How much does a wheelchair ramp cost in Michigan? If you’re asking that question about wheelchair ramp costs in Michigan, you’re probably trying to solve a real problem quickly, getting someone safely in and out of a home or small business without burning money on the wrong setup.
The good news is you can get a safe ramp at a fair price, but the price won’t make sense until you know what drives it. This blog post covers both temporary and permanent residential ramps and commercial ramps as key accessibility solutions for West Michigan (Grand Rapids, Holland, Muskegon, Big Rapids, Grand Rapids metro, and nearby areas). It also applies to many Michigan homes with similar weather and building conditions.
Set your expectations early: ramp pricing depends mostly on ramp length (rise and slope), material, and whether your layout needs platforms, handrails, site prep, and permits. Once you understand those pieces, quotes get a lot easier to compare.

Are you looking for an expert resource in accessible spaces, special modifications for persons with mobility challenges, wheelchair accessibility, and more? Contact Lakeshore Barrier Free today.
Most people start by asking, “Should I get aluminum or wood?” That matters, but it’s rarely the first thing that decides cost. Think of wheelchair or handicap ramp pricing like buying a winter coat in Michigan. The brand matters, but the real issue is whether it fits your weather and your daily use.
Here are the biggest cost drivers in plain terms.
Rise and slope: The vertical height from the ground up to your doorway or porch is the starting point. A common rule of thumb is the 1:12 slope, which means 1 inch of rise needs about 12 inches of ramp run. Many ADA-compliant ramps follow this as a baseline for safer use (especially for manual chairs and caregivers). For background on slope guidance, see ADA ramp guidelines from National Ramp.
Ramp length (and the “shape” of the layout): A straight shot is often simpler and less expensive. Tight yards and narrow side entries can force switchbacks and turns, which add sections, hardware, and labor.
Platforms and landings: Many ramps need a level landing at the door, plus additional landings to rest, turn, or meet code. More landings usually mean more cost, but they also improve safety and ease of use.
Handrails (one side vs both): Handrails are not just a “nice to have.” They’re a stability feature for walkers, canes, and caregivers, meeting key safety standards. Many setups need rails on both sides, and that adds materials and installation time.
Site prep: Michigan homes often have uneven grades, settled walkways, porch steps, or landscaping that blocks the cleanest ramp path. Grading, removing shrubs, adjusting downspouts, or building supports can change a quote fast.
Stairs, porches, and thresholds: Sometimes the ramp isn’t the hard part. The tricky part is tying into a porch safely, dealing with a small stoop, or fixing a door threshold that catches wheels.
Removal of an old ramp: If there’s a worn wood ramp, rotted posts, or an older modular system in the way, removal and disposal can be a separate line item.
Delivery and staging: Modular ramps arrive in sections. Access to the install area matters. A long carry from the driveway, snow-covered paths, or limited staging space can add labor.
One more piece people don’t expect: labor cost is often tied to the length of modular systems, and labor can be a major part of the total cost. That’s why two ramps made of the same material can land thousands of dollars apart.
You don’t need a contractor to get a rough idea. A quick estimate helps you plan and spot unrealistic quotes.
Keep two reality checks in mind:
Building permits are common for wood and composite ramps, and they may also come up for larger permanent installs, especially if footings, posts, or concrete are involved. In many Michigan cities and townships, permit fees often fall around $100 to $300, but local rules vary.
Other factors that can slow a ramp project:
When you get a quote, ask one direct question: Who pulls the permit, and what is included? If it’s not written down, it’s easy for costs and timelines to drift.
For a broader context on local accessibility planning, Lakeshore Barrier Free’s Homeowner’s Checklist for Accessibility in Michigan is a helpful starting point.
Ramp pricing comes into focus when you compare options side by side. The ranges below are geared to Michigan installs in 2026 and reflect what most homeowners actually need (ramp sections, platforms, handrails, hardware, and installation where noted). For a national snapshot of 2026 ramp pricing factors, Lifeway Mobility’s 2026 ramp cost guide gives added context.
