The cost to install a wheelchair ramp at a home or business vary based on length, design, and ramp material like wood, aluminum or concrete. The most important factor is that your ramp is safe and allow you to enter your home and exit your home easily. This is why your ramp design is the first step to getting the best price. Except for portable ramps, you should plan on a level platform of at least 5 feet by 5 feet at the doorway. This makes sure you can open and close the door and use the ramp safely without falling backward on the slope of a ramp. Also, this makes a smooth threshold so that a wheelchair or walker can easily go from the home to the ramp. A large bump or obstacle makes the ramp unusable, unsafe, or a trip hazard. Also, all ramps should be at least 36 inches wide.
Portable Ramps
Portable ramps are a good option for 1 or 2 steps with 1-14 inches of height. A portable ramp is usually made out of aluminum so that it is light enough to carry and many fold up like a suitcase. Prices depending on length with 2 feet options. For example, you can purchase portable ramps with lengths from 2 feet to 10 feet. A 4 foot ramp would start at $299 and a 10 foot ramp starting at $1100. There are many options depending if you are using the ramp for steps, doorways, thresholds, or getting a scooter or wheelchair into your vehicle.
Modular Ramp Made out of Aluminum Metal
Pricing for a ramp made out of aluminum, also known as a modular ramp depends on the amount of ramp (materials) to be used and if you have handrails installed. Modular Ramps are a good alternative for Wood or Concrete wheelchair ramps as they are similar in price and can be moved, changed, or resold when needed. Also, because a modular ramp is made of aluminum, there is no rust, no painting, no additional maintenance that is required for wood or concrete ramps. The price does vary by length with an 8 foot modular ramp starting at $800 and an 8 foot modular ramp with handrails starting at $1400, and a 5 foot by 5 foot level platform starting at $1200. Pricing for Modular ramps have gone up in the last few years at the cost of aluminum increases. Make sure you confirm the price is current as many website or price lists have not been updated. Also make sure you include the price for shipping as that can add hundreds of dollars in cost.
Wooden Wheelchair Ramp
Wooden wheelchair ramps are most always custom built to suit the entrance of a home or business. The cost of the wood, excavation of dirt or removal of bushes/trees or landscaping, the cost of labor, and permits. Because of these factors, the cost of a wooden wheelchair ramp can range significantly. Pricing for wood ramps have gone up in the last few years at the price of wood increases and the price of carpenter labor increases. A basic guide for a wheelchair ramp built out of wood would be $200 a foot to start with handrails. For example, a 16 foot wood ramp with handrails with a 5 foot by 5 foot level platform at the doorway would be a length of 21 feet at $200 a foot or about $4200. Handrails are required when a ramp is 18 inches or higher and a building permit is usually required. Because of this, wood ramps can take 2-12 weeks to build from beginning to end. Also, if you use trex or any other manufactured wood product, expect the cost of the materials to be quite a bit more. Maintenance like staining, sanding and sealing a wood ramp is usually required every 1-2 years especially in states with cold winters, large amounts of rain, or bright sunlight.
Concrete Wheelchair Ramp
A wheelchair ramp made out of concrete is also custom built. The cost of materials, whether or not old concrete needs to be removed, the cost of the labor, the difficulty of the design all factor into the final cost. You can use the rule of $200 a foot to start for the concrete ramp without handrail. For example, a 10 ramp that is 36 inches wide with a 5 foot by 5 foot level platform at the door, would be a length of 15 feet at $200 a foot or $3000. Custom made Steel Handrails will add additional cost to your concrete wheelchair ramp. Pricing for concrete ramps have gone up in the last few years at the price of concrete increases. Handrails are required when a ramp is 18 inches or higher and a building permit is usually required. Because of this, concrete wheelchair ramps can take 2-12 weeks to build from beginning to end. Maintenance is required every few years to seal the concrete or patch cracks so they don't expand.