How Much Does a Wheelchair Ramp Cost to Build?
Normal range: $1,061 - $3,406
The average cost to build a wheelchair ramp is $2,232 with most projects ranging from $1,061 to $3,406.
Wheelchair ramps enhance the quality of life for people who rely on wheelchairs, scooters, and rolling walkers to get to and from their home. The average wheelchair ramp costs $2,232, with homeowners spending as low as $382 or as much as $5,900.
- Average
- $2,232
- Low end
- $382
- high end
- $5,900
So, how much does a wheelchair ramp cost to build for your home? If you want to make your home more accessible, this guide will help you plan your budget.
Wheelchair Ramp Cost Breakdown
Though most wheelchair ramp installations cost between $400 and $3,250, it depends on a few different factors. Here’s a look at what could impact the overall price.
Size
The longer your ramp, the more it will cost. Most wheelchair ramps cost between $50 and $250 per linear foot. This cost particularly adds up when building a ramp that’s compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which mandates that ramps cannot rise more than one inch in height for every foot of length.
According to the ADA, a wheelchair ramp must stand at a minimum of 36 inches wide by 60 inches long, but many ramps need to be built wider and longer to accommodate accessible designs.
Materials
Most wheelchair ramps are made from wood, concrete, steel, or aluminum. The material will impact the overall price. Prefabricated aluminum tends to be the most budget-friendly long-term solution, while steel or concrete costs more to install.
| Material | Cost per Linear Foot |
|---|---|
| Wood | $100–$250 |
| Concrete | $200–$250 |
| Steel/Metal | $200–$250 |
| Aluminum | $150–$200 |
| Composite | $150–$200 |
| Prefabricated Aluminum | $100–$150 |
| Rubber | $50–$150 |
Wood Wheelchair Ramps
Wood wheelchair ramps cost between $100 to $250 per linear foot. Wooden ramps need consistent maintenance to prevent rot and warping. Over time, the wood can become slippery when wet, making it unsafe. Wooden ramps require an anti-slip finish or grip material for when it rains or snows.
Concrete Wheelchair Ramps
The price for a concrete ramp is $200 to $250 per linear foot. Concrete ramps require additional labor to pour the concrete. This additional process makes concrete ramps cost more than wood, aluminum, and prefabricated aluminum.
Steel and Metal Wheelchair Ramps
The price for a steel or metal wheelchair ramp is $200 to $250 per linear foot. Steel and metal are susceptible to rust and corrosion, so it’s critical to choose protected steel. Galvanized steel works best, but make sure your ramp has a textured surface because metal can get slippery.
Aluminum Wheelchair Ramps
The average cost for building an aluminum wheelchair ramp is $150 to $200 per linear foot. Aluminum makes a good material choice because it lasts for a long time, it’s lightweight, and it’s resistant to corrosion. Adding a textured finish makes the aluminum grip the surface below.
Composite Wheelchair Ramp
A wheelchair ramp made from composite is between $150 to $200 per linear foot. This type of ramp is moisture resistant, so you won’t have to worry about warping, rotting, or insect damage.
Prefabricated Aluminum Wheelchair Ramps and Kits
Prefabricated ramps cost $100 to $150 per linear foot. They’re made from aluminum and ship in manufactured sections. All you have to do is assemble the sections rather than build the entire ramp from scratch. Keep in mind that while these kits may save money, they have a longer lead time due to manufacturing and shipping timelines.
Rubber
A rubber wheelchair ramp costs around $50 to $150 per linear foot. Although affordable, rubber ramps are only recommended for mini-ramps and temporary threshold ramps. A long rubber ramp would not be durable or safe enough to use outdoors with multiple stairs.
Type
There are many types of wheelchair ramps, ranging from mini to portable. You might want to install a semi-permanent ramp as a short-term solution (like if you’re renting out your home to a wheelchair user) and a permanent ramp as a long-term solution. Permanent ramps tend to be the most expensive at around $1,000 to $6,000, while semi-permanent ramps will cost between $350 and $2,000 to install.
Weight Specifications
The stronger your ramp, the more it will cost. Not every ramp can support the weight of every type of wheelchair or scooter. Some ramps can only support an unoccupied manual wheelchair, while others can support a heavier electric scooter and its user. It’s crucial to ensure that your ramp fits your necessary weight specifications for safety purposes.
Landings
All ramps require a flat landing at the top and bottom, but additional landings will increase the overall cost. If you’re building a ramp that complies with ADA standards, you must include a landing for every 30 linear feet (or 30 inches of rise).
