Wooden Wheelchair Ramps Vs. Aluminum Ramps

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We thought this information would be helpful to show you the difference between wooden wheelchair ramps and our aluminum modular wheelchair ramp systems.

In February 12, 2002, the EPA announced a voluntary decision by industry to move consumer use of treated lumber products away from a variety of pressure-treated wood that contains arsenic by December 31, 2003, in favor of new alternative wood preservatives. This transition affects virtually all residential uses of wood treated with chromated copper arsenate, also known as CCA. A number of preservatives as alternatives to CCA-treated wood have been registered by EPA, and wood treated with these preservatives are expected to be available in the marketplace. In addition, untreated wood (e.g., cedar and redwood) and non wood alternatives, such as aluminum, plastics, metal, and composite materials are available

Comparison of wooden wheelchair ramps and aluminum modular wheelchair ramps
Aluminum Modular Ramps	Treated Wooden Wheelchair Ramps
One time installation, aluminum will never rust	May need to replace entire ramp every 3-5 years
Low cost maintenance	Requires regular maintenance, particularly since the EPA's decision regarding treated wood
Minimal tools required, just a few hand tools	Requires a contractor with extensive wood working tools
No paint or stain ever needed	Wood ramps need yearly treatments
Reusable, can be taken apart and resold	One time use
Easy set up, no pre-assembly or concrete footings or pads needed for ramp system	Footings required for wooden wheelchair ramps
Can be easily expanded, reconfigured or moved	One time use, wood cannot be reused
Quick set up, a 24' system can be installed including handrails in less than 30 minutes!	Typically building a wooden wheel chair ramp takes two days
Safe non-skid surface built right into the aluminum tread surface	Some type of traction surface must be purchased and applied to the wood modular ramp
Superior materials ensure the ramp system will not rust, rot or decay	Regular upkeep is required on wooden wheelchair ramps to keep them from rotting
The aluminum modular wheelchair ramp can be quickly modified to adjust for frost heaves and ground settling	The wooden modular wheel chair ramp is not adjustable
An asset that can be reused, resold, or rented out to others	No resale value on wood ramps
Safe, non-flammable material	Wood is flammable and can give slivers