Replies

1. 
   KiddervilleAcres | Aug 16, 2010 10:25pm | #1

   Your local hardware store??

   Don,

   My local hardware store carries a good selection of transition pieces for just what you are describing.  Some are aluminum which I would think might work for you.  Also might check with flooring companies for transition pieces, they deal with these kind of issues almost daily.

   Regards,

1. 
   DonStephan | Aug 17, 2010 08:32am | #2

   Thanks.

   You've made a couple good suggestions, and thank you.  Aluminum would have to have a bottom covering to prevent scratching the stone floor as the owners want to be able to take up the ramp.  Felt would hold moisture but an adhesive backed rubber film would work well I think.  Checking with a flooring company is a great idea, one I should have thought of and didn't.  And I'll have to check with stores carrying wheelchairs and walkers.

2. 
   Pete99353 | Aug 17, 2010 11:23am | #3

   For what it's worth, I built an Adirondack chair out of plastic lumber using Norm Abrahm's plans. It was pure PVC vinyl, not a composite. Each "board" was 5/4 thick by 5 1/2" wide and came in typical lengths, e.g. 8', 10' and 12'. The intended use for such material is to use as decking, but it worked great for my chair. You can mill it just like wood, using woodworking tools. It was a pleasure to mill because it is quieter when being sawn and routed, due to it being softer than wood.

   The boards I used had a texturing on one side which would provide some traction for your application. For my chair I made sure the texturing was on the back or underside of each part. I made the chair ten years ago and it has been outside exposed to the elements ever since. It has weathered well. However, it doesn't get much use because when used it generates static electricity which zaps me every time I exit the chair.

   I think you can find it in two-by dimensions, e.g. 2 X 4, 2 X 6, 2 X 8, etc. from various manufacturers. Although I haven't visited these sites recently, here are some I have on my favorites list:

   http://www.plasticlumberyard.com/

   http://www.plasticboards.com/

   http://www.taylorsplastic.com/

   There are also manufacturers of composite materials, hybrids of plastic and wood, that would provide similar characteristics. Here is the one you see advertised in a lot of woodworking magazines:

   http://www.trex.com/

   Pete

1. 
   DonStephan | Aug 17, 2010 07:55pm | #4

   Pete:

   Thanks for another great suggestion I should have thought of but didn't.  Surely no one will be able to come up with another idea . . .