When you are making a concrete ramp, you must use a slope less than 1 inch for every 12 inches in order to meet the safety standards as set by the American Disability Act (ADA). Then cut three boards using this measurement on one end and angling the cut down to a point (Image 1), creating ramp supports. Build a Wheelchair Ramp. Supplies: Jouplast Plastic Adjustable Decking Risers. Next, fasten the three ramp supports to the side of landing frame (Image 2). It requires improvements such as wheelchair ramps, stability bars and other items to make homes safer and accessible. Create a landing area at the top and the bottom of the ramp. In addition, the surface of a ramp should be somewhat rough to provide traction; otherwise, somebody could slip and fall--especially if it rains and the surface becomes wet. Dig deeper into the ground when placing the wood at the bottom of the ramp. Fixed Ramps. When building a bermed ramp, the slope up to the door is built up with dirt or sand, and then a sidewalk is paved over the new ramp with concrete or blacktop. For small steps measuring 10-20mm a small wedge ramp can be installed. The primary ADA guidelines for ramps involve the ramp slope and length, landing size and placement, and handrail construction. Usually, a ramp can be installed based on the current configuration of the house. The 2-by-8s will serve as formwork for the sides of the ramp and also as guides for screeding the concrete (explained later in the process). Use a 2-by-4 to level (“screed”) the top of the concrete. This is so the wheelchair will not fall of the ramp. Anyone with basic carpentry skills can build a concrete ramp. These lines will represent the sides of your ramp. Being in the concrete business, I've had to install concrete ramps for all kinds of entry ways, wheel chair ramps, sloped sidewalks, and garage door aprons. Drill two pilot holes into each brace using a masonry bit (Image 1) and fasten using concrete anchors or screws (Image 2). They needed a wheelchair ramp to make access in and out of the house easier. Cut the top level of the form work to match the 1:12 slope. Carol Reeves is a licensed architect with more than 12 years of experience in architecture and construction. At the end of the ramp, construct a landing out of either concrete or the same materials as the ramp. The following steps will guide you through the process of constructing a well-built concrete ramp with handrails and a roughened walking surface. Wheelchair ramps are usually made of wood, as this is an inexpensive, yet efficient solution. The ramp has handrails on each side attached to eight posts installed in the ground. Ramp Specifications . Anyone with basic carpentry skills can build a concrete ramp. On occasion though, some slight alterations are needed. You can hand-mix some concrete and place a dollop under each sleeve location to support the sleeves in place. Build the ramp form using 3/4 inch plywood and 2 x 4 lumber. Check your building codes. Measure how high you need to go to meet the entryway, and then calculate the length of the ramp using the 1:12 slope rule. The landing platform size should be at least as wide as the ramp and a minimum of 60 inches long. These ramps provide safe access to users with wheelchairs or walkers and are also helpful for people with strollers. Cut a piece of welded wire mesh fabric that is 6 inches shorter than the width and length of the ramp. Seek Advice Before You Build a Wheelchair Ramp Stakes should be spaced no more than 3 feet apart. For a residential wheelchair ramp slope, multiply the distance from the threshold to the ground by the preferred slope. Talk to your local municipality to determine if a building permit, inspections and any other relevant information are needed to build a safe wheelchair ramp. Place the rebar inside the form. A concrete ramp is always the most durable choice. For example, a concrete ramp can not exceed a slope of more than one inch for every 12 inches of rise. Prepare a subbase for the ramp with 4 inches of compacted gravel. Building a wheelchair ramp over stairs is one of those projects that actually looks more challenging than what we expect. Buy more than enough concrete. Safety and independence are far more important than short-term savings or having a little less space. In this article, we will be providing you with an easy to follow guide on how to build a temporary ramp over stairs.Once built correctly, the wheelchair ramp will be strong, reliable, and last for a … Copyright 2021 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Ideally, the concrete should cure for about a week with the sheeting in place, but continuing to the next step to install handrails could begin the next day, as long as the sheeting is kept in place. How To Build A Concrete Ramp For A Wheelchair DOWNLOAD IMAGE. Use the shovel to dig a shovel-width trench along each side of the ramp. This will create texture, helping to ensure people will not slip when it gets wet. Like a deck, ramps made from pressure treated wood are sturdy and resilient when properly built and maintained. You'll need plywood sheets and sturdy wooden posts to construct a strong, reliable ramp. The concrete needs something to stop it. Steel or aluminum can be used for construction, too, but using lumber for ramps is the least expensive option. Place stakes around the form work to ensure it will hold the concrete. 4. Calculate costs to build standard or mini ramps for a home, yard, or on a commercial building. At the end of the ramp, construct a landing out of either concrete or the same materials as the ramp. (This requires making a mold.) Follow ADA recommendations. To make the ramp more stable, use wood cross braces between each of the three ramp supports. The steps outlined below will guide you through the general process for building a wooden ramp for a private home. They needed a wheelchair ramp to make access in and out of the house easier. Pour a concrete landing for the ramp. An Overview of Wheelchair Ramps. Carol Reeves is a licensed architect with more than 12 years of experience in architecture and construction. “How do I support the 2-by-8 formwork in place?” you may ask. Dig deeper into the ground when placing the wood at the bottom of the ramp. 2. How to Build a Concrete Wheelchair Ramp. Don’t worry about covering them up with concrete. Vibrate the concrete to ensure it gets in all the small spaces and eliminates any air bubbles. Building a concrete ramp can help make many places around the home safely accessible to those in a wheelchair or with limited mobility. The landing must be at least 5-feet-by-5-feet (1.52-meters by 1.52-meters) so a wheelchair can turn around. Here, I will show you how I built them a wheelchair ramp out of plastic decking, photo 2 and 3. Give the ramp switchbacks. It is suggested you create a curb around the ramp if it is not going to be next to a wall. Use spray paint to draw a line on the dirt between the marks you have made on the landings. While materials play a dominant role in your final handicap ramp cost, it’s not the only specification that alters the price. Knowing how to build a ramp to make your home more wheelchair-accessible will greatly enhance the quality of life for those who need it. The decking also allows them to access their concrete patio with the wheel chair. 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