Safe Options for Managing Stairs
Stairs can be an obstacle to your independence, safety and quality of life. There are a number of solutions that can help you manage safely and independently, inside and outside of your home or business. We hope to provide an overview of the different options for independence with managing stairs.
Managing outdoor stairs:
Ramps
Choosing a grade:
ADA guidelines* for safe ramp grading require a 4.8 degree slope, for every 1” of rise 12″ of length (requiring a 6’ long ramp for a 6″ step). Residential ramping however may be quite different for every person. Power wheelchair users may be able to manage a steeper pitch up to 9 degrees, as long as it is properly equipped with side rails as the wheelchair motor will do the work of the climbing. Manual wheelchair users may in the same circumstances benefit from a 1:18 or 1:24 pitch if they required a more gradual grade for wheelchair management. Optimal ramp grading for individuals can vary and depends on factors including: type of wheelchair (manual vs. power), capability of the caregiver, strength, ability, and weight of wheelchair user.
Choosing the right materials:
Ramps can be composed of wood, composite, aluminum, steel, concrete or landscaping materials.
Wood ramps require concrete footings to secure to the ground and these require building permits. Though material cost may be slightly less than aluminum, labor costs, permits, and time required often drive the cost up often higher than an aluminum ramp. This may be a good option with volunteer labor and manpower when available. Disadvantages of using wood include – increased time and money for permits and labor, decay of the wood and maintenance and upkeep requirements of the ramp. Furthermore, it is typically not reusable after the ramp is not needed anymore.
Modular ramps offer the advantage of being adjustable to different height and configurations and can often be reused at different locations when they are no longer needed. Aluminum is a non-maintenance material that will not decay or require painting and upkeep. They are not fixed into the ground and thus you do not require permits to put up modular aluminum ramps. They can be assembled in a relatively short amount of time and without having to wait for city approval for permits. Generally aluminum modular ramps less labor costs and come to a comparable price to traditional wood ramps. Aluminum modular ramps can also be lengthened or shortened to effectively increase or decrease the grade at any time. BILD now offers modular ramp options of wood, composite, and steel which can offer price advantages.
Landscaping or concrete is another option for how wheelchair access can often be achieved with a much more aesthetic appeal. Often accessibility can be provided without appearing “handicapped” as with a ramp. Creative landscaping can be performed to provide access to a home with beauty but the tradeoff is obviously a much higher cost. BILD offers accessible landscaping options for beauty and accessibility in your home.
Ramp design considerations:
For the best accessible design consider all entrances to the home and speak with an experienced accessibility specialist to help design a system that will work for you. It is important to have an adequate level landing at the entry door so the wheelchair user can manage the door independently. Other important considerations include:
– Adequate railings for safety
– Intermediate landings for rest breaks
– Allow sufficient space on the swing side of the door for easy wheelchair approach
The Ultimate Modular ramp system
A unique composite modular system that provides a number of advantages and a nice aesthetic look is a system called the Q-ramp. Though the Q-ramp system is more expensive than aluminum modular systems it has a nice aesthetic appeal and has a number of other advantages:
– High friction and open ramp flooring
– 4” side guarding for safety
– Photoluminescent guides
– Can be easily reconfigured (lengthened or shortened), or moved to another location
– 1200 pound weight capacity
– Low maintenance and appealing design.
Considering a “porch lift”
For multiple stairs to enter the home it may actually be more economical and affordable to enter the home with a wheelchair lift system. This also provides a smaller footprint and preserves your open space and yard for functionality and beauty.
Convertastep Entry Lift System
This is an economical and space saving alternative to ramping your home. The convertastep lift uses a remote system to lift 
an individual in up 
to an upper step entry to the home easily. It provides a 750# weight capacity and optionally comes with a rail system for safety as well. The convertastep often costs less than ramping your home and provides an appealing and easy to use system for wheelchair users to access their homes.
Solutions for indoor and outdoor stairs:
Stair lifts – Stair lifts provide a great option for managing stairs safely and comfortably for individuals who are able to stand and transfer, but may not be able to walk up and down stairs. Many options are available for straight and curved stairways both indoors and outdoors. Stair lifts achieve as high as a 600lb weight capacity.
Inclined platform lifts – These lifts allow individuals to manage stairs in a wheelchair on a platform system that rides up and down the stairs. This option again can be used both inside and outside. They fold up out of the way when not in use, and have safety stop sensors to keep them from damaging anything.
Elevators – home elevators have become much more common and are certainly a great option for safe home management. Home elevators have become an affordable option that can increase your home’s value. Today’s home elevators can be configured to run on battery backup. As pictured – home elevators can be configured to blend with your home’s natural beauty and decor.
Mechanical assisted stair climbers – for individuals who have the assistance of an “able-bodied” caregiver, unique stair climber systems provide a great option for safely managing stairs not only in your own home, but also in the community. Mechanical wheelchair lift system allows an able bodied caregiver to easily transport an individual in a wheelchair up and down stairs outdoors, indoors, and on narrow stairways. They can be easily disassembled for traveling and will interface with wheelchairs or a separate chair system and can even be used for private airplanes.
BILD is the premier provider of accessible remodeling, elevators, and lifts for your home, business or place of worship. We provide both purchase and rental options for the above lift systems.
Call us for a FREE CONSULTATION – 262-671-2032 or 608-216-2880 (WI) or 847-453-8866 (IL).
Visit us online at www.bildnow.com or email us at: info@bildnow.com.
We provide Free In Home Consultations:
Wisconsin office/showroom – 9209 W Bluemound Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226
Chicago office – 1629 N Burling St. Suite 1R, Chicago, IL 60614.