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Make the entrance part of one continuous accessible route, not just a step-free doorway. Measure the vertical rise and the space available, then either regrade the approach to a walking-surface slope of no more than 1:20 (5%) or design a ramp that generally stays at or below 1:12 (8.33%). The ramp must also have the required clear width, cross slope, landings, surface, edge protection, handrails where required, and door maneuvering space. A threshold ramp or portable product may solve a small, carefully measured change, but no product is automatically compliant for every building.
The criteria below are based on the U.S. Access Board’s 2010 ADA Standards and its explanatory guides. They are a starting point for a U.S. project; state and local building, zoning, historic-preservation, permitting, and site requirements still have to be checked for the specific property.
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Start with the rise, route and available length
Accessibility is determined by the complete route from the site approach to the entrance, not by the ramp alone. An accessible route can include walking surfaces, doorways, ramps, curb ramps, elevators and platform lifts; every component has to meet the requirements that apply to it. See the U.S. Access Board’s Chapter 4: Accessible Routes and the U.S. Department of Justice ADA Standards overview.
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- The vertical distance from the approach surface to the finished entrance threshold.
- The horizontal distance available along the route, including space for level landings and door maneuvering.
- The route’s usable width after walls, rails, posts, landscaping and other obstructions are accounted for.
- Whether the approach, entrance and any landing can be kept level enough for the applicable slope and cross-slope limits.
- Exterior conditions such as rain, snow, drainage, icing and exposure.
Do not select a ramp by its apparent length or by dividing the rise by the length of a board. That calculation addresses only one part of the route. A design that has the right arithmetic slope can still fail because it is too narrow, lacks landings, sends water toward a door, or leaves no room to operate the door.
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- Double Non-skid: the aluminum surface of the wheelchair ramps for home is designed with folds to increase friction. The surface is also covered with non-skid layer for double non-skid protection. The handicap ramp can be fixed on the wooden platform with complimentary screws.
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- Safety: stainless steel hinges used on the ramp can prevent corrosion and rust to ensure the durability; Both sides of the wheelchair ramps are equipped with baffles and reflective warning stickers to prevent accidental falls. The transition plates at the top and bottom of the ramp make the ramp better fit the ground.
Calculate the basic run
For a general ramp at the 1:12 maximum running slope, the horizontal run is approximately 12 times the rise. A 6-inch rise therefore needs about 72 inches (6 feet) of ramp run; a 12-inch rise needs about 144 inches (12 feet); and a 24-inch rise needs about 288 inches (24 feet). Those figures are only the sloped portions. Add the required top and bottom landings, any intermediate landing, and the approach and door clearances before deciding whether the site has enough room.
Where the route can be regraded to no steeper than 1:20, it is treated as a walking surface rather than a ramp. A 12-inch change at 1:20 needs about 240 inches (20 feet) of horizontal travel. A steeper portion is treated as a ramp and must meet ramp provisions.
Choose between regrading, a ramp and a lift
The most suitable solution depends on rise, available run, route geometry, door location and the building’s constraints. The following comparison uses the design factors that matter before a product or construction method is selected.
| Approach | When it can fit | Design questions | Typical permanence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regraded walking surface | The site has enough length to keep the route at or below 1:20. | Can the approach, threshold area and drainage be shaped without creating an excessive cross slope or a new obstruction? | Usually an integrated site or landscape alteration. |
| Designed ramp | The route is steeper than 1:20 or a level change cannot be absorbed by regrading. | Can the design provide compliant runs, landings, width, surface, handrails where required, edge protection and door maneuvering space? | Permanent construction or a purpose-designed modular installation. |
| Threshold ramp | A small, measured level change at or immediately outside a threshold. | Does it preserve the required route width, door clearances, slope and weather performance? Does the threshold itself remain usable? | Often a small alteration, but suitability is site-specific. |
| Platform lift | A ramp or regrade cannot reasonably fit because of the site or building layout. | Can the lift, boarding areas, controls, weather protection, maintenance and emergency provisions be integrated into the route and approved locally? | Installed equipment requiring a planned location and ongoing maintenance. |
A ramp is often the most visible solution, but a shorter-looking ramp is not necessarily better. The Access Board’s advisory to §405.2 recommends the least possible running slope and notes that some users may find distance more difficult than steps. A ramp can be accompanied by stairs where appropriate, but the stairs do not replace the accessible route.
