Is it cheaper to build a ramp or stairs?

Does electrical wire have to be in conduit?

Conduit protects both humans and the electrical wiring to prevent wires from pulling loose and creating shock hazards. It's important to use...

Last updated Oct 24, 2021

How many solar panels can I have?

No, there is no limit to the number of solar panels you can have. However, there may be a limit on how much power your system is allowed to...

Last updated Nov 8, 2018

Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

Both ramps and stairs have benefits for easy ingress and egress.

When designing the entryway to a home, or considering ways to transition between floors at different heights within a home, the most common options are stairways and ramps. However, determining whether stairs or ramps are best suited for your particular situation can be difficult. By evaluating the pros and cons of both, as well as your mobility needs, getting up or down will be a breeze.

Video of the Day

Mobility

When choosing to install a ramp or a staircase in home building, you must consider any physical mobility limitations of the people living in the home. Stairs may be convenient for people who can walk without any assistance; however, individuals requiring a wheelchair, walker, or cane will have an easier time walking up and down ramps where large strides are not required. Likewise, small children will also have an easier time navigating ramps.

Safety

Both ramps and stairs have safety benefits and risks. A stairway that is properly lit and equipped with handrails can be a safe way for able-bodied individuals to move from one area to the next. However, stairs can pose a major fall risk for the young and elderly. Meanwhile, ramps with handrails provide a safe way for people of all mobility levels to change elevations in a home. However, outside ramps can become especially slick and difficult to maneuver when icy or covered in debris, like leaves.

Cost

Staircases are considered the most economical choice when creating access to a raised area of a home. The reason for the affordability of stairs is that they come in prefabricated designs and can be constructed in limited space. Meanwhile most ramps require a custom design to fit the area that they will be used in, which can add a significant amount to the cost of construction.

Limitations

While stairs may limit mobility where ramps allow people of all mobility levels to move about, there are other limitations to consider. Stairs can be built nearly anywhere that there is a difference in height between landings and take up only one small area. Conversely, ramps require far more space to allow for the proper rise. Typically, ramps rise at a ratio of 1:12, meaning that if you needed to build a ramp that had one foot in elevation rise, it would have to be 12-feet long. Thus, space can be the most limiting factor regarding ramp design.

What happens if you cut concrete too deep?

Depth of Cut In case the cut is too deep, the interlocking may not be sufficient enough for transfer of loads. On the other hand, if it's too...

Last updated Nov 28, 2022

Can I use my super to build a granny flat?

Can we use our super cash to build a granny flat on our own property as a means of getting a rental return, which our SMSF will get all of the...

Last updated Aug 26, 2020

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

How do you pick a ramp?

To harvest a ramp sustainably, foragers should cut one edible leaf from the plant and leave the second leaf and bulb intact. If more of the plant is desired, one should carefully dig into the dirt and slice through the bulb a third of the way down, leaving the bottom of the bulb and roots intact.

tastingtable.com - Everything You Need To Know About Sustainably Foraging Ramps

If you've decided to venture out into the forest and forage for ramps, Wild Edible has some hot tips to help you harvest responsibly. You'll want to start by checking with your local forest service to see if there are any regulations on acceptable harvest areas and methods or restrictions on the amount of ramps you can gather. Pack a sharp knife, and be sure to bring a bag to collect your wild goodies. When you come upon a patch of greenery, make sure you have discovered ramps and not the very similar but highly toxic Lily of the Valley. A Magical Childhood recommends comparing the appearance, location, and scent of the two plants. Lily of the Valley has no bulb, usually grows outside of the forest canopy, and is missing the tell-tale onion scent of the ramp. Junior varsity foragers should utilize reference materials or consult an experienced forager to confirm the species of a wild plant before consumption. To harvest a ramp sustainably, foragers should cut one edible leaf from the plant and leave the second leaf and bulb intact. If more of the plant is desired, one should carefully dig into the dirt and slice through the bulb a third of the way down, leaving the bottom of the bulb and roots intact. Serious Eats recommends harvesting plants at the center of the ramp colony so the patch can stay strong and continue to grow.

How do you insulate a log cabin floor?

Directly beneath the flooring, and between the joists, fit foil-backed insulation boards, for example 25mm or 50mm Celotex, a compressed foam...

Last updated Jul 11, 2020

Do I need chain on my anchor?

Using chain on any anchor is the most important part of the entire anchoring system. While some manufacturers might claim their anchor does not...

Last updated Aug 8, 2022

Promotion

Can I put polyurethane over epoxy?

Applying polyurethane over epoxy is a perfect idea as it will protect your project from UV rays and scratches. It is safe to put polyurethane over...

Last updated Jun 21, 2022

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

Is it OK to use deck screws for framing?

Deck screws shouldn't be used for framing since they can easily snap under pressure. Instead, you can use nails for projects like framing walls and...

Last updated Dec 12, 2021