Aging in Place Grants

How Much Does a Wheelchair Ramp Cost in 2026? Aluminum vs. Wood vs. Concrete

Updated October 18, 2026 · By the Aging in Place Grants research desk · How we research

Most home wheelchair ramps cost $1,100 to $3,600 installed, or about $100 to $250 per linear foot, depending on length and material.

A ramp is often the first change a family makes when someone starts using a wheelchair, scooter or walker. Cost depends mostly on one thing: how high your entry is, because that decides how long the ramp must be.

Wheelchair ramp cost at a glance

  • Angi reports an average install of $2,294, with most projects between $1,123 and $3,588, based on 860 projects 1.
  • Angi and HomeGuide both list $100 to $250 per linear foot installed 1 2.
  • HomeAdvisor lists ramp building at $1,000 to $3,000, or $100 to $200 per linear foot 3.

The sources broadly agree here.

Ramp size (length x rise) Typical cost Source
6 ft x 6 in $600 – $1,000 Angi 1
12 ft x 12 in $1,200 – $2,500 Angi 1
24 ft x 24 in $2,400 – $5,000 Angi 1
36+ ft x 36+ in $3,600 – $7,500 Angi 1

How long does your ramp need to be?

The common guideline is a 1:12 slope, which means one foot of ramp for every inch of rise. Measure from the ground to the top of the threshold. Three steps at 7 inches each make a 21-inch rise, which calls for about 21 feet of ramp. Long ramps also need flat landings to rest and turn.

HomeGuide says permanent ramps should be at least 36 inches wide between handrails, and recommends 42 inches for homes 2.

Aluminum vs. wood vs. concrete

Material Cost per linear foot, installed Notes
Wood $100 – $250 Can be built to match a porch; needs sealing and board repairs
Modular aluminum $130 – $225 Bolts together, can be moved or resold, low upkeep
Composite $150 – $200 Low upkeep, more rot resistant
Steel $200 – $250 Strong; DIY install possible
Concrete $200 – $250 Most permanent; hardest to change later

All per-foot prices are from HomeGuide 2.

Modular aluminum

Modular aluminum ramps come in sections that bolt together. They go up in a day or two, need no digging in many cases, and can be removed if needs change. Angi lists modular ramps at $1,500 to $4,000 1. They are also the usual choice for renting, which HomeGuide lists at about $80 to $200 or more per month 2.

Wood

Wood ramps can blend with the house and are easy for local carpenters to build. They need sealing and board replacement over time. Angi lists yearly upkeep for ramps at $50 to $300 1.

Concrete

Concrete lasts the longest but costs the most to build and change. Fixr notes a concrete ramp with railings averages about $6,000 4. Handrails for concrete ramps cost extra 2.

Other costs

  • Handrails: $20 to $50 per linear foot 1.
  • Non-slip surface: $5 to $20 per foot 1.
  • Permits: $50 to $300, and some areas require inspections 1.
  • Labor: $50 to $100 per hour, or $50 to $120 per linear foot 1.

DIY or hire a pro?

Angi estimates DIY materials at $500 to $2,000, plus $50 to $300 for tools 1. A short, straight wood ramp is within reach for an experienced builder. Long ramps, turns, landings and concrete work are better left to pros. A ramp that is too steep is a fall waiting to happen.

Who can help pay

Ramps are among the most commonly funded home changes.

  • Area Agencies on Aging and nonprofit repair groups often build ramps for free or at low cost for older adults.
  • Centers for Independent Living may build ramps or lend modular sections.
  • Medicaid waivers frequently cover ramps for people who qualify for home care.
  • VA: The HISA grant lists permanent ramps as a covered change. It does not cover portable ramps 5.
  • USDA Section 504, city CDBG and state assistive technology programs may help.
  • Tax deduction: The IRS lists entrance and exit ramps among disability changes that usually do not add home value 6.

Bottom line

Measure your rise, multiply by 12 to get the length in inches, and budget about $100 to $250 per foot. Ask your local aging agency or Center for Independent Living about free ramp programs first.

Common questions

How long does a wheelchair ramp need to be?

A common guideline is a 1:12 slope, or 12 inches of ramp for every inch of rise. A 24-inch rise needs about 24 feet of ramp, plus level landings.

Which ramp material is cheapest?

Per foot, the ranges overlap. HomeGuide lists wood at $100 to $250 per linear foot, aluminum at $130 to $225, and concrete at $200 to $250. Wood may cost less up front but needs more upkeep.

Can I rent a wheelchair ramp?

Yes. HomeGuide lists rentals at about $80 to $200 or more per month. Modular aluminum ramps are the usual rental choice.

Do I need a permit for a ramp?

Often, especially for permanent ramps. Angi lists permits at $50 to $300, and some areas require inspections.

Sources

  1. How Much Does a Wheelchair Ramp Cost? [2026 Data] — Angi. Checked October 18, 2026.
  2. How Much Does a Wheelchair Ramp Cost? (2026) — HomeGuide. Checked October 18, 2026.
  3. Disability Accommodation Cost Guides — HomeAdvisor. Checked October 18, 2026.
  4. Cost to Remodel to Adapt for a Disability — Fixr. Checked October 18, 2026.
  5. HISA (Home Improvements and Structural Alterations) — U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Checked October 18, 2026.
  6. Publication 502 (2025), Medical and Dental Expenses — Internal Revenue Service. Checked October 18, 2026.