How do I buiIld a temporary 5 step wheelchair ramp?

As long as you can use bolts to attach it to the deck it would be removable.

Here is a nice one https://www.pinterest.com/pin/441282463488696930/

The main difficulty with wheelchair ramps is that they may need to be very long. The Americans with Disabilities Act recommends 12 inches of ramp for every 1 inch of rise. If your 5-step stairs have the standard 7-inch per step rise you have at least 35 inches of height to bridge, and you would need 35 feet of ramp. The maximum ADA recommended slope is 1&1/2 inch rise per 12 inches of ramp with assistance, which still would require 17&1/2 feet of ramp. Below are some of the details:

• ADA Ramp Guidelines Require a 1:12 wheelchair ramp slope ratio, or ADA ramp slope of 4.8 degrees, which equals 1 Foot of wheelchair ramp for each Inch of rise. For instance, a 20 inch rise requires a 20 foot wheelchair ramp.
• ADA Specifications Require a Minimum 5' x 5' Flat area at the top and bottom of the handicap ramp.
• ADA Standards Require wheelchair ramps to have a Minimum 36 inches of clear space across the wheelchair ramp.
• ADA Standards Require a Minimum Platform size of 5' x 5'.
• ADA Guidelines for Wheelchair Ramps allow a Maximum run of 30 feet of wheelchair ramp before a rest or turn platform.
• ADA Ramp Guidelines Require handrails that are between 34" and 38" in height on both sides of the wheelchair ramps.

Ramps with steep grades or those lacking side rails pose loss of control situations where the wheelchair occupant may end up falling and being injured. There are service organizations (church and civic groups) that build ramps, and who must (for liability reasons) meet ADA guidelines. If someone in your family can build this temporary ramp, you may not have to meet every ADA detail, but you should check local building requirements. No one (including your landlord) can deny you an access ramp, but local government can require the project to adhere to local law including the permit process.

While most plans start by having post holes dug and posts set in concrete to support the structure of the ramp, you can use deck blocks as a base for the posts: https://images.homedepot-static.com/productImages/5b69da86-9ac1-4b6a-91e8-c35d2f41442b/svn/cinder-blocks-100002709-64_1000.jpg These can be picked up after the ramp is disassembled in the future making them temporary. Though these should be set into the ground for more stability, they won't be stable until all parts of the deck framing are connected. Drill holes through the posts and framing, and use hex bolts that can be disconnected later. Standard posts are roughly 3&1/2 x 3&1/2 inches, while 2x lumber is closer to 1&3/4 inches thick, meaning you will need about a 6-inch long bolt. Double check the combined thickness before you buy bolts. Other connections can use shorter bolts.

Here is a basic guide on building a ramp. Scroll down to see the wooden ramp directions: https://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Wheelchair-Ramp

You are going to need a long run for 5 steps - here is how to figure it out.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15QI8fkOesM

If you have a doorway entry from the garage it might be much easier to build a threshold ramp into the garage.... I have lots of clients who do this.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9u_Gekhh0eM

Hi Lisa,

You could use a Pallet and lay it over the steps. Build up nogings behind to fit the steps at the right angle for use.