
This means that all people – including those in a wheelchair – must be able to travel easily through all open doorways. When you’re building new commercial premises in Australia, wheelchair door width is an important consideration.Īt Bris Aluminium our premium aluminium partitioning systems and our cavity door sliders are purposefully designed to meet Australian standards – including access requirements for people with disabilities.Īccording to Australian building standards there must be accessible paths for those with a disability to use within all new buildings. Cavity Slider Frames & External Top Hung Sliders (H x W).110 – 130mm Adjustable Glazing Systems (H x W).


Are there other low threshold patio door options? ADA-compliant sliding doors are easier to open (depending on hardware) they don’t obstruct the doorway because they should slide completely out of the way. Sliding doors are a good choice because unlike hinged doors, they do not require any extra space for the door to open.

Related article: Should I Get Inswing or Outswing Patio Doors for my Home? One drawback to the hinged doors is that they do require more space to maneuver because the door swings in and out. The sills reduce tripping hazards and make maneuvering through a passageway in a wheelchair much more manageable than navigating through a standard doorway. Smooth transitions from space to space are possible with ADA compliant sills. The double doors make for wider passageways and easier access. Hinged doors are an excellent choice especially if you opt for double doors. While sliding patio doors and hinged patio doors can be made to compliance you’ll need an ADA expert installer to get the job done right. What are the Best Patio Doors for Wheelchair Access?Īlways check with an expert when making a purchase for your home or building that needs to meet ADA-compliance. Some door manufacturers will make custom size doors and door panels and other companies make motorized add-ons for doors so no human force is needed for opening the door. Technology and innovation have made shopping around some of these considerations easier with add-ons and customizations. Considerations for compliance include clearance, thresholds, door opening force, hardware, and maneuvering space.Īccording to Richard Rinka, technical manager of standards and industry affairs for the American Architectural Manufacturers Association in Schaumburg, Ill., sliding glass doors need to have a width of 6’6” and height of 78” to meet the minimum requirements.Ĭonsiderations for door opening force, hardware, and maneuvering space address concerns of how much strength is needed to push or pull open a door, the ease of operability of hardware, and the space needed for a someone in a wheelchair to approach the door, reach the door hardware, get through the door, and close the door behind them. Patio doors that are built to suit the specifications of the Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities codes are considered ADA-compliant. If you’ve been interested in purchasing patio doors for your home but are hesitant because you are concerned with accessibility this article will provide you with some insight into what options are available. Wheelchair accessible doors make moving between spaces easier for people who use wheelchairs, crutches, or other mobility aids.

Accessible patio doors are important for people with temporary and permanent physical handicaps and good for homes in general.
