When it comes to ensuring the safety and accessibility of your home, every detail matters. One often overlooked aspect of your home is the patio door, which is often a sliding glass door. Sliding patio doors can be challenging for wheelchair users due to the sliding door tracks as well as the high threshold that often exists on the outside of the door, creating a barrier that can be difficult and unsafe to navigate. Without a proper ramp solution, those using mobility devices may struggle to enter and exit smoothly, which not only increases the risk of injury but also prevents certain loved ones from being able to enjoy outdoor spaces.

Installing a ramp that is made specifically for patio doors ensures a safer, smoother transition, enhancing accessibility and independence for wheelchair users while protecting the sliding door track itself. This simple addition can make a significant difference in creating an inclusive and welcoming environment. But with e-commerce giants like Amazon recommending a myriad of patio door ramp options, how do you know which one is safest for your home and loved ones?

In this blog, we will explore the difference between fixed height & length ramps and custom-made sliding patio door ramps so you can confidently purchase a ramp for your patio door.

The Drawbacks of Fixed Height & Length Patio Door Ramps

Limited Sizes

The patio door ramps you’ll find on Amazon or from other similar retailers are built as simple bridges, (need images) meaning they have a fixed height and length and you’re only able to choose from a few available widths/lengths, with the height usually being only one or two inches. While this might accommodate the rise needed to clear the metal tracks of the sliding door on the inside of the home, it doesn’t account for the rest of the patio door threshold, especially on the outside. If you don’t see the measurements you need listed as options for the ramp, you’re out of luck!

Not Made for Most Outdoor Thresholds

Beyond limited size availability, outdoor decks and patios are typically built several inches lower than the sliding door frame prevent water from entering the home. This means that while the patio door threshold on the inside of your home may be an inch or two, the outdoor threshold can be a rise of up to 9 inches. With only a one or two-inch rise option, fixed patio door threshold ramps cannot accommodate these varying heights and specific dimensions.

Stability Issues

As discussed in the previous two sections, it is very difficult to find a fixed ramp that actually fits both sides of your patio door threshold. Buying a fixed ramp runs the risk of purchasing an “okay” fit rather than a safer, perfect one. While it may look like it bridges the threshold, an improper fit can substantially affect the stability and safety of the ramp when in use. Not to mention, some fixed patio door ramps only have weight capacities of around 200-300 lbs, preventing the use of heavier mobility devices like motorized scooters. If the ramp is unstable and fails due to the reasons above, there is usually no warranty for these types of generic ramps.

Why Choose a Custom-Made HandiRamp Sliding Door Threshold Ramp Kit?

As one of the country’s oldest threshold ramp manufacturers, HandiRamp has decades of accessibility expertise. We custom-fabricate each sliding glass door ramp to order, ensuring it perfectly fits your threshold and your needs.

Fits Your Patio Door Perfectly

Consisting of an indoor ramp, an outdoor ramp, and a crossover bridge, HandiRamp’s sliding patio door threshold ramp kit is custom-made to fit your threshold’s exact measurements, ensuring a safe, perfect fit every time. Unlike generic fixed ramps, which come in limited sizes and cannot accommodate the unique height and width of your sliding door threshold, HandiRamp’s tailored solutions are designed specifically for your needs.

The customizer allows you to choose from a myriad of threshold heights and widths in order to make your perfect ramp. Plus, another perk of ordering straight from a distinguished manufacturer like HandiRamp is that if you don’t see the size you need online, or have a unique application for your ramp, one of our product specialists can work with you to create a further customized patio door ramp.

This precise customization not only provides a seamless transition for wheelchair users but also enhances safety and stability. By addressing the specific dimensions of your threshold, HandiRamp guarantees a reliable and secure ramp that blends effortlessly with your home’s design while offering superior accessibility.

Increased Stability & Weight Capacity

HandiRamp’s patio door ramps are expertly fabricated with increased stability and safety due to their custom design, tailored precisely to your threshold’s dimensions. This bespoke approach ensures a snug fit, reducing any risk of wobbling or slipping, which is often a concern with generic, one-size-fits-all ramps. Additionally, HandiRamp ramps boast a higher weight capacity at 750 lbs compared to standard options, providing robust support for a variety of mobility devices and users. This combination of custom fit and enhanced strength results in a safer, more reliable ramp solution, giving you peace of mind and improved accessibility for your home. Should anything happen to your ramp, HandiRamp offers a comprehensive 5-year warranty.

Can Stay In Place With Door Full Open or Closed

Unlike generic threshold ramps, HandiRamp patio door ramps are designed for convenience and ease of use, eliminating the need to move them every time you access your sliding door. Unlike portable ramps that require constant placement and removal, our custom patio door ramps can stay securely in place, allowing the sliding door to close completely even with the ramp installed. The flip-up hinged crossover bridge greatly simplifies daily use for wheelchair users, as they no longer need to handle the ramp each time they want to go in or out. For added convenience, we offer an optional stick that allows wheelchair users to easily maneuver the crossover bridge as needed, ensuring smooth and hassle-free transitions.

Durable & Weather Resistant

HandiRamp patio door ramps are designed with a robust welded aluminum construction, ensuring exceptional durability and stability, even in outdoor settings. Their weather-resistant properties make them ideal for use where half of the ramp is exposed to the elements, safeguarding against rust and degradation. Additionally, these ramps feature an exclusive raised button traction surface, which enhances grip and minimizes the risk of slips and falls in a variety of weather conditions, providing peace of mind for users as they transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Expert Installation & Usage Support

Although our patio door ramps are designed for quick and easy installation, our expert staff is always available for one-on-one support. We pride ourselves on providing constant customer support, ensuring you can reach out at any time with inquiries or concerns about your ramp. Whether you need installation guidance or have general questions, when you buy from HandiRamp, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

The HandiRamp Difference

While generic fixed length and height threshold ramps from Amazon might seem like a quick fix, they can compromise safety and accessibility. Investing in a custom-made HandiRamp Sliding Door Threshold Ramp Kit is a smarter, safer, and more reliable choice. With a perfect fit, individualized support, and enhanced stability and durability, HandiRamp provides the optimal solution for ensuring safe and easy access through your sliding patio door.

Accessibility, Safety

Fixed vs Custom Patio Door Ramps