Understanding the price and cost considerations of wheelchair ramps is essential for people seeking to enhance accessibility in their homes or businesses. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the pricing details for a variety of ramp types, including modular aluminum ramps, steel ramps, wooden ramps, composite ramps, concrete ramps, suitcase ramps, and rubber threshold ramps. Whether you’re looking for an affordable and portable solution, a cost-effective way to address door thresholds, or information on the budget-friendly options available, our guide provides insights into the financial aspects of each ramp type. We’ll help you make informed decisions that align with your accessibility needs and budget constraints. Read on to find the ideal ramp that not only improves accessibility but also fits your financial plan.
Modular Aluminum Ramps
- Pros: Fast Installation, Durability, Low Maintenance, Potential Cost Savings with Self-Installation
- Cons: May Be Less Aesthetically Compatible with Surroundings, May Not Have Suitable Weight Capacity For All Bariatric Situations
- Use: Short-Term, Long-Term
The cost of an aluminum wheelchair ramp depends on the amount of ramp material needed. Most manufacturers and dealers price ramps based on the total linear feet of the ramp, including any necessary platforms.
As of 2023, you can expect to pay approximately $150 to $200 per linear foot for a modular aluminum ramp, including handrails and necessary hardware.
Installation labor typically costs between $60 and $100 per linear foot. On average, installation takes approximately four hours.
For example, if your home has three steps, your total cost, including labor, may range from $5,500 to $8,500, depending on the ramp layout.
If you’re unsure about how much ramp material you need, consider referring to this article, which can help you determine the necessary length.
The most accurate way to determine your specific ramp needs is to have your home evaluated by a professional ramp installer. They will visit your property, take measurements, and provide you with a layout of the ramp’s footprint.
Pro tip: If the cost of an aluminum ramp doesn’t align with your budget, you might want to explore rental options or inquire with your local ramp dealer about rent-to-own programs.
Modular Steel Ramps
- Pros: Fast Installation, Potential Cost Savings with Self-Installation
- Cons: More Expensive Than Aluminum Can Rust/Corrode, Requires More Maintenance Than Aluminum, May Not Have Suitable Weight Capacity For All Bariatric Situations
- Use: Short-Term, Long-Term
Steel wheelchair ramps install a lot like aluminum ramps, but are usually slightly more expensive. You can expect to pay $200 – $250 per linear foot. Installation will run $60-$100 per linear foot.
Not only is steel more expensive than aluminum, it’s important to consider the longevity of a steel ramp. If you plan to keep and use your ramp for a long time, you should know that steel can eventually rust when aluminum won’t. Even though steel ramps usually are protected by factory paint, over time, scratches and scuffs will expose the metal to nature’s recipe for rust: moisture and air. For this reason, our company does not sell or install steel ramps.
Wooden Ramps
- Pros: Can Visually Blend Into A Deck Or Porch, Slightly Cheaper Material Than Aluminum, High Weight Capacity
- Cons: Take Longer to Build, Require Intensive Maintenance, Require Building Permit, Can’t Be Moved/Reused
- Use: Long-Term Only
At $100-$250 a linear foot for materials, wooden wheelchair ramps are fairly comparable to the price of metal ramps.
However, wooden ramps are more labor intensive than modular metal ramps, so you’ll likely have higher labor charges. Each board has to be manually measured, cut, and installed on-site. Not only that, but It will take a licensed builder 2-5 full days to install an average length ramp. You’ll likely be charged $60-$100 per foot for labor. Material and labor costs can go up if you need a ramp that is anchored with concrete footings.
You’ll also likely need a permit from local government, and you can expect to be charged $100-$300.
Composite Ramps
- Pros: Longer-Lasting And Less Maintenance Than Wood
- Cons: Higher Price Than Wood Or Metal, Requires Building Permit
- Use: Long-Term Only
Composite ramps run $200-$300 per linear foot. Composite is made to look like wood decking, but it’s actually a mix of wood fiber and plastic. This combination creates planks that last longer than wood and don’t require staining.
Installation costs for composite are similar to wood at $60-$100 per foot, since the installation process is nearly identical. So you can expect to pay for 2 -5 full days of labor.
Concrete Ramps
- Pros: Longer Lasting And Less Maintenance Than Wood, High Weight Capacity
- Cons: Expensive, Can Crack Over Time, Handrails Are An Added Expense
- Use: Long-Term Only
Of all the wheelchair ramp materials we’ll cover in this guide, concrete comes with the highest price tag. Prices for concrete are typically measured in cubic yards, but in order to make this into an apples-to-apples comparison, you can expect to pay about $250-$350 for every foot of 36” wide concrete ramp you have installed. Labor costs can be upwards of $100 per foot.
However, all of the above is really rough estimating. Concrete can be much more complicated and more involved especially with longer ramps. Sometimes, a retaining wall must be built and a base layer of sand added to accommodate a high rise. If that’s the case, you’re looking at both higher labor and higher material costs.
Suitcase Ramps
- Pros: Extremely Portable, No Installation/Labor Costs
- Cons: Not Good For Rises More Than 8″, No Handrails, Can Be Cumbersome To Lift/Move, Especially In Longer Lengths, Limited Weight Capacity
- Use: Short-Term, Temporary
Suitcase ramps get their name because they fold in half and have a handle allowing them to be carried like a suitcase. They range in length from 2-8 feet and are meant to be portable for use in temporary situations such as getting over a curb in a parking lot.
Prices range from $175 to $600 depending on length.
Rubber Ramps
- Pros: Ideal For Door Thresholds, Can Be Used Both Indoors And Outdoors, Very Durable, Good Traction
- Cons: Not Suitable For Rises Over 3″, Lack Handrails
- Use: Short-Term, Long-Term
Sometimes referred to as threshold ramps, rubber ramps are designed for low rises, primarily to help wheelchairs cross door thresholds. Prices are generally determined by the height or thickness of the ramp and typically range from approximately $35 for a 1/2-inch rise to $450 for a 2 1/4-inch rise.
In conclusion, this comprehensive guide has provided insights into various wheelchair ramp options and their cost and pricing considerations. We’ve covered a variety of ramp types, including modular aluminum, steel, wooden, composite, concrete, suitcase, and rubber threshold ramps. Each type offers unique advantages and considerations, catering to diverse accessibility needs.
When deciding on the right wheelchair ramp, it’s crucial to factor in both your budget and specific accessibility requirements. Consultation with professional ramp installers is recommended for tailored estimates and guidance. Remember, accessibility is about more than cost; it’s about ensuring safety. By carefully balancing your financial constraints with your unique accessibility needs, you can make an informed choice.
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One Response
Dear Three-D’s,
The Knights of Columbus want to help one of our own with a ramp for his front door, so that he can be wheeled out to doctor’s appointments and in from doctor visits. It appears from some of your helpful articles that renting a metal ramp would be the best quick and short-term solution.
I have a design drawing of what we need, created by a design engineer friend of mine (correct dimensions, rise, etc.) which I would be happy to share. What I’d like to understand is the cost and timing to get it installed, as well as the cost of a more permanent wooden or metal ramp if we were to opt to buy it.
Can you help? The house is located in St. Clair and our council is located in Sterling Heights, so we aren’t local to the house. However, we can meet a representative from your company when and if the need arises.
Please let me know possible next steps.
Thanks and Regards,
John