Threshold Ramp Cost: Threshold, Portable, and Modular Ramps Priced by the Rise

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“Mom’s walker and the wheelchair keep catching on the lip at the back door, and there’s one step down to the patio. Do we need a whole ramp, or is there something smaller?”

The three types, by cost

The rise math (1:12)

Measure the height from the lower surface to the top of the sill or step. That’s the rise. At the widely used 1:12 slope, each inch of rise needs 12 inches of ramp:

Many threshold and portable ramps are sold steeper than 1:12, because short is the whole point. A steeper ramp is harder to push up and faster coming down. Check the ramp’s length against the rise, and choose the longest one that fits the space.

When portable is enough

• The rise is a sill or a single step.
• Someone is there to set the ramp out and push the chair, or the walker user can manage a short slope.
• The need is short-term, such as the months after a surgery, or the ramp is for visiting family or for the car.
• The door isn’t the main daily entry, so setting the ramp out each time isn’t a burden.

When modular is the real fix

• The rise is more than a step or two. The 1:12 math gives a ramp too long to carry and store.
• The person needs to come and go on their own, every day, without anyone setting anything out.
• Handrails and a level landing at the door are needed. Portable ramps don’t have them.
• A power wheelchair or scooter is involved, so the ramp’s weight rating and width matter.

For longer runs, the 2010 ADA Standards for public buildings are a common reference. They call for no more than 30 inches of rise before a level landing, landings at least 60 inches long, and at least 36 inches of clear width. Homes don’t have to follow them, but they’re a sound starting point. The wheelchair ramp cost guide covers materials, landings, and permits.

For a modular ramp, ask each installer for a per-foot price and a total, including landings and handrails, on the same written quote.

Honest Downsides

• Threshold ramps can shift. A loose rubber wedge can slide when a wheel hits it. Look for one that’s heavy or can be fixed in place, and check that its height matches the sill closely.
• Edges can be a trip point. The ramp’s leading edge and sides can catch a toe or a cane tip. Choose tapered edges, and keep the ramp where people expect it.
• Portable ramps are heavy and get left out. A ramp long enough for a full step can be awkward to carry. In practice, many end up left in place, where they block the door or get slippery in the rain.
• Weight ratings matter. Power chairs and scooters are heavy. Check that the ramp’s rated capacity covers the chair plus the person, with room to spare.
• Short and steep is a false saving. A ramp that’s too steep to use safely is money spent on the wrong length.
• Weather. Rain, ice, and leaves make any ramp slippery. Choose textured surfaces outdoors, and plan who keeps it clear.

Rule of thumb: measure the rise in inches. Up to a couple of inches, a threshold ramp in the $15–$150 band usually covers it. For a step or two used now and then, price a portable ramp. Anything more, or any entry used daily without help, is a modular job. Budget $100–$250 per foot of ramp, with about $1,000 as the floor.