How Much Does a Wheelchair Ramp Cost to Install?
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Wheelchair users can find it difficult to get in and out of buildings that aren’t accessible. Installing a wheelchair ramp costs between $1,031 and $3,313, or about $2,170 on average.
Highlights
- The typical cost range to build a wheelchair ramp is $1,031 to $3,313, with a national average cost of $2,170.
- The main factors that influence wheelchair ramp installation costs include the ramp size and material, the type of ramp, the weight specifications, the cost of labor, and the installation location.
- Some of the main benefits of wheelchair ramp installation include better accessibility and independence for wheelchair users, improved privacy, and added safety.
- Wheelchair ramps are required to follow ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) guidelines, which means it’s best to leave this project to an experienced professional to ensure it checks all the boxes.
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The home is where people return after a long day at work, a busy night out, or an enjoyable brunch with friends. It’s a place that is intended to convey safety, security, and comfort, so it is imperative that the home be accessible to guests, residents, and homeowners. However, many homes have stairs leading up to the main entrance or a steep lip on the doorway that makes it difficult for wheelchair users to enter or exit. Adding a wheelchair ramp is an easy way to make a home more accessible and comfortable for resident or guest wheelchair users.
Wheelchair ramps for homes are incredibly important for the independence, privacy, and safety of wheelchair-using residents. According to Angi and HomeAdvisor, building a wheelchair ramp will typically cost $1,031 to $3,313, or about $2,170 on average, depending on the type of wheelchair-accessible ramp. Additionally, the cost of this project will differ based on the location of the ramp. Outdoor wheelchair ramps are generally more expensive to build than indoor wheelchair ramps. Homeowners can use this guide to find out more about the various factors that can impact wheelchair ramp cost.
Factors in Calculating Wheelchair Ramp Cost
Homeowners will want to take some time to research wheelchair ramp cost considerations before attempting to put together a budget. They’ll want to make sure that the budget covers all primary and additional cost factors for the wheelchair ramp installation project to avoid any unexpected fees or delays with the work. Among the various factors that can affect wheelchair ramp cost are the ramp size, material, and type; weight specifications; labor costs; and the installation location.
Ramp Size
One of the first factors to figure out is how big the ramp will need to be. Generally, the steeper the incline, the larger the ramp will need to be to provide adequate assistance to those getting into the home. Similarly, the longer the ramp, the more it will cost. Homeowners will want to be prepared to spend about $50 to $250 per linear foot for wheelchair ramp installation.
Homeowners are advised to keep in mind that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that ramps not rise more than 1 inch in height for every foot in length. The ADA further notes that the wheelchair ramp must stand at a minimum of 36 inches wide by 60 inches long, though many ramp designs will need to be wider and longer than this minimum standard. Once a basic plan has been put together, homeowners can use a wheelchair ramp cost calculator to help estimate the total cost.
Ramp Material
After coming up with a basic layout for the ramp, the homeowner and contractor will need to decide on the type of material that will be used to build the wheelchair-accessible ramp. Common options include aluminum, composite, concrete, prefabricated aluminum, rubber, steel, and wood.
| Ramp Material | Average Cost per Linear Foot (Materials and Labor) |
| Aluminum | $150 to $200 |
| Composite | $150 to $200 |
| Concrete | $200 to $250 |
| Prefabricated aluminum | $100 to $150 |
| Rubber | $50 to $150 |
| Steel | $200 to $250 |
| Wood | $100 to $250 |
- Aluminum wheelchair ramps are a popular choice due to their average cost, lightweight construction, and corrosion resistance. Homeowners can expect to pay about $150 to $200 per linear foot for an aluminum wheelchair ramp installation.
- Composite wheelchair ramps are lightweight and highly resistant to rust, corrosion, warping, and insect damage. This material costs about $150 to $200 per linear foot, making it a great choice for those who need a long-lasting ramp material but don’t want to pay for a concrete or steel ramp.
- Concrete wheelchair ramps are a top choice for permanent wheelchair ramp installations due to their high level of durability and resistance and their long life. Homeowners will pay about $200 to $250 per linear foot. This higher cost is generally associated with the additional time and effort involved in the installation process.
- Prefabricated aluminum wheelchair ramps come in prebuilt sections that just need to be assembled. This type of ramp material costs about $100 to $150 per linear foot, though the materials may have a long manufacturing and shipping period.
- Rubber wheelchair ramps are one of the more affordable choices at just $50 to $150 per linear foot. However, this material option is really useful only for a small wheelchair ramp or a temporary threshold ramp.
