Ramp Construction Guidelines

Below are general guidelines and recommendations to consider when building a ramp.  Before building, contact the planning department in your county or city as there may be different requirements for your area.  Also, ask whether a permit is required before beginning your ramp building project.

Work with a contractor or someone who is knowledgeable about construction.  Be sure to check for the locations of underground utilities before digging or excavating.

1. For every inch of rise, there should be 1 foot of ramp length. The rise is determined by measuring the height of the steps, including the door threshold. For example, if the total rise is 24 inches, the ramp length should be 24 feet.   You may be tempted to build a ramp that is shorter than the recommended minimum 1 to 12 ratio to save space or lower costs.  Remember the steeper the ramp is, the more dangerous it is for anyone using it.

2. Pressure-treated lumber, marine plywood, or concrete should be used for exterior ramp construction to ensure a firm, stable surface. The ramp/platform should have a nonslip surface for all weather situations, such as gritty paper adhesive, nonskid paint, or if the surface is concrete, a rough broom finish. Ramp footing should be excavated to below the frost line.

3. Door thresholds, except for exterior sliding doors, should be a maximum height of one-half inch. Exterior sliding door thresholds should be a maximum of 3/4 inch.

4. A platform (5 feet by 5 feet) that is level with the door threshold should be constructed just outside the doorway.  If the entrance door opens outward, a 12 to 18-inch surface area that extends from the side of the door opening is recommended to provide enough space for a person in a wheelchair to open the door safely.

5. A minimum width of 36 inches of clear space across the ramp is recommended.  This means the full width of the ramp would be 42 inches wide to allow for recommended spacing of handrails and width of the handrails.

6. There should be rails on both sides of the ramp if the ramp is longer than 72 inches or the rise of the slope is greater than 6 inches. The height of the railings will depend on whether the ramp will be used for someone in a wheelchair or someone who is standing and walking.  The height of the railings may be between 24 – 38 inches above the ramp surface depending on the use of the ramp.  The height will be nearer to 24- 26 inches is someone is using a wheelchair.   Again, check with your local planner for the specific recommendations of the railing height.   The ideal width of the railing grip is 1.5 inches. Railings should extend 1 inch beyond the end of the ramp. The ends of railings should be turned down to avoid dangerous projections.

7. A curbing or raised edge of at least 2 inches and up to 4 inches if possible should border the sides of the ramp and platform surfaces to prevent wheelchairs from going over the edge of the ramp/platform.

8. A 5 feet by 5 feet level/flat area is recommended at the top and bottom of each run (slope) of the ramp.  Ramps should have a 5 foot straight and level surface at the bottom to allow adequate stopping distance.

9. Level platforms (5 feet by 5 feet) are recommended in ramps longer than 30 feet or wherever the ramp direction turns.  These are needed as a rest area and are recommended for safety.

10. Overhead coverings for ramped surfaces are suggested.