Accessibility starts at your doorstep – and one of the simplest, most affordable ways to make your home wheelchair-friendly is by building a threshold ramp. Read more
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Why Build a Threshold Ramp Yourself?
While professional ramps are widely available, making one at home can be an affordable and satisfying alternative. Most door thresholds range from 1 to 3 inches in height – small enough to handle with a DIY solution, but high enough to be a daily obstacle for anyone using a wheelchair, walker, or mobility scooter.
Here’s why a DIY threshold ramp might be the perfect project:
- Cost-effective: Save money by using simple materials like wood, rubber, or metal instead of buying expensive custom-made ramps.
- Custom fit: Build the ramp to perfectly match the height and width of your specific doorway.
- Quick installation: Most basic threshold ramps can be built and installed in under an hour.
- Improved safety: Reduces tripping hazards and makes moving between rooms smooth and effortless.
- Increased independence: Allows wheelchair users to navigate their home freely without needing assistance.
Materials You’ll Need
You don’t need a workshop full of expensive tools to create a functional threshold ramp. Most people can complete this project with just a few basic items:
- Measuring tape
- Wood plank or plywood (treated for durability)
- Screws or nails
- Drill or hammer
- Non-slip tape or rubber mat (for safety)
- Level
Optional additions like side rails, weatherproof coating, or a rubber edge can enhance durability and usability – especially if the ramp is near an exterior door.
Step-by-Step: How To Make A Threshold Ramp For Wheelchair
Follow these simple steps to create a reliable and safe ramp in no time:
1. Measure the Threshold
Use a tape measure to calculate the height from the ground to the top of the threshold. This will determine the slope of your ramp. A general rule of thumb is a 1:12 ratio – meaning for every 1 inch of height, you’ll need 12 inches of ramp length for a gentle, wheelchair-friendly incline.
2. Cut Your Ramp Material
Cut a piece of treated wood or plywood to match the required dimensions. Make sure the surface is smooth and free of splinters.
3. Create a Tapered Edge
Shave or sand down the top edge slightly to create a smoother transition over the threshold. This small detail makes a big difference for wheelchairs.
4. Secure the Ramp
Use screws or nails to fix the ramp in place. Ensure it’s flush with the floor and doesn’t move under pressure. For removable ramps, consider using heavy-duty rubber mats or attaching grip pads underneath instead of permanently screwing it down.
5. Add Safety Features
Finally, apply non-slip tape or a rubber surface to the top. This prevents slips – especially in areas exposed to moisture.
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Tips for a Perfect Ramp
While the process is simple, a few extra touches can make your ramp safer and more effective:
- Mind the slope: Too steep a ramp can be dangerous – always follow the recommended incline ratio.
- Weatherproof outdoor ramps: Use weather-resistant wood or metal and seal it with outdoor paint or varnish.
- Check stability regularly: Over time, materials can shift or wear down. Regular maintenance ensures ongoing safety.
- Consider portability: If you plan to move the ramp often, lightweight rubber or aluminium might be a better option.
Benefits of Having a Threshold Ramp
Installing a ramp – even a small one – is more than just a convenience. It transforms how a home functions and how safe and inclusive it feels. Some of the most significant benefits include:
- Greater independence: Reduces the need for assistance when moving between rooms or entering the home.
- Enhanced safety: Minimises risks of tripping or tipping, particularly for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility.
- Improved accessibility: Makes your home more inclusive for guests with mobility challenges.
- Future-proofing: A simple ramp can make ageing in place much easier.
Conclusion: A Small Project With a Big Impact
Building a threshold ramp is one of the easiest, most rewarding DIY projects you can take on – and the benefits extend far beyond convenience. It’s about independence, accessibility, and dignity. With just a few tools and a little effort, you can make your home safer and more welcoming for everyone.
Ready to get started? Click here to check the latest prices on How To Make A Threshold Ramp For Wheelchair and find the best materials and kits to suit your needs.
