Wheelchair ramps specs, plans

[Randy Gillard]

Hi all,
Neighbour wants to build a wheelchair access ramp to his house. Does anyone know where I can get plans, specs, etc? I am sure there must be code or spec for the slope.
Thanks Randy

[Per Swenson]

Check here...

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=34658&highlight=wheelchair

P.

[Todd Davidson]

Hi Randy ~

Here's a link to the ADA code. Should have everything you need to know.

www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/stdspdf.htm (http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/stdspdf.htm)

In peace, Todd

[Jeffrey Makiel]

Keep in mind that the ADA applies to commercial and governmental buildings, and does not apply to residential. In saying so, many of the specs in the ADA (slope, toe curbs, etc) are very conservative because they assume that the handicap person self propelling up the ramp unassisted. In a residential application, these specs can be difficult to incorporate, and not necessary if the wheelchair will be pushed by somebody like a family member or hospice. The link that Per posted has a lot of good feedback on this subject.
-Jeff :)

[Phil Maddox]

What Jeff said.

ADA is very strict and should be. You might find that you are building a ramp halfway around the house if you follow it stictly.

Think about this: You want to acheive 1" of rise for 12" of run. This means if you have 4 steps into the house (assuming 8" per step) you will need a 32' ramp. Thats pretty long and strictly speaking, you would need a flat resting spot in it (every 20' IIRC).

I used to have some good "real world" numbers for slope that most people can tolerate but I can't seem to find them. If I do, I will send them to you.

Good luck.

Phil