How to choose the best ramps and grab rails for your home

If you're looking to make your home more accessible, considering the benefits of ramps and grab rails is a good place to start. In our expert guide, we explain where these can be fitted, and tell you how much you should expect to spend.

To help you make the right accessibility upgrades, we've rounded up the various types of ramps and rails on offer. For example, portable ramps (also known as roll-up ramps) could be ideal if you have limited storage space, while plastic grab rails are useful around the bath and shower.

Keep scrolling for everything you need to know about permanent ramps, portable ramps and grab rails. We've also included details on where you can shop for accessibility products online.

Our expert guide on choosing the best bathroom aids and adaptations covers non-slip flooring, bath lifts, walk-in showers and more

Types of ramps

Investing in a ramp for your home provides support for wheelchair users or those who struggle dealing with raised surfaces.

Ramps are commonly positioned at the front of the house, eliminating the need to climb up steps to enter the property. Smaller, fold-up ramps can also be used indoors to help users navigate over thresholds.

Permanent ramp

Fitting a permanent ramp makes sense if it's going to be used regularly by wheelchair or mobility scooter users. These are made from timber or concrete and are also available with a modular design, which is handy if you need a ramp that turns a corner.

A permanent ramp should have a level platform at the top, ensuring a wheelchair can stop safely while the door is being opened. Handrails can also provide additional safety for people walking to the door but, usually, the best option is to consider retaining steps at the side of the ramp for alternative access.

If you require a permanent solution but a ramp isn’t suitable, an outdoor wheelchair platform lift could be a better option.

• Pros: sturdy access to the door of your house, modular design can work around corners
• Cons: can be expensive, often take up lots of space as they need to meet gradient requirements, planning permission may be required

Portable ramps

If a permanent ramp isn’t suitable or necessary, consider a portable alternative. These ramps are made of lighter materials and are usually less expensive.

You can choose from a couple of different portable ramp types. For example, suitcase ramps are designed to be easy to carry. As the name suggests, they feature a fold-up design that lets you move them around the house. Roll-up ramps are a good option if you have limited storage space. These are usually made of aluminum and roll into a tube shape when not in use. Broad ramps, threshold ramps and 'up and over' ramps are also available.

When choosing a portable ramp, consider where and how the ramp will be used. Check the weight that the ramp can safely handle, because some powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters can be very heavy.

• Pros: versatile, an effective space-saving option
• Cons: many models won't handle as much weight as a permanent ramp

Paying close attention to design, ease of use and drive quality, our experts have rounded up the best mobility scooters

How much does it cost to build a ramp to access a house?

Permanent ramps are more expensive than portable alternatives, with overall size and quality of materials having a major impact on price. For a permanent ramp at around 2 metres long, you could expect to spend anywhere between £1,000 and £2,000. 

If you're settled on buying a permanent ramp, make sure you obtain quotes from several different suppliers to ensure you're getting good value for money.

Portable wheelchair ramps are far more affordable and we've seen many on sale for around £100-£200.

A Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) could help you pay for essential adaptations to your home. Our guide on how to apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant has more details

Do you need planning permission for a ramp?

The size and length of the access ramp(s) will determine whether or not planning permission is required. If you're unsure, check with your local council's planning department before work begins – especially if you're building a permanent ramp.

The mygov.scot website (for homes in Scotland) says you will not need planning permission if:

• The combined length of all sloped sections is less than 5 metres
• The combined length of flat sections is less than 9 metres
• The combined height of the ramp is no more than 1.5 metres
• Any part of the ramp itself is no higher than 40cm
• The ramp will not sit on land within a listed building or conservation area.

Guidance for people living in England and Wales is to go straight to your local council for more information on planning permission. 

When getting an accessibility ramp installed, consult Which? Trusted Traders to find professionals in your area 

How long should a ramp be?

For every 30cm of height, the ramp should be 360cm long.

Ensure the ramp has a non-slip surface and, if commissioning a self-build ramp, include upturned edges to prevent wheelchair users from rolling over the sides.

When deciding on a length for your ramp, consider who will be using it and the layout of your home. A short ramp will save space, but the gradient could prove too steep for some users. You might also need to contact the owner of the property, as landlords have to give permission for installation.

How do you calculate ramp gradient?

Gradient can be calculated by dividing the height of the ramp by the length of the ramp. A ramp should have a gradient of at least 1:12 for a person self-propelling. 

A steeper gradient could be considered if the user has assistance and there isn’t enough space to accommodate a longer ramp. Bear in mind that it could be a hazard for both walking and assisted wheelchair use if it’s too steep. A recommended gradient would be no less than 1:8.

For more details on mobility equipment, consult our expert guides: how to choose the right wheelchair and buying the best walking stick

Types of grab rails

If you find yourself needing to hold furniture and walls to help you move around at home, you probably need more support. Grab rails (also known as grab bars) provide extra confidence when negotiating steps or stairs, or when changing position and needing leverage – getting into and out of the bath, for example.

Wooden rails

These could be well-suited if you're shopping for grab rails to compliment a traditional-looking space. Most take the form of a single, straight piece that runs up the side of your stairs. The rail is usually held in place with silver supports that have multiple anchor points.

• Pros: work well for stairs as they can be cut to shape, provides good grip, can be painted to match your decor
• Cons: metal grab rails are stronger, could deteriorate over time depending on the quality of the wood

Metal newel post rails

These rails fix on to the newel post, which is usually positioned at the bottom of the stairs. They have a twisted design turning 90 degrees around the post, so you don’t need to let go at any point. 

