How to Pick the Perfect Patio Door Ramps for Wheelchairs

Patio doors, which are often sliding glass doors, can be a double-edged sword for accessibility. They offer beautiful outdoor views and easy deck access for those to whom walking is easy, yet their raised tracks and thresholds pose a serious challenge for wheelchair users, seniors with walkers, and anyone with mobility issues. A small step or metal door track can feel like a mountain when you’re trying to roll over it, or at least a constant trip and fall hazard..

In fact, sliding glass door thresholds are almost always higher than a standard doorway threshold – sometimes by up to 6 inches on the outside and up to an inch on the inside – which by itself is a trip hazard. This common scenario, where the interior floor and exterior deck are at different heights, creates a significant barrier to safe, independent travel through the patio door. It’s no surprise that patio door ramps for wheelchairs have become a must-have addition for many homes.

A proper threshold ramp for a sliding glass door creates a bridge over the sliding door tracks, making outdoor spaces accessible to every member of the household. Importantly, not only do these ramps improve safety, they can also prevent damage – wheelchairs and scooters attempting to “bump” over a raised door track often end up bending or distorting the thin vertical track that sliding doors glide upon.. The good news is that the right ramp solution will eliminate these issues.

The Accessibility Challenge of Patio Door Thresholds

Why are patio door thresholds such a problem in the first place? The answer lies in how sliding doors are built. Unlike a standard entry door that might have a low doorstep, sliding doors usually have a metal track and frame that sits a couple of inches above the ground. This is by design: builders intentionally install sliding doors with a step down to the outside to keep rainwater and snowmelt from seeping into the house.

In fact, home experts recommend that exterior decks or patios be at least 2 to 3 inches lower than the interior floor to act as a water barrier. That’s great for preventing water damage, but it means even a typical sliding door can have a few inches of rise that wheels and feet must navigate. For someone using a wheelchair or walker, a threshold height of just 1.5 inches can already require assistance to get over safely. Many patios and decks are far lower than that, making the gap even more daunting.

So what can you do? This is where threshold ramps for patio doors come in. A threshold ramp for a sliding glass door creates a gentle slope over the threshold, evening out the rise between your interior floor and exterior deck. They effectively eliminate the step and cover the door track so wheels can roll smoothly through.

Can You Put a Wheelchair Ramp Over a Sliding Glass Door Threshold?

Yes – and it’s one of the best ways to make a patio door accessible. In the past, people often tried using two separate threshold ramps (one inside the door and one outside) to navigate a sliding door. While this does create a basic bridge, it’s an imperfect solution. Two separate ramps leave the door’s center track exposed, which means there’s still a bump (and trip hazard) in the middle. The exposed track can also be damaged by the repeated weight of wheels crossing it.

Additionally, it’s very hard to find two ramps that perfectly match the different heights of your interior and exterior floors. Often, one side will be a little too high or low, making the transition jarring or unsafe. Lastly, a makeshift setup might require removing the ramps every time you want to fully close the door – not exactly convenient.

The ideal approach is a unified sliding door ramp system that covers both sides of the threshold and the center track together. HandiRamp recognized this need and engineered a specialized sliding door threshold ramp kit to address the issue. This 3-part ramp kit provides a smooth, continuous platform over the door track so wheelchairs, scooters, and walkers can glide through without any obstruction. In other words, you can put a ramp over a sliding door threshold – the key is choosing one that’s purpose-built for the job, ensuring it addresses the threshold’s unique challenges.

What to Look For in a Wheelchair-Friendly Patio Door Ramp

Not all ramps are created equal. When evaluating patio door threshold ramps for wheelchairs, keep the following features in mind:

Low Profile & Gentle Slope:

The ramp should have a low rise and a long enough run to create a gentle incline on each side of the door. This makes it easy to roll over and prevents a steep “ski jump” feeling. Look for ramps that match the height of your door threshold closely (within ¼”, or adjustable) so the transition is nearly flat. Remember, the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) identifies any height difference over ⅛” on a walking surface as a trip and fall hazard.

