Quick answer:
To build a wheelchair ramp for a home, measure the total rise from the ground to the doorway, use the recommended 1 foot of ramp for every inch of rise (a 1:12 slope), add a level platform at the top and at any turn, then order a modular aluminum kit like the EZ-ACCESS PATHWAY 3G. It arrives with every section, handrail, leg and bolt needed, installs with basic hand tools, and needs no concrete footings in most installations.
A Wheelchair Ramp You Can Install Yourself
The EZ-ACCESS PATHWAY 3G is a modular aluminum ramp system built for homes. You pick the ramp lengths and platforms that fit your entrance, and we ship one complete kit with the support legs, transition plates, handrails and hardware for that exact layout. A straight kit can be up in as little as 30 minutes; most L-shaped and switchback ramps go together in a few hours with two people.
Unlike a wooden ramp, PATHWAY 3G will not rot, warp or splinter, needs no painting, and can be taken apart and moved or resold if your needs change. It works for wheelchairs, power chairs, mobility scooters, walkers and rollators at front doors, back doors, decks, patios, garages and porches.
Key Takeaways
- Plan 1 foot of ramp per inch of rise (1:12). A 24-inch rise needs a 24-foot ramp.
- Add a level platform at the top if the door swings out, and at every change in direction.
- Most codes call for a rest platform after 30 inches of rise (30 feet of ramp at 1:12).
- Straight kits cover simple entrances; the custom builder handles L-shaped and switchback layouts.
- 36-inch usable width, 1,000 lb capacity, welded aluminum, lifetime residential warranty.
How to Build a Wheelchair Ramp in 5 Steps
-
Measure the total rise.
Measure straight down from the top of the door threshold (or deck surface) to the ground where the ramp will end. Use inches.
-
Calculate the ramp length.
At the recommended 1:12 slope (about 4.8 degrees), you need 1 foot of ramp for every inch of rise. A gentler slope such as 1:16 is easier for self-propelled manual wheelchair users if you have the space.
-
Plan your platforms.
Add a top platform if the door swings out over the ramp or if the user needs room to open the door - 5 x 5 feet gives a wheelchair room to turn. Add an intermediate platform at every turn and after every 30 inches of rise.
-
Choose the layout.
Go straight if you have the room. Use a 90-degree platform for an L-shaped ramp, a 45-degree platform for a gentle angle, or a 5 x 8 foot platform for a 180-degree switchback that fits more ramp into a small footprint.
-
Select options and order.
Pick two-line or vertical picket handrails and a standard non-skid or expanded metal surface, enter your total rise, and add the kit to your cart. Your kit ships complete and arrives in 3 to 5 business days.
Check the door swing.
If the entry door opens outward, the user cannot open it from a sloped surface. Plan a level top platform large enough for the wheelchair to sit clear of the door as it swings.
Specifications
| Usable width |
36 inches between handrails |
| Overall width |
40.5 inches |
| Weight capacity |
1,000 lbs |
| Material |
Welded aluminum - rust, rot and corrosion resistant |
| Ramp run lengths |
2 to 30 feet per section, in 1-foot increments |
| Platforms |
4 x 4, 5 x 5, 45-degree, 4 x 8, 5 x 8 (180-degree) and 5 x 10 |
| Handrails |
Two-line or vertical pickets, both sides |
| Surface |
Standard extruded non-skid or expanded metal |
| Recommended slope |
1:12 (about 4.8 degrees) |
| Support |
Adjustable legs, no concrete footings required in most installations |
| Warranty |
Lifetime residential warranty
|
| Manufacturer |
EZ-ACCESS, item M36 / MPN P3G |
What Comes in the Kit
- Ramp sections for each run length you choose
- Handrails in your selected style, installed on both sides
- Adjustable support legs for every section and platform
- Top transition and bottom transition plate for a smooth roll on and off
- Platforms you select, with their own adjustable legs
- All nuts, bolts and connectors, plus printed instructions
Why Aluminum Instead of Wood
A wooden ramp has to be designed, permitted, framed and painted, and it starts to weather within a few years. PATHWAY 3G arrives engineered and ready to bolt together, holds up to rain, sun and snow with almost no maintenance, and keeps resale value because it can be taken apart and reinstalled. Many customers find a kit costs less than a quote for a custom-built wooden ramp.
Need steps alongside the ramp? Add
PATHWAY 3G adjustable metal stairs
, extra
aluminum ramp platforms
, or a
landing pad
for the bottom of the ramp.
Installation Downloads
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a wheelchair ramp need to be?
Use the recommended 1 foot of ramp for every inch of rise (a 1:12 slope). A 20-inch rise needs a 20-foot ramp, and a 30-inch rise needs a 30-foot ramp. Platforms are added on top of that length.
Should I order a straight kit or a custom layout?
Choose a straight kit if you have a clear, level path as long as the ramp. Choose a custom layout if you need a top platform, have limited space, need to turn the ramp, or have a rise over 30 inches. Our team can review your measurements before you order.
Do I need a platform at the top of the ramp?
You need one if the door swings out over the ramp or if the user needs a level spot to open the door. Most residential codes require a level landing at the top of a ramp, and a 5 x 5 foot platform gives a wheelchair room to turn.
Does the PATHWAY 3G meet residential ramp code?
PATHWAY 3G is designed to meet common residential ramp requirements when installed at a 1:12 slope with handrails and platforms where needed. Local codes vary, so check with your building department. For businesses and public buildings, choose the ADA compliant PATHWAY HD system.
How long does installation take?
A straight kit can be installed in as little as 30 minutes. Most L-shaped and switchback ramps take a few hours with two people and basic hand tools. Step-by-step instructions are included and available as a PDF above.
Do I need a concrete foundation?
No concrete footings are required in most installations. The ramp stands on adjustable aluminum legs that level the ramp on firm ground, pavers or an existing walkway.
Will it hold a power wheelchair or mobility scooter?
Yes. The ramp is rated for 1,000 lbs with a 36-inch usable width, which fits standard wheelchairs, power chairs and most mobility scooters along with a caregiver.
Which handrail style and surface should I choose?
Two-line handrails are open and clean looking. Vertical pickets close the space along the sides, a good choice around children and pets. The standard non-skid surface suits most homes; expanded metal lets rain and snow fall through.
Can I add to or move the ramp later?
Yes. PATHWAY 3G is modular, so you can add sections or platforms, change the layout, or take it apart and reinstall it at a new home. Replacement and add-on parts are sold separately.
How fast does it ship and is shipping free?
Shipping is free to the contiguous United States, with delivery usually in 3 to 5 business days. Larger kits ship by truck and may require a delivery appointment and signature.
Normal delivery time is estimated at 3 to 5 business days but may vary. Free ground shipping applies to the contiguous United States, has no guaranteed delivery date and does not include return shipping. All orders are subject to our 30-day
return policy
. Ramp lengths are calculated at a 1:12 slope; confirm requirements with your local building department.
Ready to Build Your Ramp?
Select your layout above, or call
866-491-1110
and a ramp specialist will help you size it. Financing is available with
PayPal Pay Later
.
