How to Build a Residential Wheelchair Ramp

There are thousands of people who are unable to use stairs due to handicaps and disabilities that leave them in wheelchairs or scooters. While most public buildings have wheelchair ramps, most residential structures do not. Here is how to build a wheelchair ramp.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Redwood or Cedar planks
• hammer
• nails
• steel supports
• posts
• building plans
• shovel
• gravel
• tape measure
• paint or chalk
• plywood

1. Draw out a plan and have it approved by the local building commission. You can make a straight in-line ramp, dog leg or L-shaped ramp or a switchback ramp. These are the most common and simplest ramps to construct.

2. Purchase all of your materials and begin construction on a day when the weather is good, because rain, snow or hail will make the task nearly impossible to complete. Measure out where the post supports will go. They should be an equal distance apart from one another. Chalk or paint the spots.

3. Dig the chalked or painted spots 1 1/2 feet down. Insert the wooden post and place steel supports on two opposing sides of the post. Back fill the hole. Continue with all the posts. Cover the post support areas with gravel.

4. Build the exterior base over the posts with the Redwood or Cedar planks. Lay pieces of plywood in the center where the ramp will be. Nail these to the plank edges. Walk on the planks to test the support of the angle and posts.

5. Nail the planks to the plywood to create a more attractive and stronger surface. Next nail thin posts to the edges of the ramp. Make a long railing out of the planks and nail to the erect posts. Seal the wood with a nonslick, non-gloss sealant. That's it! You just built a wheelchair ramp.

Tips & Warnings

• Use no slip taping to smooth a slick surface.
• Don't apply a glossy sealant or finish to the wood that will make it slippery.