If you’re installing permanent wheelchair ramps for stairs in your home, the process is far more complex than simply laying an inclined plane over your steps. It’s a major renovation to your home that requires careful planning ahead of time, and there are numerous decisions you’ll have to make in the process. Where do you even begin to plan for a change to your home that is essential to safety and accessibility? Keep reading to find out.
The primary purpose of a wheelchair ramp is to provide accessibility to your home for wheelchair users. A multi-purpose ramp, however, is by its nature designed to do more than this. In addition to enhancing mobility for those with disabilities, it also facilitates easier transport of heavy items, and provides safe entry and exit for individuals of all abilities. (After all, stumbling on a ramp is far less dangerous that stumbling on a set of stairs.) When planning a ramp, it’s important to consider all its uses, so you can maximize its use and design it appropriately.
Before designing your ramp, assess your specific needs and the space available around the stairs you want to alter. This includes measuring the available area to ensure there’s adequate room for a safe and comfortable slope. Determine which entrance will best accommodate the ramp while maintaining your home’s accessibility for everyone, and minimizing the impact on your home’s aesthetics. And, of course, you’ll need to assess the primary user’s requirements. Designing around their needs first, and making adjustments to consider other uses, is the key to designing a successful multi-purpose ramp.
The slope of the ramp is an important factor in ensuring safety and usability. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) recommends a 1:12 slope ratio, meaning that for every inch of rise, there should be at least 12 inches of ramp length. For residential use, a 1:16 or 1:20 slope may be better, particularly for individuals with limited upper body strength. However, as you are not required to be in compliance with the ADA on your private property, you have some leeway there.
Next, you’ll need to select the right materials for your ramp; the right materials will improve your ramp’s safety, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Here are a few common options you’ll see available:
The right option for you will depend on your priorities, but high-quality ramps are a definite possibility for any material you choose.
The purpose of a wheelchair ramp is to improve safety and accessibility, so it’s important that you make that ramp as safe as possible. Consider adding slip-resistant coating, textured finishes, or rubber matting to your ramp to prevent falls, particularly in wet conditions. Add a 2-inch lip along the edges to prevent wheelchairs from rolling off, and make sure there are handrails on your ramp as well.
While a wheelchair ramp is primarily a functional feature for your home, that doesn’t mean that it can’t complement the aesthetics as well. When designing your ramp, consider how you’ll blend it with the existing landscaping features. You can add planters or decorative railings to make the ramp a focal point rather than an eyesore. Choose materials that complement our home’s design; for example, use matching finishes or coordinating paint colors. Curved and modular designs can also improve the ramp’s appearance while maintaining accessibility.
A temporary ramp is a simple thing to add to your home; you just place it and secure it properly for easy use. But if you want a multi-purpose ramp that is safe and secure, you need to ensure it’s installed properly—and that means hiring a professional to do the job. Professional installation ensures that your ramp is compliant with safety standards and that it will meet your unique needs. If you need multi-purpose wheelchair ramps for steep stairs inside or outside your home, we can help. Contact Southern Mobility Solutions today for help designing and installing the ramp that you need. We’ll schedule a consultation to discuss your needs and create a design that fits them and your home’s design so you have a beautiful and multi-functional final product.