Here’s a quick comparison before we break each one down.
| RAMP TYPE | WHAT IT OFTEN INCLUDES | BEST FOR | WATCH-OUTS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Modular Aluminum | $150 to $250 per linear foot + $60 to $100 (install) | Long-term home access, quick installs | Layout can grow fast with turns and platforms |
| Steel | $200 to $250 per linear foot + $60 to $100 per foot (install) | Limited cases, controlled environments | Rust and upkeep risk in snow, salt, and scratches |
| Wood | $2,000 to $10,000+ total (can exceed $10,000) | Custom look, tight custom fits | Permits, rot, ongoing maintenance |
| Composite | $200 to $300 per linear foot + $60 to $100 per foot (install) | Long-term with lower maintenance | Often permit-driven, higher material cost |
| Concrete | $250 to $350 per linear foot (36-inch wide) (labor often beyond $100 per foot) | Permanent, durable, wide open layouts | Longer timeline, drainage, and crack control |
| Portable Suitcase | $175 to $600 | Short-term, small rises | No handrails, heavy to move, limited length |
| Rubber Threshold | $35 to $450 | Thresholds and small lips (often under 3 inches) | Must match rise, traction, and door clearance |
For many West Michigan homes, modular aluminum ramps are the practical favorite because they install fast, hold up well in wet weather, and don’t require the constant upkeep that wood often does.
Typical 2026 pricing:
A common example is a 3-step entry. Once you account for rise, slope, and at least one landing, the total often lands around $5,500 to $8,500, depending on the layout (straight vs switchback), number of platforms, and site conditions.
Why modular aluminum works well in Michigan:
If you only need a ramp for a short window, ask about rental and rent-to-own options. Renting can keep costs down during recovery while still giving you a stable setup.
Modular ramps made from steel can look strong on paper, but Michigan weather is hard on exposed metal.
Typical pricing:
The issue is corrosion. If the coating gets scratched, bare steel can rust, especially with road salt, wet boots, and slushy runoff. That rust can spread, and it can make surfaces rough or uneven.
Steel may still be considered in limited cases, like short-term use in a controlled area, but for many outdoor home installs, aluminum is easier to live with.
A wooden wheelchair ramp can be built to match the home and fit tricky spaces. It can also become a maintenance project.
Typical wood ramp pricing is wide because it depends on size, supports, and labor time:
Wood concerns in West Michigan for a wooden wheelchair ramp:
Composite ramps are often the “pay more now, maintain less later” option.
Typical composite pricing:
Composite can resist rot and splintering, and it tends to hold traction better than many painted wood surfaces. It’s still important to plan drainage and keep the surface clear in winter.
A concrete ramp is a true permanent change, and concrete ramps work best when you have enough space for a gradual slope without complicated turns.
Typical pricing:
Costs climb because concrete ramps often need:
Concrete makes sense when you want a lasting solution, you have the room, and you can handle a longer timeline.
Not every access problem needs a full ramp system.
Suitcase Ramps ($175 to $600) work well as a portable ramp for temporary needs, short rises, and travel. The tradeoffs are real: no handrails, limited length, and some are heavy to lift.
Rubber Threshold Ramps ($35 to $450) are a smart fix for door lips and small rises, often best under about 3 inches. Many offer solid traction and can work indoors or outdoors, as long as you match the rise correctly and keep door swing clearance in mind.
For any portable option, match:
The cheapest ramp is the one that doesn’t get replaced. Overspending usually happens when the ramp doesn’t fit the user, the season, or the timeline.
A simple decision path helps:
How long do you need it? Weeks and months point toward ramp rental or portable temporary ramp options. Years point toward modular aluminum, composite, or a permanent build.
Where will it go? A front door might need better looks and a longer run. A garage entry may allow more space and a straighter path. Small business entrances may require added planning for public access.
Who will use it? Manual chairs, power chairs, scooters, and bariatric needs all change ramp width, turning space, and slope comfort.
What matters most day to day? Speed of install, appearance, low maintenance, or the ability to remove it later.
Common mistakes that waste money and create safety risks:
One West Michigan client put it simply after a handicap ramp install: “I thought I needed the cheapest ramp. What I needed was the one my husband could use without help.”
