Wheel Chair Ramp

Handicap Ramps

There are a number of handicap ramps on the market. Be sure to read our review summary and discover what you need to know before you buy one that is just right for you...   

Handicap Ramps 

Whether you are buying  pre-made handicap ramps, building one your self, or having it built for you, there are certain codes set forth by the American’s with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) that you need to aware of. If the handicap ramps are going to be at a private residence, you most likely will not be required to comply with these codes, but you should be familiar with them so as to make sure your handicap ramps are safe and as easy to use as possible. You will also want to check with your local building codes to make sure you are in compliance with any applicable codes.

Here are some basic guidelines for handicap ramps *for wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, crutches or canes*

• The maximum slope of a handicap ramp should be 1" of rise for each 12" of run.
• The maximum rise for any run is 30". The maximum run 30'.
• The minimum inside clear width of a ramp should be 36".
• Landings must be provided at the top and bottom of each run.
• The landing should be at least as wide as the ramp, and a minimum of 60" in length.
• Handrails must be provided on both sides of the ramp, between 30" and 38" above the ramp surface.

There are many things to keep in mind when buying handicap ramps. Are the ramps going to be permanent, or are they going to be temporary and possibly have to be portable ramps?

Cost is always a concern, but remember that when you are dealing with something as important as handicap ramps, you also have to be sure that you are not cutting costs at the expense of safety.

Some things to keep in mind when planning handicap ramps are:

Wooden ramps are more expensive, aesthetically more pleasing, and permanent, but are very slippery when wet. Make sure to apply a non-skid surface to the wooden ramps to prevent any slipping.

Aluminum ramps are less expensive than their wooden counterparts, but are not as pretty to look at. They all come with some kind of non-skid surface built in. Aluminum handicap ramps are semi-permanent, which can make them more attractive to home owners who may sell their home in the future.

Concrete handicap ramps are often thought of as not being a viable answer because most people believe that they are permanent structures and, when installing ramps, the idea of installing something permanent to your home that you may move from is often a deal breaker. Also, the idea of having to pour concrete to meet the building codes of your neighborhood is a daunting task to say the least. Even when hiring a professional to pour the concrete, it can be challenging to find someone with the expertise to build it to code. The good news is, is that there are companies that build concrete handicap ramps that are not permanent structures and can be moved when/if necessary.

Whatever your handicap ramps needs are, you can find exactly what you want and one that fits your budget with just a little research.