How to Build a Wheelchair Ramp

Published: April 18, 2014

If you are confined to a wheelchair and your home lacks a wheelchair ramp, then you are likely well aware of how difficult it can make your life. Thankfully, adding a wheelchair ramp to your home is something that can be accomplished with materials and tools available at your local hardware store. If you are unable to complete the task yourself, due to a physical impairment, you likely have friends or family that can help. Though obviously just a guide, and not a specific how-to, the information below can aid you in this process!

Adding a Wheelchair Ramp – What You Need to Know

Before you add a wheelchair ramp to your home, it's important that you consult with your local municipality, as well as your home owner's association if you have one, to find out what the building code permits. The last thing that you want to do is build a wheelchair ramp and then later find out that it doesn't meet local ordinance codes – in such cases, the only options would be to remove it or alter it. Save yourself time and energy and do the work of finding out how to comply with local laws first.

Once the decision is made to build a wheelchair ramp, you'll need to design it. While you can have an architect design your wheelchair ramp, it might not be strictly necessary. If designing your own ramp, you'll want to take the following factors into consideration:

• Ramp Width
• Ramp Slope
• Ramp Size
• Ramp Design

Remember, all of these factors must be carefully considered before building your wheelchair ramp. The width, size and design must be sufficient to accommodate a motorized or non-powered wheelchair, and the slope must not be too steep. If the incline of the ramp is too steep, it can introduce unnecessary risk or make it difficult to utilize the ramp.

The Materials and Tools Needed

To build your ramp, you only need some basic materials, primarily wood, concrete bases to serve as a foundation, and a hammer and nails. Of course, other tools may be necessary or prove useful, including:

• Gloves
• Safety Glasses
• Post Hole Digger
• Drill
• Saw
• Wood Planks
• Wood Posts
• Fasteners and Hardware

If you have any questions about what tools or materials you might need to build a wheelchair ramp, consult with the specialists at your local hardware store. They should know exactly what you need and can point you in the right direction and offer advice if needed.

Build a Wheelchair Ramp Today – You Won't Regret It!

Even if you are unable to build a wheelchair ramp, you likely have friends or family members that can help. With a couple of sets of hands, the right tools and materials, and a long weekend, building a wheelchair ramp is a completely feasible – even fun – undertaking. If you don't have a wheelchair ramp and are constantly struggling to get in and out of your house, consider making a trip to your local hardware store!