Small Steps, Wide Doors: Solving the Thresholds That Keep You Indoors

The barrier you stop noticing

Most conversations about accessibility begin with the large obstacles: stairs, steep hills, inaccessible buildings. In daily life, however, it is often the small things that decide whether a mobility aid leaves the hallway. A two-inch lip at the front door. A raised threshold into the conservatory. A kerb without a drop. A Georgian doorway that is just narrow enough to make a wheelchair or scooter feel unwelcome.

These barriers are modest, which is precisely why they are worth addressing. They are rarely solved by a major building project. More often they require a measurement, a conversation and a well-chosen ramp or threshold strip. The aim is not a perfect house but a usable one: a home from which leaving is ordinary rather than daunting.

Why two inches matters

For a walking aid, a small lip may be a nuisance. For a wheelchair, rollator or scooter, it can be a genuine stopping point. A threshold of 20mm may be manageable for some users and difficult for others; 50mm is a significant obstacle for many. The height is only part of the story. The shape of the edge, the available space to approach it and the weight of the equipment all affect whether a threshold can be crossed safely.

A slope that is too steep turns a small rise into a loss of control. A ramp that is too short may lift the front wheels but leave the rear ones struggling. A portable ramp that is not secured may shift under load. These are not reasons to avoid ramps; they are reasons to measure properly and buy with care.

Measuring a threshold properly

Use a straight edge and a tape measure. Measure the vertical rise from the lower surface to the top of the threshold, and the horizontal gap or depth of the threshold. Note the clear width of the doorway on both sides, not just at the frame. Check whether the ground in front of the threshold is level or sloping, and whether there is space to position a ramp without blocking a pavement or a neighbour's access.

For a doorway, measure the narrowest point. In Bath, many period properties have doorways that are narrower than modern standards, and internal doors may be tighter still. A clear opening of 750mm is workable for some wheelchairs and scooters; 800mm or more is more comfortable. If the opening is below about 700mm, a ramp alone will not solve the problem.

It is also worth measuring the weight of the mobility aid and the user together. Ramps are rated for a maximum load, and the combined figure is the one that matters.

Ramps: portable, permanent and in between

Portable ramps are useful where a threshold is occasional or where the home is rented. They may be folding, telescopic or suitcase-style. They suit short rises and can be stored away. The trade-off is that they must be positioned correctly each time and may be less stable on uneven ground.

Permanent ramps are better where a threshold is used daily. They can be fitted with handrails and a non-slip surface, and they remove the daily task of setting up. In period properties, fixing a ramp may require listed building consent or landlord approval, so check before committing.

Threshold strips and half-step ramps are a middle option for very small lips. They are inexpensive and unobtrusive, but they are not suitable for every wheelchair or scooter. A rubber threshold ramp may be adequate for a 25mm lip; a 50mm rise usually needs a longer, properly rated ramp.

Gradients and safety

The gradient of a ramp is as important as its height. A gentle slope is easier to manage and safer in wet weather. As a rule of thumb, a ramp for occupied use should be as shallow as space allows; short portable ramps are often steeper than ideal, and a 1:8 gradient is demanding for many users. Where possible, aim for a longer ramp rather than a steeper one.

Non-slip surfaces matter in Bath's damp climate. So do edge protection and a level landing at the top. If the ramp leads onto a pavement, consider whether it creates a trip hazard for others or obstructs the highway. The local council can advise on pavement crossings and dropped kerbs.

The Bath context

Bath is a city of narrow pavements, uneven flagstones and steep side streets. A route that looks straightforward on a map may include a camber that pulls a scooter sideways or a kerb that has no drop. The city centre has made progress, but the older streets around the Abbey and the residential terraces on the hillsides still present small barriers that require planning.

For doorways, the Georgian proportions that give Bath its character can be unforgiving. Some front doors open directly onto a step; others have a threshold that has settled over centuries. A portable ramp may be enough for a short visit, but daily use may justify a permanent solution. In rented accommodation or shared buildings, a conversation with the landlord or management company is the first step.

What to ask before buying

Ask the supplier for the ramp's maximum load, its recommended gradient and its suitability for the specific mobility aid. Ask whether it is designed for indoor or outdoor use. Ask how it is secured and whether it can be left in place. If you are buying online, check the return policy and whether the ramp can be trialled at home. A ramp that is difficult to position will soon be left in the shed.

It is also worth asking for a demonstration. A physiotherapist, occupational therapist or reputable mobility dealer can assess the threshold in person and advise on the safest option. Some local authorities offer an assessment through social services; waiting times vary, but the advice can prevent an expensive mistake.

A small fix, a different day

The difference between a mobility aid that sits by the door and one that is used daily is often a matter of inches. Measuring carefully, choosing a ramp that matches the job and seeking advice where needed are modest steps. They are also the steps that turn a house into a starting point rather than a stopping point.