How to Build a Wheelchair Ramp? Get Expert Reviews In 2022

When you have mobility challenges, one of the toughest things that you will find is the how to locate a mobility aid that suits you. After battling with this for over three years, I finally decided to go with a wheelchair. Why did I choose a wheelchair?

  • It is easy to use
  • It is comfortable
  • Easy to get help
  • It is long lasting
  • It is very flexible

While choosing a wheelchair and buying one was a great achievement, it didn’t come minus challenges. One of the challenges that I faced once I bought my wheelchair was how to access my house. Thing is I had stairs on the door and my wheelchair wasn’t built for this.

In short, I needed a ramp to be able to use my wheelchair easily. A ramp would help me to get in the house and also come out comfortable. Finally, I put up one and today, I even have a mobile ramp that I can use to access my car.

So, how to build a wheelchair ramp?

I know that there are a number of people that might be battling with this. Luckily, I have the right help for you. Building a ramp for your wheelchair is no brainer at all. All you need to do is follow these steps.

Step I: Find the Right Materials

You will first have to round up the right tool and materials for your job. These will include the following.

  • Framing Square
  • Hand Saw
  • Drill or Driver with Bits
  • Hammer
  • Chalk Line

NOTE: There are many other tools that will also come in handy such as; safety glasses, shovel post,  work gloves, 4-foot level, chisel, circular saw, line level, screwdriver, ratchet and sockets, mason’s cord, wheelbarrow, hole digger, joist hangers and plumb bob.

Step II: Select Ramp Location

First select the location that’s suitable for your ramp. This should be an area that provides the best entry to your property.

Step III: Measure the Upper Landing’s Height

This can be the deck or the pouch. Get the right measurement for the ramp’s upper landing to the main ground level. This is the distance that will help you to determine the total length of your ramp and also the slope.

Step IV: Select Ramp Configuration

The landing height will give you the exact ramp distance. Once it has done that, you can now choose the best configuration. This simply means the shape of the ramp and how you want it to run.

Step V: Build Your Ramp

Use the ADA 4.8° rule, which states that you take a 1 inch rise for every 12 inch ramp length. This is usually the standard measurement when building a ramp. However, this applies mostly on the public utilities.

However, for the best home use ramp, this may not be achievable or practical. That’s why you can always go with the 14.5° rule. Calculate this by simply dividing the rise that you will get from your ramp in inches by 3 for instance 30 inch rise will require 8 foot ramp.

NOTE: It will be helpful is you found the right home ramp measurement guide and use it for a simple structure.

How Should Your Wheelchair Ramp Be Built?

If you are looking for how to build a wheelchair ramp, there are a few things that you must keep in mind. They include the following.

Size of Wheelchair

The size of the ramp should be wide enough to accommodate the size of the wheelchair. When the wheelchair moves on top of the ramp, it should stay within the ramp, It shouldn’t be too wide that it slides out of the ramp.

Strength of Ramp

Another important thing is that the ramp should be strong. A strong ramp will be able to hold the weight of the wheelchair plus your weight. It will not give in under your weight and will retain its stability at all cost.

Smooth in Design

Again, the ramp should not be entirely smooth, but it should allow for a smooth ride. In short, it shouldn’t generate so much friction but just enough to allow you to either roll the wheelchair out or to be pushed up.

To find more exclusive wheelchair carrier related reviews.

Conclusion

If you want to have the easiest time with your wheelchair, you should get a ramp. Like I have mentioned, a ramp has so many advantages to it. You can easily access your home and you won’t need any help moving out at all.

Ramps should be easy to maneuver and must be strong enough to sustain your weight. These two are the most important tips. More importantly, they should also prevent any form of friction that can hinder your wheelchair from moving up and down smoothly. I think you will able how to build a wheelchair ramp.

kneepadsreview.com participates in the Amazon Associates Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn commissions by linking to Amazon. This means that whenever you buy a product on Amazon from a link on here, we get a small percentage of its price.