How to Build a Handicap Ramp That Is Not Steep

Ramps are essential to assist people with disabilities, including wheelchair-users, to connect with different levels if elevators are not available. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides accessibility regulations, which include ramps. The regulations specify the gradient, length and width for ramps, as well as other requisites such as handrails and landings. Prior to starting construction of a ramp, it is important to familiarize yourself with the ADA standards for them and to ensure that the structure you build is in full compliance with them.

Instructions

• 1

  Measure and assess the area where the ramp is to be built and check that you have sufficient space to build a gently rising ramp. Measure in inches the distance from the bottom of the base surface to the higher surface that the ramp will connect to. Multiply this by 12. The total will give you the minimum length of the ramp in inches.

  For example, if the measurement between levels is 24 inches, multiply this by 12. The total is 288 inches. This means that your ramp will need to be at least 24 feet long to comply with ADA standards. Instead of one long ramp, you may decide that a ramp with a switchback or a "U" or "L" shape may work best. You must also remember to allow space for level landings at the top and bottom of the ramp.

• 2

  Contact your local municipality building code enforcement and permit office and check to see if you require a building permit to install a ramp. Draw a scale drawing of the ramp so that you can check the fit before you start on the construction. This will also be useful to include with your permit application, if required. Ensure that you have the required permit in hand, prior to starting work on the ramp.

• 3

  Mark out the plan for the ramp using a chalk spray. In addition to its length, the ramp must be at least 36 inches wide and preferably wider. Mark where your supporting posts will be. They should be on either side of the ramp at each end of the ramp and every 48 inches in between.

• 4

  Dig your post holes at least 24 inches deep. Calculate the length of each pair of posts. They should be 24 inches below ground and 36 inches above the ramp. The higher the ramp gets the longer the posts will be. Use four-by-four timber and cut your posts in pairs. Position the posts and secure them in place using concrete. This is easier to do if one person holds the post straight while another pours the concrete into the hole. Check the posts for vertical straightness with a spirit level. Make any adjustments before the concrete starts to set.

• 5

  Mark each of your posts with the position of the floorboards. Start at the top and work your way down. This will help you ensure accuracy as you build. To allow for the 1:12 gradient, each pair of posts will be marked 4 inches lower than the set above it.

• 6

  Use two-by- four timber to make the edging boards at both sides of the ramp. You will need two edging boards for each side of the ramp, placing one on the inside of each post and one on the outside of each post. Use a single nail to attach the board to the post so that it can pivot. Determine the spot on the post for the other end of your board and attach it securely with three or four nails. Once the board is correctly positioned, return to your starting point and hammer more nails in. Repeat this process until you have side boards on each side of the posts from top to bottom of your ramp.

• 7

  Build the joists for the floor of the ramp. Use similar two-by-four timber to that you used for the side boards.

• 8

  Cut your floorboards. Use 3/4-inch plywood. They must be the width of your ramp from outside edge to outside edge. Where necessary, cut notches for the posts. Secure the floorboards to the joists. To prevent warping, use plenty of nails across each joist.

• 9

  Make a handrail along each edge of your ramp. Use one-by-four timber. Nail the handrail to the posts 36 inches from the floor of the ramp.

• 10

  Seal and waterproof the ramp to help it weather the elements.