This guide compares the features and benefits of steel ramps, wood ramps, concrete ramps and aluminum ramps.
Cost
steel handicap access ramps are almost always the lowest in cost. Though wood can be the lowest if the labor is donated or provided by a family member, yet it is the highest in cost if the labor is done by a contractor. But if this is not the case, concrete has the highest cost among the four of its kind, including the aluminum.
Maintenance
steel handicap access ramps will rust, and that’s a fact. Some touch-up is occasionally required, while wood needs to be regularly treated with a wood sealer.
Safety
Wood rots, and it’s not arguable. Wood and concrete wheelchair ramps all have solid surfaces that allow moisture to accumulate and freeze. This applies to aluminum wheelchair ramps too. From this, it will then create a dangerous ice film. Steel handicap access ramps have a gripping texture that prevents from skidding. The open-pattern ramp surface allows the moisture to pass through. This would help in getting rid of the danger of ice film. Steel and concrete are fireproof handicap access ramps. Wood and aluminum cannot withstand the heat of a fire.
Rentals
Wheelchair ramp rentals are convenient for short term disabilities. About 45 percent of wheelchair ramps were being rented, as they were not needed permanently. Anyone recovering from surgery or special events such as weddings and family gatherings, yet no minimum time or amount of ramp required.
Durability
Again, wood rots after time, while steel and concrete wheelchair ramps last for ages. It is said that aluminum has one-third the strength of steel and is three times softer. Aluminum is fine for aluminum siding and down spouts.
Ramp Design
There are some carpenters and even the concerned individuals have limited knowledge of what is a safe wheelchair ramp. Steel handicap access ramps include a free evaluation by the wheelchair ramp manufacturer's expert. The aluminum wheelchair ramps are not measured or installed by the manufacturing personnel.
Appearance
Wood wheelchair ramps can match an existing deck, but some depend on the property. Steel wheelchair ramps can look like wrought iron, while concrete wheelchair ramps can match a walkway. Though aluminum wheelchair ramps are shiny and commercial looking, but this is not suitable for residential applications.
After sales
One of the advantages of steel wheelchair ramp or aluminum wheelchair ramp is that if you move, you can take all or part of your with you. You can buy for an additional or shorten it as necessary. The steel handicap access ramps or aluminum handicap access ramp can be corrected to the new situation depending on your needs in terms of equipment or caregiver change. Unlike the wood wheelchair ramp or concrete wheelchair ramp. If you found it too steep after you buy it, there is no correction is possible.
Resale value
If you no longer need your steel handicap access ramps, you always have the option to resale it, as there is a market for used steel handicap access ramps and aluminum wheelchair ramps wherein you can resale them.
Recycling
Steel wheelchairs ramps are made from 100 percent recycled steel and are 100 percent recyclable; pressure-treated wood that are used in wooden wheelchair ramp that contains dangerous chemicals, is not allowed in landfills, thus cannot be reused.
