a wood residential wheelchair ramp for house

Top Tips For Ordering a Residential Wheelchair Ramp


Wheelchair ramps help make places accessible for people, and you want to make sure that everyone, no matter their physical status, is able to access your home safely and easily. That being the case, picking the correct wheelchair ramp is much easier said than done. If you don't know where to start when picking the right residential wheelchair ramp design, you've come to the right place. Keep reading to learn more about residential wheelchair ramps.

Choosing a Residential Wheelchair Ramp Starts With the Length

The first and most important step in the selection process is determining the length of the ramp. When it comes to ramps, the length of the ramp corresponds directly to the slope that the wheelchair has to climb. If the ramp is too short, the slope will be too steep, which could end up being a danger to the wheelchair user. 

When choosing a ramp for consistent commercial use, you'll want to get one that has a 2:12 slope, meaning it goes up 2 inches for every 12 inches of the ramp. This is all part of a series of regulations you'll need to follow for your ramp to pass, so make sure you pick the proper dimensions for your needs.

Pick the Type of Ramp

Next, you need to determine the type of ramp you want to use. There are two main types of outdoor residential ramps, free-standing and portable, and each one has its own advantages and disadvantages for the wheelchair user.

  • Free-standing ramps are known to provide a sturdy and long-lasting solution for the wheelchair user's needs, but they tend to be more expensive.
  • Portable ramps are designed to be lightweight, compact, and easy to move around, but they also aren't designed to be as durable as free-standing ramps.

Pick a Type of Ramp Material

The last thing to consider is the type of material your ramp will be made of. The most common type of material is wood, as it's less pricey and holds itself well for an extended period of time. Aluminum is also used, and it's a great choice if you're looking for durability and high visibility.

There are other types of materials such as concrete and steel, so make sure you do the research on the pros and cons of each one before you decide to buy.

We're Here to Help You

Now that you know how to select the right residential wheelchair ramp for your needs, you'll want to make sure you get the ramp professionally made and installed. Your local BraunAbility dealer has access to resources if you are in need of a residential wheelchair ramp.

Here at BraunAbility, we specialize in creating products for people with disabilities to make their lives easier. Our selection includes wheelchair ramps for vans, wheelchair lifts, wheelchair storage, wheelchair securement, and wheelchair accessible vehicles. Check out our wide selection of mobility products on our site, or give us a call if you want to learn more about our services.

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