Twenty years ago you didn’t see ramps anywhere. They were not the standard designs of today. Accessibility guidelines didn’t really exist until the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990. The demand is high. Builders who know how to build a wheelchair ramp are in constant demand.
The ADA is a federal civil rights law. Discrimination against disabled people in everyday life is prohibited. Ramps are mandatory in some public buildings. If you are considering adding one to your home, it can be a DIY project. But don’t take it lightly.
Most properly constructed wheelchair ramps are safe and sturdy. In this way, disabled people can get to places they wouldn’t otherwise be able to get to. The Americans with Disabilities Act makes us all aware of the barriers that stand in the way of people with disabilities. It defines guidelines for standardizing the construction process. Specify the material. This makes the ramp safe for everyone. Many lawsuits have arisen over dangerous ramps. Most of the dangers are caused by carelessness.
This guide contains specifications for ADA wheelchair ramps. The slope ratio and horizontal projection are obtained. We explain the width, the length of the slope, the location of the railing and the guardrails. How can we protect ramp users? Learn about the different materials used to build wheelchair ramps. Let’s look at the pros and cons. Learn the basic steps to install a durable wheelchair ramp. You know what to look for before you use it. You can build or buy ramps. Whatever suits your needs.
ADA wheelchair ramp specifications
Think about your users. Let’s think about those limitations. The ramp must be wide enough. It must be strong enough to carry the electric wheelchair. The slope must be gentle enough for manual users. Safety is essential. Many aspects are important.
ADA guidelines regulate the design of public accommodation facilities. These guidelines help homeowners create usable, safe, and sturdy ramps. The slope recommended by the ADA is 1:16-1:20. The 1:12 scale may be too steep for some people. Public spaces must comply with these dimensions. Apartment owners do not have to comply with them. But what if you have the space? There’s no reason not to.
ADA Rules:
- Minimum ramp width: 36 inches.
- Edge protection is needed to prevent slipping.
- Top and bottom platforms must be the same width as the ramp and at least 60 inches long.
- If the ramp is more than 6 inches high or extends more than 72 inches horizontally, handrails are required on both sides.
- The cross slope must be less than 1:50. The surface must be non-slip and stable.
There are also other surface requirements. You’ll learn about them shortly.
Ramps can be built from several different materials. Some are better than others. before purchasing the material. Before breaking ground. Do yourself a favor. Check the regulations in your city and province. Check local building codes. If necessary, obtain a city building permit. Which material is best for your situation? Let’s find out next.
Specify the slope
Calculate the slope. Calculate the required horizontal space. Use this calculation according to ADA guidelines. Multiply the number of inches the ramp rises by the desired slope ratio. Convert the horizontal space to feet by dividing the total by 12.
Example: 31 inches high x 20 pitch = 620. Divide by 12 to get 51 feet of horizontal projection.
Wheelchair ramp construction materials
It’s not just wheelchair users who need attention. Think of people who use crutches, canes and walkers. Think about the people who can’t walk with a normal gait.
Ramps can be made of aluminum, wood, steel, concrete, etc. Concrete is expensive. This is great choice for permanent ramps. Brush the surface before the concrete dries. Include an anti-skid function in the mix.
Wood is cheap. However, this low price comes with maintenance costs. Wooden ramps require sealant or varnish. Prevents decay and warping. Added anti-slip protection. Grit strips help prevent accidents. The wooden railings must be completed. Maintain it to prevent splinters. Place the boards close enough to each other. Prevents uncomfortable bumps. They are far enough apart that they can drain away.
The steel must be galvanized. Protects against rust and corrosion. Add texture to the surface. Prevents slipping.
Aluminum is strong. Corrosion resistant. It is also expensive. Lightweight aluminum bends. Calculate the weight requirements of the wheelchair in use. Add texture to aluminum. Otherwise it becomes slippery and dangerous.
Are you ready to learn how to build a wheelchair ramp? Now let’s move on to the installation steps.
Segmented construction strategy
Wheelchair ramps cannot be built all at once. This is a recipe for disaster. You build it in sections. Modules. Mathematics becomes easier and physical work becomes easier. Let’s start from the top.
The first part is connected directly to the house. Use concrete anchor bolts. Don’t skimp here. These need to hold. Once the top deck is attached, you can install the posts at the far end of the first section.
An important check is made here. Degree of inclination.
If the slope is wrong, the ramp is unusable. If the slope is too steep, the electric wheelchair may fall or strain. Too low and takes up too much garden space. Please check this before moving anything.
Arrange the second part. Place the column at the far end. Check the slope again. Connect the parts with bolts. Repeat until you hit the ground.
Really effective materials
The choice of wood is important. Not all wood is created equal.
“Electric wheelchairs can be heavy and require the use of a 2×6 wooden frame.”
A standard 2×4 collapses under the weight of the electric chair. They become crooked. they fail. Use 2×6 for the frame. Period.
Decorative material? External quality plywood is the starting point. If your budget is higher, upgrade to a composite or treated deck. However, if you insist on using plywood, it must be of exterior quality. The inner plywood peels off when exposed to rain.
And it was sealed.
All wood requires varnish or a strong sealant. You build outside. Rain, snow, humidity, they all eat wood. Sealants prevent rotting. It can extend the life of your building by years.
Fasteners can also cause malfunctions. Over time, nails can loosen on their own. Loose nails under the ramp cover can cause tripping hazards and stuck wheels. Use screws. All of them.
Last changes
This last part is where most DIYers cut corners. No.
The edges of the ramp must have a sloping transition. This is where the ramp meets your porch, patio or driveway.
Why?
Smooth wheels can catch on sharp edges. The vertical edges at the end of the ramp are a nightmare for wheelchair users. This can cause a sudden stop. It feels like a bump in the road. This is unpleasant. You may lose control.
A bevel can smooth this out. Gradually descend the ramp to the ground. Prevents wheels from sticking. Prevents the “crash” feeling.
There is a reason why the ADA guidelines require this. Good construction helps everyone. Pedestrians also benefit from flat, sloping slopes. No more tripping over sudden falls.
Safety and standards
It’s not just about building something that will stand the test of time. It’s about building something safe.
The sources of these guidelines are very strict. The ADA accessibility guidelines for buildings and facilities set the standard. However, local regulations often reflect or exceed these standards.
Check local regulations before purchasing wood. Some areas require handrails. Some require specific landing sizes for the top and bottom. The Dallas Ramp Project and the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living provide detailed manuals, but local building inspectors have the final say.
A ramp that looks good but fails code is useless. And it’s dangerous.
The links on the next page provide additional information on ADA compliance and material selection. However, the basic process is still simple.
- Use a 2×6 frame.
- Tighten the screws. Don’t drive nails.
- Seal the wood.
- Check the tilt.
- Bevel the edges.
After this, you have a working ramp. Not just today. In the long run.
