Stair ramps are used to improve accessibility at indoor and outdoor stairways where steps create a barrier. Entrances with stairs are common at public buildings, schools and commercial properties, and they often require adapted access for wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility.
There are different ways to address accessibility at stairs, depending on space, usage and building constraints.
One solution is to build a ramp structure over or alongside existing stairs. This creates a continuous incline that allows step-free access without removing the staircase.
Ramp systems used over stairs must be carefully designed to ensure correct slope, stability and safety. Modular ramp systems make it possible to adapt the ramp to the height and length of the staircase and adjust the solution if access requirements change.
This approach is often used where stairs must remain in place for pedestrian use, while an accessible route is added alongside or integrated into the same area.
Another approach is to reduce the effective step height by building up the stairs using tiles or paving. By adding layers to each step, the vertical difference between steps becomes smaller and easier to manage.
This solution can improve walkability for people with limited mobility and reduce strain when using stairs outdoors. However, it does not create step-free access and is therefore not suitable for wheelchair users.
Reducing step height is typically used as a complementary measure where space limitations make ramps impractical.
The choice between stair ramps and step height reduction depends on who needs access and how the entrance is used. Wheelchair access requires a ramp solution, while reduced step height may support pedestrians with limited mobility.
Outdoor stair ramps must also consider weather exposure. Slip resistant surfaces, proper drainage and regular maintenance are essential to ensure safe use in rain, frost and snow.
Outdoor stair ramp solutions must withstand changing weather conditions and frequent use. Modular ramp systems made from durable materials provide long service life and can be reused if entrances are modified.
All outdoor ramp solutions from Excellent Systems are designed for long-term use. When a ramp is no longer needed, it can be returned through a take-back scheme and reused or recycled as part of a circular material process.
If there are people in the images, they must have given written consent for them to be used in marketing by Excellent Systems A/S and its distributors, and you must send us the consent form to ensure that the available images comply with relevant regulations