SUFFICIENT TURN PLATFORMS When an angle is introduced into a ramp design, it is vital that such a platform has enough clearance to accomodate a wheelchair and the space its user needs to cleanly make the turn. Every ramp we design that requires a turn or switchback (as long as the space allows) complies with this standard by employing at least a 58” x 60” module. TOP AND BOTTOM RAILS MINIMUM 36” CLEAR DECK A Wheelchair ramp or long-tread steps structure must have a clear deck of at least 36” in order to accomodate, not only the clearance of a wheelchair or walking device, but also to leave extra room for propelling them, ie: an assistant, or the user’s appendages. On average, a wheelchair user requires about 33” of maximum clearance when navigating a ramp. All of our ramps/steps come standard with a 36” deck width after railings are applied. Depending on the needs of the user, we can customize a unit to accomodate clear deck widths of 39” or more. SLOPE NOT GREATER THAN 1:12 (or 4.8 Degrees) ADA requires that all commercial long ramps meet the standard slope of 1:12 - which means that for every 1 inch of rise there must be one foot of ramp. For example, a stoop rise of 12” at the door or level platform, would require a 12’ ramp to meet the ground at a gentle enough slope that it can be utilized with little or no assistance. Although its not a requirement, at Ramps By Design, we adhere to ADA recommendations on all of our residential sturctures. Depending on the location or intended user, we may opt for a more gentle grade, but as long as there is space, we will not consider anything steeper than 1:12 or 4.8 Degrees. This adherance to standards comes from our experiences with and observations of safety and accessiblity. If a ramp is steeper than 4.8 Degrees, there is a heightened risk of the wheelchair user tipping back, becoming fatigued, or simply not being able to propel themselves up the ramp without assistance. This graphic shows how drastically a few degrees difference can affect the safety and usability of a ramp... Along with a 1:12 slope, a ramp must have a level landing at the top and bottom of its completed run, as well as every 30 feet on larger structures. This ensures that the user has an appropriate place to rest while spanning structures over 30 feet long and a safe area to stop at the beginning and end of each run. Ramps, Safety, and the ADA
Our ramps are built to ADA (Americans with Disibilities Act) recommendations, but not all wheelchair ramps are. What do these key features mean to you and why should you make sure your ramp has them?
 
For more information regarding the ADA and accessibitity recommendations, please visit this page or the ADA website:  http://ada.gov
Toprail
(must be between 34” and 38” above ramp surfaces)