When a loved one begins struggling with mobility or is recovering from surgery, they may need a ramp to get in and out of their home. Wheelchair ramps can be difficult to find, especially if your loved one’s exterior steps are a unique shape or size. If you can’t find one online or don’t want to pay premium prices, you may be able to build one yourself.
However, it’s essential that you follow safety guidelines when building a wheelchair ramp for an elderly loved one to make sure it adheres to safety standards and is suitable for external use before testing it.
Considerations Before Building a Wheelchair Ramp
While it may sound simple, building a wheelchair ramp that is fit for use can be time-consuming and challenging.
There are several things to consider before building the ramp, including:
What Are the Building Regulations for Your Area?
Permanent ramps for residential homes have specific requirements under UK Building Regulations. For example, your loved one’s ramp can’t exceed a gradient of 1:20. These need to be adhered to, as ramps that break these regulatory requirements may be ordered to be removed.
You can read the full Building Regulations: Access to and use of buildings (Part M) here.
Do You Have the Right Permits?
Building on the exterior of a building often requires permission from the local authority, and without this, your ramp may be removed. Planning permission is often required for permanent ramps; therefore, check with your local planning authority to determine if this is a necessary application.
Some ramps may qualify for ‘permitted development’ if they meet certain height, length and location requirements. It’s always best to check with a professional building certifier before commencing construction to ensure you’re not liable for fines or penalties.
Are You Adhering to Safety Standards?
Safety is paramount when building a wheelchair ramp for your elderly loved one.
Make sure you consider the following when choosing your materials and creating a plan:
- Non-slip materials: A wheelchair ramp should be usable in all weather conditions, including rain and frost. Choose a non-slip material, such as textured metal or apply a high-quality anti-slip coating once the structure is built.
- Handrails: UK regulations stipulate that ramps with a rise exceeding 600mm must have continuous handrails on either side. These need to be easily grippable, between 900 and 1000mm high, and extend at least 300mm beyond the top and bottom of the ramp.
- Length and width: Most experts recommend that a wheelchair ramp should be at least 900mm wide. A level landing area is also required at the top and bottom of the ramp, which should be sized at 1200 x 1200mm (minimum). The length of your ramp will depend on the height difference between its starting point and its end. For longer ramps, a landing area may be needed at intervals to prevent them from becoming too steep.
- Edge protection: Wheelchair ramps should have raised edges of at least 100mm on any open side of the ramp. This prevents the wheels from slipping off and acts as a crucial safety feature.
Should I Build the Ramp or Hire a Professional?
There are benefits and drawbacks to both DIYing a wheelchair ramp yourself and hiring a professional to do it for you.
Building the Ramp Yourself: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- You’ll save money on labour costs by building the ramp yourself.
- The ramp can be fully customisable to the specific needs of your loved one.
- You can build the ramp immediately without waiting for contractors to become available.0
Cons:
- A DIY ramp can pose a serious safety hazard if it is not structurally sound or fails to meet safety guidelines.
- You’ll need expertise in construction and accessibility to ensure the correct gradient, landing and turning space.
- Building a ramp is physically demanding and can take a considerable amount of time.
Hiring a Professional to Build Your Ramp: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Professionals provide the expertise to design and build a safe, compliant, and durable ramp that meets all relevant regulations.
- Hiring a professional can eliminate the stress of managing the project
- Many professionals offer modular ramp kits that require little maintenance and are easy to assemble yourself.
Cons:
- Hiring a professional may cost significantly more due to labour and expertise costs.
- You may have to join a professional’s waitlist if they have other clients.
Building Your Wheelchair Ramp: Step-by-Step
Once you’ve obtained your building permit and chosen a safe, sturdy material to make the ramp from, you can begin building your loved one’s wheelchair ramp.
1. Choose the Location of the Ramp
The location of your ramp is incredibly important. Making this decision will help you determine the size of the ramp and its accessibility. Before building your ramp, ensure it will be used and beneficial to your loved one.
Wherever possible, place the ramp next to the most frequently used entrance of the home and ensure the surrounding area is flat and secure.
2. Determine the Correct Slope, Size and Layout
The size and length of your ramp will depend on how high the distance is from the home’s entrance to the external ground.
The correct slope for a wheelchair ramp is:
20 inches of ramp length for every one inch of stair rise.
This means, if you have a step that is 10 inches tall, your ramp will need to be 200 inches (16.7 feet) long. Without using this rule, you may build a ramp that is too difficult or dangerous to use.
3. Assemble the Ramp
Using the material you’ve chosen (treated lumber, aluminium, etc.) and the measurements you’ve gathered, it’s now time to assemble your ramp. Always use screws instead of nails, as nails can loosen over time and compromise the ramp’s integrity.
4. Install Safety Features
Handrails and guardrails are essential components of most wheelchair ramps, so ensure they are at the correct height for the user. Safety features must also be compliant with the building regulations of your local area.
If your ramp is close to your loved one’s home, consider adding a roof to your ramp. Water runoff from the home can make the ramp more slippery, posing a risk to the user’s safety.
5. Dig Holes for the Ramp Posts
Posts maintain the structure of a wheelchair ramp and keep it stable, which is why it’s extremely important that these are placed correctly and safely. Cross-brace each post at least once in each direction to ensure the ramp remains safe and stable.
Posts should be 4 by 4 inches and spaced no more than eight feet apart. Secure the posts with cement in the holes before covering them back over with dirt.
6. Cover the Ramp in a Non-Slip Solution
Once your ramp is standing tall, all that’s left to do is cover it in a non-slip surface for extra traction between the materials and wheelchair tyres. This is especially important in winter and snowy conditions, so your loved one can continue using the ramp throughout the year.
- For wooden ramps: Use commercial ‘grit’ tape, strips of roofing or shingling or a thin layer of glue covered with sand.
- For concrete ramps: Create an anti-slip surface by brushing the concrete with a broom while it is still drying.
- For metal ramps: Use anti-slip paint specifically for metal, anti-slip grip tape or tread plate or checker plate metal sheets.
Disabled Facilities Grant DFG and other funding for ramps
If cost is a concern, your loved one may be able to get help with funding for a wheelchair ramp and other home adaptations, depending on what is recommended during a home assessment.
Local council funding for minor adaptations
Many local councils can cover the cost of minor adaptations up to £1,000. This can include items such as grab rails, ramps and outdoor lighting. This support is not means tested, so eligibility is not based on income or savings.
Disabled Facilities Grant for adaptations over £1,000
For adaptations that cost more than £1,000, you may be able to apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) through the local authority.
- The grant is available to people over 18 with a permanent disability, which can include physical disabilities, learning disabilities and some mental health conditions.
Learn more about home adaptations for the elderly
If you are considering a wheelchair ramp, it may also be helpful to explore other practical ways to make the home safer and easier to move around. Trinity Homecare has a dedicated guide covering a wide range of adaptations, from improving access at entrances to making bathrooms and living spaces more comfortable for everyday life.
Read our guide to home adaptations for the elderly.
Talk to Trinity Homecare Today
If your loved one requires home care, chat with one of our friendly care team today. We offer a free, no-obligation enquiry and assessment service and are happy to offer information and advice to help you find the perfect home care solution.
Call us on 0207 183 4884 in confidence for a free, no-obligation quotation. If enquiring outside of our opening hours, please complete our online form and we will contact you the next day.
