Is Building a Wheelchair Ramp a Good DIY Project?

For people who struggle with mobility, wheelchair ramps provide a simple way to move up or down and enter homes and businesses. Many people might attempt to build these ramps on their own, but it isn’t an easy process. Williams Lift Company provides stairlifts and ramps to customers throughout New Jersey. Here, our team discusses what building a wheelchair ramp entails and why it’s best left to the experts.

Understanding Wheelchair Ramps

A ramp is a walking surface that has a slope greater than 1:20, which helps people with disabilities gain access to homes, porches, or entry areas of business establishments. These devices are not only used by wheelchair users, but are helpful for those relying on crutches, walkers, canes, and other mobility aids, as well as those who have heart or respiratory afflictions. They are also helpful for parents of children in strollers and workers who transport heavy objects.

Ramps can be made from a range of materials, including:

• Steel
• Aluminum
• Wood
• Concrete

Because of federal laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fair Housing Act (FHA), as well as various state and local laws, owners of commercial properties and transport services must make their goods, services, and programs easily accessible to people with disabilities. One way to do so is with wheelchair ramps, which are built to the physical specifications of these devices. Wheelchair ramps can be found in virtually all businesses and government facilities where accessibility is a concern, allowing customers with disabilities the same opportunities to enter as everyone else.

Why Are Wheelchair Ramps Difficult to Construct?

While on the surface wheelchair ramps aren’t overly complex, their construction is something that most home and business owners look to professionals for. This is because there are specific rules and regulations that need to be considered to avoid receiving fines and other penalties. ADA ramp requirements you’ll need to keep in mind include:

Slope Specifications

Since a ramp takes the place of steps, they are typically used in areas that have a slight to medium increase in elevation. To prevent wheelchair users from unnecessary strain, ramps need a gradual slope. The ADA requires ramps to feature a maximum slope of 1:12, which means for every inch of vertical rise, they need 12 inches of length. This helps create a safe incline for disabled users but requires more space (and math) than you might think.

Width Requirements

If you want to avoid any legal trouble, you’ll also need to choose the correct width, which should be at least 36 inches. For heavily trafficked areas, including hospitals, malls, and schools, this width should be at least 48”. It is also important to note that the presence of handrails may encroach upon these dimensions, so make sure you have at least 36/48 inches of space in between them. For areas that include turns or switchbacks, the ramp width should be greater to let wheelchair users easily maneuver the space.

Vertical Rise

Using a wheelchair can require a lot of physical exertion, which is why a resting platform is needed for every 30 inches of vertical rise. This can be difficult for amateurs to build without the proper experience.

Protective Features

The ADA requires certain protective features to prevent users from slipping or falling off these ramps. A raised barrier like a curb or curb rail is often used to reduce the risk of wheels slipping off the side of the ramp. Having a firm, slip-resistant surface helps provide the grip needed to prevent wheels from sliding down the ramp, even in wet or icy conditions. Proper drainage is also key as pools of water can lead to accidents.

How Williams Lift Company Can Help

While you might consider building a wheelchair ramp a DIY task, there are several reasons to leave the job to the professionals. Other than ensuring compliance, you may spend more resources in time and materials than using a service like ours – especially if you make mistakes along the way. The installers at Williams Lift Company have over 50 years of combined experience in the industry, allowing them to help customers get exactly what they need. We can handle a wide range of jobs and know how to build a wheelchair ramp that meets all ADA ramp requirements as well as other federal, state, and local codes.

We provide different types of wheelchair ramps to suit different needs. Our modular wheelchair ramps are made of aluminum and are designed to support up to 1,000 pounds. We also offer portable ramps that can go wherever they are needed, and threshold ramps that are specifically designed to help those with mobility issues move over slightly raised areas.

Let Us Help Make Your Space More Accessible

Accessibility should be a requirement for businesses and homes, and wheelchair ramps help make it possible. For those in New Jersey looking for help with wheelchair ramp installation, turn to the team of professionals at Williams Lift Company. If you have any questions or would like to speak to a member of our team, contact us today.