The Different Types of Threshold Wheelchair Ramp Surface Tractions

When purchasing wheelchair ramps for your home, it’s important to make sure they provide proper traction so anyone using them will not have to worry about slipping. This goes both for people in wheelchairs and for people who might have to walk up and over them when crossing thresholds.

There are many different types of surfaces that are designed to provide users with additional traction. The right surface will depend on where the ramp will be used, the type of mobility device being used, and whether the ramp will regularly be exposed to rain, snow, dirt, or other outdoor conditions. Here are a few examples of common wheelchair and threshold ramp traction types.

If you're still deciding what type of threshold ramp is right for your doorway or entryway, our guide on how to choose a threshold ramp covers the different styles, sizes, and materials available.

Punch Plate

Punch plate surfaces are exactly what they sound like—a plate of metal, usually aluminum or steel, with holes punched into it. These holes help provide a high-traction surface, even when the ramp is used in otherwise slippery conditions.

Punch plate ramps are used in a variety of settings, including threshold ramps for indoor and outdoor use. You can also find punch plate traction on portable wheelchair ramps designed for loading over steps, curbs, and other obstacles. The Silver Spring UltraLite Single-Fold Punch Plate Wheelchair Ramp, for example, combines a lightweight aluminum design with a punch plate surface for traction in a portable ramp.

When choosing a punch plate ramp, consider the size and weight of your mobility device as well as the ramp's weight capacity. The surface should also be kept free of mud, leaves, snow, and other debris that could interfere with traction.

Grit Coat

Another popular option, particularly with aluminum and metal ramps, is a grit coat surface. You will find threshold ramps made out of sturdy aluminum with an epoxy-based grit coat surface, which provides outstanding traction in a variety of conditions. The grits are very fine, so you don't have to worry about the surface feeling like coarse sandpaper when stepping on it, but they still provide additional friction to help prevent slippage.

Grit-coated surfaces are also common on portable folding ramps. The Silver Spring Multi-Fold Wheelchair Ramp features a high-traction grit surface along with side curbs for additional security. Its folding design also makes it easier to transport and store when the ramp is not in use.

Discount Ramps offers several types of grit-coat ramps in different lengths and configurations. If you need a longer ramp for a step or elevated entryway, be sure to determine the appropriate ramp length before purchasing. Our guide on how to determine proper wheelchair ramp length and slope can help you calculate the length needed based on the height of the rise.

Extruded Aluminum Grooves

Extruded aluminum ramps can also come with a grooved surface construction that provides additional traction. When looking at the aluminum surface from afar, it may appear to be a smooth, solid aluminum surface. As you get closer, however, you will notice horizontal grooves at regular intervals spanning the width of the ramp.

These grooves provide increased traction for safer use in a wide range of settings, including exterior applications. You can find this type of traction on ramps designed for both semi-permanent and permanent use.

For example, the Silver Spring Aluminum Modular Self-Supporting Threshold Ramp features a textured extruded aluminum surface for increased traction. Its modular design allows the ramp to be adjusted to accommodate different threshold heights, making it useful for doorways and other short rises.

Aluminum threshold ramps are available in a variety of configurations, so consider the rise, available space, and doorway width before selecting one. You can browse the full selection of threshold ramps to compare different materials, designs, and traction surfaces.

Rubber Grooves

Aluminum isn't the only material that may come with a grooved structure for better traction. There are also rubber threshold ramps featuring a grooved construction to provide traction and stability for both indoor and outdoor use.

The molded grooves can also serve as drainage channels to help prevent water from accumulating on the ramp surface. This can be particularly useful for exterior doorways where the ramp may be exposed to rain or other moisture.

The Silver Spring Rubber Solid Threshold Ramp features a slip-resistant grooved rubber surface with molded drain channels. Its flexible rubber construction is designed for both indoor and outdoor use and can accommodate short rises up to 2.5", depending on the model.

Rubber threshold ramps are available in several different heights, widths, and configurations. When shopping for one, make sure the maximum rise of the ramp matches the height of the threshold or step you need to cross.

Traction Coating for VersaRamps

Discount Ramps carries a line of VersaRamp threshold ramps in varying sizes that feature a heavy-duty polyurethane non-slip surface. This provides excellent traction for safer use in a wide range of conditions and is designed to withstand regular use.

The VersaRamp combines a lightweight foam interior with a waterproof exterior coating, making it easy to move and position as needed. The rubberized non-slip coating is designed for both wheelchair and foot traffic and won't scratch or mar interior flooring. The one-piece design also requires no assembly, so the ramp can be used right out of the box.

VersaRamps are available in multiple sizes to accommodate threshold rises from 1" to 6". This makes them a versatile option for doorways, small steps, and other changes in elevation around the home or office.

Choosing the Right Ramp Surface

When comparing ramp surfaces, there isn't one traction style that is best for every situation. Instead, consider where the ramp will be used and what type of mobility device or foot traffic will cross it.

• Punch plate: A durable, high-traction aluminum surface that is especially well suited for harsh winter conditions where snow or ice may accumulate on the ramp.
• Grit coat: A versatile all-weather option that provides consistent traction in changing conditions. Its even, textured surface is also more comfortable for pets and bare feet than more aggressive traction surfaces.
• Extruded aluminum grooves: Offers built-in traction without adding a separate coating to the ramp surface.
• Rubber grooves: Provide traction while also helping channel water away from the surface, making them useful for many outdoor threshold applications.
• Polyurethane traction coating: Provides a non-slip surface while protecting interior flooring from scratches and scuffs.

It's also important to consider the ramp's overall design. Some users may benefit from a full-width surface, while others may prefer a lightweight or highly portable design. For additional help comparing ramp styles, see our guide on how to choose a wheelchair ramp.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Ramp Traction

The environment where a ramp will be used should also influence your choice of traction surface. Outdoor ramps may be exposed to rain, snow, mud, ice, and other debris, making drainage and reliable traction especially important.

For outdoor use, look for surfaces that can provide traction when wet and designs that allow water to drain away instead of pooling on the ramp. Grooved rubber, punch plate aluminum, and other textured surfaces can all be useful options depending on the application.

For indoor applications, traction is still important, but you may also want to consider how the ramp surface interacts with shoes, wheelchair tires, and flooring. A non-scratch surface such as the coating used on the VersaRamp can be particularly useful when a threshold ramp will be placed over finished interior flooring.

Measure Before You Purchase

Choosing the right traction surface is only part of selecting a threshold ramp. You also need to make sure the ramp is long and wide enough for your application and accommodates the correct rise.

Before purchasing, measure the vertical height of the threshold, the available space in front of it, and the width of the doorway or opening. If the rise varies from one side of the threshold to the other, be sure to account for that difference when selecting your ramp.

For more information about the measurements you need, read our guide on how to choose the right threshold ramp. You can also browse Discount Ramps' complete selection of threshold ramps to find options with different materials, sizes, weight capacities, and traction surfaces.

Choose a Threshold Ramp with the Right Traction

A non-slip ramp surface can make a significant difference in the safety and usability of a wheelchair or threshold ramp. Punch plate, grit coat, extruded aluminum grooves, rubber grooves, and polyurethane coatings each offer different benefits depending on the ramp's intended use.

Take the time to consider the environment, mobility device, rise, available space, and amount of foot traffic before making your selection. With the right combination of ramp design and surface traction, you can create a smoother and more secure transition over thresholds and other small obstacles.

If you need help determining which traction surface or ramp is right for your needs, our team is here to help. Give us a call at 1-800-677-6333 or contact us online for assistance choosing a ramp that fits your application. We can help you compare your options and find a solution that provides the traction, accessibility, and usability you need.