- STABILITY YOU CAN TRUST - A solid 7 kg rubber kerb ramp that stays firmly in place even under turning tyres, offering long-term grip during rain, frost and sun - exactly what homeowners expect from rubber kerb ramps for cars built for daily use.
- SMOOTH ACCESS FOR VEHICLES - Street Solutions UK Set of 2 kerb ramps for driveways for cars match standard UK kerb height to stop scraping and noise, creating a gentle slope that works as a durable curb ramp for safer, quieter driveway entry.
- Use - Lightweight bridge threshold ramp designed to allow manual wheelchairs and walkers to oevrcome door thresholds of heights up to 8cm
- Specification - This door bridge threshold ramp is 80mm x 760mm x 70mm x 5kg. The length of the top section which bridges the threshold is 101mm
- Premium Rubber Material: Crafted from durable rubber material with compression resistance, this rubber threshold ramp remains stable in extreme weather. Natural rubber composition prevents corrosion and deformation, ensuring long-term use as a door threshold strip or kerb ramp for cars/pets.
- Anti-Slip Safety Design: Grooved surface enhances friction for reliable anti-slip performance, even in wet bathrooms. Drainage channels reduce moisture buildup, making it ideal as wheelchair ramps for doorways or threshold ramps for wheelchairs. Safely supports mobility scooter ramps and dog ramp for bed transitions.
- DURABLE; Made from 3mm thick check plated aluminium. Rust resistant, robust and built to last!
- iNSTALLATION; No tools required, simply place over your threshold and remove when not in use
- Matarial:The driveway moving curb ramp is made of high-strength plastic material.
- Anti-slip: Regular anti-slip patterns are printed on it, with concave-convex texture, which increases friction and is not easy to slip.
- High-quality Material: our premium curb ramps are constructed from industrial-strength composite plastic - more durable than regular plastic while effectively reducing vibrations and noise.
- Portable & Slip-resistant: this wheelchair ramp is easy to carry and set up anywhere. Their rugged construction holds up to daily use, while the compact design fits easily in your trunk or corner for storage. Its textured surface, along with grooves on the bottom and sides, enhances grip for maximum stability.
- Durable and High-Quality Construction: Crafted from industrial-grade Polypropylene (PP), this curb ramp is built to last, ensuring long-term durability. The high-density PVC material efficiently absorbs shocks and reduces noise when crossing thresholds.
- Enhanced Safety Features: Designed with dual anti-skid surfaces—vertical and horizontal grooves—this ramp offers superior grip, minimizing tire slippage on steep slopes. Ideal for both cars and bicycles, it provides a secure transition over curbs.
- [Multiple Uses] Curb ramps can make your life easier, their uses include: Shed ramps Low vehicle ramps Squat ramps. 2 PC pavement curb ramp set allows you to easily maneuver wheeled lightweight vehicles up 4-inch steps, driveways or door thresholds.
- [Excellent Traction] The ramps have a high-traction textured surface to increase friction and prevent vehicles from slipping, never worry about slipping in heavy rain, trust your shed ramp will work every time.
- HIGH QUALITY AND DURABLE: Our curb ramp is constructed from durable and high-quality materials. It is made of industrial-grade composite plastic materials, it can withstand great pressure, durable and long service life.
- LIGHT AND FLEXIBLE: The multi-purpose driveway ramp is surprisingly light, so it is easy to move or transport from one place to another. You can take it with you or put it in your bag and take it where you need it.
- 【Versatile Ramps】The threshold ramps can be used not only for wheelchair ramp threshold transition use, but also for laminate floor transitions, board dampening and edge trimming to effectively address height differences and excessive edge gaps.
- 【Durable Material】The threshold ramp is made of high-quality and soft silicone material, anti-aging, flame-retardant, waterproof, non-toxic, dirt-resistant, easy to clean. Flexible and durable, can still remain flexible at low temperatures.
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