To the right, we can see a very ordinary concrete porch the likes of which can be found on almost every block. It even has some nice floral touches next to the walkway. Unfortunately, it is also completely inaccessible to persons using wheelchairs or walkers. After investigating the layout of the home, it was decided that this front entryway would be most appropriate to convert for access via a ramp, since a ramp to the side entrance (not pictured) would make the home's driveway unusable.

Since this particular ramp is being designed to meet with an existing concrete walk at its base, some of the concrete is being broken apart in the area where the ramp will meet the walkway. This will make it easier to construct the ramp's base to be as flush with the concrete as possible, allowing for a smoother, safer transition when ascending onto or descending down the ramp.

The ramp's upper deck is being constructed directly over the old concrete porch. It is being built of the same materials which would be used on a standard deck, and will be made as flush with the door threshold as possible to again assure a smooth transition from home to deck. When installing the deck boards, care will be taken to assure that the gaps between them are not so large that canes or other implements might slip through them.

Once the ramp itself has been constructed, you can see the seamless transition from pre-existing concrete walk to new wooden ramp. Also note the pitch of the ramp. Safety guidelines demand that access ramps must rise in height no more than one inch per foot of length, to assure that the ramp is not too steep and will not present a safety hazard to those using it. Guard rails are also placed for the length of the ramp at heights useful both to persons at a standing height and at a seated height.

As you can see, the finished access ramp project also includes regular stairway access from the side onto the deck. Now the home is accessible to be enjoyed by everyone. (You may even be able to see in the picture above that the floral landscaping of the original porch did not have to be sacrificed for the new ramp, allowing that welcoming personal touch to remain.)