• Pros: can support you until you can grip the main stair rail, no need to let go when turning a corner
• Cons: you might find that items get caught up the rail as you turn the corner to go up the stairs

These are typically available in white, but you can find different colours if required. Generally, a 300-450mm rail works well at the front door, or at level changes between rooms.

• Pros: sturdy, modern design, come in various lengths to suit your layout
• Cons: Can be slippy when wet

Plastic grab rails

These work best in the bathroom, particularly around the bath and shower area. They can also be modular in design and joined together, creating a continuous rail that flows around a corner.

• Pros: can be joined together, often feature a raised surface to prevent wet hands from slipping
• Cons: you might find that metal grab rails appear more premium

If you need assistance in the kitchen, see the accessories we've listed in our guide on kitchen appliances and aids

Where should grab rails be placed?

When deciding where to fit rails, consider who will be using them and their accessibility requirements. The rails obviously need to be easy to reach, and often positioned in spots near to raised surfaces – a small ledge leading into another room, for example.

You shouldn’t fix rails to a bathroom floor that has been sealed and made waterproof, as it will destroy the seal and potentially become costly to repair. Similarly, floor fixings aren’t suitable when there is underfloor heating in the bathroom.

Bathroom grab rails<

The bathroom is the most obvious place for support rails, as people are moving into and out of the bath or shower, where it can be wet and slippery. Plastic rails are the safest option in a wet area, especially if you choose one with a raised grip to prevent hands from slipping.

Rails in the bathroom should always be positioned horizontally or vertically, never at an angle. Horizontal rails work well to lead into an area - for example, a shower - or for pushing up on from sitting on the toilet.

Vertical rails work well when the person is standing but needs a handhold when carrying out an activity – for example, when adjusting clothing at the toilet or for balance in the shower.

Our article on bathroom adaptations offers more guidance on how to make using your bathroom safer and easier

Stair grab rails

If you need additional support on the stairs and only have one rail, consider installing a second. Match the new rail to the same height as the rail on the opposite side. If this rail feels too high or too low for you, adjust it accordingly.

Your grab rail should run the length of the stairs, and best practice would be to butt and join the ends when the rail needs to run around a corner or up a second flight – this will provide continuous support. The rail should also extend beyond the bottom and top of the stairs to provide a handhold on the level surface.

For help choosing the right stairlift for your needs, explore our expert guide on how to buy the best stairlift

Put rails next to your front and back door if there are steps leading up to them, as well as on uneven paths or steps within the garden area. Rails are especially important if the area becomes slippery in wet weather.

For doors with a wooden frame, position a rail on the frame itself, close to the door. However, note that rails can’t be fixed onto UPVC door frames, which are frequently found in modern homes. In this case, you’ll need to fix the grab rail to the adjacent wall, which can make it more difficult to find a good position close enough to the door to provide support when negotiating the doorstep.

How to fix grab rails?

Rails are generally fixed onto a wall, but if the wall’s not strong enough to do this safely, you can find rails that are attached to both the wall and floor, or to the floor alone.

Solid brick or block walls provide a good fixing, but it might be difficult to get a good solid fixing on a plasterboard wall. Your builder should be able to advise, and you may need to consider a backing board, which can provide a more solid base but may look less attractive.

Many local councils provide a handyperson service so you can find someone to help with installation. Alternatively, use Which? Trusted Traders to find a reliable local trader

What are suction grab rails?

A suction grab rail is a portable option that sticks to your wall using a pair of suction pads. These are designed to help you keep your footing in bathrooms, as they attach to tiled showers and baths. When placing the rail against a flat, smooth surface, you press it hard against the wall and then push down the locking clips to keep it in place.

However, as these grab rails aren't permanently anchored to your wall, you need to be very careful – putting too much weight on a suction grab rail (or not fitting it correctly) could cause it to slip off the wall entirely.

An adjustable bed lets you change the position of your mattress so you can remain comfortable. For advice on choosing the right model, see our guide on how to buy the best adjustable bed

Where to buy ramps and grab rails

If you're shopping for small wheelchair ramps and grab rails, you'll have no trouble finding online retailers that can help. For much larger projects, you'll need to reach out to retailers with precise measurements.

Whether you're shopping online or in-store, make sure you pay attention to the shop's returns policy.

Popular online retailers that stock ramps and grab rails include:

• Amazon sells permanent metal grab rails at varying lengths, along with cheaper suction grab rails for around £20. The retailer also stocks portable wheelchair ramps, with prices typically landing between £50 and 200.
• The Ramp People stocks wheelchair ramps and threshold ramps, along with much larger modular systems that are made to order. For a basic economy wheelchair ramp, you can expect to spend £75-150. Rubber threshold ramps can cost as little as £20.
• Robert Dyas has a small selection of folding wheelchair ramps, with prices ranging from around £75 to £170. The retailer offers metal and plastic grab rails as well, with popular picks costing around £30. 
• Argos sells the Aidapt portable ramp for around £90, plus the Aidapt suitcase ramp for around £80. It also sells grab rails from the same brand.
• B&Q stocks grab rails in a range of different styles. Basic single rails cost around £20-30.

Find out which retailers are rated highly by Which? members with our expert guide on the best and worst shops