Cost guide
Wheelchair Ramp Cost
Ramps are priced by length, and length is set by your rise. Get the geometry right and the quotes become simple to compare.
A wheelchair ramp usually costs $1,200 to $12,000 installed. The spread is wide because a ramp is priced by the foot, and the number of feet is decided by physics: at the commonly used 1:12 slope, every inch of rise needs a foot of ramp.
Modular aluminum
Fast install, removable, resells
$100 – $250 per foot
Pressure-treated wood
Lower material cost, ongoing maintenance
$100 – $200 per foot
Concrete
Permanent, best for short rises
$200 – $400 per foot
Portable folding ramp
Two to eight feet, no installation
$150 – $900 total
Threshold ramp
For a single step or door sill
$40 – $300 total
How long does your ramp need to be?
The slope you choose sets the length. A 1:12 slope — one foot of ramp per inch of rise — is the standard used in public accessibility guidance and the safest general target for someone self-propelling a manual wheelchair. Where a strong helper always pushes, a 1:10 slope is sometimes acceptable and shortens the ramp. Steeper than 1:8 is generally unsafe.
Add a level landing at the top, at the bottom, and at every change of direction. Landings add cost and are not optional.
Scroll the table sideways to see all columns.
What drives the rest of the price
- Landings — a 5x5 foot landing typically adds $600 to $1,500
- Switchbacks, which are usually required once a ramp exceeds 30 feet
- Handrails on both sides, standard on almost any permanent ramp
- Footings or a concrete pad where the ground is soft or freezes
- Permits and inspection, which many jurisdictions require for permanent ramps
When a porch lift beats a ramp
Above roughly 30 inches of rise, a compliant ramp needs 30-plus feet plus landings, and many front yards simply cannot hold it. A vertical platform lift costs $4,000 to $12,000 installed and takes a few square feet. At tall rises it is often both cheaper and more usable.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a wheelchair ramp cost per foot?
Modular aluminum typically runs $100 to $250 per installed foot, wood $100 to $200, and concrete $200 to $400. Landings and handrails are priced separately.
How long should a ramp be for 3 steps?
Three standard steps are roughly 21 to 24 inches of rise, which needs about 21 to 24 feet of ramp at a 1:12 slope, plus landings. Measure the actual rise rather than counting steps.
Do I need a permit for a wheelchair ramp?
Most jurisdictions require a permit for a permanent ramp attached to a home, and many exempt portable ramps. Your installer should pull the permit; confirm in writing who is responsible.
Keep reading
Sources
- ADA Standards for Accessible Design, ramp slope and landing requirements — U.S. Department of Justice
- Real Prices Paid submissions, 2025–2026 — Home Access Advisor
David Chen
Editor, Ramps & Entryways
David covers ramps, entry modifications, and the geometry that decides whether a project costs $1,500 or $9,000. He builds the calculators on this site and checks every dimension against published accessibility guidance before publishing.
Covers: Ramp design · Entryway access · Slope and rise calculations · Porch lifts
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