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Wheelchair Ramp Design

Ideas for your Porch

The proper wheelchair ramp design will allow not only those in wheel chairs easier access to the porch and home but also those with limited mobility issues as well.

When my Dad developed emphysema, he could have used a ramp on his porch, even one of the portable wheel chair ramps like we found at Allegro Medical. A ramp to his front porch would have been very helpful.

Ramps leading to the front porch don't have to look sterile. With the right design they can integrate seamlessly into the surrounding landscape.

Concrete wheelchair ramp

The landscaping along this elevated walkway almost makes it disappear.

Wheelchair ramp design walkway

Notice how the colors of this wheelchair ramp blends with the Victorian home.

Wheelchair ramp design walkway

Note how the ramp is integrated into the existing landscaping.

It's been said a steep ramp is more dangerous than not having a ramp at all.

The higher the porch the longer the ramp must be in order to provide a gentle slope.

Wheel Chair Ramp Specs
Calculate the rise and run for a wheelchair ramp

Rule of thumb: Have a minimum of 12 inches of ramp for every inch the ramp must rise. The optimum rise would be 20 inches for every inch in vertical rise.

For example, if your porch is 18 inches from the ground your ramp should be a minimum of 18 feet long.
- Multiply the height in inches by 12 inches {18 x 12 = 216 inches}
- Divide that number by 12 inches {216 / 12} =18 feet.

If you want the slope to be more gentle, then consider a rise and run of 20 inches. So, your ramp would be 30 feet long {18 x 20 = 360 inches, then 360 / 12 = 30 feet}

To learn more about slope, visit our wheelchair ramp slope page.

You can see that if your porch is high off the ground, a straight-run ramp will not work. A 30 foot long straight ramp is not very appealing and is difficult to incorporate aesthetically into your landscaping. It is also very difficult to use.

If you have no other choice, add a flat landing in the middle so the person can rest, if needed.

We have found that many people search for the phrase "how to build wheelchair ramp" so they must realize that good wheelchair ramp design is essential.

See how nicely this wheelchair ramp design below was integrated on this country farm house design.

Farmhouse wheelchair ramp

Portable Wheel Chair Ramp options

Portable wheel chair ramps, like the one pictured here from Allegro Medical are designed with slopes that accommodate the rise and run.

L-shaped ramps that make a 90 degree turn or switchback ramps that make a 180 degree turn can be easier to use than a straight run.

There's more to wheelchair ramp design than meets the eye!

The EZ-Access Modular Ramp System from Allegro Medical, as shown here, is an excellent option.

Their design uses minimal hardware and are quickly assembled using common hand tools. Modular components make it easy to move the ramp to a new location or even change the configuration.

This portability feature makes it ideal when integrating the ramp into your landscape. My father could have used a product like this to access his front porch and his deck.

Roll Up Ramps

A roll-up ramp is remarkably strong wheelchair ramp design. They are specifically designed for the most portability and are hinged to roll up like a sleeping bag. They tend to be more expensive than other ramp types but give you ultimate portability.

Since it is very compact you can take it with you or easily move it from your front porch to back deck or entrance if required. You can even travel with it. They are simple to use; lay them down and roll them up in no time.

Single Fold and Multi Fold Ramps

Single fold and multi fold ramps are welded for strength and folds in half like a suitcase for portability.

They can be used by wheel chairs and scooters can come in different width configurations to fit your specific needs.

Need financial assistance for a wheel chair ramp. We found roll up and folding ramps (photos above) from HandiRamp.com. They have a foundation that might be able to assist you.

Trus TLift

Not enough space for a ramp? A wheel chair porch lift is another option to consider.

Wheelchair Ramp Landing Design Requirements

Landings are critical to proper wheelchair ramp design.

A landing is required by code every time the ramp changes direction.

Landings must be a minimum of 60 inches wide by 60 inches long. This creates the minimum space a wheel chair needs in order to turn around.

Landings are required at the base and top of the ramp. The top landing is required to provide space so the user does not roll backwards when opening doors. The bottom landing lets the user move safely to level ground.

Landings must be level side to side. Ramps that slope even a little are hard to use and upsets the balance of the user making it harder to steer.

This ramp blends in with its surroundings

Other Important Wheelchair Ramp Design Considerations

Ramps are used year-round so plan accordingly.

Ensure water does not pool on the surface of the ramp. Use gutters on your home to direct water away from the ramp.

Ensure the surface of the ramp is not slippery when wet or damp. Attach grit tape to the ramp surface to give the user more traction. Add sand to polyurethane and use it to paint the surface of the ramp. Rough up concrete with a broom before it dries to create traction.

Don't locate the ramp under trees where leaves can fall onto the ramp and make it slippery when wet.

Try to have the ramp face south to catch the sun in winter to help dry it out when it rains or melt ice and snow.

Attach guard rails to the ramp mounted 18 inches from the floor of the ramp.

Attach edging at least 2 inches high so wheelchair wheels don't slide off the ramp.

Attach wooden hand rails on both sides of the ramp (metal may be hard to hold in winter). Hand rails should extend at least 12 inches beyond the ramp on each end.

Build a set of stairs adjacent to the top landing so those not wishing to use the ramp have access to the porch.

Brick ramp

Wheel Chair Accessible Home Plans

More and more of us want to remain in our homes longer rather than having to go to a nursing home or other facility. Why? We love our homes and neighborhoods and the independence our homes provide. We know from first hand experience how important that is.

In order to make that happen our homes need to be accessible, inside and out. So do one of two things. Either make your current home or your next home is accessible. We've located some home designs that incorporate accessibility standards - so you can stay in them as long as possible

Family Home Plans has accessible home designs designed or adaptable to make your home accessible for a lifetime!

American with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) has Accessibility Guidelines for wheelchair ramp design for public access. (Many states have adopted International Residential Codes which pertain to ramps for private residences).

You will more than likely be required to get a building permit before building or installing any kind of ramp. Check with your local codes department to determine the requirements for your area.

If you have a loved one who needs a ramp, like my Dad did, it's a really good investment.

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