After many years and more than a thousand ramps, one might expect we've got this ramp thing down to an artful science.  And we HAVE progressed dramatically - our first ramp in 1985 was 100% custom, requiring three weekends and a dozen Kiwanis, while today's typical installation using pre-built modules requires 3-4 hours and a handful of volunteers.  But just as every recipient is a unique and special story, every ramp offers unique challenges requiring special ingenuity.  No ramp is "typical".

Our lawyers appreciate the following statement:

The Dallas Ramp Project is entirely a volunteer effort that is intended to provide free wheelchair ramps for those handicapped persons in the Dallas area who are unable to afford the cost of constructing a ramp. As such we are not professional carpenters. We strongly encourage others who want to build ramps in their communities to research local building codes, construction requirements and building practices before starting your project.

Having said that, the basic construction concept is simple:
"HEPLES" (High End Porch, Low End Sidewalk). 
For more useful detail, progressive photos from ramps under construction
are shown below.  You can click on any mini-photo below to see the
"big picture" detail, or just click here to start the whole show...

 Details of the materials we use are available here.

Assembly diagrams for our pre-built modules are available here.

Attach the first module to the house.  We usually bolt to the vertical surface of the first porch step with two concrete anchor bolts, but oftentimes the situation calls for creativity.

The "downhill" side of the first module often needs 4"x4" support posts, attached with a multitude of 3" screws.  

The proceeding modules are bolted together, using 2 bolts at each junction and 4"x4" posts on each corner when necessary.

The support structure is finished with an 8' long wedge-shaped module, providing the "roll on" interface between the ground and the ramp.

Apply the surface plywood.

Attach the upright posts.

Corners require two uprights

Attach the handrails

Handrail support blocks reinforce the connection of the handrail to the uprights.

Kickplates, attached to each upright with a couple of screws, prevent wheelchair wheels from falling off the edge of the ramp.

Important final step - pose for cheesy photo!