Building Safe Wheelchair Ramps

The need for modifications to individual homes and businessess to accomodidate wheelchair access increases as the baby boomers age. The Aging In Place concept allows for the modification of seniors homes where to ensure that they can live at home longer. When the true need for assisted living can be held at bay for years to come we should strive to make these sorts of provisions. It allows our seniors to age more comfortably, live in their homes and be independent longer.

One primarcy concern is adding wheelchair ramps to provide safe accessibility, not only for those in wheelchairs but those who care for them. However, though it may be tempting to just get out there and build a ramp for your loved one there are things you should consider first.

First, recognize that throwing two boards on the ground at an incline will not suffice. It is simply too likely to break and too hard to manuever. At best, this is a temporary arrangement. Instead, discover what you need to know about building a proper wheelchair ramp or have a professional come and do it for you.

Obviously, the first decision you have to make is what material is to be used for your ramp. The two main choices concern metal modular wheelchair ramps, concrete ramps or wooden ramps.

The pre-made metal ramps can be assembled fairly easily and can be moved much more easily than a wooden ramp. Concrete ramps are easist when homes are first being built and sidewalks are being poured. Wood is an affordable and quick solution, but needs constant upkeep or to be replaced every few years

Whatever material you choose the first necessity is to make sure that the incline is not too steep. If it is the wheelchair may tip backwards. You may also find it is too hard to control when moving down the ramp for both the rider and anyone assisting them.

The rule of thumb is one inch of incline per foot of ramp. Case in point, the front steps which lead into a home are typically 24 inches off the ground. The math then indicates that the ramp should be at least 24 feet long, rising only one inch per foot from the ground to the landing.

Many spend a good deal of time thinking about the rise, the incline and the length of the ramp and neglect to consider the width. A comfortable wheelchair ramp should be three feet wide.This is enough room to accomodate the chair itself and not much else.

For safety's sake wheel gaurds should be included in your plans. Add a one by two inch high wheel guard will keep the wheels inside the confines of the ramp and keep them from falling off the edge. Additionally hand rails also help provide a safer environment.

You will also want to make sure your finished ramp has some form of non-slip surface for rainy or icy weather.Outdoor carpet works well for this, or sand in the varnish used on wooden ramps. This provides more traction.

With these concepts in mind you will be able to build a wheelchair ramp that is safe for everyone as well as utilitarian.