Smooth Transition (Track Coverage):

A good sliding door wheelchair ramp will cover the sliding door’s track or threshold completely, creating a smooth bridge between inside and outside. There should be no gaps or exposed rails that wheels could get stuck in. For sliding glass doors, this often means a multi-part system (an indoor ramp, an outdoor ramp, and a center bridge) that meets flush in the middle. The goal is a seamless surface that you barely notice as you roll or step over it.

Non-Slip Surface:

Safety is paramount, especially for outdoor ramps that might get wet from rain or snow. Choose a ramp with a high-traction, non-skid surface. For instance, HandiRamp’s aluminum threshold ramps use a patented raised-button surface that maintains traction even in rain, sleet, or up to an inch of snow. This kind of grip is far superior to plain metal, grit tape, or rubber surfaces, which can become slick when wet. A ramp should also have beveled or rounded edges so there’s nothing sharp to trip on.

Durable Materials:

Ramps can be made of rubber or metal, but for a patio door ramp that sees frequent use and outdoor weather, you’ll want something that lasts. Aluminum is a popular choice because it’s rust-proof, strong, and lightweight, and it won’t wear down quickly as rubber under heavy use. Many aluminum threshold ramps support a 600–750 lb weight capacity, enough for power wheelchairs plus the user.

Custom Fit & Flexibility:

Every patio door is a bit different. The best threshold ramps for patio doors offer multiple sizes or adjustable sections to fit your particular threshold height and door width. For instance, if your sliding door opening is narrow, you might need a shorter bridge plate, whereas wider doorways need wider ramps. A one-size-fits-all ramp may not give a perfect fit, so look for ramps that come in various heights and widths (or can be cut/adjusted) for a snug result.

Also consider whether the ramp can remain in place. Ideally, it should be permanent but flexible – meaning you can leave it installed, and still open/close the door normally when needed. Some ramps achieve this with a hinged center section that you can flip up, so the door slides closed without hitting the ramp.

Designed for Sliding Doors:

This might sound obvious, but if you have a sliding patio door, make sure the ramp is specifically meant for sliding door thresholds. Many generic threshold ramps are made for standard doors or single-step transitions and might not accommodate the sliding door track. (In fact, for sliding patio doors, only an aluminum sliding door threshold ramp system will truly be compatible in most cases.) A ramp built for sliding doors will account for the U-shaped door channel and often include a bridging piece to protect it.

HandiRamp's Sliding Door Threshold Ramp: A 3-Part Solution

When it comes to specialized patio door ramps for wheelchairs, HandiRamp’s Sliding Door Threshold Ramp Kit is the standout solution. This system was engineered specifically to overcome the challenges of sliding glass doors. It consists of three interlocking parts: an indoor ramp, an outdoor ramp, and a center crossover bridge that spans the threshold. Each section is custom-made to match your door’s measurements, creating a unified ramp that flawlessly fits your doorway.

🧩Unique 3-Part Design

Unlike off-the-shelf ramps, this kit provides a ramp on both the inside and outside of the door, plus a hinged bridge plate that covers the middle door track. The result is a continuous, flat platform that eliminates any gap or bump from the door frame. The three pieces work together as one: the crossover bridge is hinged to the outdoor ramp and rests on a small lip of the indoor ramp when deployed, completely covering the threshold gap. This design protects the door track from damage and removes the trip hazard entirely.

📏Customizable Sizing for a Perfect Fit

Every home is different, so HandiRamp offers this kit in a range of sizes. You can choose the height of the indoor and outdoor ramp sections (available in 1-inch increments from 1″ up to 9″ high) to match the exact rise of your thresholds. The center bridge comes in multiple lengths and widths as well – four standard bridge widths (23″, 25″, 27″, or 29″) are available to accommodate various door opening widths. Essentially, you measure your door and pick each component size to fit, rounding up to the next higher inch. The kit is then made to those specs, giving you a snug, custom solution rather than a “close enough” generic ramp.

