PHOTOS BY BILL LINDNER PHOTOGRAPHY AND MARK JOHANSON
For some homeowners, deck maintenance is not simply an inconvenience, it's a daunting challenge or perhaps even a practical impossibility. Those who depend on a wheelchair ramp to preserve an independent lifestyle often do not have the mobility or strength to strip and refinish the ramp deck every year or two. This can lead to slippery deck surfaces and even premature failure of rotted wood parts. The potential consequences are frightening.
As a counselor for the Minnesota Independent Living Program, Bob Zimmerman has designed and helped facilitate the construction of more than 2,500 all-wood wheelchair ramps. Not long ago, he decided that the time was right to see if he could tap into the advantages of nonwood decking. With help and input from several resources, Bob adapted his basic modular wheelchair- ramp design to include composite decking and even a composite railing system. The result was the first of what may be many wheelchair ramps to feature low-maintenance composite or synthetic decking. And it was also a fine example of the good that can be accomplished when people who care cooperate.
When adding a wheelchair ramp to a residence, coordinating resources can be more difficult and time-consuming than construction. In many cases, government programs and charitable organizations finance at least part of the cost. An average ramp costs about $3,000 for materials and labor, and the bill is frequently split among multiple payers. Bob spends much of his time at work matching ramp recipients with various funding programs. He also custom-designs each ramp based on a model that he helped to develop (one that is so adaptable that it has been used nationwide).
Decking selection
The two most important considerations when choosing decking material for a ramp are skid resistance and drainage. The latter factor eliminated all of the nonwood decking systems that have tongue-and-groove edges or use fasteners that require the deck boards to be close together. The best option (and the one that required the least deviation from the approved ramp system) was to use composite deck boards with the same size and profile as standard 5/4 x 6-in. wood decking.
Determining skid resistance was a simple matter of rubbing the surfaces of several brands of decking, both wet and dry, to see which would offer the best traction. The standouts included Veranda (the Home Depot brand) and CorrectDeck, but the brushed surface on the 5/4 TwinFinish Plank made by TimberTech meets Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines for slip resistance and was our first choice. The manufacturer, Ohio-based Timber-Tech, agreed to donate enough composite decking for the project and even added composite handrail and fascia board so all of the ramp surfaces could be maintenance-free.
Because manmade deck materials are not structurally rated, the undercarriage for the ramp was built from pressure-treated pine. Wheelchair ramps are subject to building codes in some municipalities, so if you're planning to build one, check with your local inspection office. Some municipalities waive permit fees for ramps.
The ramp team
To build his first nonwood ramp, Bob enlisted the services of Tree Trust, a Minnesota-based youth service organization that he hires regularly. Jim Sueker, a veteran ramp-building contractor, volunteer and Handyman Club member since 1997, supervised the construction. Jeffrey Burr from TimberTech's Ohio office and local representative Kevin Mach offered technical advice for adapting the plans to suit the material.
The team built the ramp at the home of Gerald Johnson, a Vietnam War veteran who has severe nerve damage caused by exposure to Agent Orange. Gerald was excited to participate in the project, and he and his wife, Juanita, eagerly helped the design process. They chose a redwood color for the decking and cladding and opted for gray handrails to add contrast and visual interest.
Ramp Project method
The basic techniques used to build Gerald's ramp are described in detail on the Ramp Project Web site and in a videotape available for purchase from the Metropolitan Center for Indepe-dent Living (MCIL; see SOURCES). You can also refer to a HANDY article (“Handy Ramps,” March/April 1997, p. 50).
The beauty of the Ramp Project plan, which was developed with the consultation of Minneapolis engineering firm Rudin Associates, is its modular design. Every ramp Bob and his crews create is made up of standardized modules. The modules (essentially rectangles of framing lumber) are laid together end-to-end and then fastened together and to posts at the correct slope. The bottoms of the posts are fastened to treated plywood squares that function as bases, so no digging or concrete work is required. Once all of the modules are in place, decking and handrails are added.
In addition to simplifying construction and letting crews build ramps in a workshop, the modular approach allows ramps to be easily disassembled and removed — an advantage because wheelchair ramps often are needed only temporarily. Ramps built in conjunction with a ramp program can then be reassembled at a new home — another reason long-lasting composite decking is a good choice.
Under ADA guidelines (see “Ramp Design Guidelines,” below) wheelchair ramps can have a slope no greater than 1:12. Most are designed with at least one switchback or right-angle turn to cover the rise in elevation as efficiently as possible. A 1:12 slope is steeper than it sounds, so when the situation warrants, Bob designs ramps to be even more gradual in pitch — with a slope as low as 1:20. They also must have a handrail (preferably a continuous one) and ample turnaround space at landing areas.
Postgame report
Although none of the crew members had worked with composite or synthetic decking and railings, they quickly mastered the process. The advantages of the material were evident right away, as rain plagued the first couple of days of construction, but the TimberTech footing proved superior to wood even under muddy work boots.