- Steel wheelchair ramps cost about $200 to $250 per linear foot. Despite this high price, steel is one of the best options for durability, though the metal is vulnerable to rusting and corrosion over time. Also, it’s important that the ramp have a textured surface to reduce the risk of slipping.
- Wood wheelchair ramps cost about $100 to $250 per linear foot. Wooden wheelchair ramp construction is a viable choice as long as there is someone with the skills to keep up with regular maintenance, like sanding, staining, painting, and adding an anti-slip finish.
Ramp Type
The next factor for homeowners to consider is the type of ramp. There are several options to choose from depending on the size of the ramp, the location, and the length of time the ramp is required. Mini ramps and threshold ramps are the least expensive options, though they are generally useful only for single-stair entrances. Modular ramps come in prebuilt pieces that can be assembled on-site.
Portable ramps are a good choice for RVs, vans, trucks, and other vehicles, but they can also be used temporarily for entrance and exit into a home. Homeowners can invest in a permanent ramp if they own the property, while renters are better off installing a semi-permanent ramp that functions like a permanent ramp but can be removed without damaging the property. Homeowners will want to carefully consider the accessibility needs, ramp size, ramp location, and installation duration before deciding on a ramp type.
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Weight Specifications
Another factor that can impact the overall cost of the renovation project is the weight requirements or specifications for the ramp. Light-duty ramps don’t require a lot of material or support structures, which reduces the cost to manufacture, transport, and install the ramp. However, the drawback is that these ramps cannot support as much weight without bending, warping, or buckling.
Homeowners will want to consider the weight of the assistance device when deciding on the size and type of wheelchair ramp. A standard manual wheelchair typically weighs less than a motorized wheelchair, though the motorized wheelchair, in turn, weighs significantly less than a full-size electric scooter. It’s crucial for homeowners to ensure that the ramp fits all necessary weight specifications for safety purposes.
Labor
Installing a wheelchair-accessible ramp for the home is not typically a project that a DIYer would tackle due to the potential risks involved if there was a problem with the construction. With this in mind, it’s important for homeowners to make room in their budget to account for the cost of labor. Professional labor for a wheelchair ramp installation ranges from about $35 to $100 per hour, though this rate can fluctuate depending on the geographic location of the project.
Due to supply and demand, homeowners in rural areas will generally pay less for wheelchair ramp installation than those located in dense urban areas. Additionally, the labor rate can increase or decrease based on the material and type of ramp. For instance, it usually costs less for a carpenter to put in a custom wood ramp than it does to have a masonry contractor build a concrete ramp.
Installation Location
Making the home more accessible is an important step in creating a comfortable and secure house. The location of the ramp will make a significant difference in the overall cost of the job.
- Outdoor wheelchair ramps tend to cost more than indoor ramps. This is generally attributed to the need for weather-resistant materials that are both durable and long-lasting for outdoor installations. Homeowners who are building an outdoor wheelchair ramp can plan on spending about $1,200 to $5,000 to complete the work.
- Indoor ramps are typically smaller than outdoor ramps and may even have a light-duty portable design that reduces the amount of time it takes to manufacture and install them. Homeowners can expect a more affordable price for an indoor ramp installation, ranging from just $200 to $2,000.
Additional Costs and Considerations
Beyond the primary cost factors, there are several additional costs that could impact the budget for the project. Before finalizing the project plan, homeowners will want to consider whether the job will require handrails, additional landings, or any extra features. They can speak to the installer to determine the wheelchair ramp removal cost and to find out if permits are necessary. It’s also a good idea for homeowners to consider whether a permanent ramp is the best option or if a rented ramp will fulfill short-term needs.
Additional Landings
Small wheelchair ramps are generally the least expensive because there is less material and time spent building the ramp. However, not all buildings are designed for a small wheelchair ramp. The more stairs and the steeper the incline, the longer and larger the ramp will need to be to provide adequate access to the property.
According to the ADA, there must be a landing positioned at least once every 30 linear feet or every 30 inches of rise. Adding these extra landings will increase the cost of the materials and the time spent building the ramp, which leads to higher labor costs for the project. In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to abandon the ramp project and invest in stair lift cost instead.
Handrails
Wheelchair ramps that rise more than 6 inches from the ground require a handrail to meet ADA compliance standards. When homeowners are putting together the budget for a wheelchair ramp installation project, it’s important for them to note that handrails are not often included in the initial cost of the job.
