ACCESSIBILITY FEATURES FOR YOUR CUSTOM DECK

Everyone deserves to enjoy being outdoors on their deck including homeowners, family, and friends with mobility challenges. Fortunately, custom adaptations can be built to accommodate accessibility needs without sacrificing the aesthetics and functionality of your outdoor living space.

OPTIONS

The design options for these adaptations will be influenced by the kind of deck you currently have or wish to build, and how you would like that space to be used.

For instance:

  • Your deck may be near ground level or it may be a second-story outdoor living space.
  • You might be cooking and eating on it, or relaxing around a table to play games.
  • You might even be doing container gardening or enjoying a swimming pool or spa.
  • You may also require access to the home for indoor facilities.

A deck built near the ground may simply require replacing the existing stairs with a short ramp and railing connecting the walkway to it. Elevated and multi-level deck design, though, might involve a series of ramps and landing platforms to gradually reach the top. These twists and turns can offer beautiful views of your surrounding yard and garden spaces. It will also create opportunities to incorporate design elements such as decorative railings, benches, and planters. When adding accessibility features for your custom deck, don’t forget to include lighting for safety, too, and as an aesthetic addition to your design. Remember that these modifications, when designed and built professionally, can easily blend with the appearance of your deck rather than detract.

As you begin planning, you will wish to consider other items as well, such as nearby easements and zoning, the location of existing air conditioners, accessibility to custom deckutilities or septic tanks, and the need for secondary emergency exits. In addition, walkways leading to the deck need to be wide enough and level enough for safe access.

The ADA

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides information regarding handicap wheelchair ramp specifications, codes, and handicap access guidelines.  While most businesses are required to meet ADA guidelines, private residences are not. However, ADA guidelines can provide a great resource for planning a well-designed, safe accessway for your friends and family, with proper slope, width, length, platforms, and railings. Local and state building codes may also impact the construction of ramps, footings, and railings or include recommendations for construction materials. While these regulations may sound overwhelming, professional experts like Holly Springs Builders can guide you through this design process.

Not only will your deck create a great space to enjoy the outdoors together, as more and more homeowners desire to age in place, having accessibility features for your custom deck with ADA approved wheelchair access can increase your home’s value.

Are you ready to get started? Give us a call 919-346-0678 at Holly Springs Builders to begin creating that space together!