When you need to perform safety modifications to make a house more accessible, adding a wheelchair ramp for home use is one of the best options. This guide will provide helpful information on building a DIY wheelchair ramp, including recommendations from the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). While ADA ramp requirements aren't required for residential construction, they are good guidelines for safety reasons.
Keep in mind that it may be a good idea to call a professional to ensure a safe and sturdy wheelchair ramp, but if you have some DIY or carpentry experience, it may be worth a shot to build one yourself.
First Steps: Planning Your DIY Ramp
There are some basic questions you need to answer when learning how to build a wheelchair ramp:
- Will the ramp be permanent or temporary?
- How long does it need to be?
- Will it require a landing area?
- What is the angle of the rise?
- How much weight does it need to bear?
- What building and safety codes must be followed?
Next, it's time to gather your tools:
- Measuring tape and level
- Plywood or deck material for the ramp and landing
- Lumber for posts, joists, and edges (treated lumber is needed for outdoor ramps)
- Folding framing square or protractor
- Screws of various lengths
- Carriage bolts or similar fasteners
- Wood glue
- Cutting tools: circular saw, table saw, hand saw, or jigsaw
- Hammer
- Drill
- Concrete anchor screws
Building Your Stair Ramp
Choose a convenient entry and exit location for the placement of your ramp. Start by measuring the height from the top of the door sill to the ground to calculate the ramp's rise. The ADA recommends a maximum slope of 1:12 (12 inches of ramp length for every one foot of rise). If you or someone using the ramp uses an unassisted wheelchair, a ratio of 1:16 is considered even more accessible. You can use this calculator to help determine the length of your ramp. You can also view more ADA requirements for things like handrails and edge protection on the ADA compliance website. Once you know the location and rise of your ramp, it's time to start construction.
Standard stairs are about 7.5 inches high, so a typical rise for three stairs would be 22.5 inches in height over 22 feet in length.
Step 1: Clear the Area
Don't overlook this vital step when learning how to build a wheelchair ramp. Start by clearing the area where the ramp will be installed. Remove any obstacles, debris, or vegetation that could obstruct the construction process, and make sure the ground is level before you begin building. Pouring a concrete foundation for the ramp can help achieve both these goals.
Step 2: Build the Frame
Build a sturdy frame for your ramp using the treated lumber you purchased. This frame will serve as the foundation for the ramp's surface. Ensure this frame is level and securely anchored to the ground with anchor footings.
Cut wood joists (2x6s are recommended) to the length of the DIY wheelchair ramp. You may need to cut notches to create a flush fit where it meets the threshold of the doorway (and, if you're building over existing steps, the length of those steps underneath.) You'll need to cut an angle along the bottom of the joists at the point where they'll rest on the ground. Secure them to the existing threshold using sturdy screws or brackets.
You'll need to build posts to secure the ramp and any side railings by digging post holes or connecting the posts to concrete with anchors. Ensure the posts are tall enough to support railings 34-38 inches above the ramp's surface. They can be spaced as far as eight feet apart, but check your local codes to make sure, as some municipalities require spindles that connect the railings to the ramp for additional stability and safety. Use carriage bolts to attach posts to support joists and add cross-bracing as needed.
Step 3: Install the Plywood
Attach sturdy plywood to the top of the frame to create the ramp's surface. Make sure the plywood is securely fastened and level to provide a smooth ride.
Use a circular saw to cut sheets of ¾-inch plywood for the length of the stair ramp. Glue and screw the sheets together for each ramp segment. Place your plywood atop the ramp's base and secure it with screws.
Step 4: Add Handrails
Depending on local building codes and your personal preferences, you may need to install handrails along the sides of the ramp. These provide stability, especially at points where the ramp changes direction.
Top the side posts with your desired material — 2x4s, deck railing, or other decorative options. You'll also want to create a guardrail or bumper along the bottom edge of the ramp.
Step 5: Create Landings
Incorporate landing platforms at the top and bottom of the ramp and at any other point where the ramp changes direction. These platforms offer a resting area and make it easier for users to navigate turns.
Cut sheets of 3/4-inch plywood to five-foot lengths to serve as landings at the top and bottom of the ramp. Cut more of these for any additional landings you'll need. They must be at least as wide as the ramp and at least 60 inches long to allow space for wheelchairs to turn around.
Step 6: Add Non-Slip Surface
Once you have completed building your wheelchair ramp for home use, perform a thorough inspection to check for any loose screws, uneven surfaces, or potential hazards. Once the ramp's surface is even, you can add anti-slip tape or a layer of thin rubber and make any necessary adjustments to ensure the ramp is fully functional before it's used.
After Building Your Ramp
Perform regular maintenance to ensure the longevity and safety of your DIY wheelchair ramp. Inspect your ramp periodically for signs of wear and tear, such as loose handrails or deteriorating surfaces. Repair or replace any damaged components promptly to keep your ramp working for years to come.
Protect Your Home with a Home Warranty
If you've invested time and money into making your home more accessible, the last thing you want is to be surprised by unexpected expenses when your home's systems or appliances break. Put your mind at ease with the protection a home warranty can afford. Don't jeopardize your peace of mind; start a quote today.
The contents of this article are provided for general guidance only. First American Home Warranty does not assume any responsibility for losses or damages as a result of using this information.
Please be aware that if you disassemble a covered system or item, it can invalidate your home warranty or manufacturer's warranty.
