When faced with the need for a wheelchair ramp, four basic material
options are available: wood, steel, concrete and aluminum. Each has
plusses and minuses. The two most popular options for home-owners are
steel and wood, said Steve Lyons, owner of American Ramp Systems in
Brooklyn Park.
“When people need a
ramp, they often automatically think wooden ramp because it’s
all they’re familiar with,” said Steve Lyons. “And
if there is a handyman in the family, people think installing one
is an easy, cheap job. For a skilled contractor, building a ramp
is not a difficult task; but amateur carpenters often forget the
importance of factoring in the proper elevations and slope.”
When
considering a ramp system for residential or commercial use or for
a special event, Lyons said it’s important to ask the
following questions:
What about cost?
Steel is always the lowest in cost. Wood can be the
lowest if labor is donated. Wood is the highest in cost if done by
a contractor.
What about maintenance?
Steel will rust if not touched-up occasionally
with paint. Wood needs to be regularly treated with a wood sealer and/or
paint.
What about safety?
Wood rots. Wood, concrete and aluminum are all solid
surfaces and allow moisture to accumulate and freeze, creating dangerous
ice film. Steel has a gripping texture, making it non-skid. Steel also
has an open pattern ramp surface, allowing moisture to pass through
and retarding ice film.
What about rentals?
Ramps should be rented if the need is for six months
or less. Rentals are also convenient for weddings, graduations, family
gatherings and other special events.
What about durability?
Steel and concrete can last for ages. Wood rots.
Aluminum has one-third the strength of steel and is three times softer.
What about proper ramp design?
Carpenters and family
members have limited knowledge about what makes a safe and ADA-compliant
ramp. It’s
best to use the services of a locally-based industry expert.
What about appearance?
Wood can be painted or stained to match an existing
deck. Steel can look like wrought iron and concrete can match a walkway.
Aluminum is shiny and commercial in appearance and not very suitable
for residential applications.
What about moving and changing a ramp after it is purchased?
Steel
and aluminum ramps are portable and can be lengthened or shortened,
as necessary, something that’s not possible with wood or concrete
ramps.
What about the possible resale value of a ramp?
There is a market for
used steel and aluminum ramps after they are no longer needed.
What about availability?
Steel and aluminum ramps
can be delivered from pre-manufactured stock in days. Construction
of wood and concrete ramps depends on contractors’ responsiveness
and may take days or even weeks to complete.
What about excavation of property?
Concrete frost footings are required
for wood and concrete is subject to settling. Steel and aluminum ramps
are designed with adjustable support structures and can be easily realigned.
What about devaluation of property?
Ramps will bring down the value
of a home upon resale since only 1 out of 200 people use a wheelchair.
There are significant costs to removing and disposing of wood and concrete
ramps and footings.
What about building permits?
Wood and concrete ramps are permanent
modifications to a home and require permits. Steel and aluminum modular
ramps are classified as reusable, durable medical equipment (DME) and
do not require permits.
What about taxable revaluation of property after a ramp is installed?
The
building permit process includes reassessment of the property after
the permit is issued.
What about portability?
Aluminum and steel ramps have
handles for portability. Due to the strength and stiffness of steel,
thinner structures are possible. Although steel and aluminum ramp
sections weigh about the same, aluminum is bulkier and has more braces
due to its lower material strength. ![end of story]()
Steve Lyons is the owner
of American Ramp Systems in Brooklyn Park. Designed for individuals
who use wheelchairs or just struggle with stairs, amRAMP from American
Ramp Systems is Amer-ica’s
leading low-cost, steel modular ramp system available to rent or
buy with no minimum size or rental period.. For more information,
visit www.americanramp.com or call 651-399-3075.
