What Woods Are the Best Choice for Wheelchair Ramps

Choosing the correct wood for a wheelchair ramp is very important since it influences safety, how long it lasts, and how easy it is to keep up. A good ramp must be able to hold up under repeated weight, stand up to bad weather, and have a stable, splinter-free surface. Wood is still a popular and useful material, but not all types of wood work the same way once they are outside. Read on to learn more.

Pressure Treated Pine

The most prevalent type of wood for wheelchair ramps is pressure-treated pine. The treatment keeps the wood safe from decay, dampness, and bugs, so it can be used outside for a long time. This makes it a good choice for most home ramps, especially if money is tight.

But pine that has been pressure-treated does need to be taken care of on a regular basis. It can bend, break, or splinter with time if it isn’t sealed or stained every so often. Its structure is robust, but its look is more functional than beautiful.

Cedar

Cedar is a type of wood that doesn’t rot easily and works well outside without any chemicals. It is lighter than pressure-treated pine and stays more stable in shape, which means it is less likely to twist or warp.

Cedar is softer than many other choices, which is a bad thing. It can dent or wear down faster if you use a wheelchair a lot or a lot. Cedar is considerably more expensive than pressure-treated pine.

Redwood

People love redwood for its durability.. It can handle the weather well and keeps its shape over time, which makes it a good choice for wheelchair ramps that will endure a long time. A lot of homeowners like how luxurious and high-end it looks.

That said, redwood costs more and isn’t always easy to find, depending on where you live. It works really well, however the higher price may not be worth it for tasks where looks are less important than function.

Tropical Hardwoods

Tropical hardwoods like ipe and mahogany are very strong and last a long time. These dense timbers don’t let damp, bugs, or wear get to them, and they can last for decades with no care. They work great for ramps that get a lot of use or are exposed to bad weather.

The trade-off is cost and difficulty. Tropical hardwoods are hard to cut and install, and they cost a lot of money. You often need special tools and professional builders to do it.

Things to Think About

When choosing the ideal wood for a wheelchair ramp, you need to think about safety, cost, looks, and how easy it will be to keep up. For those who are prepared to spend more, cedar, redwood, and exotic hardwoods can improve the look or last longer.

At Chaparral Winds, we assist homeowners pick materials that are safe and dependable and that will help them reach their long-term goals.

Retirement Community In Surprise, AZ

Chaparral Winds is a beautiful, assisted living community near Sun City, AZ. Being able to socialize with other residents becomes an integral part of many peoples’ lives and Chaparral Winds Assisted Living offers common indoor space to support that need. If a resident requires assistance moving from a bed to a wheelchair or vice versa, this facility has staff who can help.

Address: 16623 N W Point Pkwy, Surprise, AZ 85374

Phone: (623) 975-0880