How To Build an ADA-Compliant Wheelchair Ramp: 8 Steps

Introduction

In North Florida, where homes often balance traditional Southern architecture with the realities of hurricane seasons and humid summers, accessibility is becoming a top priority. Whether you’re caring for a parent, welcoming a disabled family member, or simply planning for the future, a wheelchair ramp is one of the most important upgrades you can make to your property.

But building a ramp that’s both safe and durable isn’t just a matter of laying down some boards. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sets out clear guidelines for slope, width, handrails, and landings, and those standards aren’t there to complicate things—they exist to keep people safe. In practice, that means every ramp should be carefully designed, solidly anchored, and built with long-term durability in mind, especially in a climate like ours.

Let’s walk through the process step by step, blending the technical specs with the real-world job tasks that go into a safe, weather-ready wheelchair ramp.

Step 1: Planning the Ramp

Every project begins with planning. Start by measuring the total rise—the vertical distance from the ground level to the entrance where the ramp will meet the doorway or landing. ADA standards require a 1:12 slope, which means for every inch of rise, you need 12 inches of ramp length. For example, a 24-inch rise will need 24 feet of ramp.

Next, evaluate the site. Is there room for a straight run, or will the ramp need switchbacks with landings? Ramps can’t exceed a 30-foot run without a 5-foot landing, so layouts often include turns to fit within smaller yards. Florida yards can be sandy, clay-based, or uneven, so choosing the right location can save headaches later.

Step 2: Marking and Digging Post Holes

Once the layout is decided, it’s time to mark post holes. This is where the tractor auger or a heavy-duty post hole digger comes in. Holes must be deep enough to secure the structure, usually at least 2 feet down, and wider in sandy soil. The posts themselves should be pressure-treated 6x6s, chosen for rot resistance in Florida’s wet conditions.

This part of the job isn’t glamorous, but it’s the foundation—literally. A ramp is only as strong as its posts.

Step 3: Securing Posts with Concrete

After placing the posts, concrete is poured into each hole to lock them in place. This isn’t just about stability; it’s about weather resistance. In Florida, with hurricane-force winds and shifting soil, anchoring posts in concrete ensures the ramp won’t wobble, shift, or tilt over time.

Contractors typically allow the concrete to cure for a day before moving on. At this stage, the posts are trimmed to the correct height for the ramp’s slope and landings.

Step 4: Framing the Ramp

With posts secure, the framing begins. Horizontal beams (ledger boards and joists) are attached to create the skeleton of the ramp. These boards must be level and properly braced to prevent sway. In many cases, lag bolts are used to secure beams to the posts.

Framing is where you see the ramp take shape, and precision matters. Poorly aligned beams lead to uneven decking and unsafe slopes. Cross-bracing is often added to strengthen the frame against side loads, especially important in hurricane-prone areas.

Step 5: Decking the Surface

The surface boards, usually pressure-treated lumber or composite decking, are laid perpendicular to the direction of travel. Boards are spaced slightly apart to allow water drainage—a key detail in Florida’s rainy climate.

For safety, decking should be slip-resistant. Many builders bevel or sand the edges to reduce trip hazards, while others apply anti-slip coatings. Screws, not nails, are the fasteners of choice. In fact, specialized ramp or roofing screws are often used, designed to grip firmly and resist corrosion.

Step 6: Installing Handrails and Edge Protection

ADA rules require handrails on both sides, installed 34 to 38 inches above the surface. Handrails are gripped by people pulling themselves forward, so they must be continuous and smooth, with returns at each end to prevent clothing or bags from catching.

Edge protection is also critical: a 2-inch curb or barrier is added to keep wheels from slipping off the ramp. Some builders extend decking beyond the handrail posts, while others use raised strips along the edges. Both meet the requirement.

Step 7: Landings and Transitions

At the top and bottom of each run, a 60-inch level landing is required. These landings provide a safe space to rest or turn. If the ramp changes direction, the landing must be at least 60 by 60 inches square.

Doorways also need attention: the clear opening when the door swings open must be at least 32 inches wide, and the landing must provide enough flat space for the door to open without obstructing the user’s path.

Step 8: Finishing Touches and Walkthrough

The last phase includes tightening all bolts, sanding rough edges, and double-checking slopes and measurements. A walkthrough with the homeowner ensures the ramp meets expectations and feels secure under use.

Weatherproofing treatments may be applied to extend the ramp’s life, especially if wood decking is used. In North Florida’s climate, this can mean the difference between a ramp lasting five years or twenty.

Why It Matters in North Florida

Unlike other regions, ramps here must endure intense rain, blistering sun, and hurricane winds. That means the extra step of using stainless steel fasteners, deep-set posts, and heavy-duty braces is worth it. When built right, a ramp not only complies with ADA but also blends seamlessly into the home’s function and safety.

Conclusion

A wheelchair ramp is more than a construction project—it’s a lifeline for independence and mobility. By following ADA requirements while applying practical building experience, North Florida homeowners can ensure their ramps are safe, sturdy, and ready to withstand the elements.

Tri County Household & RV Services

📍 Madison, FL

📞 850-253-5738

🌐 https://tricountyhouserv.com