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Key Things to Consider Before Installing an Outdoor Wheelchair Ramp
Key Things to Consider Before Installing an Outdoor Wheelchair Ramp
22/May/2025

Whether you’re a business ensuring compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act or making your home more welcoming and accessible for a loved one, installing a wheelchair ramp is a decision that carries more weight than it may initially seem.

Key Things to Consider Before Installing an Outdoor Wheelchair Ramp

Sure, a ramp is a physical structure... but it also represents freedom, inclusion, and safety. In an area like ours - where everything from the weather to building codes can throw a wrench in your plans - it’s worth taking a moment to understand the essentials before grabbing the toolbox.

In this brief article brought to you by Mr. Handyman, we take a look at some easy-to-overlook - but crucial - factors to consider before committing to an outdoor wheelchair ramp installation.

Slope: It’s Not Just About the Angle

One of the biggest missteps we see with DIY ramp attempts is underestimating the importance of slope. A ramp that's too steep isn’t just uncomfortable - it can be dangerous. The ADA recommends a 1:12 ratio. This means that for every inch of vertical rise, there should be at least 12 inches (one foot) of ramp length.

Basically, if your entryway is 30 inches high, then you’re looking at a 30-foot ramp. This kind of detail is easy to overlook but absolutely critical for businesses that must adhere to ADA guidelines. Even for private residences, a safe slope ensures the ramp is usable.

Landing Zones and Turning Space

Another often-forgotten element is the space at the top and bottom of the ramp. ADA-compliant ramps must have a flat landing at the top, bottom, and at every 30 feet of horizontal run. This isn’t just red tape; it ensures safety and maneuverability.

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If you’re installing a ramp on a property where space is tight - like a narrow front yard or a small commercial lot in Uptown - then you'll want to plan for these landings in advance. That might mean removing shrubs or even regrading some of the yard or sidewalk area.

Material Choices: Wood, Metal, Concrete, or Composite?

Different materials offer different benefits... and headaches. For example, wood ramps are budget-friendly and blend well but need ongoing maintenance to prevent rot and warping. Aluminum and steel ramps offer better longevity and lower maintenance, but they can get slippery in the rain if not properly treated.

Choosing the right material comes down to budget, aesthetics, climate durability, and how long you plan to stay in the space. Mr. Handyman can walk you through each material’s pros and cons so your wheelchair ramp installation isn’t something you regret.

Dallas Weather: Friend or Foe?

Dallas sees heatwaves, thunderstorms, and even the occasional freeze. Your ramp needs to withstand the elements. That means considering things like water drainage, anti-slip surfaces, UV protection, and rust resistance.

It’s also worth thinking about shaded versus sunny areas. Will direct sunlight make the ramp too hot to touch in August? Should you add a canopy? These aren’t minor details; they can make or break the ramp’s usability.

Aesthetics and Neighborhood Fit

Let’s be honest: no one wants a ramp that makes their property look like an afterthought. Dallas neighborhoods include everything from the historic charm of Lakewood to the sleek modern homes in Oak Cliff, and it’s important that your ramp fits the look of the home or business.

Whether you need something sleek and minimal or warm and inviting, our uniformed and trained handymen can get the job done right the first time around. In the rare instant that we don't, you can count on our workmanship guarantee. Our office is always happy to take your call.

Why Mr. Handyman is the Right Call

We’re proud to offer professional, honest, and affordable service delivered by technicians with over 20 years of cumulative experience. Our uniformed and background-checked handymen don't cut corners, we don’t disappear when there’s a problem, and we always communicate with you the way you prefer: phone, text, email, or in person.

From the first call to the final inspection, you’ll know exactly what to expect from our handyman. In fact, we send you a bio of the handyman before they arrive so that you know who to expect.

If there’s ever a concern, we’re happy to come back out at no charge. We even guarantee our work for a full year. Call or message Mr. Handyman to get in touch.

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