Free Guide to Wheelchair Ramps and Installation Basics

Understanding Wheelchair Ramp Basics and Why They Matter

A wheelchair ramp is a sloped surface that allows people who use wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, or other mobility devices to move between different elevation levels safely. Unlike stairs, which can be impossible for wheelchair users to navigate, ramps provide a gradual incline that makes movement manageable. The basic concept has been around for decades, but modern accessibility standards have created specific guidelines about how ramps should be built to work properly.

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Ramps serve many people beyond wheelchair users. Parents pushing strollers, delivery personnel with hand trucks, elderly individuals with balance issues, and people recovering from surgery all benefit from ramps. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), roughly 61 million adults in the United States have some type of disability, and many of these individuals navigate the world more safely and independently with properly designed ramps.

The difference between a well-designed ramp and a poorly made one can mean the distinction between independence and dependence. A ramp that is too steep, too narrow, or lacks proper handrails creates safety hazards and may not actually be usable for the person it was built for. This is why understanding the basic standards matters whether you are installing a ramp for your home, a business, or a public building.

Ramps come in several types. Permanent ramps are built as fixed structures, often made of concrete or wood, designed to last for years. Temporary ramps are portable and can be moved or removed as needed. Modular ramps use prefabricated sections that bolt together, making them flexible and adjustable. Each type has different installation requirements, costs, and maintenance needs.

Practical takeaway: Before starting any ramp project, determine what type of ramp fits your situation—permanent, temporary, or modular—based on how long you need it and how much space you have available.

ADA Accessibility Standards and Slope Requirements

The Americans with Disabilities Act established specific technical standards for ramps that are used in public spaces and many private buildings. These standards exist to ensure that ramps are actually usable and safe. The most important measurement is the slope, which is expressed as a ratio of rise to run. The ADA standard requires that for every 1 inch of vertical rise, the ramp must extend at least 12 inches horizontally. This is called a 1:12 slope ratio.

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To understand this in practical terms, imagine you need to bridge a 2-foot height difference. Using the 1:12 ratio, your ramp would need to be 24 feet long. A 3-foot height difference would require a 36-foot ramp. This is why ramps take up significant space—they cannot be made steep without becoming dangerous and unusable for many people. Someone in a manual wheelchair uses significant upper body strength to propel themselves up a ramp, and a slope that is too steep becomes exhausting or impossible.

The maximum slope allowed under ADA standards is 1:12 for most situations. However, there are limited exceptions. Temporary ramps used during construction or alterations may use a 1:10 slope for short distances. Some existing buildings that cannot meet the 1:12 standard due to physical limitations may use slightly steeper slopes with prior approval. But these are exceptions, not the standard approach.

Beyond slope, ADA standards cover many other measurements. Ramp width must be at least 36 inches clear of obstructions. Handrails must be present on at least one side for ramps longer than 6 feet, and on both sides for longer ramps. Handrails must be between 34 and 38 inches high, measured from the ramp surface. At the top and bottom of each ramp section, there must be a level landing area that is at least 5 feet long and as wide as the ramp itself. These landings provide a place to rest and allow wheelchair users to change direction safely.

Practical takeaway: Before building, calculate your needed ramp length using the 1:12 slope ratio: multiply the height difference by 12 to get the ramp length in inches, then divide by 12 again to get feet. This tells you whether you have enough space for a compliant ramp.

Measuring Your Space and Planning the Ramp Layout

Proper measurement is the foundation of any successful ramp installation. You need to determine three key measurements: the vertical height difference (called the "rise"), the horizontal distance available (called the "run"), and the total space where the ramp will sit. Start by measuring the vertical height from the ground or lower surface to the door threshold or upper surface where the ramp will end. Use a level and measuring tape for accuracy. If the height is more than a few inches, measure multiple points because the ground may not be level.

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Next, measure the horizontal space available in front of the location where the ramp will start. This is where your ramp will sit. Measure the width available for the ramp as well. A standard ramp is 36 inches wide, but you may need wider if multiple people will use it simultaneously or if someone will be assisting the user. Consider whether the ramp will run straight out from the door, or whether it will need to turn. If it turns, you'll need a landing space to make the turn safely.

Sketch your ramp layout on paper. Show the current ground level, the door or entry point, any obstacles like trees, parked cars, or utility boxes, and the space available. Mark where the ramp will start and end. If your available space is limited and the height is significant, you may need a ramp that makes one or more turns to fit in the available area. Each turn requires a 5-foot by 5-foot landing area, which adds to your total ramp length.

Consider the approach to the ramp as well. Someone using a wheelchair needs a level surface to gain speed before entering the ramp, and adequate space to maneuver at the bottom. If your ramp begins on a grass surface, that surface should be level and solid. If the approach is on dirt, it may become muddy and soft. You may need to pour a small concrete pad at the base of the ramp to provide a solid, level starting point.

Also note the direction the ramp faces and whether weather is a factor. A ramp facing north in a snowy climate will hold ice and snow longer than one facing south. If possible, choose a location that drains well and doesn't collect standing water. Check for overhead clearance as well—make sure tree branches, power lines, or roof overhangs won't interfere with the ramp.

Practical takeaway: Create a simple sketch showing the height difference, available space, approach surface, and any obstacles. This sketch will guide your planning and help you communicate with contractors or rental companies if you need their services.

Material Options: Wood, Concrete, Aluminum, and Composites

Ramps can be built from several different materials, each with distinct advantages and drawbacks. The material you choose affects cost, durability, maintenance, installation difficulty, and appearance.

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Wood Ramps: Wood has been used for ramps for many years and remains popular for residential installations. Pressure-treated lumber resists rot and insects better than untreated wood. Wood ramps are relatively straightforward to build if you have carpentry skills or can hire a carpenter. A wooden ramp typically costs between $1,000 and $3,000 for a moderate-length residential ramp, though longer ramps cost significantly more. Wood ramps require maintenance—they need to be sealed or stained every few years to prevent weathering, and the surface must be kept clean to prevent moss or algae buildup, which makes them slippery. In cold climates, wood ramps can become icy, requiring salt or other de-icing treatments.

Concrete Ramps: Concrete is extremely durable and requires minimal maintenance beyond occasional cleaning. A concrete ramp can last 20 to 30 years or more with proper installation. However, concrete installation requires specialized equipment and skill. Pouring concrete is a significant undertaking and typically costs between $3,000 and $8,000 or more for a residential ramp, depending on length and site conditions. Concrete can also become slippery when wet, though textured finishes can improve traction. In freezing climates, concrete may crack from freeze-thaw cycles if not properly sealed. Concrete also conducts heat, which may be uncomfortable on feet during