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Just a little fyi. A wooden ramp can get slippery after stain is applied. You may not notice on a deck or steps but on a ramp. A family friend had built a wooden (treated lumber) ramp that was left unstained for about 5 years and it was fine.
I was able to find a small privately owned company that buys used aluminum ramps. He sells or rents them. The new ones from medical supply places were more than double what he was charging and they were just as good. A few minimally handy people picked up the pieces and put together in a afternoon.
Just a little fyi. A wooden ramp can get slippery after stain is applied. You may not notice on a deck or steps but on a ramp. A family friend had built a wooden (treated lumber) ramp that was left unstained for about 5 years and it was fine.
I was able to find a small privately owned company that buys used aluminum ramps. He sells or rents them. The new ones from medical supply places were more than double what he was charging and they were just as good. A few minimally handy people picked up the pieces and put together in a afternoon.
Ours was stained and we never had issues with any slipperiness at all. Ramp was in full sun though, so that might have helped. And that ramp was well used the last two years too.
When I asked him why aluminum over wood he said aluminum is better. Maybe he just doesn't want to deal with permits? I don't know. My mom is not going to go out in the snow unless it's absolutely necessary.
I really do prefer wood myself.
Those aluminum set ups are just not very aesthetically pleasing. I'd go with wood.
Ma is 97. Even untreated pine will last longer than she will. Durability is not an issue. I'd use treated lumber. How safe is Al going to be in the winter or after a rain? (BTW- get a spray can of Copper Coat at the auto parts store to lightly treat any damp spots that show mold-- Works like a charm.)
Grade- How high is this landing? You'll need a long run or several switch backs for an old lady to negotiate it. It may be less tiring for her just to make a stairway with low risers.
And maybe the most important question-- How often will she be going out? Is it worth the extra time, effort and money to install/uninstall a ramp?
Some houses in my neighborhood have porch lifts for wheel chair users. You mother might not be in a wheel chair, but she should be able to at least ride a porch lift while standing.
Don't know the price, but it would be a smaller footprint than a ramp.
True, true.
I've seen these in mobil home parks. The people that use them, love them.
When did “aesthetics” become a part of the conversation???
When I brought it up....
OP said he'd prefer wood.
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