The Essential Guide to Modular Ramps: Width & Slope Requirements for Residential and Commercial Use
Hey friend! If you're reading this, chances are you’re staring down one of those home-accessibility puzzles—like “How wide and steep should a wheelchair ramp be?” We’ve all heard the stories… someone’s Uncle Bob grabs a pile of scrap lumber, swears he’s “got this,” and before you know it, you’ve got a backyard ramp that’s more of a ski jump. That’s when you realize—ramp specs matter. The good news? There’s a smarter, safer way: modular wheelchair ramps, and they’re a total game-changer—especially for homes right here in Central PA and Maryland.
Why I’m Cheering for Modular Ramps 🥳
When I first heard “modular ramp,” I pictured something straight out of IKEA—come in pieces, add a little Allen wrench, and voilà! Turned out, it’s even better:
Quick, versatile setup: No need to wait weeks. These prefabricated, adjustable sections can be built to your exact rise and landing needs.
Built tough: Those rainy Lancaster winters? Never had to worry about rot or rust.
Cost-smart: Grandpa Lou’s custom ramp plan? Twice the price and took months. The modular ramp we installed in his front yard? Child’s play, delivered affordability, and he was rolling in days.
Residential vs. Commercial: What You Need to Know
Residential Ramp Rules (aka Your Friendly Neighborhood Guide)
If it’s a residential modular ramp, for most municipalities there is no permit required. These are considered temporary structures because, in most cases, they are not attached to the structure of your home (temporary, but very sturdy and safe).
We followed the ADA standard slope (1:12)—that’s 1 inch of rise for every 12 inches of ramp. It’s gentle, safe, and keeps anyone from huffing on the way up.
We went with a 36″ clear width—plenty roomy for her wheelchair, her walker, and yes, even her giant cat if he decided to join the parade.
Commercial Ramps (Think Public, Think Extra Space)
From churches to store fronts, most commercial spaces are federally regulated to provide ADA access. A modular ramp may be your most affordable option.
We stuck with 1:12 slope, but for safety during peak hours, we actually opted for a 1:14–1:16 slope, just to give patrons a smoother ride.
48″ width let folks pass each other comfortably—no one getting stuck in a narrow hallway grumble.
Do Residential Ramps Need to Be ADA Compliant?
Short answer? Nope! If you’re installing a ramp at your private residence, you’re not legally required to follow ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) guidelines. Those rules are meant for public buildings, businesses, and multi-family units—not single-family homes like yours.
But here’s the thing: just because it’s not required doesn’t mean it’s not a good idea.
Most of the families we work with in Central PA and Maryland choose to follow ADA specs anyway. Why?
It’s safer: The 1:12 slope (one foot of ramp for every inch of rise) makes getting in and out of the house way easier—especially for manual wheelchair users or older adults with walkers.
It’s comfortable: Wider ramps (at least 36″) and level landings mean fewer bumps and better maneuverability.
It’s future-ready: Thinking about aging in place? Renting or selling someday? ADA-compliant ramps add long-term value and accessibility.
So while it’s not mandatory, going the ADA route is kind of like putting on your seatbelt—it just makes sense. And with modular ramps, hitting those specs is easy, affordable, and totally customizable to your home’s setup.
Common Pain Points (And the Modular Fixes)
You'd be surprised how often one of these pops up—I’ve seen them all:
Too-steep porches: Leaves folks winded or shaky. Modular ramps allow us to extend the run or add switchbacks, keeping that slope comfortable.
Cramped entries: You wanna fit through your doorway while navigating the ramp? We custom-fit widths from 36″ up to 60″ if needed—no squeezing, no complaining.
Weather woes: Remember those slippery steps? We go with non-slip aluminum, so no more wet-weather hazards.
Options on the go: Renting a ramp while renovating? Modular rigs are portable and reuse-friendly.
How To Nail Your Ramp Design
Measure your rise (ground to threshold). Let’s say it’s 24″—you’ll need at least 24′ of ramp for a 1:12 slope.
Decide on width: 36″ is standard for home use—but I’ve even built 42″ ramps when a wider model or caregiver access was needed.
Factor in landings: You’ll want at least 60″ long at the top and bottom for turning. If you’re tight on yard space, a switchback landing can work wonders.
Consider slope comfort: A 1:14–1:16 slope adds minimal extra length but feels noticeably easier, especially for independent users.
Authentically Keystone Accessibility
Here’s where Keystone Accessibility truly shines (not to brag, but we’ve got heart):
We hop in the truck, head out to Harrisburg, York, Lancaster, or the Westminster & Frederick, MD area, and on-site measure your entry so we get it right the first time.
We handle the full package: design, permitting, delivery, installation. You just pick the color (or don’t—we don’t judge).
We take the stress off caregivers—offering compassionate guidance so your loved ones feel safe, valued, and at ease.
Down the line, if you ever need a porch upgrade or a longer ramp—we simply reconfigure what you already have. No redoing everything.
What You’re Probably Searching For (And Why This Ramp Checks Every Box)
I’m guessing you typed in something like “modular wheelchair ramp,” “residential wheelchair ramp,” or maybe even “ADA compliant ramp Maryland.” That’s probably what brought you here—and if you're anything like most families we work with, you're looking for something that’s portable, durable, safe, and doesn’t require a full construction crew.
Well, you’re in luck. Modular ramps deliver on all those needs. They’re easy to install, fully ADA compliant, and built to last. Whether you’re planning long-term aging in place, helping out a veteran parent, or just need a temporary setup after surgery, this kind of ramp makes life simpler—for everyone.
Your FAQs, Answered
Q: “Could a gentler slope help my mom?”
A: Absolutely. Bumping to a 1:14–1:16 slope adds minimal ramp length and makes every trip feel more comfortable.
Q: “How about cost—what’s the price window?”
A: Prices can vary quite a bit, it really depends on your layout. The good news is, we can give you a ballpark over the phone with a few questions and in 1 or 2 days we could be at your front door giving you an in person consultation to make sure it’s designed right for YOU. We service commercial and residential homes right here in Central PA and MD.
Q: “Are modular ramps legal?”
A: 100% yes—when built to ADA slope, width, rail, and landing specs, they satisfy federal and local laws for commercial spaces.
Ready for a Pain-Free Entrance Experience?
Let’s ditch the steep steps and the DIY stress. Whether you’re in Central Pennsylvania (Harrisburg, Lancaster, York, and beyond) or Maryland (Westminster, Hagerstown, Frederick, and beyond), we’re here to help.
Contact Keystone Accessibility for your free home assessment, and let’s build a safe, welcoming path that truly invites independence.
👉 Call us today or book your appointment online and let the modular ramp magic begin!
Thanks for trusting me to guide you through this. If you ever need help choosing between slope options, fitting a porch layout, or even just want to chat about which flowers would brighten the walkway, you know I’m just a message away!
