Consider the use of anti-scald temperature controls that prevent the water temperature from exceeding an established limit. Although the ADA and Texas Accessibility Standards do not pertain to private residential applications, we use these guidelines to build wheelchair ramps in Houston, Texas. Although there's times when a wood ramp is the only alternative, we recommend concrete as the preferred material. Concrete, when installed properly will last many years, requiring no maintenance and can be finished with a rough texture. Wood requires constant maintenance and lasts only a few years when exposed to the Houston outdoor elements.
Wood can be a real hazard, it's slippery when wet.
Although slip resistance can be improved by painting the surface with a sand additive or applying those stick on grit strips, neither method will last long, requiring repeated applications. Outdoor carpet has been used, but we find that it traps moisture and promotes rot, even when using treated wood. One solution we've found to this problem, is to apply rolled asphalt roofing to the ramp surface. For more information go to wood ramps . An alternative could be the installation of an automatic door opener, but they are very expensive.