wheelchair ramp

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Well folks, the time has come to build a wheelchair ramp for my mom; what do you think…wood or steel? Are there building codes or standards I need to be aware of? The existing stairs and landing are wood but they are small and need to be expanded for the chair to have room to move around. She won’t leave her home yet so I need to do the best that I can for her mobility and safety. The home is what we used to call a ‘double wide’ but she prefers the term ‘manufactured home’ so it is about 4 foot above grade. I’m thinking about using the carport entrance for the ramp for it’s length of access.ThanksRaymond
Reply:I think wood because your mom and anybody helping her will get better traction, in rain or condensation, on a humid day.
Reply:here are some links to wheelchair ramp design, might be of help:http://www.wheelchairramp.org/rampma...l/rampindx.htmhttp://www.northeastrehab.com/Articles/ramps.htmhttp://www.adaptiveaccess.com/wood_ramps.phphttp://www.google.com/search?hl=en&l...ir+ramp+designLast edited by Paychk; 03-21-2004 at 01:41 PM.
Reply:great links paychk. thanks
Reply:Sticky,Wood or steel:  My reaction is to recommend whichever material you feel the most comfortable working.  When you're building a thing like this for mama ain't no time to make it a learning exercise & risk causing her to bust her fanny.  Other than that I'm sure those links paychk posted more than cover anything I could think of.
Reply:Check with your local inspector. Here in North Carolina the code book has specifics about ramps (and other handicapped access items). To summarize the NC ramp info from a few years ago:5'x5' platform at door, 1'minimum to side of door with knob (this dimension is inside any handrails that are there.5 degree to 8.33 degree max ramp angle5'x4' intermediate turning platform (when you make a turn5'x8' platform if making 180 degree turn4' minimum widthif ramp over 30' need an intermediate platform to break it up (for rest and safety)4'x5' bottom level platform/area to allow stopping distancehandrail 32" high and smooth. Need handrails on both sides if you can fall off ramp (ramp not against wall)Handrail needs to be able to be grippedNo handrail needed if 5 degree slope and walls on both sidesAny mats over 1/2" high need to be recessed. thin rubber mats on surface okthreshold at exterior door recommended to be 1/2", max 3/4"thresholds need to be beveled.Has to be able to accommodate people with walkers and canes also.To quote the code...'the surface of the ramp shall be hard, smooth but slip resistant & not resilient.Thats a summary of about 8 pages on the subject. If you are going to do interior work that meets code then there is a lot more on interior doors, stairs, etc. Bottom line on All doors (interior/exterior) is they have to have 2'-8" CLEAR which means a 2'8' door is too narrow and you need 3'-0' doors.
Reply:if you use plywood for the floor..paint with oil based enamel floor paint then sprinkle with play sand...let dry over night...sweep off any unstuck sand...then paint again...no slip and slide...back down when rolling a wheelchair.sorry to hear about your Mom...I experienced the same....Boomer
Reply:Originally posted by Boomer if you use plywood for the floor..paint with oil based enamel floor paint then sprinkle with play sand...let dry over night...sweep off any unstuck sand...then paint again...no slip and slide...back down when rolling a wheelchair.sorry to hear about your Mom...I experienced the same....
Reply:The same stuff is avaiable at any box store.I vote for a wood ramp.  It is easier to change as needs change.  I have built several of these for friends and neighbors.  Make certain to check the local codes, as they do vary with this stuff.  Gives the inspectors something to do, I guess.Good luck, both with the ramp, and more importantly, with your mother.