Threshold ramps for doorways: getting a walker or wheelchair over door sills and small steps (2026)

Measure the rise first

Measure from the floor to the top of the sill on each side of the door, because the floor is often a different height inside and out (a sliding patio door can have a tall track and a drop on the far side). Use the highest number, in inches or millimetres, and buy a ramp made for that rise. A ramp that's too low leaves a lip at the top, and one that's too high rocks or leaves a gap. Also note how much flat floor you have in front of the door, the door's width, and which way the door swings.

How steep is too steep?

The ADA Standards for public buildings in the US are a useful guide for homes. They allow a change in level up to 1/4 inch to be left as is and one between 1/4 and 1/2 inch to be beveled, but anything higher should be ramped. A slope steeper than 1 in 20 counts as a ramp, and ramps should be no steeper than 1 in 12, meaning 12 inches of length for every inch of rise. Many threshold ramps are steeper than that because they're short, which is usually fine for a walker or a strong wheelchair user over a small sill but harder for someone pushing a heavy chair. The longer the ramp for the same rise, the easier it is.

Official source: 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design (US Access Board)

Small sills (up to about 1 inch): rubber ramps

For a typical interior sill or a low exterior threshold, a solid rubber ramp is the simple choice. Rubber is heavy, grips most floors and has a soft beveled edge. The LIEKUMM ramp has a 5/8-inch rise and a width you can trim, with tape to hold it, and the VEVOR ramp handles a 1-inch rise and has a channel underneath for a cable. Both are listed at under C$40.

• LIEKUMM rubber threshold ramp, 5/8-inch rise – Approx. C$37 (Amazon.ca, October 2026)
• VEVOR rubber threshold ramp, 1-inch rise – Approx. C$35 (Amazon.ca, October 2026)

Higher sills and patio doors (2 inches and up): aluminum ramps

Above about an inch, aluminum ramps are lighter and stronger for their size. The DWALE ramp is made for a 2-inch rise with an adjustable flap that rests on the sill. EZ-ACCESS TRANSITIONS ramps are a modular system: the listing describes slip-resistant tread, removable sections and a pivoting top flap, sold in different heights. The 3-inch one is shown here, and they're a common choice for sliding door tracks. Higher rises need much longer ramps to stay gentle, so for more than one step, ask an OT or contractor about a proper ramp with handrails.

• DWALE aluminum threshold ramp, 2-inch rise – Approx. C$66 (Amazon.ca, October 2026)
• EZ-ACCESS TRANSITIONS modular aluminum threshold ramp, 3-inch – Approx. C$142 (Amazon.ca, October 2026)

Set it up so it doesn't become a trip hazard

A ramp should sit flat on the floor and tight against the sill with no gap or lip. Push down on each corner and roll a walker or wheelchair over it to check it doesn't rock or creep. Use the maker's tape or fixings if it moves. Make sure the door still opens and closes fully over it, and that a door sweep doesn't catch. Ramps stick out into the walkway, so a contrasting colour or a strip of bright tape on the edges helps people see them, especially at night. Good lighting at doorways helps too. Outdoors, keep ramps clear of ice, leaves and water.

Related guides: Night lights for fall prevention · Ice grips and cane ice tips

Walkers, rollators and wheelchairs

Front-wheeled walkers and rollators roll up small ramps easily, but walker legs without wheels can catch on the leading edge, so practise lifting the walker clear. Push a rollator up and walk behind it, and go down forwards with the brakes ready. A wheelchair user going up alone needs to lean forward, and someone pushing should take the chair down backwards on steeper ramps. An OT or physiotherapist can watch you use it and suggest the right height and length.

Related guide: Rollator vs walker

Beyond the threshold

If the sill is the last barrier at the front door, grab bars beside the door and a handrail on the outside steps make the whole entry safer. In Ontario and across Canada, programs such as the March of Dimes Home and Vehicle Modification Program and the Home Accessibility Tax Credit can help pay for bigger access changes, including ramps.

Related guides: Grab bar height and placement · Home accessibility funding in Ontario and Canada · Getting in and out of the car

Safety notes

• Suction grab bars are a balance aid only. They can release without warning and must never hold your body weight or be used to stop a fall.
• Anchor wall grab bars into studs or approved blocking, never drywall alone, and follow the manufacturer's instructions or use a qualified installer.
• Check the weight capacity and fit of any seat, rail or pole, and follow the manufacturer's instructions.