Installing handrails typically costs an additional $80 per linear foot, so homeowners are advised to have a little extra room in the budget to account for this feature. They can speak to the contractor before starting the project to determine if the handrails are required and to find out if the cost of the handrail installation is included in the initial estimate for the project.
Permits
Temporary, portable, threshold, mini, and even some semi-permanent wheelchair ramps can be installed without the need for a permit. Generally, a building permit is required for permanent, some semi-permanent, and some custom wheelchair ramp installation projects, though this varies depending on local laws and regulations.
Homeowners will want to speak to their permit office or discuss the permit requirements with their contractor to determine if a permit will be needed for this specific job. If a permit is required, homeowners can plan on spending about $30 to $120 to get a building permit for the project. Some contractors may take care of this process, though it’s a good idea for the homeowner to ask the contractor ahead of time to ensure that they will get a permit before work begins.
Additional Features
Another cost factor for homeowners to consider when planning a wheelchair ramp installation project is whether the home requires any additional features to meet the standards set out by the ADA. Some common additions include installing a stair life, widening doors, putting in lower counters, and equipping the wheelchair ramp with walkway lighting.
Depending on the upgrade, the wheelchair ramp installation company may have trained contractors with experience installing or setting up various assistance and accessibility features, so it’s a good idea for the homeowner to discuss any potential extras before starting the project.
| Feature | Average Cost (Materials and Labor) |
| Countertop lowering | $1,900 to $4,400 |
| Door widening | $300 to $2,500 per door |
| Indoor stair lift installation | $2,000 to $20,000 |
| Wheelchair ramp lighting | $15 to $100 per light |
Existing Ramp Removal
When an existing ramp is in poor condition, it can put users at risk, so it’s important for homeowners to repair and regularly maintain the ramp to keep it functional. However, there is a limit to the number of repairs and patches that can be applied. Before hitting that limit, homeowners are advised to replace the existing ramp with a new wheelchair ramp that meets ADA standards.
Depending on the type of wheelchair ramp and the material used to make it, the installers may be able to remove and dispose of the structure before installing a new wheelchair ramp. In some cases, the homeowner will need to hire a separate contractor to demolish and remove the existing ramp, such as in the case of an old concrete ramp. Homeowners will want to be prepared to spend between $550 and $1,650 to demolish, deconstruct, and remove the existing wheelchair ramp.
Need to install a wheelchair ramp?
A pro can do it for you. Get free, no-commitment project estimates from services near you.
Buying vs. Renting
Not every situation requires the purchase of a new wheelchair ramp. For instance, if the goal is to improve accessibility during a road trip, then renting a portable RV wheelchair ramp is a good option.
- Buying a wheelchair ramp is often the right choice when a wheelchair user lives at the house or visits often. This project costs between $1,031 and $3,313, but it is worth the investment to ensure the independence, privacy, and safety of the homeowner, residents, and guests.
- Renting a wheelchair ramp can be a good way to provide wheelchair access to the home or to a vehicle for a short period of time. Generally, wheelchair ramp rental will cost about $100 to $280 per month, and it will often have a onetime installation fee that falls between $300 to $800.
Types of Wheelchair Ramps
There are several wheelchair ramp types to choose from when homeowners are planning this installation project, including custom, mini, modular, permanent, portable, semi-permanent, and threshold ramps. To ensure that the ramp accomplishes the intended purpose, homeowners will want to learn more about the various wheelchair ramp options and select the best wheelchair ramp type for the home.
| Wheelchair Ramp Type | Average Cost (Materials and Labor) |
| Custom | $1,000 to $6,000 |
| Mini | $100 to $200 |
| Modular | $400 to $5,000 |
| Permanent | $1,000 to $6,000 |
| Portable | $100 to $2,000 (ramp only) |
| Semi-permanent | $350 to $2,000 |
| Threshold | $50 to $1,300 |
Custom
A custom ramp can be a great option for individuals with a bit of extra room in the budget. Typically, a custom ramp is built on-site by a professional contractor and crew. It is permanently anchored into the ground, providing ongoing access to the property. Custom ramps are frequently seen outside commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings to increase accessibility.
Custom ramps for the home can be personalized and designed to suit the needs of the household. Homeowners will want to choose an appropriate material, like concrete, steel, or aluminum, then work with the contractor to determine the number of runs, turns, and landings that will be required for the job. Homeowners can plan to spend between $1,000