Accessibility for everyone is a top priority. In order to make sure all your visitors can access your house or business, you should include an accessible ramp in your design.
Ramps are one of the most common accessibility solutions for anyone who owns a house or apartment, you’re probably familiar with those handy wooden stairs that lead from one floor to another, they’re great because they provide a quick and easy way to get from one location to another without having to use an elevator or go up and down multiple flights of stairs.
Whether you’re building your first home or remodeling your first project, it can be challenging to know where to start and what design elements will work best for your specific situation, fortunately, this guide will help you build an accessible ramp for less than $100 so that everyone can access your property safely and easily!
What is an Accessible Ramp?
An accessible ramp is a short, platform-style ramp that can be used to get from one level of a house or building to another, unlike a traditional, tall-style stairway, an accessible ramp is generally shorter in length and smaller in size, which makes them easier to install.
This style of the ramp is meant for outdoor use only and is usually made of plastic or composite materials. Accessible ramps are different from accessible stairs in a few important ways.
- First, they’re designed to be used with wheelchair lifts and other similar mobility equipment.
- Second, they’re not designed to hold weight like a traditional stairway.
Accessible pente pmr (pmr slope) are frequently used for getting from one level of a house to another with different door or window heights, a common example would be a lower-level door that opens into a higher-level deck or patio area.
How to Build an Easy Ramp for Accessibility
First, decide if you want a temporary or permanent ramp if you’re building a temporary ramp for a specific event, like a garden party or a family reunion, you can use a pre-made ramp or construct your own from wood pallets.
If you’re building a permanent ramp for daily use, it’s best to go with a more durable and long-lasting option.
If you need a temporary ramp, you can use a ramp constructed from wood pallets and a large piece of plywood. The pallets provide the ramp’s lightweight structure and the plywood protects the floor underneath, you could also use a sturdy piece of plastic sheeting as a temporary ramp.
Add Some Safety with Handrails and Rubber Flooring
Handrails are an essential safety feature on any ramp, they should be at least 6 inches wide and extend at least 2 feet above the top of the ramp, for added safety, choose handrails with a rounded edge, not only will this prevent you from falling off the edge of the ramp, but it will also prevent someone else from falling off the edge as well.
You can also add a few feet to the length of your ramp with a few steps by adding a simple extension ladder to your design. If you want to make your ramp even safer, you can add a rubber flooring layer underneath your ramp, this layer will provide a better grip for wheelchairs and scooters, reducing the risk of slipping and causing injury.