Tips for Entryways in an Accessible Home

For accessibility and ease of use, consider these features:

• A covered entryway 
• A low (less than 1/2 inch) threshold or no threshold at all
• Wide doors (at least 32 inches)
• Swing-away hinges that allow the door to swing completely free of the doorway, offering wider access for strollers, wheelchairs and other mobility devices
• Lever-style door handles/locksets instead of knobs
• Interior locks that are easy to access and operate; electronic door locks that can be operated via phone or fingerprint ID are another great tool
• A door viewer at an appropriate level
• Anti-slip tape to increase traction on steps or ramps
• Secure rugs with rug tape or non-slip pads
• Switch to a non-slip door mat
  
• Curb cuts or ramps at the driveway to minimize or avoid sidewalk drop-offs 
• A package shelf at the front entrance to hold items and make it easier to open the door 
• A highly visible street number and doorbell 
• Adequate lighting, including pinpoint lighting for the door handle/lockset
  
  

In addition to a nonslip surface, ramps should ideally have:

• A 1-to-20 ratio rise and run for exteriors; 1-to-12 ratio for interiors 
• Level landing areas of 60 inches by 60 inches at the top and bottom to allow for safe stopping and turnaround space 
• Minimum 36-inch width 
• Handrails on both sides
• Soil fill around the sides to eliminate drop-off
  
  

Also consider incorporating lattice or landscaping to blend ramps with your home’s facade.

Where Will You Need a Wheelchair Ramp?

Before you shop for a wheelchair ramp, think about all the spaces in your home that have steps, raised thresholds or other barriers where you’ll need a ramp to cross.

Common areas where ramps are needed include:

• Steps leading to front or back entry doors 
• Steps from your garage into your home 
• The threshold between the floor and the shower in your bathroom 
• Vehicle thresholds, like vans or SUVs 
• Doors with raised thresholds or lips, such as exterior doors 

Whenever possible, have a level landing at an entry door. It’s not recommended to have the ramp go up to the door. The recommended landing size is 5 feet by 5 feet. Depending on an individual’s personal needs and the type of equipment they use, 4-foot-by-4-foot landings are acceptable.

How Long Does Your Ramp Need to Be?

The length of the stairs and the vertical height the ramp needs to ascend will determine the type of ramp you need. Also consult the guidelines in wheelchair or scooter manuals. The ramp length that you’ll need can be easily calculated with a few simple measurements. 

• 1-Inch Rise to 12-Inch Run (4.8 Degrees): The number of inches in total vertical height equals the number of feet in length you need. For example, two 5-inch-high steps would account for 10 inches in total vertical height and would therefore require a 10-foot-long ramp. A 1-to-12 ratio is recommended for easy and safe maneuverability. 
• 2-Inch Rise to 12-Inch Run (9.5 Degrees): Calculate by dividing the total vertical height in inches by 2. A 2-inch-to-12-inch ratio run is the maximum recommended for any ramp installation, including portable ramps used by occupied wheelchairs and scooters. 
• 3-Inch Rise to 12-Inch Run (14.5 Degrees): Calculate by dividing the total vertical height in inches by 3. This is the steepest incline a ramp should have and should never be used by occupied wheelchairs and scooters. 

The maximum slope for ramps is 1:12. The commercial and public facility standard for slope is 1:12 (in inches) or about 5 degrees of incline. For residential ramps, the ratio can be as steep as 3:12 or almost 15 degrees. This is useful if space is limited, but it can be difficult for motorized wheelchairs and powered scooters.

How Wide Does Your Ramp Need to Be?

To determine the ramp width you need, consider the following:

• How wide is the wheelbase on your wheelchair or scooter? It’s important to make sure your chair can safely cross the ramp surface with some margin for safety on either side. 
• If using a ramp to get in and out of a vehicle, consider the width of the door opening on your vehicle. Depending on the ramp you purchase, you’ll need 30 inches or more for a door opening.

Now that you know how to figure out the ramp length and width you need, there are several types of ramps you can consider to meet your needs.

Shower Ramps

Shower ramps are small, short surfaces that blend in with the flooring in your bathroom. They’re meant to eliminate the small barrier that exists at the front of walk-in showers.

Doorway and Threshold Ramps

Doorway ramps cross a couple of steps. Solid ramps and panel ramps are the two most common types of doorway ramps. Before purchasing a doorway ramp, calculate the length you need. If your required length is longer than a standard doorway ramp, consider an exterior access ramp. 

Threshold ramps are the most common type of ramp needed inside and outside the home, as raised thresholds — usually 1/2 inch or 1 inch high — are common at many doors. These ramps are very short, portable and light, and they’re designed to facilitate a very small rise. Consider locating threshold ramps permanently at any doors with raised thresholds.

Portable and Automotive Ramps

Portable ramps assist in entering and exiting a vehicle and for using in the home occasionally. These ramps usually fold up like suitcases for easy carrying, although there are some shorter ramps that are solid surfaces. When purchasing a portable ramp, consider the total weight of the ramp to ensure safety in transport.

Exterior Access Ramps

You may need a ramp length beyond what’s offered for getting through front and back doors. When this is the case, consider a home access ramp with a customizable length. There are three main types of exterior access ramps:

• Custom Wood Ramps: They’re built from quality lumber and building materials. These ramps match your home’s style or coordinate with an existing deck or porch. Custom wood ramps are advanced projects, best suited for someone with advanced building skills or a professional. 
• Aluminum Modular Ramps: They’re made from durable aluminum and bought in sections to create the length of the path you need. You can buy straight sections in various lengths as well as platforms on which to make left, right or U-turns. While not as complex as building and installing a custom wood ramp, this is still a job for someone with proven building skills who can ensure the safety and stability of the ramp. 
• Custom Access Ramps: These include mixed materials of custom wood and aluminum modular ramps. These systems feature an aluminum modular support structure that’s outfitted with your choice of off-the-shelf decking and railing products to create a one-of-a-kind look. This type of ramp requires the same level of skill needed to install an aluminum modular ramp but matches any home style, like a custom wood ramp. 
   

When choosing an exterior access ramp, refer to local building codes. Also consult the Americans With Disabilities Act Standards for Accessibility or visit ADA.gov.
 

How to Install a Wheelchair Ramp