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A raised threshold of half an inch or an inch does not look like much, but it can stop a walker's wheels, jolt a wheelchair, or catch the toe of someone who shuffles. Threshold ramps are small wedges that bridge the gap between floor and threshold, turning a sharp lip into a gentle slope. They are common at exterior doors, sliding patio doors, bathroom thresholds and transitions between flooring types. This guide covers how to measure, which material to choose, and how to fit one safely.
Measure the rise first
The rise is the height from the floor surface to the top of the threshold. Measure at the highest point, on the side where the ramp will sit. Many doors have a threshold on both sides, which may need two ramps. Also measure:
- The doorway's clear width, so the ramp is wide enough.
- The depth of floor available in front of the threshold, so the ramp does not block a door swing or extend into a hallway.
- The width of the walker or wheelchair.
Rubber ramps
Rubber or rubber-like ramps are heavy, quiet and grippy. They suit indoor thresholds and small rises, usually up to about an inch. Many can be trimmed to width. The LIEKUMM ramp is 36 inches wide for a three-quarter-inch rise, with an anti-slip surface.
LIEKUMM 3/4 in. Threshold Ramp
36 in. W x 4 in. L x 3/4 in. H; rubber-type odor-free material; anti-slip surface; listing states 2200 lb capacity
Pros
- Low rise for small door sills
- Slip-resistant surface
Cons
- Only for 3/4 in. rises
- Edges can be a trip point if the wrong height
Aluminum ramps
Aluminum ramps are lighter for their strength and suit larger rises and outdoor use. Some come in sections that slide together. This aluminum ramp has a one-inch rise and a stated capacity of 800 lb.
Aluminum Door Threshold Ramp, 1 in. rise (800 lb)
Aluminum sections that slide together; 1 in. rise; anti-slip surface; listing states 800 lb capacity
Pros
- Tool-free assembly
- Light and strong
Cons
- Fixed 1 in. rise
- Metal can be slippery when icy
| Product | Key specs | Link |
|---|---|---|
| LIEKUMM 3/4 in. Threshold Ramp | 36 in. W x 4 in. L x 3/4 in. H; rubber-type odor-free material; anti-slip surface; listing states 2200 lb capacity | Check price on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| Aluminum Door Threshold Ramp, 1 in. rise (800 lb) | Aluminum sections that slide together; 1 in. rise; anti-slip surface; listing states 800 lb capacity | Check price on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Specs are from manufacturer and retailer listings and can change between versions; check the listing before you buy. We don't show prices because they change often; the button shows the current price on Amazon.
Choosing the right size
- Match the rise. A ramp that is too low leaves a lip; too high creates a bump at the top.
- Choose a gentle slope. Longer ramps for the same rise are gentler and easier for walkers and wheelchairs.
- Check the width. The ramp should cover the doorway's clear width, so wheels cannot drop off the side.
- Leave the door free. Make sure the door can still open and close over or past the ramp.
Fitting the ramp
- Clean the floor and threshold.
- Place the ramp tight against the threshold, with no gap at the top.
- Check that the ramp's lower edge sits flat on the floor, with no lip.
- Secure the ramp if it slides. Some ramps rely on weight and grip; others have screw holes or adhesive pads.
- Test with the walker or wheelchair, and walk over it yourself.
Indoors vs outdoors
Indoor ramps rarely face weather but may face rolling chairs and cleaning. Outdoor ramps face rain, ice and UV. Choose outdoor-rated materials with drainage and a gritty surface. A bigger outdoor step, such as a porch step of several inches, needs a proper modular ramp or a contractor, not a threshold ramp.
Bathroom thresholds
Bathroom doors often have a marble or wood threshold between the hallway and the tiled floor. A small rubber ramp can smooth this transition for walker users. Make sure the ramp does not trap water against the threshold, and that it stays clear of the shower area.
Other trip hazards at doorways
Doorways also collect rugs, mats and cords. Secure or remove rugs; our guide to rug corner grippers covers how. Keep cords out of walkways. Light the doorway so the transition is easy to see. And on stairs, add treads and rails; see our stair treads guide.
Who should consider a threshold ramp
- Walker and rollator users whose front wheels catch.
- Wheelchair users at sliding doors and exterior doors.
- People who shuffle or have reduced foot clearance.
- Anyone who has tripped at a doorway before.
Removing the threshold instead
In some homes, a carpenter can remove or lower an interior threshold, or replace it with a flush transition strip. That removes the lip altogether. For exterior doors, thresholds help keep water out, so a ramp is usually the better choice.
Visibility
A ramp in a contrasting color, or with a contrasting edge, is easier to see. If the ramp is the same color as the floor, consider adding a strip of contrasting tape along its top edge.
Common mistakes
- Measuring the wrong side. Thresholds are often higher on one side. Measure where the ramp will sit.
- Choosing a ramp too narrow. Walker wheels can drop off the side. Cover the full clear width.
- Leaving a gap at the top. A small gap between ramp and threshold can catch a wheel or toe.
- Ignoring the door. A ramp that stops the door closing creates a draft and a security problem.
- Using a ramp for a step that is too high. Threshold ramps are for small rises, not full steps.
Using a walker over a ramp
With a front-wheeled walker, approach the ramp straight on, not at an angle, so both wheels meet the slope at the same time. Push the walker up the ramp and onto the threshold, then step up after it. On the way down, move the walker down first and keep it close. With a rollator, apply the brakes when pausing on the threshold. If the walker still tips or catches, the ramp may be too short for the rise, and a longer one will give a gentler slope.
Sliding patio doors
Sliding doors usually have a raised track that is the worst threshold in the house. Ramps are available for many track heights, sometimes as a pair: one inside and one outside. Make sure the ramp clears the sliding panel and does not block the drain holes in the track, which keep rainwater out.
Care and checks
Sweep ramps regularly, because grit on a rubber surface reduces grip and grit under it lets the ramp creep. Outdoors, check after storms and in freezing weather, and clear snow before anyone crosses. Look for cracks in rubber, bent sections in aluminum, and loose screws, and replace a damaged ramp promptly.
FAQ
What size threshold ramp do I need?
Measure the rise from floor to the top of the threshold and choose a ramp made for that height, wide enough for the doorway.
Are rubber or aluminum ramps better?
Rubber suits small indoor rises; aluminum suits larger rises, heavier loads and outdoor use.
Do threshold ramps need to be fixed down?
If they slide or rock, yes. Many rubber ramps stay put by weight; others need screws or adhesive.
Can a threshold ramp help a walker?
Yes, many walker users find small ramps make doorways easier to cross.
Can I use a threshold ramp on an outdoor step?
Only for small rises. Full steps need a proper ramp system or a contractor.