ADA Ramp Guidelines

ADA Ramp Guidelines

Platforms & Landings

• There needs to be a level platform or landing area at the top and bottom of the ramp.
• The top platform should be level with the door threshold, and large enough for the client and caregiver to have sufficient space to safely open and close the door(s). The minimum size should be 5’ x 5’. However, the direction and distance an exterior door swings may require a larger platform.
• At the end of the ramp, an existing hard surface (driveway, sidewalk, patio, etc.) of sufficient size can be used as a landing. If there is not an existing landing area, a 5’ x 5’ platform can be built, a concrete pad can be poured, or landscape pavers can be installed.
• There should be a smooth transition from the ramp surface to the landing area.

Ramps

• The slope of the ramp should be 1” of drop for every 12” of ramp length. This is usually referred to as a 1:12 slope. A 1:8 slope is more steep. A 1:16 slope is less steep.
• The total elevation change at the client’s site determines the length of the ramp. A 20” elevation change would require a 20’ ramp.
• The total elevation change at a client’s site is the height difference from the door threshold to the location of the end of the ramp.
• If the ground between these two points is level, the distance from the door threshold to the ground at the door or at the end of the steps may be the total elevation change.
• If the ground between these two points drops away from the residence, the total elevation change is greater requiring a longer ramp.
• If the ground between these two points rises away from the residence, the total elevation change is less requiring a shorter ramp.
• The minimum usable width of is 36” between the railings.

Turns

• It may not be possible to build a suitable ramp in a straight line from the top to the bottom. The ramp may have to be built with one or more turns to get a long enough total ramp system to fit in the space available.
• Any 90° turn should be at least 5’ x 5’.
• Any 180° turn should be at least 5’ x 10’.

Total Ramp System

• A total elevation change of 20” means the sloped portion of the ramp needs to be 20’ long, but there may be another 15’ of platforms, landing and turns, making the total ramp system 35’ long.

Railings

• A top railing is a 2” x 6” board vertically attached to support post. The top side should be 34” to 38” above the walking surface of the platforms, landings, turns and ramp. It should be attached so there is 2 ½” of unobstructed distance to the support post so it can easily be grabbed.
• The bottom rail is a 2” x 4” board vertically mounted 3 ½” above the surface of the ramp system.
• The middle rail is a 2” x 4” board vertically mounted half way between the top and bottom rail.

Materials and Construction Method

• ADA provides no guidelines or recommendations about the type or quality of materials.
• ADA provides no guidelines or recommendations about the general construction method, other than the above specs.