How To Determine What Size Ramp You Need
Choosing the right size wheelchair ramp is essential for safe, smooth access in and out of your home. At Craftmasters, we install mobility ramps across Warwickshire and the surrounding areas, and one of the most common questions we receive is: “What size ramp do I need?”
Use Visual Guides
A simple visual reference makes it much easier to measure correctly. Here’s our quick measurement guide.
Measure The Height Of The Step
Start by measuring from the top of the threshold down to the ground outside. This measurement determines the minimum ramp length required. As a guide, a safe gradient is 1:12 for unassisted use and 1:8 for assisted use. This simply means that for every 1 inch (or 25mm) of height, you need 12 inches (300mm) of ramp length for independent wheelchair access.
Check If The Ground Slopes Up Or Down
The outside ground level is just as important as the height of the step. If the ground slopes downwards, you may need a longer ramp. If it slopes upwards, a shorter ramp may be suitable — but it must still meet safe gradient requirements.
Do You Need A Threshold Ramp Inside?
Many properties have a raised internal lip or a step inside the doorway. This is very common with UPVC door cills, so don’t worry if you see a small step inside. In this case, you may also need a small threshold ramp on the inside to create a smooth transition for wheelchairs, walkers or scooters.
Measure All Heights Carefully
Don’t worry about getting the measurements perfect — they simply help us give you a rough price and check whether the ramp is likely to meet your budget.
At Craftmasters, we work closely with Occupational Therapists and healthcare teams across Warwickshire to provide tailor-made mobility wheelchair ramps. If you’re unsure what size ramp you need, we offer free home surveys anywhere in Warwickshire and can also talk you through the basic measurements over the phone to give you a rough idea of cost.
For help measuring your step or booking a survey, call us on 01789 209 992