Handrails
Handrails are often an additional cost unless they already come with a prefabricated kit. For ADA compliance, you must put a handrail on any wheelchair ramp that rises more than six inches. A railing can cost around $80 per linear foot, so add a little extra in your budget to accommodate the necessary handrails.
Permits
If you’re installing a permanent wheelchair ramp, you’ll likely need a building permit, depending on your city’s laws and regulations. Expect to spend around $30 to $120 on building permit costs—though your contractor will likely handle the red tape for you.
Labor
Professional labor is a significant portion of overall costs. A contractor will charge an hourly rate of $35 to $100 per hour, and you’ll need to ensure they specialize in the type of ramp you want to build. For example, a carpenter near you can build a custom wood ramp. If you prefer concrete, you’ll need to hire a local masonry contractor.
Location
Outdoor ramps generally cost more to build than indoor ramps because they require durable materials that can weather the elements. Indoor ramps are also typically smaller and more portable. Expect to spend:
Indoor wheelchair ramp: $200 to $2,000
Outdoor wheelchair ramp: $1,200 to $5,000
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Wheelchair Ramp by Type?
You’ll need to know your options if you’re interested in making your home wheelchair accessible for older adults, people with disabilities, and folks recovering from surgery and injuries. There are a few different types of wheelchair ramps that suit different situations. They each come at varying costs.
| Type | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Permanent | $1,000–$6,000 |
| Semi-Permanent | $350–$2,000 |
| Modular | $400–$5,000 |
| Portable | $100–$2,000 |
| Mini | $100–$200 |
Permanent Ramps
Permanent wheelchair ramps cost between $1,000 and $6,000. Your contractor can construct them out of aluminum, steel, concrete, wood, or rubber (for thresholds).
Semi-Permanent Ramps
Semi-permanent ramps cost less to build than permanent ramps, ranging between $350 and $2,000. You can’t anchor them into the ground like permanent ramps, but they provide safety as well as flexibility, and you can move them. A popular type of semi-permanent ramp is a modular ramp.
Modular Ramps
At $400 to $5,000, modular ramps provide an affordable alternative to other wheelchair ramps. You can order prefabricated ramps and they’ll arrive at your door for your contractor to build. They’re quick and easy to assemble in less than a day, but if the measurements aren’t correct, your contractor will have major problems.
Portable Ramps
You’ll pay between $100 to $2,000 for a portable ramp. These are often used to help people get through a slightly elevated entryway or into a car—though they have a limited length. You can move them from place to place with ease and they come in a variety of options:
Folding ramps (or suitcase ramps): $100–$1,000
Roll-up ramps: $300–$1,300
Track ramps: $250–$2,000
Mini Ramps
A mini ramp is the most affordable ramp option at $100 to $200. Most commonly, you’ll find this ramp type on raised thresholds. They generally only reach a height of around a single stair step—but a lightweight aluminum construction makes them simple to build and transport.
Additional Cost Factors to Consider
Costs will depend on material, your location, the project’s complexity, and labor costs. In metropolitan areas, you can expect to pay 10% to 20% more for materials and twice the amount for labor.
Don’t forget to budget for additional factors like higher stairs, challenging building conditions, and ramp lighting. Check out these extra expenses that could increase your wheelchair ramp cost.
Slope
When it comes to safety, calculating the slope is vital for the design of a wheelchair ramp. The ADA requires slopes to measure 1:12 or no greater than a 8.33& slope. The maximum rise for any run should be less than 30 inches, and the ramp must have a consistent slope.
Ramps with lower slopes are safer to navigate, especially in bad weather like snow and rain. A too-steep ramp makes it difficult to use and causes wheelchairs to fall backward.
Additional ADA Features
Homeowners don’t legally have to follow ADA commercial guidelines—but it is a good idea. The ADA set these requirements to ensure the safety of wheelchair users. However, a wheelchair ramp is often just a starting point. The average homeowner spends $4,400 on the cost of making their home accessible. Here are some additional projects to consider:
Installing an indoor stair lift: $2,000 to $20,000
Widening a door: $300–$2,500 per door
Installing lower countertops: $1,900 to $4,400
Cost to Remove and Dispose of Damaged Ramp
If you’re replacing your existing wheelchair ramp, you’ll need to remove and dispose of the damaged ramp. Expect to pay your contractor’s hourly rate for the labor—and remember that the harder the material is to remove, the more it’s going to cost. For example, the cost of concrete demolition and removal is typically between $550 to $1,650.
