Ramps
June 2025
Designing for All, Disrupting None, The Ramp.
No other solution embraces the principles of UD like a ramp. It is simple, flexible, intuitive, aesthetically pleasing, easy to use, and all can use it. The ramp is the poster child for UD, allowing all to join in the fun.
We will look at Public Ramps and Private Ramps as there is a difference. We will borrow guidelines used in the public sector and employ them in our personal spaces.
Ramps are made of all kinds of materials: concrete, wood, metal, brick, stone, composite and recycled plastic lumber.
The White contrasting concrete after the brown path is actually a ramp. It takes the place of a step up and becomes part of the porch. The best UD option for ramps.
UD Checklist for Optimum Ramps
Using a rise of 1” to a run of 12”.
Is a landing necessary?
Width of ramp is 36-48”.
Handrail if ramp rise (vertical) is 6” or more.
Handrail if ramp run (horizontal) is over 72” long.
Contrast or border between ramp and edge of ramp.
Here is a public ramp at a local church. I have circled it. I wanted to show you excellent UD option for a ramp. The rise and run is excellent, there is a handrail for safety, look at the wonderful overhead lighting to illuminate your path and lastly it is covered!!! It is aesthetically pleasing to the eye and doesn’t scream RAMP! They have gone beyond basic accessibility guidelines and made it UD. Granted this is a long ramp to accommodate a 2’ slope. A covered ramp is rarely seen. I think with a little creative genius
Why are these UD features important? There is Safety, Comfort and Independence for all.
What seems like a well-meaning DIY solution , the ramp, can unintentionally create new risks if it’s not done correctly. Even a slight lip or abrupt change in surface texture can throw off someone’s balance or cause wheels to catch.
The elements of accessibility and ADA are basic or minimal. I always counsel folks to go beyond these minimal guidelines to match the needs of the most motorically involved person of the household. Once that has been done you will find everyone functions better in the environment.
Good UD is good for all!
This pre-fabricated metal ramp is easy to install as it fits over existing steps. It comes with handrails and in a variety of lengths. It is a good UD option for ramps. I just wish it didn’t scream RAMP. Aesthetically, I would prefer it installed on the side of the covered porch connecting to the sidewalk with a well-planned path to preserve the welcoming front entry.
Realistically, what if you are doing a remodel and you have steps to the front door? There are interesting and esthetically pleasing ways to install a ramp to the front porch which does not scream RAMP! The next picture is an excellent UD option for steps and a ramp.
Can you find the ramp? When you find the decorative handrail, you have found the ramp which goes across the porch to the front door. The 3 steps also bring you to the front door. The low landscaping disguises the ramp. The path is smooth leading up to the ramp which is partially covered!!!! The landscape lighting moves you towards the ramp as well. The rise and run is correct. Two equitable ways to enter the home. The best UD option for Ramps
Another best UD option for ramps: there is a contiguous surface of pavers from the drive curving up to the front door. The rock borders on either side of the ramp remind one to stay on the path. Good for safety, esthetically pleasing. The smooth pathway/ramp leads clearly to front door. The ramp is in compliance with the 1” rise to 12” run so that one can maneuver up or down the ramp safely and with little exertion. The ramp is a relatively short distance from drive to front porch. Lights appear along the path. There is a large porch, adequate shelter in place and a bench for staging. All good principles of UD.
This high density rubber ramp comes in a variety of rises (heights) and runs (lengths) and widths. Pre fabricated ramps are a quick solution for a zero entry. Unfortunately, this ramp does not fill up the entire space from the path to the step up. This material is weather resistant so holds up well outside, a real plus. The product can be used indoors (showers, door thresholds etc.) and outdoors. This product can only be used when the rise (step up) is less than 5-6”. A great UD product when used properly.
Concrete is probably the most widely used ramp material especially for eliminating 1-2 steps. In this scenario, the ramp would need to be about 48”-60” in length. This would be the best UD option for many ramp entrances.
If you had more than 2 steps the best UD option might be to add many curves to the pathway meandering towards the front door. Then add a ramp to manage the last 1-2 steps.
There are 2 ramps here , a bottom one and a top one both are colored blue. Steps (3)on left and a ramp on the right , curve in path, edging on left side of right bottom ramp. A Better UD option for ramps.
This particular ramp went over a space where there were several steps connecting the drive to the front porch. Landscaping softens the ramp. A wooden ramp is a UD option but needs proper weatherization or it is not safe. The curve in the ramp takes out some slope. The handrails are great UD. The ramp looks wide enough to accommodate any wheeled device.
The best UD option for ramp.
Wooden ramp , partially covered, good rise/run, smooth, If there were handrails it would be best option for ramps.
The sneaky ramp! This is home to a wheelchair user. It was decided to ramp on just one side of the front door threshold to accommodate the electric wheelchair. Simple, easy, intuitive, use less energy. The double doors make this work easily. This is good UD option but I would have ramped the entire threshold for a better option.
Federal laws state: “(1) Newly constructed or altered streets, roads, and highways must contain curb ramps or other sloped areas at any intersection having curbs or other barriers to entry from a street level pedestrian walkway. (2) Newly constructed or altered street level pedestrian walkways must contain curb ramps or other sloped areas at intersections to streets, roads, or highways. “
If your neighborhood does not have curb cuts call your local representative and bring it to their attention.
As families grow and loved ones age in place, accessible infrastructure(curb cuts) plays a silent yet crucial role in letting people live where they Flourish!
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