Aluminum                  vs.                     Wood     
Virtually maintenance free Requires regular maintenance
Will not rot or rust Subject to decay
Easy assembly with minimal tools Requires hiring a contractor
or carpenter
No building permit required Requires permit
Ramp can be easily expanded, reconfigured or moved Configuration can be changed through demolition and reconstruction
An asset that can be reused,
 resold or rented
No resale value. Can actually
lower resell value of home
24' system with handrails set up
in less than 30 minutes
Typically 2 days
No environmental impact Can have potentially dangerous chemicals or applied treatments

EPA announcement