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jeannegibbs Asked May 2012

Does anyone have experience with putting in a cement wheelchair ramp?

I'm thinking this year of making our front entrance accessible. Our sidewalk is 36 feet and it only has to rise a little over a foot, so I think that would be a nice gentle slope.

Any experience to share?

geewiz May 2012
Jeanne, when my friend needed a ramp we were referred to the Paralyzed Veterans Assoc. They can provide some guidance on the design aspect. Since my friend was living in a rental at the time of her need, she had a 'temporary' wooden ramp installed. I forget the cost but it was not prohibitive. And it gave my friend a great deal of independence. Good luck.

igloo572 May 2012
My mom got a concrete ramp 1:16 installed on one of her back doors through Agency on Aging - AoA had a grant to do outreach, her home was selected through her neighborhood association. This was back in the early 90's- she was not in a wheelchair so didn't need the wider landing space a wheelchair does.

I was surprised at how much length was needed to do it. Her home is pier on beam and only 3' above bfe and the run was like 2'+. They did a light grid on the surface which was a good thing to have especially when the concrete got wet. They used a tool that looks like a cake decorating comb to do it. Also the grab rail was metal rather than wood - it's hard to grab wood so if you do it, you will end up having to put a metal grab bar on at least 1 side of the ramp anyways.

There are pretty specific guidelines from ADA regarding the slope & length.

Handicapped stuff make great Eagle Scout service projects - I'd contact your council to see what Troop(s) is in your neighborhood and see if they have a boy looking for a service project. They scout might have to partner up with your church to get the "community" part of the Eagle ok'd rather than it just being for a specific person. Good luck

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shortmomma1 May 2012
Ya, its cement, he did a good job, but if you have the time and the talent you may want to do it yourself and save some $$.. its taken some time to get used to, we put ours in at the front step so Mom wouldnt lose her balance stepping up. you might want to consider a handrail also..

jeannegibbs May 2012
Wow, shortmomma, that sounds like a super bargain. That would not even cover 2 days at handman rates around here, let alone the materials.

What this cement?

How is it working out for you? Anything you would do different if you had to do it again?

shortmomma1 May 2012
I hired a " handy man" to install one for me. The job took 2 days, he charged me $175, and he "googled" the instructions on how to do it.

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