How Do You Build A Wheelchair Ramp For Old People?
If you have an elderly parent, relative or friend living in your home, and that person relies on a wheelchair for mobility, you may need to install a wheelchair ramp. A wheelchair ramp should follow the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) specifications, so the wheelchair user in your home can navigate the ramp easily and safely. Building a wheelchair ramp is a time-consuming process–most homeowners should allow two or three weekends for this project. Measure the height from the ground to the entryway, porch or deck. According to the ADA Accessibility Guidelines, allow for at least 16 feet of horizontal ramp for every foot of rise. Include a 5-foot landing if the ramp is more than 16-feet long. For example, if the porch sits 18 inches off the ground, the ramp should be 29-feet long, with a 5-foot landing after the first 16 feet of incline. Cut three sections of 2-inch-by-6-inch lumber the length of the wheelchair ramp with a circular saw. If the ramp is longer than 8 feet, cut multi