Where to Install Wheelchair Ramps? Key Factors to Consider

Key Takeaways

• Location matters most: Focus on the entrances or areas of your home used most often.
• Safety should lead every decision: Proper slope, traction, and weather protection make ramps safer to use year-round.
• Customization is key: Each home has unique terrain, layout, and accessibility needs, and a professional home safety assessment ensures a perfect fit.
• Beyond the front door: Indoor threshold ramps and patio access points also improve mobility and independence.
• Expert installation makes the difference: Certified professionals like Oakley Home Access ensure every ramp meets accessibility and safety standards for long-term peace of mind.

Creating a safe and accessible home starts with one of the most important modifications: a wheelchair ramp. Whether for long-term mobility support, recovery from injury, or preparing a loved one’s home for aging in place, ramps can make a world of difference in maintaining independence. But where should a wheelchair ramp be installed,  and what factors should guide your decision?

At Oakley Home Access, our team of accessibility experts and licensed professionals helps Rhode Island homeowners plan and install ramps that meet both safety standards and everyday lifestyle needs. Here’s what you should know before deciding where to place one in your home.

1. Start with Accessibility and Daily Use

The first thing to consider is where accessibility matters most. A ramp should provide easy, safe access to frequently used entrances.
Common locations include:

• Front entrances, for primary access in and out of the home
• Side or garage doors, which often offer more covered or level entryways
• Back doors or patios, to improve outdoor mobility and comfort

For many families, the best solution is the route that allows the smoothest transition from home to vehicle, especially if the user relies on medical appointments or errands throughout the week.

2. Evaluate the Terrain and Space

The amount of available space will determine what type of ramp is possible. Sloped or uneven ground, landscaping features, and driveway layouts can all affect the design.

Our team at Oakley Home Access conducts Free Home Safety Assessments to evaluate these details on-site. With this information, we can recommend whether a modular aluminum ramp, a wooden ramp, or a portable ramp fits best for your property and needs.

A key guideline to remember: for every inch of rise, a ramp should have at least one foot of length. This ensures a safe, steady incline for wheelchair users.

3. Check Door Width and Thresholds

Once outside access is planned, attention should turn to the doorways themselves. Narrow doorways or high thresholds can make even the best-placed ramp difficult to navigate.

As part of our home accessibility services, we often suggest door widening, threshold ramps, or offset hinges to allow smoother entry through tight spaces. Every modification works together to create a truly barrier-free home.

4. Prioritize Safety and Weather Resistance

Rhode Island weather can be unpredictable, which means traction and durability are key when choosing ramp placement.
Consider:

• Sheltered entrances to reduce exposure to rain and snow
• Non-slip surfaces to prevent falls
• Proper drainage so water doesn’t pool on the ramp surface

Our technicians, led by licensed contractor Mike Vieira, ensure every installation is secure, slip-resistant, and built to withstand daily use in all seasons.

Read more: Oakley Home Access: Working With Occupational and Physical Therapists

5. Think Beyond Entryways

Wheelchair ramps aren’t limited to the front porch. Indoors, smaller ramps can improve movement between rooms with different floor heights or even provide access to patios, decks, and garages.

At Oakley Home Access, we help clients see the bigger picture, how strategic ramp placement can improve freedom and confidence throughout the entire home, not just at the main entrance.

6. Work with Certified Home Modification Experts

Installing a wheelchair ramp is more than a construction project — it’s a safety decision that directly impacts mobility, independence, and peace of mind. That’s why professional guidance is essential.

Our co-founder Justin Oakley, a Registered & Licensed Occupational Therapist and Executive Certified Home Modification Provider, personally leads every assessment. His clinical expertise ensures that every recommendation, from ramp placement to grab bar installation, supports your long-term comfort and well-being.

Contact Oakley Home Access for Wheelchair Ramp Installations

The best wheelchair ramp installation combines functionality, safety, and convenience. Every home is unique, and choosing the right placement requires understanding both the environment and the user’s mobility goals.

At Oakley Home Access, we’re here to help you make those decisions confidently. From your first free assessment to final installation, our team ensures that every detail supports your independence and safety at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best location for a wheelchair ramp?

The best location depends on which entrances are used most often and which offer the safest, most level access. For many homes, side or garage entrances are ideal because they often provide more protection from the weather and allow direct access to vehicles.

2. How long should my wheelchair ramp be?

A safe rule is to allow at least one foot of ramp length for every inch of height from the ground to the entryway. This provides a gentle incline that meets ADA accessibility standards and ensures comfort and safety for wheelchair users.

3. Can a wheelchair ramp be installed indoors?

Yes. Smaller ramps can help bridge short rises between rooms, hallways, or door thresholds. At Oakley Home Access, we often install threshold ramps and portable ramps indoors to make everyday movement easier and safer.

4. Do I need a professional to install a wheelchair ramp?

Absolutely. Professional installation ensures the ramp meets safety, stability, and accessibility standards. Oakley Home Access combines the expertise of licensed contractors and occupational therapists to create ramps that are functional, durable, and tailored to your home.