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Walking surface or ramp: know which rules apply
Walking surface at 1:20 or less
A route with a maximum running slope of 1:20 (5%) is treated as a walking surface under the cited ADA guidance. It still has to be continuous, firm, stable and slip-resistant, and its cross slope and width must remain within the requirements applicable to an accessible route. Regrading is attractive when the available site length makes the slope gradual without creating drainage or door problems.
Ramp at a general maximum of 1:12
A portion steeper than 1:20 is a ramp. The general maximum running slope is 1:12. The maximum cross slope is 1:48, and the minimum clear width is 36 inches (915 mm). Each ramp run is limited to a maximum rise of 30 inches (760 mm). These figures are from Chapter 4 of the 2010 ADA Standards; the clear width is the unobstructed space available to the user, not the overall outside-to-outside dimension of the construction.
| Element | General criterion | What to verify on site |
|---|---|---|
| Running slope | Not steeper than 1:12 for a general ramp. | Measure rise and horizontal run along the actual route, including transitions. |
| Cross slope | Not more than 1:48. | Check side-to-side fall; do not let drainage grading make the route too steep. |
| Clear width | At least 36 inches (915 mm). | Measure between finished surfaces and keep rails, curbs and other projections from reducing it. |
| Rise per run | No more than 30 inches (760 mm). | Divide a taller route into runs with level landings. |
| Landing clear length | Generally at least 60 inches (1525 mm). | Keep the full landing clear of door swings, posts, rails and stored items. |
For the detailed ramp and curb-ramp explanation, consult the U.S. Access Board’s ramp guide.
Design the ramp as a complete route
- Survey the existing approach. Measure the rise to the threshold, the available run in each possible direction, the existing width, cross slope and obstructions. Photograph or draw the route so door swings, walls, curbs and drainage are considered together.
- Test regrading first. Lay out a route at no steeper than 1:20. If the route must be steeper, classify that portion as a ramp and use ramp criteria rather than treating it as ordinary paving.
- Lay out each ramp run. Use the 1:12 maximum as an upper limit, not a target. Calculate each run from its rise and check that no run rises more than 30 inches. A longer, gentler run may be more usable if the site permits it.
- Add the bottom and top landings. Provide a level landing at both ends. Landings generally need at least 60 inches of clear length. Keep them large enough for the user to approach, stop and change direction without being forced onto the slope.
- Provide intermediate landings and direction changes. Break up taller routes with landings. Where the route changes direction, the clear landing generally needs to be at least 60 by 60 inches. Confirm that rails, edge protection and adjacent walls do not reduce the usable area.
- Coordinate the entrance door. A level landing is needed at the accessible door so a person can maneuver and operate the door at the same time. The Access Board advisory to §405.7 states: “A level landing is needed at the accessible door to permit maneuvering and simultaneously door operation.” Check the applicable doorway maneuvering clearances, door swing, hardware and threshold as one layout.
- Check width, handrails and edge protection. Preserve at least 36 inches of clear ramp width. Add handrails where the applicable provisions require them, and provide edge protection where required so wheels, canes and feet are not able to leave the route unintentionally.
- Select the surface and drainage details. Use a firm, stable, slip-resistant surface. On exterior work, slope surrounding paving and detail landings so water does not pond at the door or on the route. The Access Board guide specifically addresses wet conditions and landings designed to prevent water accumulation.
- Review the entire route after detailing. Re-measure the finished clear width, running slope, cross slope and landing dimensions. Check that landscaping, snow storage, mats, furniture, bollards and door operation do not create a new barrier.
- Obtain project-specific approvals. Confirm federal, state and local requirements, permits, inspections and any historic or zoning review that applies to the property before construction.
