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What advantage do stairs have over ramps?

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.

ehow.com - Ramps Vs. Stairs | eHow

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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.

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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.

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What length ramp do I need?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires a 1:12 slope ratio for commercial ramps (ramps used in public spaces). This means that for every 1 inch of rise, 12 inches of ramp are required. For example, if an entryway is 36 inches high, you will need a ramp that is at least 36 feet long.

lifewaymobility.com - How Long Should a Wheelchair Ramp Be? - Lifeway Mobility

How Long Should a Wheelchair Ramp Be?

Posted on 10/5/2017 by John Burfield

If you plan to add a wheelchair ramp to your entryway, you may be wondering how long it needs to be. Some people might think a shorter ramp is better because it takes up less space and may cost less money. However, if you add a ramp that is too short for the rise of the entryway being ramped, it can be both hard to use and a safety hazard. This often results in a very steep ramp that may resemble a ski jump! The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires a 1:12 slope ratio for commercial ramps (ramps used in public spaces). This means that for every 1 inch of rise, 12 inches of ramp are required. For example, if an entryway is 36 inches high, you will need a ramp that is at least 36 feet long. The 1:12 slope ratio reduces the steepness of a ramp to 5 degrees of incline and makes it both easier and safer to traverse. While the ADA requirements only apply to commercial ramps, many home access professionals adhere to the 1:12 slope ratio for residential ramps as well. However, a slope ratio of 2:12 is also acceptable for residential ramps if space is limited. This means 12-inches of ramp for every 2-inches of rise and 9.5 degrees of incline. If you have limited space, you may think that a ramp that meets the proper slope guidelines will not fit on your property. However, a modular aluminum ramp can be configured in many ways to maximize your space. A qualified ramp or home access provider will be able to evaluate your space and determine what configuration and length of ramp will work best.