The ramp you choose impacts property value, maintenance costs, and user safety for years. When comparing aluminum vs wood wheelchair ramps, data clearly favors aluminum.
Ramp Installation
Wood: Typically requires contractors, building permits, and 2-3 days of construction.
Aluminum: Aluminum ramps like the PATHWAY® 3G Modular Access System can be installed in a fraction of the time (some in under an hour) with basic tools. In most cases, permits are not required for modular ramps; however, it’s always good to check your local codes.
Maintenance: The Real Cost Difference
Wood Annual Maintenance ($150-900):
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Staining/painting for moisture protection
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Grip tape replacement
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Rot inspections and board replacement
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Mold treatment and splinter sanding
Over a 10-year period, you can expect to spend between $1,500 and $9,000 on maintenance for a wood ramp, in addition to covering all expenses associated with a complete ramp replacement at the end of its lifespan.
Aluminum Annual Maintenance (typically $0):
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Spray washing
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Occasional bolt tightening
Extruded traction surfaces are built for long-lasting durability and help resist wear. Aluminum is naturally corrosion-resistant, will not rust, rot, or warp when exposed to outdoor elements, and is not vulnerable to insect damage.
Safety Performance
Wood: Tends to absorb moisture, which can make it slippery when wet. Melted snow often refreezes inside the material, creating internal ice. It can also develop algae and mold over time and may degrade unevenly, leading to soft spots that could eventually collapse.
Aluminum: Aluminum ramps like the PATHWAY 3G Modular Access System feature extruded traction built directly into the material. This slip-resistant surface features raised ribs that help maintain secure footing and traction, even in harsh weather conditions. It provides reliable, long-term performance without warping or splitting.
Home Value Impact
Wood: Often considered permanent structures, wood ramps require concrete footings, which can leave unsightly holes in the yard when removed. They may also reduce overall property appeal.
Aluminum: Aluminum ramps can be removed within hours without causing damage to the property. They may add value if the buyer requires accessibility, or can be taken out before the sale. Plus, they can be quickly disassembled and easily relocated to another property.
10-Year Cost Comparison* (30-foot ramp)
|
Wood |
Aluminum |
|
|
Materials |
$3,000-7,500 |
$4,200-7,700 |
|
Labor |
$1,800-3,000 |
$0-3,000 |
|
Permit |
$100-500 |
$0 (in most areas) |
|
Maintenance |
$1,500-9,000 |
$0-500 |
|
TOTAL COSTS OVER 10 YEARS |
$6,400-20,000 |
$4,200-11,200 |
*Dollar amounts listed above are average estimated costs for 2025 and may vary based on location, market conditions, and other factors.
Aluminum costs $2,200-$8,800 less than wood while offering superior safety and a lifespan of over 20 years, compared to wood’s 10-15 years (or less in harsh environments).
Quick Takeaways
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Aluminum installs in minutes to just a few hours, versus wood's 2-3 days
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Minimal maintenance saves $1,500-9,000 over 10 years
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Aluminum’s modular design makes it easy to remove or relocate, preserving home value, compared to permanent wood footings
Aluminum ramps have a lifespan of 20+ years, versus 10-15 years for wood