Building ramps for disabled persons can be somewhat challenging, especially when it comes to the gradient of elevation differences. For such a task, you will need an expert to guide the construction process, so that you don’t end up with a ramp that’s too narrow, or one that’s not usable due to its steepness. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, from dealing with site conditions to choosing ramp materials and dimensions.
Building a ramp over stairs could be the most important project you ever attempt. I’m not exaggerating. It could singlehandedly change the life of a disabled individual and yours to boot. In this article I am going to tell you how to build a ramp over stairs (or any staircase).
How to build a ramp over stairs
Building a ramp over stairs is a common practice when there is no other way to get into the house. If you need to build a ramp over stairs, here are some easy steps:
1. Measure the distance between the top of the stairs and where you wish to install your new ramp. This will be the length of your ramp.
2. Measure the width of your new ramp, which should be wide enough for wheelchairs and other equipment to pass over without tipping over. A good rule of thumb is that if you have an area that is 4 inches or less at its narrowest point, you’ll want to make sure it’s at least 6 feet wide so that it can accommodate wheelchairs as well as strollers and walkers. If there are areas where there is less than 4 inches between walls or doorways and where people may need to pass through quickly in an emergency situation, then you’ll want to make sure there’s at least 9 feet of width in those areas so that people can easily maneuver through those tight spaces if they were needed to do so quickly during an emergency situation such as during a fire evacuation or earthquake evacuation process.
how to build a ramp over stairs for wheelchair
If you need a way for a wheelchair user or someone on crutches to get over a staircase, building your own ramp is the easiest and cheapest option. There are three basic types of ramps: temporary, removable and permanent. Each has its advantages, but the most important thing is that you make sure it’s safe by following these tips:
Use wood or vinyl for your ramp’s surface. Metal or concrete can be slippery when wet and cold, which makes them dangerous for people with limited mobility. Wood is more expensive than vinyl, but it’s also more durable.
Make sure your ramp has a non-slip surface. This will help users feel confident when they’re walking up or down the ramp — especially if they have poor balance or are carrying something heavy in their hands.
Choose a slope that’s appropriate for your situation. If you’re building a temporary ramp over steps so that people can cross a creek during high water season, you’ll want something shallow — maybe five degrees maximum — so it won’t tip over easily if someone bumps into it by accident (or deliberately). On the other hand, if you’re building an ADA-compliant.
how to build a temporary ramp over stairs
Building a temporary ramp over stairs can be useful if you need to get around a house that is not handicap accessible. You can build the ramp yourself, but it will require some carpentry skills and tools.
The easiest way to build a ramp is by using 2x4s and plywood. You will need two 2x4s for each step that you want your temporary ramp to span. If your stairs are four steps high or less, then four 2x4s should suffice. Each 2×4 will be used as a support beam in your stairway ramp system. The top of each 2×4 should be cut at an angle so that it fits snugly against the next step down in the staircase.
The bottom of each 2×4 should be fitted with a piece of plywood that extends out at least one inch past the edge of the staircase. Use nails or screws to secure this piece of plywood into place on each step. Once all of your supports have been secured into place, measure them so that they are level with one another and adjust them if necessary until they are level with one another.
The easiest way to build a small ramp is to use wood framing or decking. A large section of plywood will also work.
The first step is to measure the width of your stairs from edge to edge, including any banisters or railings. You will then need to cut a piece of wood that is slightly longer than this length and about 3 inches wide (this will allow for some play). Make sure your measurements are accurate, as this will determine how steep your ramp will be. If you want it steeper, make the treads narrower and vice versa.
Next, find two supports for your ramp — they should be placed on either side of the stairs and should be at least as long as the treads themselves. Secure them firmly into place using screws or nails. Then place another support in front of them (between the banisters) so that it’s level with them and directly opposite the back support. Attach this third support with screws or nails as well.
Use a spirit level to check that all three supports are level with each other and then secure them together at their tops using more screws or nails if necessary so that they can’t move around once you start adding weight onto them.
The temporary ramp can be used for a variety of purposes including as an entrance to your home, as a way to get around town and even as a training tool for dogs.
The basic materials needed are 1×8 boards and 2x4s. The length of the ramp will be determined by the distance between the first and last step. If your steps are wider than 8 inches, then you’ll want to use two 2x4s instead of one to ensure safety.
The width should be about 2 feet wide so that it will be easy for most people to walk up or down. This can be made with either two 1x4s or one 1×8 board cut into two pieces, depending on how thick your stairs are.
To build this type of ramp, you’ll need:
2×4 lumber (enough for each side)
1×8 lumber (enough for each side)
Drill/driver with Phillips head bit
Carpenter’s level
Screws (size will depend on what type of screws your drill uses)