Making Your Shed Wheelchair Accessible

Wheelchair Accessible Backyard Sheds

Your backyard shed is a great place to work and spend quality time, but not if it isn’t accessible by wheelchair, if you are wheelchair bound. However, with basic carpentry skills and a miter saw, router, drill, level and framing nailer, you can make your backyard shed completely wheelchair accessible. Without breaking the bank, you can create the proper bench height, tool accessibility, doorway width, wheelchair ramp, proper light switch height, and more to make your shed an ideal fit.

Shed Modifications for Wheelchair Access

One of the first modifications you will want to make is a doorway for your shed that as is wheelchair accessible. The doors must be at least 48 inches, and you should allow more than 60 inches inside to allow for a complete 360 degree turn. Likewise, tools and workbench tops should be stored no higher than 44 inches to 48 inches and no lower than 18 inches, and reach depth should not exceed 20 inches with no obstruction in front.

Having a large entry and wide center area will give your shed an open feeling. The windows should be taller and installed lower than standard windows, which will offer a nice view whether you are standing or sitting in a wheelchair. It also helps to apply tandem latches onto casement windows, which allow you open the bottom one and the top one at the same time.

Bi-fold doors and pocket doors are ideal for an accessible shed. They waste less floor space than swinging doors, and they are generally easier for someone with limited mobility to use. They even have use lever handles that you can open with just one finger, providing great accessibility.

As far as light switches go, rocker switches for the lights are more accessible to use than standard switches. Power outlets should be about 20 inches off the floor instead of the usual 12 inches, so that someone can reach them from within a wheelchair. If your shed is large enough to contain a garage-style door, it is best to install an automatic door opener.

Shed Access–Wheelchair Ramps

One of the most important elements of an accessible shed is a proper wheelchair ramp. The prices of ramps generally depend on the overall length, the number of landings, the materials, such as wood or aluminum, and whether you build it yourself or hire a contractor. If your budget is tight, you can get ramp design advice, contractor referrals, help from community volunteers, and even financial assistance from more than 350 nonprofit organizations nation

Most building codes require a permit and inspection if the ramp is 30 inches or more above the ground. In addition, some locations require frost-proof footings for permanently installed ramps, while others may allow you to set the ramp on treated plywood pads if it is set up for temporary use. In addition, many homeowner associations require design and material pre-approval before you can start building. Check all those requirements and get all your approvals and permits well before getting started on your project.

Standard accessibility guides dictate that door landings should be at least 58 by 60 inches to allow a wheelchair occupant to open the door and back up without rolling onto the sloped area. You should allow extra elbow room, about 12 to 24 inches, on the handle side for out-swing doors. While a 58 by 60 inches landing is adequate for 90 degree turns, but must be 58 by 96 in.for 180-degree switchback turns.

If the ramp includes long stretches, include an intermediate level landing as a rest area. Making the ramp too narrow is also a common DIY mistake. The ramp must have at least 36 inches side-to-side clear space and a maximum 36 inches spacing from the ramp floor to the top of the handrails. Long spans are harder to adjust and difficult to reconfigure if the original design turns out to be less than ideal. Rather, it is best to build individual modules and bolt them together at the vertical supports.

Local Building Codes

As far as all the designs and specifications go, local building authorities have the final word. Therefore, you should not wait until your ramp is built to discover that it doesn’t meet your local codes. Make sure to get your plans reviewed by a local building inspector first so you don’t have to redo your hard work.

Once you have all of these modifications in place, your shed will become accessible to all and the perfect place for anyone to get some work done or do some relaxing. If you are someone who needs accessibility in your home and and yard, you will no longer face any difficulty getting in and out of your shed. By sticking to the advice of experts and paying attention the guidelines created by local codes, you can save money and ensure that your shed is adequately accessible for years to come.