How to Build Wheelchair Ramps Using Specs
Wheelchair ramps enable people with mobility issues, or people pushing strollers, to access buildings and spaces. They can, however, be expensive to purchase. Building your own wheelchair ramp may be an economical solution to purchasing one. Strict federal and local guidelines govern the process of building wheelchair ramps and should always be consulted before beginning the process. Follow the instructions below to build a small, simple wooden ramp 6 inches high, 6 feet in length and 4 feet wide. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- 1 piece of lumber, 1 inch by 4 inch, 8 feet long
- 4 pieces of lumber, 2 inch by 4 inch, 8 feet long
- 1 sheet of plywood 3/4-inch, 4 foot by 8 foot
- 2 sheets of plywood 3/8-inch, 4 foot by 8 foot
- 1 sheet of Masonite or Skatelite, 4 foot by 8 foot (optional)
- 4 to 6 lbs. of wood screws, 2 1/2-inch
- T-square
- Measuring tape
- Pencil or chalk
- Radial saw
- Power drill with screwdriver bit
Instructions
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Check the guidelines issued by the Americans with Disabilities Act for specifics on ramp construction. Contact your city's planning department office to see whether there are any local laws governing wheelchair ramp specifications in your area.
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Use a pencil or chalk to draw the outline of the sides on the 3/4-inch sheet of plywood. Start by measuring down the long edge of the plywood sheet. Make a mark at six feet. This will be the bottom edge of one side of the ramp.
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Use the t-square to measure six inches directly above the previous mark and make another mark. Draw a straight line from that mark down to the corner of the plywood sheet forming a triangle that is 6-feet long by 6-inches high.
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Use the saw to cut this triangle out of the plywood sheet. This is the first side of the ramp. Use it to trace another triangle out of the same plywood sheet. This will be the other side of the ramp.
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Cut the 2x4s in half making a total of 10 four-foot pieces. Take the pencil and make marks every eight inches along the slope of both sides. Take your 2x4 pieces and screw them into the sides, two screws per side, at every mark. These are the joists--horizontal supporting members that run from side to side up the center of the ramp.
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Attach an extra joist to the bottom, back corner of the ramp using two screws per side. This will give the ramp strength. The joist at the front of the ramp should be placed horizontally and flush to the ground.
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Measure six feet along the eight-foot edge of one of the 3/8-inch plywood sheets and make a mark. Measure and mark at the same distance along the other side and draw a line between the two marks.
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Use the saw to cut along the line and you're left with a sheet of plywood that is 4 feet x 6 feet. Lay this sheet over the second sheet and trace it. Cut the second sheet. If you plan on adding a final layer of Masonite or Skatelite to smooth out the ramp, use this sheet to trace a line on the sheet and cut it as well.
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Screw the plywood sheets and Masonite or Skatelite to the ramp. Place the first plywood sheet over the skeletal structure and, using wood screws about every foot or so, screw the sheet to the 2x4 joists. Add the second second sheet of plywood following the same procedure and then the finishing sheet of Masonite or Skatelite.
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Tips & Warnings
Add a back to the ramp by cutting a 6-inch x 4-foot piece out of your 3/8-inch plywood scraps and screwing it the back of the ramp.
Always consult and follow the ADA guidelines and local laws when building a wheelchair ramp.