🔧Permanent Yet Flexible Installation

One huge advantage of this system is that it can stay in place year-round – it’s designed as a permanent solution – yet it won’t impede the door’s normal operation. The aluminum ramps sit flush on the floor/deck on each side of the threshold, secured with a few screws so they won’t slip out of position. The center bridge is hinged, so when someone needs to pass through, you simply fold the bridge down to form a sturdy pathway. When not in use, flip the bridge up and out of the way; the sliding door can then close completely without removing the ramps. This “best of both worlds” design means you always have an accessible doorway when you need it, and a fully functional sliding door when you don’t.

🛑Non-Slip, High-Traction Surface

The entire ramp kit is made of heavy-duty aluminum and features HandiRamp’s patented raised-button traction surface. Even if the outdoor ramp gets wet from rain or snow, the textured surface helps prevent slips. Safety was a top priority in the design, and it shows.

🇺🇸Sturdy and USA-Made

This is a robust piece of equipment, built to hold up to 750 pounds. That means it can easily handle power wheelchairs, mobility scooters, plus the occupant and a caregiver walking alongside if needed. The ramps are constructed from aerospace-grade aluminum for strength without bulk, and they will not rust or rot even in harsh weather. All components are made in the USA with quality craftsmanship, and the system comes with a 1-year warranty from the manufacturer for peace of mind.

By addressing the specific challenges of sliding doors – different interior/exterior heights, the problematic center channel, and the need to close the door – HandiRamp’s kit has really set itself apart. It’s a unified, purpose-built ramp that solves issues that ad-hoc solutions could not.

Comparing Your Options: Generic Ramps vs. a Sliding Door Ramp Kit

Criteria	HandiRamp Sliding Door Threshold Ramp (Best Overall)	Rubber Threshold Ramps	Generic Aluminum Threshold Ramps
Protects sliding door tracks	Yes — engineered specifically for sliding doors	No	No
Adjustable height (fine-tunable)	Kit includes ramps with your custom height	Limited, fixed height options	Sometimes
Surface traction (wet/ice/mud)	High-traction, non-slip raised buttons	Varies; can get slick outside	Varies; often just a piece of grit tape applied to a flat panel
Door can operate normally over ramp	Yes	Sometimes	Sometimes
Durability	All-weather aluminum	Can degrade/crack	Good (if quality aluminum)
Custom widths/solutions	Available	Limited sizes	Limited sizes
Aesthetics (finished look)	Multiple colors available	Only available in black	Usually only available in silver
Install time & tools	Fast; basic tools	Fast; no tools	Fast; may require anchors
Warranty/support	Robust manufacturer support and 3-year warranty	Varies	Varies

Buying Guide: Measuring for the Perfect Patio Door Ramp

Picking the perfect ramp starts with a bit of measuring. Don’t worry – it’s only four simple measurements, and you probably already have the tools you need (a tape measure, and maybe a notepad). By gathering this information, you’ll be able to order a patio door threshold ramp that fits like a glove.

How do I measure for a sliding door ramp?

📐 Interior Threshold Height

On the inside of your sliding door, measure the vertical distance from the floor up to the top of the door threshold (the top of the track that the door rides on). In other words, how high is the little “step” at the sliding door’s bottom frame above your interior floor? If you have carpet, measure from the surface of the carpet. This gives you the rise that your indoor ramp section needs to accommodate.

📐 Exterior Threshold Height

Next, go outside and measure from the deck, patio, or ground up to the top of the exterior threshold. This is often different from the inside height. For example, you might find the outside step is a couple inches taller (especially if you have a sunken patio or deck). Record this height – it’s the rise your outdoor ramp section needs to cover.

