fancy to function well and even a basic ramp if well-built out of durable materials can serve a valuable purpose.

Before you pull out your duct tape, consider taking time to lay out plans for wooden wheelchair ramp that will be safe for the user and last a long time. Even if it's only temporary, safety should be a priority.