Ramp rental makes sense when access needs have a clear end date:
Ask a ramp rental provider:
Ramp rental for short-term rental periods works well for recovery or hospice scenarios. Buying makes sense when you’re aging in place or when access will be long-term, serving as a long-term solution. Modular systems can be a solid middle ground because they can often be moved, reconfigured, or resold. For permanent options, consider modular aluminum, composite, or a custom wheelchair ramp build.
A good quote is clear enough that two different contractors can be compared without guessing.
Use this checklist:
For general national cost ranges homeowners often see, Angi’s pricing roundup can provide a reference point, but always compare it to local conditions and ramp length requirements: How Much Does a Wheelchair Ramp Cost? (2025 Data). If you’re exploring financial help, this overview explains common coverage limits and options: Paying for wheelchair ramps and Medicare.
Costs depend on ramp length, layout, and installation details. In this guide’s Michigan ranges, modular aluminum commonly runs $150 to $250 per linear foot for the ramp system, plus $60 to $100 per linear foot for installation. Wood ramps often cost $2,000 to $10,000+ total (and can exceed $10,000 for larger or complex layouts), while concrete ramps are often about $250 to $350 per linear foot for a 36-inch wide ramp, with labor often beyond $100 per foot.
The biggest drivers are rise and slope (which sets ramp length), the layout (straight runs cost less than switchbacks), and the number of platforms and landings required. Handrails, site prep (grading, supports, landscaping changes), tying into porches and thresholds, removal of an old ramp, and delivery access can also move a quote by a lot. Two ramps made from the same material can still end up thousands apart because labor and layout needs vary.
Measure the total rise in inches from the ground to the top of the threshold or porch surface. Multiply that number by 12 to estimate ramp run using a 1:12 slope, then convert inches to feet by dividing by 12. Example: a 24-inch rise needs about 288 inches of ramp, which is about 24 feet. In real installs, you may also need a level landing at the door and added landings for rest or turning.
Permits are common for wood and composite ramps, and they may also apply to larger permanent installs, especially when footings, posts, or concrete are involved. In many Michigan cities and townships, permit fees often fall around $100 to $300, but rules vary. Project timelines can also change due to inspections, HOA approvals, tight lots, winter weather, and concrete cure time.
Modular aluminum is a common long-term choice in Michigan because it holds up well in wet conditions and needs less upkeep than wood. Wood ramps can fit tight or custom spaces and match a home’s look, but they often need more maintenance due to moisture, rot risk, traction changes with snow and algae, and ongoing sealing and repairs. Composite can reduce maintenance compared to wood, but it often costs more and may be permit-driven for larger builds.
Most wheelchair ramp costs in Michigan come down to length, layout, and installation details, not just the material you pick. When you know the rise, the slope, and the landing needs, the wheelchair ramp cost gets a lot less mysterious.

The safest budget move is an on-site evaluation and a free quote that lists what’s included, what’s not, and what could change after measurement. If you’re in West Michigan, including Grand Rapids, and need access soon, contact Lakeshore Barrier Free for a measurement and options that match your timeline, whether that’s a rental, a short-term setup, or a permanent ramp you can rely on year-round.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
The copywriting team at Speck Designs creates the content for the Lakeshore Barrier Free blog. Speck Designs is a creative agency based in Hastings, Michigan that loves helping local businesses grow with clear messaging and strong marketing. Every post is built using SEO and content best practices, with topics people are actively searching for, so readers get helpful answers they can use right away.
We believe that everyone should have access to every area of their home! We work directly with you to make sure that every grab bar, bathroom sink, kitchen countertop, patient lift, and more is at the perfect location for you and your loved ones. Call us at
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Info@LakeshoreBarrierFree.com
At Lakeshore Barrier Free, we strive to create welcoming, accessible, and functional living environments for everyone.
At Lakeshore Barrier Free, we strive to create welcoming, accessible, and functional living environments for everyone.
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Grand Rapids, MI 49534
All Rights Reserved | Lakeshore Barrier Free
Website by SPECK DESIGNS
All Rights Reserved | Lakeshore Barrier Free
Website by SPECK DESIGNS