Landings and door maneuvering are where many designs fail
A run that meets 1:12 is not sufficient if the person using it cannot stop safely or approach the door. The top and bottom landings need to be level and clear. A change of direction needs the larger clear landing described above. Door swings, closers and hardware can occupy the very space a designer expected to use for turning, so draw the door in its open and closed positions and verify the applicable maneuvering clearance.
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The threshold itself also belongs in this review. A small threshold ramp may smooth a limited change, but it cannot correct a narrow doorway, an obstructive door swing, an excessive cross slope or a landing that is too short. If the door opens toward the landing, confirm that the user has room to approach, operate the hardware and clear the swing without rolling back onto the slope.
Surface, weather and maintenance details
Exterior accessibility is affected by conditions that may not appear on a dry day. Water can collect at a landing, freeze across a ramp or carry debris into the doorway. Detail positive drainage away from the entrance while keeping the route within the cross-slope limit. Choose a surface that remains firm, stable and slip-resistant when wet, and plan how leaves, snow and ice will be removed without narrowing the clear width.
Keep the route free of temporary barriers after construction. A trash bin, delivery pallet, hose, decorative planter or outdoor mat can reduce clear width or block a landing even when the built work was correctly sized. Include the route in the building’s regular inspection and maintenance schedule.
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Limited exceptions for existing sites and buildings
The 2010 ADA Standards allow limited steeper-slope conditions for existing sites and buildings when space limitations make the general slope impracticable. Where that exception applies, a slope can be steeper than 1:12 but not steeper than 1:10 for a rise of up to 6 inches, or steeper than 1:10 but not steeper than 1:8 for a rise of up to 3 inches. A slope steeper than 1:8 is prohibited by this exception.
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- ▶ Note: Please refer to the buyer’s guide to select the wheel chair ramp for home steps size before purchasing; Please notice that it is normal for the long portable wheelchair ramp to sink during use, and it will rebound soon.Please do not exceed the maximum weight capacity of this wheelchair ramp 800 lbs.
- Double Non-skid: the aluminum surface of the wheelchair ramps for home is designed with folds to increase friction. The surface is also covered with non-skid layer for double non-skid protection. The handicap ramp can be fixed on the wooden platform with complimentary screws.
- Portable & Comfortable: the wheelchair ramp is made of advanced aluminum material, which is firm and light, and can be folded for easy carrying and storage. The materials of the handle are newly upgraded, which are so firm and comfortable that it can prevent hand scratches.
- Safety: stainless steel hinges used on the ramp can prevent corrosion and rust to ensure the durability; Both sides of the wheelchair ramps are equipped with baffles and reflective warning stickers to prevent accidental falls. The transition plates at the top and bottom of the ramp make the ramp better fit the ground.
- Wide Range of Applications: portable door threshold ramps can be used at front doors of home or garage steps and various cars to solve problems that may happen to wheelchairs, unloading trolleys, baby carriages, pet dogs, scooters and elderly people walking.
These are narrow allowances, not a recommendation to use the steepest permitted option. They are tied to existing conditions and maximum rise as well as slope. Document the space constraint and confirm that the building and project fall within the legal provisions before relying on them. For a new entrance or a site that can reasonably be reconfigured, use the least possible slope instead.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When a threshold, modular or permanent ramp makes sense
Threshold ramp
A threshold ramp is relevant only after the exact level change and the doorway have been measured. It can address a small lip at a door, but it does not create a complete accessible route by itself. Verify the resulting slope, clear width, landing, door maneuvering space, surface and weather performance. A product that fits the threshold may still leave the exterior approach too steep or the interior side inaccessible.
Modular ramp
A modular system can be useful where the required run, landings and direction changes can be assembled within the site. Treat the manufacturer’s dimensions as design inputs, not proof of compliance. Check the installed clear width, slope, rise per run, landing sizes, handrails, edge protection, anchorage, surface and drainage against the project requirements.
Permanent constructed ramp
A permanent ramp may be the best choice when the entrance alteration is part of broader grading, retaining-wall, paving or drainage work. It allows the route, landings and door area to be designed together, but it may require structural, site, electrical or permit coordination depending on the project.
