In boardwalk design, elevation changes are a common reality. Parking areas may sit above or below the trail level. Overlook platforms step up from the main deck, while beach access structures descend toward the shoreline. In wetland applications, boardwalks often begin elevated and must transition down to meet the approach path at either end.
At PermaTrak, we work with project teams to incorporate ramps and stairs into precast concrete boardwalk systems, addressing elevation changes as part of the overall design rather than treating them as isolated transitions.
In most boardwalk projects, ramps are the preferred solution for transitioning between elevations. They maintain continuous pedestrian access and allow trails to remain usable for people with mobility aids, strollers, and bicycles.
Building codes define when a walking surface becomes a ramp. Per the International Building Code (IBC), a walking surface is classified as a ramp when the longitudinal slope exceeds 1:20 (5%).
Accessibility requirements also influence ramp design. ADA-compliant ramps are limited to a maximum slope of 1:12 (8.33%). In addition, ramps must meet the “30-inch / 30-foot rule”: once the vertical rise exceeds 30 inches, a landing is required every 30 feet, with a minimum landing length of 5 feet.
Ramp layouts can take several forms depending on site conditions and available space. Linear ramps are the simplest approach when sufficient horizontal distance is available. On more constrained sites, designers often use L-shaped or switchback configurations to achieve greater elevation change within a limited footprint.
Switchback ramps are common where space is limited. By folding back on themselves, they allow greater elevation change within a smaller area. However, they also require intermediate landings and can significantly increase the structural complexity of the grade transition.
Example Ramp Diagram
PermaTrak Ramp Example – Sunwest Park – Hudson, FL
PermaTrak Ramp Example – Sunwest Park – Hudson, FL
One of the first considerations for designers is often economic: is it more practical to extend the structure length to keep the slope below 5% and avoid ramp requirements altogether, or to design a shorter ramp with landings that drops the elevation over less horizontal distance? The answer typically depends on site constraints, available footprint, and overall project budget.
Edge protection, handrails, and curbs on ramp sections typically follow the same specifications as the adjacent boardwalk. This is particularly important for ramps serving users with mobility aids, where a continuous and predictable edge condition matters more than on flat deck sections.
When site constraints make a ramp impractical—whether due to limited footprint, steep grade, or proximity to sensitive areas—stairs become the appropriate solution. They are compact and efficient, but they serve a narrower range of users. For that reason, they are typically considered when ramps are not feasible.
PermaTrak stair sections are commonly designed around a 6-inch rise and 12-inch run configuration. Stair beams are available up to 20 feet in length, accommodating stair widths up to 10 feet.
Example Stair Diagram – PermaTrak Standard Dimensions
PermaTrak Stair Example – Pikes Peak Summit Complex – Colorado Springs, CO
PermaTrak Stair Installation in Progress – Wabash River Greenway– Lafayette, IN
Handrails and guardrails are typically designed to match the boardwalk railing system, maintaining a continuous visual language across the grade transition. This matters both for aesthetics and for safety compliance. A railing system that ends abruptly at a stair landing can create a gap in fall protection that may require additional design attention.
Stair foundations follow the same approach as the rest of the boardwalk structure. Depending on site conditions, this may include helical piles, concrete footings, or other foundation types appropriate to the project.
In soft or saturated soils common to wetland and coastal applications, a well-supported stair section that does not settle differentially relative to the adjacent boardwalk is an important performance consideration.
Grade transition elements are most effective when they are incorporated into the design early rather than added later as a field adjustment. A few key considerations are worth addressing during the early design stages:
Addressing these elements early in the design process allows ramps and stairs to integrate naturally with the boardwalk structure, creating a trail system that functions cohesively across the entire site.
Elevation changes are a common part of boardwalk design, particularly in environments such as wetlands, dunes, waterfronts, and park landscapes. While the boardwalk structure itself can often follow the natural grade, ramps and stairs are sometimes necessary to transition between elevations and maintain safe pedestrian access.
When these elements are considered early in the design process, they can integrate naturally with the boardwalk structure and surrounding trail infrastructure. By coordinating ramps, stairs, and foundations as part of the overall system, designers can create a boardwalk that responds to site conditions while maintaining durability, accessibility, and long-term performance.