Building a wheelchair ramp costs $2,234, though most homeowners pay between $1,061 and $3,407 depending on its materials and the size your pro builds.
Wheelchair ramp installation costs range from $55 and $275 per linear foot
The ramp's size, type, material, and features have the largest impact on price.
Rubber is the most cost-effective material option, while steel and concrete are often the most costly.
You can choose between mini, portable, modular, semi-permanent, and permanent ramp types, each varying in price and function.
Labor costs depend on the type of contractor you hire.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Installing a wheelchair ramp enhances accessibility and independence for individuals using wheelchairs, scooters, or walkers. The cost to install a wheelchair ramp ranges from averages $2,234. Some homeowners spend as little as $382 or as much as $5,900, depending on project specifics. The ramp's size, type, material, and features impact the price most. Rubber is the most cost-effective material option, while steel and concrete are often the most costly. You can choose between mini, portable, modular, semi-permanent, and permanent ramp types, each varying in price and function. Labor costs vary depending on the type of contractor your project requires.
The cost of a standard 24-linear-foot wheelchair ramp depends largely on its material, size, and type. Additional factors that can affect the price include weight specifications, landings, handrails, and special features like a stair lift.
The longer and wider your ramp, the higher the cost. Wheelchair ramp installation costs range from $55 and $275 per linear foot, depending on the material, type, and labor rates. A small 4-foot ramp starts at $220, while a 32-foot ramp can cost up to $8,800.
Wheelchair Ramp Length in Linear Feet | Average Price Range (Including Materials and Installation) |
---|---|
4 | $220–$1,100 |
8 | $440–$2,200 |
12 | $660–$3,300 |
16 | $880–$4,400 |
20 | $1,100–$5,500 |
24 | $1,320–$6,600 |
28 | $1,540–$7,700 |
32 | $1,760–$8,800 |
The material you choose for your ramp significantly affects the price. Options include concrete, wood, aluminum, steel, prefabricated aluminum, rubber, or composite. Rubber ramps are the most affordable, while steel and concrete are often the most costly.
Wheelchair Ramp Material | Average Price Range per Linear Foot |
---|---|
Concrete | $220–$275 |
Wood | $110–$275 |
Aluminum | $165–$220 |
Steel/metal | $220–$275 |
Prefabricated aluminum | $110–$165 |
Rubber | $55–$165 |
Composite | $165–$220 |
The type of ramp you choose will also affect the total cost. Mini or portable ramps are the most cost-effective options, while sturdier types like semi-permanent, modular, and permanent ramps are more expensive.
Type of Ramp | Average Price Range |
---|---|
Mini | $110–$220 |
Portable | $110–$2,200 |
Modular | $440–$5,500 |
Semi-permanent | $385–$2,200 |
Permanent | $1,100–$6,600 |
Several other factors, such as labor, permits, location, and additional features, must also be considered when installing a wheelchair ramp.
Labor costs depend on the type of ramp you're building and the professional wheelchair ramp installer you hire. For example, building a wooden ramp requires a carpenter, while a concrete ramp requires a mason.
Carpenters cost around $38 to $110 per hour, while a handyperson costs around $66 to $72 per hour. If you need to hire a mason for pathway installation, expect to pay around $2,000 to $5,300 per project. Any contractor you hire should be licensed and familiar with Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations.
Check with your local building office before beginning your project to see if they require a permit. If so, expect to pay between $30 and $130 for the building permit cost. The contractor you hire may handle the permit process for you.
The ramp location can often impact the price. Outdoor ramps are longer and require more durable materials, while indoor ramps need to be shorter and more portable. An indoor ramp may range between $220 and $2,200, while an outdoor ramp costs $1,320 to $5,500.
Installing a wheelchair ramp is often just one part of remodeling a home for accessibility. Depending on your needs, you may also need to budget for additional features such as stair lifts, elevators, or doorway widening.
Feature | Average Cost Range |
---|---|
Stair lift | $2,200–$22 |
Doorway widening | $330–$2,750 |
Elevator or chairlift | $2,750–$6,380 |
While homeowners aren't legally required to comply with the ADA requirements for wheelchair ramps, following these guidelines ensures safety and accessibility for wheelchair users in your home. Key points to consider:
Slope: For every one inch in height, there should be one foot in length(maximum permissible slope).
