![]() ![]() Treated wood is popular for wheelchair ramps, but composite decking for the floor may reduce warping and increase longevity. Wood: With basic carpentry knowledge, you can DIY a wood ramp.Wood is the material most commonly used in residential ramp construction, but it’s not the only option. But mandated or not, for someone operating a wheelchair by hand, a resting spot is essential. ![]() If you aren’t mandated to follow ADA rules, you may be able to sidestep this particular guideline if the wheelchair user has a power chair. On a straight ramp, this could be accomplished by building a landing off to one side on a switchback ramp, the landing could be at the turn. For example, if your porch is 48 inches high, you’ll need 48 feet of lineal ramp and a 60-inch-by-60-inch landing somewhere along the ramp before it rises 30 inches. No ramp should rise above 30 inches without a level landing. A ramp cannot begin to slope right outside the door a level landing on the porch is necessary. The ADA also requires a minimum 60-inch-by-60-inch landing at the bottom and the top of the ramp. But at every turn, the ADA requires a minimum 60-inch-by-60-inch level landing as a wheelchair rest. Those lacking adequate lineal space can design a ramp with turns or switchbacks. As an aside, ramps for pedestrians, often included in aging-in-place designs, should be constructed on a 1:18 slope. For example, if you need a ramp to reach a 30-inch high porch, you’ll need a minimum of 30 lineal feet for the ramp. The ADA requires that a ramp rise in height not more than 1 inch per every 12 inches of run, written as a 1:12 slope. Also, note that any ramp that rises more than 6 inches from the ground must also have 36-inch-high handrails for safety. While the ADA states that ramps must be a minimum of 36 inches wide, check local building codes, too, because some states enforce wider ramp widths. Not all states or communities enforce ADA standards for residential ramps, but following its guidelines will ensure that your ramp is safe for wheelchair users. It may also be necessary for you to comply with ADA standards. You’ll probably need to obtain a permit from the local building authority to install a ramp. ![]() Rules and Safety GuidelinesĬheck in with both the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and local authorities as your first step. Before building a ramp at a home, factor in the following considerations. For example, the ramp should not be too steep, or it could be dangerous and difficult to navigate. Important Factors to Take into Consideration Before Building a Wheelchair Rampīuilding a wheelchair ramp will permit those in wheelchairs and power chairs to enter and exit more easily, but building a ramp comes with strict guidelines. But it can be a DIY project for those who have a working knowledge of basic construction practices. In most situations, having a wheelchair ramp built by a professional is the best option. Ahead, learn the basics of rules, safety, and materials, and find out how to build a wheelchair ramp. ![]()
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