Ramps come in a wide range of widths, heights, materials, and styles to suit every unique need. They come in portable models, modular semi-permanent models and permanent models made from wood and concrete. The best fit ramp type for you will depend on a variety of factors, like the height of the threshold or number of steps you are trying to overcome, what kind of mobility aid you use, your physical abilities, your budget, and your aesthetic likings.
Individuals who use anything with wheels can benefit from a ramp. This includes wheelchairs, walkers, rollators, power chairs, and power scooters.
Ramp Types
Here’s a quick overview of ramp types. After that you’ll go through the important aspects to take into consideration when choosing a ramp for your home.
Threshold Ramps: These home ramps make door thresholds passable for those using a walker, wheelchair, or power scooter. Some models are designed to only rest on the ground in front of the threshold, while other models are designed to be screwed firmly in place. Models that screw in place are always a better option if you use a power wheelchair or scooter.
Solid Surface Ramps: These ramps are generally stronger and more durable than foldable models. This ramp is best suited for use with power wheelchairs and scooters. Or if you expect to leave the ramp in the same location always. They are available in lengths up to 10 feet long and help overcome tall thresholds, curbs, or a single standard-height step.
Important Considerations
Flat Platform – If you intend to enter and exit your home independently then it is advised to have a flat platform at the top of the ramp, preceding the doorway. By doing so you can lock, unlock, and swing open the door while being positioned on a stable, flat surface instead of the sloped surface of a ramp. Including a flat landing at the top of the ramp is not needed if someone else will help you push wheelchair in and out of the home, or your door opener is electronic. Anyways, adding a flat landing at an entrance is always a welcome addition.
Ramp Width – The standard for home ramps is a minimum width of 36″. The ultimate minimum width a ramp might be is the width of your mobility aid. If space permits, a ramp that is 48″ wide or more is found to be ideal. Those who use a manual wheelchair, however, may want a narrow ramp that has handrails on either side, because they have the habit of grabbing and using the handrails to pull themselves up the ramp.
The Final Words
Ramps can be made from different materials. Pathway ramps and modular ramps are typically fabricated from aluminum or steel. Permanently installed ramps on the other hand are constructed from concrete, wood, or composite materials. However, Home Ramps made from wood will require yearly treating or painting because wood needs to be preserved. Ramps made from concrete, composite material, aluminum, or steel will hardly need any maintenance over the years.
FAQ about Home Ramps
- What are home ramps used for?
- Home ramps are used to provide accessibility for individuals with mobility issues, allowing them to navigate areas that have changes in elevation, such as steps or thresholds.
- Home ramps are used to provide accessibility for individuals with mobility issues, allowing them to navigate areas that have changes in elevation, such as steps or thresholds.
- Where can home ramps be installed?
- Home ramps can be installed at entrances, doorways, or any area where there’s a need to overcome a step or elevation change, both inside and outside the home.
- Home ramps can be installed at entrances, doorways, or any area where there’s a need to overcome a step or elevation change, both inside and outside the home.
- What types of materials are home ramps made of?
- Home ramps can be made from various materials like aluminum, wood, rubber, or composite materials. The choice often depends on the specific requirements, durability, and aesthetic preferences.