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I live in the Northeast where we get 6 months of warm weather and 6 months of cold. My house has 3 cement steps (located on the side of the house) which is what everyone uses to get in and out. The cement steps are old and starting to crumble.
Right now I'm in the process of getting estimates. I would like a small deck and a ramp for my 97 year old mom who I take care of. The first contractor said aluminum would be better then wood but I prefer the wood look. He also said that an 8 x 12 deck would fit. I have a detached garage that faces the steps.
My questions are:
1. What would be the best type or 2nd best type of wood to use for the deck and;
2. If this was your house would you get an aluminum ramp or a wooden one.
My mom is not going to be around forever and I may have the ramp removed when she is no longer with me. Not that I'm young myself.
I believe in my state the contractor would need a special permit to build a wooden ramp, not sure if he has one. I will be getting more estimates in the next couple of weeks.
I found this article that states:
Disadvantages of Wood:
1. Generally considered a permanent structure, wood ramps may require plats of survey, building permits, and concrete piers set below the frost line.
2. Even when using pressure-treated lumber, wood ramps will deteriorate and require periodic maintenance. This is especially true of ramps in direct sunlight. Another issue with wood ramps in humid and shady areas is mold / algae buildup that is both unsightly and slippery.
3. Over time, warping, cracking and splintering can occur with wood ramps affecting their appearance and ultimately, their safety.
4. Snow and ice buildup on wood ramps can occur and the use of ice melt on wood ramps may accelerate their deterioration.
When I had a wooden deck, it was cedar.
But I much prefer composite.
I have not seen an aluminum ramp on residential properties. Why did he recommend aluminum over wood?
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 have seen aluminum ramps on private residential properties in my neighborhood.
They appear to be "modular" - you purchase the eight foot runs and the five foot square landings, then attach them together; the longer ramps use a switch-back format and take on a "habitrail" appearance. No footings required, they seem to use a wide aluminum plate for each leg of the ramp/landing. The ramps come with hand rails on both sides, and the walking surfaces have friction treads.
These ramps aren't permanent. I've seen them come and go in my neighborhood where I've lived for the past 30+ years. My guess is that with some shopping around, they can be had second-hand.
I did look into such ramps when my father was still alive and couldn't navigate the steps up into my house. Much more expensive than a DIY wooden ramp, but there's at least resale value when you (or your inheritors) no longer need them.
Wouldn't you need a permit no matter what the material? You do in my area.
Ultimately you are paying for it... get what you want!
I believe you are correct, I would need a permit no matter what. I'm getting another estimate this week and if need be, I go for a 3rd estimate.
Also, my Mom is not in a wheelchair, she uses a walker (rollator). The steps we have now are too steep so now I'm thinking steps that are longer and not high. That would eliminate a ramp completely if that makes any sense.
If you go the wood route, look into a wood like Ipe, which was used for the Coney Island boardwalk. Very heavy and dense (it sinks in water). You won’t get splinters and no maintenance if you don’t mind a grey color as it weathers.
Yes, you'll need a permit with or without a ramp. My town required…
Wow! Got all that from the OP’s post??? You have no idea where, or what AHJ- stick to “your” town…
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