How to Build a Wheelchair Ramp

­You need to consider your users and­ their limitations when you build a wheelchair ramp. The ramp must be wide enough to be safe, sturdy enough to carry the weight of electric wheelchairs and have a slope that's gentle enough for a manual wheelchair user to navigate. Safety is integral, and many different aspects must be considered.

The Americans with Disabilities Guidelines dictate how ramps are designed for all public places. The guidelines hel­p private homeowners create ramps that are usable, safe and sturdy. The ADA guidelines recommend a slope ratio of 1:16 to 1:20. (A 1:12 ratio is too steep for some people to navigate.) These ratios must be followed in all public places. Homeowners aren't required to follow these slope guidelines; however, if you have the space available, there's really no reason not to [source: Access-board].

ADA guidelines make the following stipulations:

Other surface requirements must be met and you will learn about them in more detail in the next section.

Ramps can be constructed from a variety of different materials, though some are better than others. Before buying materials, and way before breaking ground, do yourself a favor and familiarize yourself with city and county regulations, local building codes, and secure a municipal building permit if needed. Next, we'll learn which materials are best for what circumstances.

When building a wheelchair ramp, you have to consider not only wheelchair users but also people who must use crutches, canes and walkers, and people who can't walk with a regular gait.

You can make a wheelchair ramp out of aluminum, wood, steel or concrete. A concrete ramp is expensive, but it's a great choice for permanent wheelchair ramps. Before the concrete dries, you can brush the surface to incorporate anti-slip properties right into the concrete.

Wood is one of the more inexpensive materials for ramp building, but the cheaper cost comes with a maintenance price. A wood ramp must be protected with sealer or varnish to prevent rotting and warping. You must add nonslip protection, like grit strips, to prevent accidents. Wooden handrails must be finished and maintained to prevent splinters. Wood boards must be placed close enough together to prevent uncomfortable bumps but also be spaced far enough apart to allow water drainage.

Steel must be galvanized to prevent rust and corrosion, and a texture must be added to the surface to help prevent slipping.

Aluminum is strong, corrosion-resistant, and, unfortunately, expensive. Because lightweight aluminum bends, when you're building an aluminum ramp, calculate the weight requirements for an occupied wheelchair. You'll also have to add texture to the aluminum or it will be slippery and dangerous.

Ready to learn how to build a wheelchair ramp? Head on over to the next page.

The type of ramp you build and the materials you use dictate how you build the ramp. In this section, we'll learn the general process for building a wooden ramp for a private home. Before we get started, though, keep the following things in mind:

Generally, it is easier to build a ramp in sections, or modules. Starting with the upper landing section, you will attach each section one at a time, ensuring they are installed at the correct slope. Attach your first section to the house with concrete anchor bolts. Install your support posts at the far end of the first section.

After making sure the ramp slope ratio is correct, lay out the second section. Again, place support posts at the far end, double-checking your slope, and then bolt the sections together. Do this with each section until complete.

The last section will have a beveled transition from ramp to surface. This transition will prevent wheels from getting caught where the ramp ends and the surface begins. It will also prevent wheelchair users from feeling a big bump when they come off the ramp.

Wheelchair ramps that follow ADA guidelines and are well-constructed can be helpful for pedestrians too. For more information about wheelchair ramps, check out the links on the next page.