How To Build A Wheelchair Ramp Yourself
Apart from giving them a sense of independence, a wheelchair or handicap ramp makes life a lot more accessible for a physically disabled person. Before attempting to build a wheelchair ramp yourself, you should consider all the basic requirements that a ramp needs. Depending on your specific needs, there are many different home-made wheelchair ramps that can be built, such as portable ones with rollers. If you plan to build a wheelchair ramp yourself remember to always consult a professional when in doubt.
Below are instructions to help you build a safe, reliable wheelchair/handicap ramp yourself:
Before you start constructing the wheelchair ramp, you need to find out whether or not your local building codes require you to have a permit. You will need to find out what the required standards are for the construction of a ramp. Once you know which specifications you will need to include in the construction of your ramp, devise a rough layout for it. You will need to take into account factors such as the height of the ramp, the users’ strength and weight as well as available space. Getting an used wheelchair ramp would be easier than building one yourself, thus it might be worthwhile looking for one that suits your needs, first.
Plan the slope of the ramp; you must make sure that the ramp is not raised more than an inch for every twelve linear inches of ramp, as anything higher will make handling the wheelchair quite difficult. A slightly higher gradient may be used for loading a wheelchair into a vehicle without its user. The most suitable width for a wheelchair ramp is 36 inches; however 40 inches is probably better. Any smaller and you risk getting stuck. Deck trim and handrails must not be included in this measurement. Also, the ramp should have a minimum length of 30 inches.
Handrails need to be installed to the wheelchair ramp. They should be fixed at a height of 36 inches. The grip on the rails should be continuous on both sides and a 1.5 inch space should be provided between the rail and the wall. The ends need to be smoothed or rounded so as not to cause injury.
To maintain an average slope, a level landing is required both at the bottom and at the top of each ramp, enabling the user to manoeuvre and/or open doors. At least 60 inches should be allowed for the length of the landing. If, however, the ramp’s direction changes at landings, then a minimum size of 60 inches by 60 inches should be applied to enable the user a level surface for resting safely.
Ensure that the bottom of the ramp is even with the ground so as to provide a smooth flow. If you plan to make a portable wheelchair ramp with wheels, then remember to take the height of the wheels in to account to ensure the ramp is flush with the ground.
Proper building materials must always be used. A ramp will be far less prone to rotting if it’s built with pressure treated lumber. Posts that are rated for ground burial are also essential. When icy or wet, wood can be quite hazardous, so for better traction it’s best to install sand grit strips. To ensure that your homemade wheelchair ramp is functional, durable, and safe as well as pleasing to the eye, you might want to seek the opinion of a professional construction expert. The above tips will help you build a wheelchair ramp yourself, but when in doubt always consult a professional.
