Wood ramps are inclined structures formed as a supplement or replacement to stairs. These are made using a wooden platform and a couple of wooden support. They allow wheelchair users, strollers, carts, or other wheeled objects to access a building.
Wood ramps can be permanent, semi-permanent, or portable. Permanent wood ramps are those secured in place and are immovable. Semi-permanent ramps stand on top of a concrete or the ground and they are usually have short term use. Portable wood ramps are designed for home and building use as well as for loading an occupied or unoccupied mobility device. These are usually foldable for easier transport.
Aside from wood, ramps can be made up of aluminum or concrete. Permanent and semi-permanent ramps can be made up of wood, aluminum, or concrete whole portable ramps can be made up of wood and aluminum, but not concrete.
Among the three materials used for ramps, wood stands as the cheapest but the cost of labor for building a wooden ramp is the highest in the long run. Aluminum is considered as inexpensive as well, but the material is not usually used in ramp making due to its tendency to rust, especially in moist environment, or after rain or snow. Concrete is one of the most costly among the three because of the permanence it gives to the structure.
As for maintenance is concerned, wood ramps require the highest maintenance in order to keep them presentable and safe. Exposure to rain, ice, and moisture increases the tendency of wood ramps to deteriorate so regular assessment should be done to check for ramp areas that need repair or replacement. Aluminum and concrete ramps are usually chosen by people for long-term ramp use require little to no maintenance.
Ramps can be rented if they are not to be used permanently. They provide convenience to people with short term disabilities and those who are recovering from surgery. Wood ramps and concrete ramps are not usually rented while aluminum ramps are usually the choice of people for such circumstances. Wood and concrete ramps also give permanent modifications to a home or building, so they require permits. On the other hand, aluminum ramps do not usually need permits as they are reusable and durable equipment.
Safety is considered a priority in crafting ramps. Wood ramps have the tendency to rot, warp, or split, if not maintained properly. The surface can become dangerous if it is affected by snow, ice, or water. To resolve, ramp makers use an anti-slip, high traction surface coating to reduce the possibility of slipping on the ramp surface. In addition, drainage holes can be used in aluminum ramps to prevent the problem.
The design of the ramps must be carefully measured in order to grant its maximum usability. Dimensions that are meticulously established for the ramps are the width and the slope. For instance, a ramp with a lesser steepness can be easily navigated by a wheelchair. Wooden ramps with reduced inclination are also safer to use in icy climates.
Aluminum Ramps 
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