DIY Builds
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How much does it cost to build a wooden wheelchair ramp?

Wheelchair ramps made of wood typically cost between $100 and $250 per linear foot to install. Installing a wood ramp is an easier DIY project and can be quite affordable if you opt for basic lumber. However, wood ramps require weather protection and slip prevention for rain and snow.

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Mini-Ramp

You can purchase a mini-ramp for just over $100. Mini ramps are typically 30 inches wide by 3 feet long and are designed to allow passage over a raised threshold or between split levels up to a height of about one stair step. Most are made of aluminum to make them lightweight and easy to transport.

Portable

Portable ramps are available in lengths of 3 feet to 10 feet and cost between $100 and $2,000, depending on the type. Typically used for getting into automobiles or slightly elevated entranceways, portable ramps can’t be used to access more than two vertical steps due to their limited length. For example, a 5-foot ramp can only rise 5 inches per ADA guidelines. Portable ramps can also be difficult to set up and take down without assistance.

These are common types of portable ramps and their general costs:

Folding: $100–$1,000 ; also called suitcase or multifold; one or more folds for portability

Roll-up: $300–$1,300 ; made of aluminum; can be rolled up for storage

Track: $250–$2,000; have two tracks that line up with the wheelchair; can be folded or opened to optimal length

Modular

Modular wheelchair ramp prices start as low as $400 but can reach $5,000 for longer models. They're prefabricated, meaning you or a contractor needs to assemble the pieces when they arrive. Modular ramps usually come in aluminum or steel and are generally low-maintenance. Assembly is easy, but it could be more difficult to install if you didn't calculate the measurements correctly before ordering.

Semi-Permanent

Semi-permanent wheelchair ramps cost anywhere from $350 to $2,000 to install. Though they aren’t anchored to the ground permanently, they’re still stable and safe. If you don't need the ramp to stay in place for multiple years, a semi-permanent ramp can be a good option.

Permanent

As the name suggests, permanent ramps (typically made of concrete, wood, or steel) are designed to stay in one location much longer. You might install permanent ramps, which cost between $1,000 and $6,000, at entry and exit points for a home if someone with a disability will live there permanently.

Wheelchair Ramp Cost Factors

Additional cost factors can impact the overall price of wheelchair ramp installation. Read below to get more in-depth information.

Weight Specifications

Some ramps are designed for manual wheelchairs, while others are designed for heavier electric scooters or wheelchairs. Some ramps may only support the weight of an unoccupied wheelchair. In general, the stronger the ramp, the more expensive it’s likely to be.

Landings

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All wheelchair ramps require flat landings at the top and bottom of the ramp. This allows doors to open smoothly and for people in wheelchairs to stop and rest on longer ramps. For every 30 inches of rise, you need to install a landing. Additional landings beyond the top and bottom can increase the overall installation price.

Handrails

Larger ramps require handrails and guards. For example, ramps that rise more than 6 inches or are greater than 6 feet in length require handrails on both sides. Prefab kits may come with handrails, but if you or a contractor is building a ramp with raw materials like wood or metal, you’ll need to factor in additional costs for handrails.

Grip Strips or Tape

If you’re building a ramp out of metal or wood, budget for additional materials to prevent slippage. You can get a 2-inch-by-60-inch roll of anti-slip grip tape for $15 to $35 at a local hardware store.

Permits

Check with your local building office before beginning your project to see if they require a permit. If so, expect to pay between $30 and $120 for the building permit cost. If you hire a contractor, they may handle the permit process for you.

Labor

The hourly labor rate for a professional wheelchair installer depends on the ramp you're building. For example, a wooden ramp will require a carpenter, but a concrete unit could require a mason.

Carpenters cost around $35–$100 per hour .

Hiring a mason for pathway installation costs around $1,800–$4,800 per project .

A handyperson costs around $60–$65 per hour.

Location

The ramp location can often impact the price. Outdoor ramps require more durable materials and are often longer, while indoor ramps need to be shorter and more portable. A typical indoor ramp may range between $200 and $2,000, while an outdoor ramp generally costs $1,200 to $5,000. Often, a wheelchair ramp installation makes up just one of many disability accommodation remodeling costs. Depending on your home and the nature of your needs, you may also need to budget for:

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