How wide do doors need to be for people in wheelchairs?
I am building an addition on my house for my elderly parents. I am building it “wheelchair friendly” Everything I reads says that a 2’6″ wide door is ok, others say you need a 36″ wide door. I’d like to hear from someone in a wheelchair … if a 2’6″ door works ok it will save me a bunch of money!
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A normal size door opening allows one to go through the doorway just fine. The problem arises if there is a sharp turn necessary to clear the doorway and turn, such as a bathroom. The other opening you may consider is a walk-in closet if you have one, don’t forget to measure that opening since they’re usually smaller. I’m temporarily (thank goodness) in a wheelchair from an injury, so this is first hand:) Best thing, borrow the wheelchair and climb in and see how well you can go through the house.
36 is ok but it helps if the door is bigger than that , i know someone personally in a wheelchair , its a motorized chair and she can go thru 36″ but if you can afford the 48″ it would be alot better, good luck and God bless
I am a caregiver for my mom who uses a wheelchair. We are putting in the 36″ wide doors. The wheelchair does fit through the smaller size doors but she bumps her hands and elbows trying to go through.