How to Choose the Right Disability Ramp for Your Home

  • Australian Made
  • 100% Recycled Rubber
  • No Drilling Required
  • NDIS Registered

Choosing the right disability ramp for your home can feel overwhelming. There are different materials, gradients, sizes, and price points to consider – and the right choice depends on your specific mobility needs, your home’s layout, and your budget. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to make an informed decision.

Step 1: Identify Your Access Barriers

Before looking at ramp options, walk through your home and identify every point where there’s a height change. Common barriers include:

  • Front door threshold
  • Back door or side door steps
  • Sliding door tracks
  • Internal doorway lips between rooms
  • Bathroom entry step
  • Shower hob or recess lip
  • Laundry or garage entry step
  • Patio or verandah step

For each barrier, measure the height of the step and the width of the doorway or opening. These measurements will determine what type and size of ramp you need.

Step 2: Understand Ramp Gradients

The gradient (or slope) of a ramp determines how steep it is. This is expressed as a ratio:

  • 1:10 gradient – For every 10mm of height, the ramp extends 100mm in length. This is a gentle slope, ideal for wheelchair users and people with limited strength. For a 50mm step, the ramp would be 500mm long.
  • 1:8 gradient – Slightly steeper. For a 50mm step, the ramp would be 400mm long. Suitable for most wheelchair and walker users and takes up less floor space.
  • 1:6 gradient – Steeper still. Generally only suitable for able-bodied walking access or very minor height changes.

Australian Standard AS1428.1 specifies gradient requirements for disability access. A 1:8 gradient is commonly accepted for most residential applications, while a 1:10 or gentler gradient may be recommended by your occupational therapist for specific needs.

The key consideration is floor space. A gentler gradient creates a longer ramp. Make sure you have enough room in front of the doorway to accommodate the ramp length your gradient requires.

Step 3: Choose Your Ramp Material

Recycled rubber ramps – Best for doorway thresholds, sliding doors, shower access, and any indoor or outdoor application where you want a discreet, no-fuss solution. Rubber ramps require no installation (no drilling or bolting), are weatherproof, slip-resistant, and can be removed easily. They’re custom-made to your exact measurements. Ideal for rental properties.

Aluminium ramps – Best for larger height changes, portable/folding ramps for travel, and situations where a lightweight solution is needed. Aluminium ramps can be noisy, cold to touch, and may require fixings. They come in standard sizes and may not be a perfect fit for your specific doorway.

Timber ramps – Best for permanent outdoor installations where a larger height change needs to be addressed (e.g., multiple front steps). Timber ramps typically require council approval, professional construction, and ongoing maintenance. They’re the most expensive option but provide a permanent structural solution.

Concrete ramps – Best for permanent commercial or high-traffic applications. Concrete ramps require professional construction, council approval, and are not removable. They’re the most permanent and expensive option.

Step 4: Consider Your Specific Needs

Ask yourself these questions:

  • Is this for a rental property? If yes, you need a ramp that doesn’t require permanent modification – rubber ramps are ideal.
  • Is this a temporary or long-term need? If temporary (e.g., recovery from surgery), a removable ramp makes more sense than a permanent installation.
  • Will the ramp be used outdoors? Make sure it’s weatherproof and UV-resistant.
  • Who will be using it? Wheelchair users, walker users, and mobility scooter users all have slightly different needs. An OT can provide specific recommendations.
  • Is there an NDIS plan or Home Care Package? If so, your ramp may be fully or partially funded.

Step 5: Get Professional Advice

For anything beyond a simple threshold ramp, we strongly recommend getting professional advice. An occupational therapist can assess your home and mobility needs, recommend appropriate ramp types and gradients, and provide documentation for NDIS or aged care funding applications.

At Ramps R Us, we also offer free home assessments where we’ll identify all your access barriers and recommend the best solutions. There’s no obligation – we’re happy to provide expert advice even if you’re still in the research stage.

Call us on 0422 166 173 or email info@rampsrus.com.au to book your free assessment.

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Why Choose Us

  • Custom-made to your exact measurements
  • 100% recycled Australian tyre rubber
  • No drilling, bolting, or gluing
  • AS1428.1 compliant
  • NDIS registered provider
  • 4-year guarantee
  • Free removal if no longer needed
  • Made in Mentone, Melbourne