📏 Width of the Threshold (Front-to-Back Distance)

With the door open, measure the total depth of the threshold from the inside edge to the outside edge. Essentially, measure how wide the door frame is, or the gap you need to bridge across. This distance determines how long the crossover bridge must be to cover the threshold from one ramp to the other. (Tip: If your door track has multiple channels or a raised center rail, measure to the far edge of the outermost piece that needs to be covered.)

🚪 Clear Door Opening Width

Finally, measure how wide the doorway is when the sliding door is fully open. Slide your door to its maximum open position and measure the clear width of the opening (from the door jamb to the edge of the open door panel). This tells you the maximum width of a ramp (or person/device) that can go through. Your crossover bridge width should be small enough to fit within this opening, while wide enough to comfortably accommodate your wheelchair or walker.

With these four measurements in hand (indoor rise, outdoor rise, threshold depth, and door opening width), you have all the info needed to select the right ramp kit.

📊 Choosing Ramp Heights

Select an outdoor ramp height that is equal to or just slightly taller than your exterior threshold rise, and an indoor ramp height equal/taller than the interior rise. It’s often recommended to round up to the nearest inch for a perfect fit. For example, if your outside threshold measured 3½″ high, choose a 4″ high outdoor ramp section. The ramp will then completely cover the step without coming up short.

🔧 Installation Tips

One great aspect of the HandiRamp sliding door ramp kit is that installation is straightforward. You don’t need to pour concrete or make major modifications. The ramp will arrive as three pieces (the indoor section, the outdoor section, and the crossover bridge). After that, you simply position the outdoor and indoor ramps snug against your threshold on each side, ensuring they’re parallel and aligned. Secure the ramps to the floor or deck with a couple of screws through the provided holes so they won’t slip out of place. Once everything is in place, test the fit: the crossover bridge should sit nicely on the lip of the indoor ramp, creating a flush path. When you lift the bridge, the door should slide closed without obstruction.

The Life-Changing Benefits of a Good Threshold Ramp

Beyond all the specs and installation details, it’s worth remembering the bigger picture: a proper patio door ramp can dramatically improve daily life for you and your loved ones. It’s not just about convenience – it’s about safety, independence, and dignity. For a senior who wants to age in place, something as simple as stepping out onto the porch can become a risky ordeal without modifications. A well-designed ramp removes that risk, letting you go outside to enjoy your garden or greet the neighbors without fear of a fall.

Isolation is a common issue when mobility is limited – people may avoid going outside or to certain parts of the home if it’s too difficult or dangerous to navigate. By installing a threshold ramp over your sliding door, you open up your home environment, making it possible to move freely between indoors and outdoors. That means more fresh air, more social visits on the back patio, and an overall better quality of life.

Statistics show that many older adults recognize the importance of these kinds of home modifications. Over half of adults aged 50+ say they need a home that supports independent aging, and 71% anticipate needing entryway enhancements (like ramps) to help them live safely and independently as they age. It’s not hard to see why – a small change like a threshold ramp can prevent accidents and eliminate the need to ask for help each time, preserving one’s independence.

Emotionally, the impact is huge. No one likes to feel confined or dependent on others for simple things. When you install a proper patio door ramp, you’re not just modifying your house – you’re reclaiming a loved one’s freedom to move and share your outdoor space. It’s an investment in caring, peace of mind, and everyday comfort.

Final Thoughts: Why the Right Patio Door Ramp Matters

Choosing the right patio door ramp for a wheelchair or walker user in your home is an important decision – and hopefully, this guide has given you the knowledge and confidence to make the best choice. We’ve highlighted why sliding door thresholds are tricky, what features to look for in a ramp, and how HandiRamp’s 3-part sliding door threshold ramp kit provides a complete solution. We’ve also walked through how to measure and select the perfect fit.

Don’t wait for a stumble or close call to spur you into action. Take a few minutes today to measure your sliding glass door threshold and see how a ramp could make a difference. With a proper threshold ramp in place, your patio door can go from a troublesome barrier to a gateway of freedom. It’s time to open that door to safety, independence, and peace of mind – your loved ones (and your future self) will thank you for it.