How to Build a Wheelchair Ramp: Designs and Plans

As the world population ages, or suffers long-term effects of accidents and debilitating illnesses, the need for modifications to individual homes and businesses also increases. One of the primary changes is the addition of a wheelchair ramp to ensure safe accessibility. However, before grabbing a hammer, or hiring help, learn how to build a wheelchair ramp, with proper designs and plans.

In a pinch, many people will invent bizarre methods of getting a wheelchair into an inaccessible home or business. Maybe a couple of strong gentlemen will risk a hernia and pick up the chair. Others may grab a couple of boards and, after strategically placing the planks, roll the wheelchair over the steps. Neither practice is safe. Both methods are a temporary fix, at best. So, learn how to build a wheelchair ramp with proper designs and plans.

First, decide what type of materials needed for the ramp. Wheelchair access can be made with a pre-made metal ramp to be assembled. If building the ramp from scratch, is the ramp going to be concrete or wood? For people building a new home, a concrete ramp can be constructed when the sidewalks are poured. However, for most people, wood is an affordable and quick solution to access difficulties.

Now, with designs and plans, learn how to build a wheelchair ramp. First, the incline should not be too steep, or the wheelchair may tip over backwards, potentially causing great harm. Specifications state a one-inch incline per foot of ramp. For example, the steps into a home are 24 inches in height. Therefore, the ramp needs to be at least 24 feet long, with a rise of only one inch per foot.

In addition to length, the width of the ramp should be three feet. Naturally the ramp needs to accommodate the width of the chair. For now, maybe a child is using a smaller youth chair. The ramp still needs to be three feet wide, because he/she will eventually require an adult chair.

The length and width are correct-now what? Wheel guards are an excellent safety feature, when learning how to build a wheelchair ramp. A one-two inch high wheel guard will prevent a wheel from falling off the edge during use. At best, a handicapped individual can be stuck until help arises to get the wheel back on the ramp; at worst, slipping off the ramp can cause dangerous spills. So, the side guards are essential. In addition, rails are helpful for similar reasons. In addition, rails enable the handicapped person to pull him or herself up the ramp. Finally, a good ramp needs a little texture. In rainy or icy conditions, a wheelchair can quickly become a runaway on slick surfaces. Therefore, to provide added safety, a rough mixture of pebbles can be added to the surface concrete. When using a wooded ramp, indoor-outdoor carpet, or adding sand or texture to the varnish will provide a little more traction.

So, learn how to build a wheelchair ramp with safety in mind. Make sure the grade is not to steep, wheel guards and rails are in place, and texture has been added to the surface for added traction and safety. Use specific designs and plans, and stay safe.

Moses Wright is the owner of Wheelchair. He provides more useful information on Wheelchair Accessories And Aids and Wheelchair Holidays on his website. Webmasters are welcome to reprint this article if you keep the content and live link intact.