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- ▶ Note: Please refer to the buyer’s guide to select the wheel chair ramp for home steps size before purchasing; Please notice that it is normal for the long portable wheelchair ramp to sink during use, and it will rebound soon.Please do not exceed the maximum weight capacity of this wheelchair ramp 800 lbs.
- Double Non-skid: the aluminum surface of the wheelchair ramps for home is designed with folds to increase friction. The surface is also covered with non-skid layer for double non-skid protection. The handicap ramp can be fixed on the wooden platform with complimentary screws.
- Portable & Comfortable: the wheelchair ramp is made of advanced aluminum material, which is firm and light, and can be folded for easy carrying and storage. The materials of the handle are newly upgraded, which are so firm and comfortable that it can prevent hand scratches.
- Safety: stainless steel hinges used on the ramp can prevent corrosion and rust to ensure the durability; Both sides of the wheelchair ramps are equipped with baffles and reflective warning stickers to prevent accidental falls. The transition plates at the top and bottom of the ramp make the ramp better fit the ground.
- Wide Range of Applications: portable door threshold ramps can be used at front doors of home or garage steps and various cars to solve problems that may happen to wheelchairs, unloading trolleys, baby carriages, pet dogs, scooters and elderly people walking.
Platform lift
A lift can be appropriate where a ramp would consume essential site area or cannot be aligned with the building layout. It requires its own boarding clearances, controls, weather protection, maintenance plan and approval. Compare the complete route and operating obligations rather than assuming a lift is automatically simpler than a ramp.
Common mistakes and how to correct them
- Using rise divided by product length as the only test. Recalculate the complete route, then add landings, clear width, cross slope and door maneuvering space.
- Building a 1:12 slope directly to the threshold. Insert the required level landing and coordinate the door swing and hardware.
- Measuring outside width instead of clear width. Re-measure between finished obstructions after rails, curbs and edge protection are included.
- Ignoring cross slope for drainage. Keep water moving away from the entrance without exceeding the 1:48 maximum cross slope.
- Using the existing-site exception as a standard design. Confirm the exception’s rise and slope limits and document why space limitations require it.
- Assuming a portable ramp is universally suitable. Match the product to the measured rise, run, width, landings, door clearances, surface and applicable rules; otherwise choose a designed alteration.
- Stopping at the property line or ramp end. Inspect the route from the site approach through the doorway, including curb transitions, paving joints, mats and interior thresholds.
- Leaving maintenance out of the plan. Provide a practical way to remove snow, ice, leaves and stored objects without blocking the route.
Verify the legal and technical requirements for the property
The federal standards cited here do not identify which permits, state amendments, local building-code provisions, historic review or site-specific exceptions apply to a particular address. Those questions depend on the building’s use, ownership, alteration scope, jurisdiction and existing conditions. Confirm them with the authority having jurisdiction and, where the geometry or legal status is complex, obtain site-specific advice from a qualified architect, accessibility consultant or contractor experienced in entrance alterations.
Keep a record of the measured rise and run, the route plan, slope calculations, landing dimensions, door clearances, drainage details and approvals. This makes it easier to explain why the chosen solution works and to correct conflicts before materials are ordered.
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Final field checklist
- The route from the approach to the entrance is continuous and usable.
- Any walking-surface portion is no steeper than 1:20, or any steeper portion is designed as a ramp.
- Ramp running slope is generally no steeper than 1:12 and cross slope no more than 1:48.
- Clear ramp width is at least 36 inches.
- No ramp run rises more than 30 inches.
- Top and bottom landings are level, clear and generally at least 60 inches long.
- A direction change has a clear landing generally at least 60 by 60 inches.
- Door maneuvering space, swing, hardware and threshold work with the landing.
- Handrails and edge protection are provided wherever the applicable provisions require them.
- The surface is firm, stable and slip-resistant, with drainage that prevents water accumulation.
- Existing-site slope exceptions, if used, are justified and remain within their rise and slope limits.
- Federal, state and local requirements, permits and inspections have been confirmed for the property.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