Width: Ramps should be at least 36 inches wide.
Landings: Runs shouldn’t exceed 30 feet (30 inches in height) without a landing between the top and bottom.
Financial assistance may be available for people with disabilities who need a permanent or modular ramp. Exploring options like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs benefits, and other assistance programs can help reduce your costs.
According to Medicare policy, disability ramps are considered durable medical equipment (DME) and are fully reimbursable if used for medical purposes. However, a licensed physician must deem the structure medically necessary.
Alternatively, Medicare Advantage (MA) plans might cover wheelchair ramp costs for eligible people with certain chronic conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and metastatic cancer.
Medicaid is a federal program administered by the states, so policies vary. In many states, Medicaid follows the same guidelines as Medicare and will only reimburse the costs of a wheelchair ramp if a physician deems it medically necessary.
In some states, low-income older adults and people with disabilities can pursue assistance via standard Medicaid or Home and Community-Based Service Waivers (HCBS Waivers). With these, ramps are considered home modifications covered fully or partially.
Older people may also be qualified for the Money Follows the Person Program, which provides financial assistance for those transitioning from a nursing home to a personal residence that needs modifications. Again, this option is only offered in some places, so check availability with your state.
Veterans may qualify for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Cash and Counseling benefit. Qualified veterans receive a care budget to select the necessary services and supplies. Any money spent outside of that budget is paid out of pocket.
Veterans may also be eligible for VA Home Improvement and Structural Alterations Grants (HISA Grants). These grants help make home modifications to improve accessibility. Those whose disabilities are military service-related may qualify for up to $7,500, while those with disabilities not related to their time served may receive up to $2,200.
Other financial assistance options include state-based assistance, older adult care loans, and nonprofit assistance. Their availability varies by location.
For short-term needs, wheelchair ramp rental costs between $110 and $308 monthly. The initial installation requires a one-time charge of about $330 to $880. The cost of rental and installation depends on the specific configuration needed. The longer the ramp, the higher the rates. Many rental companies allow you to use a portion of the rental fee toward a future purchase if you need a ramp permanently.
Wheelchair ramps are essential for improving mobility and independence. While insurance and grants can help cover the costs, you can also save money with these tips:
Choose cost-effective materials: Opt for budget-friendly options like rubber to minimize material costs.
Consider prefabricated kits: Prefabricated ramps can lower labor and material expenses.
Check your insurance coverage: Before you begin, verify whether your insurance provider covers the project.
Minimize ramp size: To reduce costs, choose the smallest ramp size that meets your needs.
Seek assistance from nonprofits: Local nonprofits may offer assistance or discounts on medically necessary wheelchair ramps.
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the 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.
The time frame for installing a wheelchair ramp depends on the ramp’s design complexity, the number of modifications required, permit processing times, and labor efforts. A contractor can install a prefabricated model in as little as a few hours, while custom-built designs can take multiple days.
The cost to repair a wheelchair ramp is between $625 and $2,200, depending on the ramp type and the severity of the damage. Portable ramps are often the least expensive to repair, while custom wooden and aluminum models are the most costly.
Many private insurance companies cover wheelchair ramps when the equipment is essential for home accessibility improvements. It is important to consult your insurance provider to confirm specific benefit details and any necessary prerequisites. In cases where your private insurer does not offer coverage, government assistance programs may provide the financial support required for installing the ramp.
Wheelchair ramps must meet ADA guidelines that specify criteria for slope, landing dimensions, length, and handrail construction. Although homeowners are not legally mandated to follow these standards, meeting them greatly enhances safety and functionality. Ensure your ramp maintains the maximum slope ratio of one inch per foot and includes secure, appropriately sized landings and handrails for optimal access.
Wheelchair ramps are not the sole answer to home accessibility needs. Stairlifts and platform lifts offer viable alternatives, with stair lifts providing effective indoor mobility support and platform lifts accommodating both indoor and outdoor settings. These options are particularly beneficial in homes with limited space or where elevation changes exceed ramp capabilities, and they must be installed with strict safety measures.