Ramp Lighting
When the sun goes down, lighting makes your ramp safer to use. How much you spend on this ramp feature depends on the type of lighting. You can choose from several outdoor lighting options, but walkway lights typically cost $15 to $100.
Maintenance
Once you install your wheelchair ramp, you’ll need to keep it in tip-top shape. Typical ramp maintenance includes fixing damaged railings, replacing worn grit strips, refinishing wood, resurfacing concrete, replacing bent or warped aluminum, and addressing water accumulation. Expect to spend between $570 to $2,000 on annual wheelchair ramp maintenance costs.
Ramp Rentals
If you need a wheelchair ramp for a short period of time, you may want to rent a ramp instead of buying one. Wheelchair ramp rental generally costs $100 to $280 per month, plus a one-time installation fee between $300 to $800.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Wheelchair Ramp Yourself?
Many projects around the house are ideal for DIYing, but building a wheelchair ramp isn’t one of them. Constructing a ramp on your own can be dangerous and cause an injury.
While you can try to build a DIY wheelchair ramp for the cost of materials and avoid labor fees, it’s best to invest in hiring a local wheelchair ramp builder who is familiar with ADA guidelines and possesses the right tools and expertise for this project.
DIY Cost of Building a Wheelchair Ramp vs. Hiring a Pro
If you’re installing a DIY wheelchair ramp, it’s best to go the portable route. These ramps generally don’t require serious installation—but they’re not suitable for all situations. That said, you’ll save $35 to $100 per hour on professional labor, and the only real cost will be the price of the ramp.
Ways to Reduce the Cost of Building a Wheelchair Ramp
Budgeting for a quality wheelchair ramp can feel overwhelming, but there are ways to save. In fact, your ramp may be covered by insurance, or you may qualify for grants. Here are some tips for saving on a strategic build.
1. Minimize Size
Since larger ramps cost more, you can save money by choosing a compact—but still ADA compliant—ramp. If your wheelchair ramp is less than 30 feet long, you won’t have to spend on an additional landing.
2. Go Portable or Prefabricated
If you don’t need a long-term solution, you’ll save money by installing a portable ramp that you can use as needed. However, if you need a permanent solution, opt for a prefabricated wheelchair ramp or kit. These models are often simpler to install (hello, reduced labor costs) and typically made from budget-friendly materials.
3. Check Your Insurance Before You Build
Medicare, Medicaid, or your private insurance may cover the cost of a wheelchair ramp, but there are often a lot of stipulations. For example, Medicare classifies disability ramps as “durable medical equipment” (DME) which is fully reimbursable as long as a physician deems it medically necessary.
Medicare Advantage (MA) plans may even cover wheelchair ramps for people with various chronic conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or metastatic cancer. Before you build, go over your options with an insurance specialist.
4. Call the Department of Veteran Affairs
If you’re a veteran who needs assistance building a wheelchair ramp, there are two routes you can take. You might qualify for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Cash and Counseling benefit or a Home Improvement and Structural Alterations (HISA) grant. These resources can help cover the cost of accessibility modifications for qualified veterans.
5. Search for a Non-Profit or Local Assistance
There are a number of nonprofits that offer financial assistance—or build wheelchair ramps—for people in need. Your state or city may even have local programs that can offer assistance or discounts on medically necessary wheelchair ramps.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have Medicaid, you may be covered for a free wheelchair ramp with standard Medicaid or Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers.
Your physician will need to deem the wheelchair ramp medically necessary and submit prior authorization paperwork that Medicaid will approve or deny. If denied, you may file an appeal.
Some private insurance companies cover wheelchair ramps. When they don't, you may be eligible for government assistance programs. Check with your insurance company and your local government to learn your options.
Although regular Medicare covers wheelchairs and mobility equipment, they typically don’t cover wheelchair ramps. However, if you’re enrolled in Medicare Advantage, issued by private insurance companies, you may qualify. Call your Medicare Advantage representative to learn more.
The ADA requirements for wheelchair ramps include specifications for slope, length, landing, and handrail construction, although homeowners aren’t legally required to comply with these specifications.
Stair lifts and platform lifts are two alternatives to wheelchair ramps, both with unique benefits. Stair lifts are best for indoor use, while platform lifts can be installed in either indoor or outdoor settings. These alternatives are better for homes with limited space or when ADA compliance requires elevation changes that a ramp cannot accommodate.