Facts About Wood Ramps

Wood ramps are found at skate parks.

Wood ramps provide a connection between floors at different heights without requiring stairs.
Wood is a popular construction material, as it is lighter than alternatives such as concrete or stone.
Wood ramps are installed to allow wheelchair access to buildings, as well as for use in sports such as skateboarding. Wood is less durable than other ramp construction materials, so preparation is required to use wood ramps.

Weather

Weather is a concern with wood ramps. Cheaper grades of wood and wood graded for interior usage are used inside buildings, where no rain or snow will fall on the ramp. Outdoor wood ramps are treated with coatings that resist weather and limit ice formation. Finishes protect the wood from splintering or peeling and may add other features such as desirable colors and friction resistance.

Traction

Carving patterns in the wood to provide traction reduces the chance of a wheeled vehicle slipping off the ramp, although the patterns also make it more difficult for wheels to travel up the ramp. Patterns can also trap slippery substances such as mud and water, although this problem can be reduced by designing the pattern to allow drainage off the sides of the ramp. A plastic or rubber mat may be placed over the wood ramp as an alternative method that also protects the ramp from the weather.

Retractable Ramps

Some wood ramps are retractable. This is an advantage over heavier ramps such as stone or concrete, which are usually not movable. A retractable ramp conserves space when it is not in use, although the ramp must be specifically designed for this use. Since wood ramps are lighter than other ramp construction materials, some wood ramps are portable, allowing entrance to buildings that are not designed for wheelchair accessibility.

Aesthetics

Wood ramps are useful to match a home's exterior aesthetics. Many houses have outside balconies that include wooden railings. Wood shingles or wood planks in the exterior of the house are also common. A ramp made of aluminum or concrete is less likely to match other decorative features. Ramps are often painted or coated with a finish to improve their coordination with the trim of a house.

Wood and Other Materials

Other materials may be used in the construction of a wood ramp. Screws, nails and hinges used to build the ramp are often made of metal. Metal objects in a wood ramp are affected by rust and inclement weather conditions, and a coating may be applied to them. A wood ramp may also be installed with a metal handrail, to reduce the risk of splinters produced by a wooden handrail.

References

• Utah State University: Construction of Ramps
• North Carolina State University: Wood Ramp Design
• Washington University: Wheelchair Ramp