Here’s how to ramp up your home’s accessibility
From making your home's entryways inclusive for all to giving customers easier access to your business, there are multiple reasons why building a wheelchair ramp might make sense at your home. Building one yourself isn't the easiest project, though, and you will need to be diligent with your research on things like ADA compliance to ensure the job is done correctly.
That said, a DIY build will help you save money and give you exactly the right type of ramp for your needs. Learn how to build a wheelchair ramp in this step-by-step guide.
Wheelchair ramps are an effective way to make your home more accessible for everyone—particularly people with disabilities and mobility issues. But there are many reasons why a DIY wheelchair ramp build could make sense for you.
Building a wheelchair ramp also offers benefits like:
Reduced liability if you conduct business out of your home.
Enables parents with strollers easy access inside.
Gives delivery drivers easier access to your home for big package deliveries.
Provides easier access to your home after surgery or injury.
Specific to the point about conducting home business, your state or local law may dictate that a wheelchair ramp is actually required to operate from home. This is absolutely worth researching in your state if you're considering building a DIY wheelchair ramp.
Here is what you need to do to build a wheelchair ramp.
Before ordering a wheelchair ramp kit, make sure you've decided on the best walkway path, what type of product will fit your needs, and any work that needs to be done (laying cement, clearing obstacles) before installing the product. Be sure to measure the area a few times and write those measurements down.
Before laying cement, it's essential that you call the “dig safe” number, 811, before you dig into your yard. This ensures you won't hit any gas or utility lines. Do this at least three days before you plan to start digging.
Use string and stakes to accurately measure the slope of your new ramp. Place stakes at one end of where the ramp will be positioned, then measure the distance and height gained between there and the step or doorway the ramp must clear.
Staking out your wheelchair ramp is also a good way to determine which product to order if you're going the premade route.
If your wheelchair ramp kit is made of metal or heavy-duty wood, you may need to lay cement down underneath to prop it up. In some cases, such as when a wheelchair ramp is built to go over a garden bed, you may need to dig post holes and extend cement pillars up from these sections in order to get the necessary stability and height.
Using quick-mix cement and water, you can create a firm base in just a few hours if you're placing it on existing asphalt or cement. Pro tip: pouring cement directly on grass isn't ideal—sand or gravel would make a better base. Be sure to let the cement dry before installing your ramp on top of it.
Read the directions carefully on your kit and set it up per the instructions (which vary by product). Once it's in place, test your wheelchair ramp by placing firm pressure with your hands first, then feet before letting a heavy object such as a wheelchair or package dolly use it.
Another reason it's advisable to use a premade wheelchair kit is that many come with industry-grade tread that won’t wear out over time due to weather.
When poor weather, such as rain, sleet, or ice does come, you (or a loved one or patrons) should always be careful when using an icy or slippery wheelchair ramp.
Keeping a hard-bristled broom on hand and power washing your wheelchair ramp at least once a year can help get rid of impurities like mold and mildew. It's worth the investment of a few hours and a couple bucks to keep it clean, as it'll add years to the life of the product you choose.
Many would consider building a wheelchair ramp to be an advanced project, so consider outsourcing if it's out of your wheelhouse. Using a premade kit can be helpful, but you'll still need to ensure you measure everything appropriately so that your loved ones or customers can get where they need to go.
A local wheelchair ramp installer can give you an estimate on how much you'll need to pay for labor if you're thinking about outsourcing the job.
The Americans with Disabilities act advises the following for wheelchair ramps:
Ramps should have a 1:12 slope ratio, meaning they shouldn't rise more than 1 inch in height for every 12 inches of ramp space.
Ramps should be at least three feet in width to accommodate wheelchairs.
Ramps shouldn't be more than 30 feet in length without providing a flat rest platform.
Edges should have handrails or a barrier to prevent falls.
All this said, some states have stricter guidelines for ADA compliance. Do research before building yours to ensure you adhere to the codes set in your state.
Ramps that rise greater than 6 inches need handrails. That said, even a lower-graded ramp can benefit from having sturdy handrails attached. If you can't find a product that fits your budget with handrails, creating a makeshift set with wood or putting some type of hand hold along the path (a rope, for example) is a good safety precaution you can take.
If the need for a wheelchair ramp is temporary, such as if you or a loved one gets injured or has surgery, a portable wheelchair ramp rental might be a better option. You can buy one that folds up and travels with you in a vehicle for under $300.
You might also be able to rent a portable wheelchair ramp from a home improvement store or a business that provides equipment for people with disabilities. Prices will vary, but a guideline of $50 to $100 per week for a wheelchair ramp rental is around the average.