Despite the advantages, Bob expects that most new ramps will be made from pressure-treated lumber because it's cheaper, more familiar and widely available. And though the composite railing looks terrific, most of the maintenance involves the ramp deck, so Bob sees less payback on the investment in railings than in decking. But he would prefer to use composite decking for future ramps if he can find a way to fund the higher cost ($2 to $4 a square foot vs. $1 or less a square foot for pressure-treated decking).
One reason for Bob's positive reaction to the new material was a bit unexpected: The ramp looked beautiful. “Aesthetics are an important part of the ramp-design process,” he says. “The ramp needs to meet code requirements, but it should be designed in cooperation with the user and the family to look as good as possible.” And because composite decking is made to last, the ramp should remain beautiful and safe for many years.
Getting Involved
Do you know someone who needs a wheelchair ramp or other accessibility upgrades to a home? Are you interested in volunteering your time or money to help improve the quality of life for others in your community? You can obtain ramp-construction plans by contacting The Ramp Project c/o the MCIL (see SOURCES ONLINE) or by logging on to www.wheelchairramp.org. For additional information, including leads for financial-assistance programs and instructions for volunteering, contact your local Center for Independent Living directly or through the National Council on Independent Living at (703) 525-3406 or www.ilusa.com.
Ramp-Design Guidelines
When you're designing a wheelchair ramp, following the proper specifications is essential to safety. One source of ramp-design guidelines is Section 4.8 of the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessi-bility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities. These guidelines were written for public buildings, but they are just as applicable to private residences.
Slope and rise
• Use the least possible slope
• Max. slope = 1:12
Width
• Min. clear width = 36 in.
Landings
• Level landing required at the
bottom and top of each ramp and
each ramp run
• Min. landing width = width of
connected ramp runs
• Min. landing length = 60 in.
• Min. landing size for direction
change = 60 x 60 in.
Handrails
• If ramp run has a rise greater
than 6 in. or a horizontal projection
is greater than 72 in., install
handrails on both sides
• Continuous gripping surface
should be mounted between 34 and
38 in. above ramp surfaces
Cross slope and surfaces
• Max. cross slope = 1:50
• Ramp and landing surfaces
should be stable, firm and slip-resistant
Sources
The Ramp Project, c/o Metropolitan Center for Independent Living, 1600 University Ave. W., Suite 16, St. Paul, MN 55104-3825 (651) 603-2029 TimberTech (composite decking and railing systems), 800-307-7780
http://www.access-board.gov/adaag/html/adaag.htm#4.8
For information on financial assistance on accessibility upgrades and instructions for volunteering, contact your local Center for Independent Living or the National Council on Independent Living at (703) 525-3406 and www.ilusa.com.
Web Extra: Construction Photos
"Ramp Raising," an article by Mark Johanson in the September/October 2007 issue of HANDY, covers the building of a modular wheelchair ramp. These photos expand on and further clarify the construction steps.
Step 1: Assemble the 2x6 module frames using joist-hanger connectors. Most of the straight-run modules are 42 in. wide x 116 in. long. Nailing flanges are flattened against the head joists (inset).
Step 2: Install blocking between the joists to stiffen the module undercarriages and help keep them square.
Step 3: Insert 4x4 posts into composite post cladding (inset). The clad posts should be slightly longer than necessary. Attach posts to base plates, position them and tack modules to posts.
Step 4: Start installing modules at the top of the ramp. In most cases, you can incorporate the existing steps into the structure. Use a car jack to level the module frame. Work down from the high point of the ramp, tacking modules to posts and to one another. At landings, also use a jack to level the module. Tack all modules together and check the slope.
Step 5: Join head joists on mating modules with 1/2 x 4-in. hot-dipped galvanized lag bolts, washers and nuts. Use a minimum of one bolt in each joist bay.
Step 6: Check the modules to make sure the landings are level and the ramp decks have a consistent slope. Also check that the posts are level and plumb, and then attach them to the modules with 3-1/2-in. deck screws.
Step 7: Install 2x6 cross-supports between pairs of posts to support the modules. Use exterior-rated screws or lag screws. The cross-supports do much of the load-bearing work.
Step 8: Wheelchair ramps should include steps for convenience. The steps for this ramp have composite decking treads, fascia risers and cladding.
Step 9: Fasten decking with composite deck screws, allowing adequate space between boards for drainage. Decking should have a nonskid surface like the TimberTech planks seen here (inset).
Step 10: Install handrails following local guidelines. You may need to arrange the railing components so they can be grasped continuously (mounted on top of posts, inset) instead of installing them between posts.
Step 11: Use a fine file or sandpaper to smooth any rough or squared-off edges on the composite material. Attach end caps on open rails. You may need to fabricate the caps from composite material.