Whether you’re about to discharge from a hospital or rehab, or you’re just having more trouble getting around these days, this is your comprehensive wheelchair ramp guide.
Table of Contents
Who Needs a Wheelchair Ramp?
So who needs a wheelchair ramp? Well, just about anyone with a walking disability, including those suffering from illnesses like Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis or anyone suffering with limited mobility who wishes to remain in their own home as they age.
Types of Wheelchair Ramps
Modular Aluminum
Modular aluminum ramps are made from preconstructed pieces. An installation technician will bring the necessary pieces to your home, assemble them in a couple of hours, and you’ll be good to go.
The owner of the home in the video below recently contacted us because her elderly mother was homebound due to a walking limitation. Immediately after we finished this project, the mother walked out the front door and down to the sidewalk with a huge smile on her face. Her world had just gotten bigger again, and we were again reminded of why we love what we do.
Want to learn more? Get a Free Quote today.
Aluminum Gateway Ramps
In situations where there is a step in a sidewalk, a gateway ramp like the one pictured below might be the appropriate solution.
People often wonder if gateway ramps are portable. The answer? Not exactly.
Gateway ramps can be moved, but it will take at least two people to safely do it. And if you plan to only occasionally use it, you’ll want to be sure you have a place to store it, because the ramp is a solid piece of aluminum.
Interior Threshold Ramps
Threshold ramps are designed to help you walk or roll over a threshold on the inside your home (usually on the inside of the front door). If you’re using a ramp at the threshold, you’ll want to be sure there are no side edges, as edges pose a trip hazard and/or the risk of a wheelchair wheel rolling off the side.
We recommend the style below. Notice how there are slopes on all sides.
What are ADA Guidelines for Ramps?
1:12 Rule
The 1:12 rule means that for every 1 inch of rise (height), you need at least 12 inches of ramp. For reference, most porch steps are each about 8 inches high.
For sake of example, let’s assume you have a porch with 3 steps that are each 8 inches tall.
8 inches x 3 steps = 24 inches of rise. So, you’ll need 24 feet of ramp.
When measuring your rise, keep in mind that most exterior ramps need to be flush with the threshold. So be sure to include the rise from the porch to the top of the threshold.
Maximum Rise
In layman’s terms, this rule means no sloped section of ramp should be more than 30 feet long.
The reason for this rule is to give the user and/or caregiver a level place to stop and rest.
So what do you do if you are following the 1:12 rule and need more than 30 feet of ramp? You’ll need to add a level 5’ x 5’ resting platform after 30’.
Minimum Width
Your ramp needs to be at least 36″ wide. But that doesn’t just apply to the floor of the ramp. The space between handrails should also be at least 36″
Landings
At both the top and bottom of the ramp you need a landing.
According to ADA:
- The landing cannot be narrower than the ramp itself.
- The landing needs to be a least 60” long.
- If the direction of the ramp changes at the landing, it needs to be at least 60”x60”.
- You need to have adequate clearance for doors. This one is a bit more complicated, since there are a myriad of door configurations. You can learn more here.
Handrails
If a section of your ramp is more than 6” off the ground, or if the ramp is more than 72” long, it must have handrails on both sides.
Edge Protection
The sides of your ramp need 2” high curbs. Curbs keep a person’s feet from slipping off the side of the ramp. Exceptions to this rule include:
- Ramps that are bordered by walls
- Ramps that extend at least 12” past the handrails on both sides
Why Follow ADA Guidelines?
Any reputable ramp installer will insist on following ADA guidelines, even though it isn’t mandated on residential ramps. But why?
1. Safety
Trust us when we say we’ve seen some doozie ramps out there. While they might have been cheaper, they certainly weren’t safe.
By following ADA guidelines, you can be sure your ramp is taking just about every precaution available to keep you and/or your family members safe.
2. It Takes Out the Guesswork
Sure, your cousin might “know a guy” who can build you a ramp “cheap,” and he might have the best intentions, but will the ramp be safe and usable?
When you follow ADA guidelines, you’re taking advantage of years of studies and expertise on how to make structures safer and more accessible for people with disabilities.
Wood Ramps vs. Aluminum Ramps
Wood and aluminum are the two most common wheelchair ramp materials. Material choice is an individual decision. Here are a few tips to help you decide.
Reasons People Choose Wood Instead of Aluminum Wheelchair Ramps
1. The Perception Wood is Cheaper
It’s a fact; wooden ramps used to cost much less than aluminum ramps. Recently, however, demand for wood has skyrocketed, and so have the prices. In fact, the cost of wood has risen so sharply, the cost of a wooden ramp is nearly equal to the price of an aluminum ramp.
2. Appearance
Some people simply feel wooden ramps look better on their homes.
Reasons People Choose Aluminum Instead of Wood Wheelchair Ramps
1. Maintenance and Durability
Since they will never rot or decay, aluminum wheelchair ramps last far longer than wooden ramps. If you have ever owned a wooden deck, you know the level of maintenance required to keep it in good shape.
Wooden ramps are no different. For those that want to “set it and forget it,” aluminum ramps are the way to go.
2. Quick Installation
Because they are pre-manufactured, aluminum ramps can be installed in a matter of hours. By comparison, wooden ramps can take up to 6 weeks to design, order materials, and build.
3. Rentals
Aluminum ramps can be rented for short-term use. Short term use situations include:
- Surgery recovery
- Car accident recovery
- A visiting relative who has a disability
4. Ability to Sell or Relocate
Aluminum ramps can be relocated. In some cases, the relocation might mean you’ll have to purchase additional pieces to make it fit, but at least you’re able to get something back from your investment.
By contrast, wooden ramps are permanent. If they are ever removed, all you’ll have left is scrap lumber.
Our Take
Although we provide both solutions, we believe that aluminum wheelchair ramps are superior to wood ramps in almost every way. Our clients need a safe, reliable solution, and they often need it immediately. Aluminum ramps allow us to meet their needs quickly and safely.
Cost of Purchasing Aluminum Wheelchair Ramps
Calculating the Cost of Materials
The formula for calculating the cost of a ramp is fairly simple.
1. Multiply the number of feet of ramp by the price per linear foot.
2. Multiply the number of resting platforms by the price per platform.
3. Add the two numbers together, and you’ll get the total ramp cost.
Other Costs
Other costs you can expect to incur are:
1. Labor
2. Sales Tax (waived if you have a prescription from your doctor)
Renting Aluminum Wheelchair Ramps
Why rent?
Sometimes you need a ramp for a one-time event. Events like auto accidents, surgeries, or hosting disabled relatives often create the need for a short-term solution. That solution is often a ramp rental.
Ramp rentals are quickly installed and then removed without a trace when you no longer need them. This can be more cost-effective than buying a ramp.
We typically recommend a ramp rental if you plan on needing the ramp for six months or less. For needs longer than six months, the cumulative cost of renting may be higher than purchasing a ramp.
How much does renting a ramp cost?
The monthly rental charge varies from home to home, but items that have the biggest impact on price are ramp length, number of resting platforms needed, and labor charges.
For a simple estimate, try this handy ramp rental calculator.
Conclusion
We hope this guide has answered your questions. If you have more questions, or would like to request a free evaluation, please call us at 810-213-6377 or complete the form below.
2 Responses
I appreciated it when you shared that it is great to consider getting aluminum ramps since they can be relocated to other places. My friend just mentioned the other day that he is worried about his sister who needs to use a wheelchair since she is disabled. I will suggest to him getting aluminum ramps for her sister that can be relocated.