How Wider Doorways Improve Accessibility Without Major Remodeling

When we think about making homes more accessible, we often imagine big renovation projects: tearing down walls, knocking out cabinetry, widening hallways, or even adding ramps and lifts. While those major upgrades can be necessary for some situations, they’re costly, disruptive, and not always feasible — especially for homeowners who aren’t ready or able to commit to a full-on remodel. When homeowners start thinking about aging in place or mobility-friendly upgrades, wider doorways for accessibility are often one of the most overlooked improvements. Yet this simple change can dramatically improve how someone moves safely and comfortably throughout the home — without tearing down walls or starting a full remodel.

But what if you could make a meaningful improvement in accessibility with relatively little hassle? What if something as simple as widening a doorway could transform the way someone moves through their home — without gutting walls or replacing entire structures?

In this post, we’ll explore how wider doorways can dramatically improve accessibility, comfort, and safety for people of all ages and abilities — from wheelchair users to seniors with walkers — and how you can achieve these benefits without major remodeling.

Why Wider Doorways for Accessibility Make a Bigger Difference Than You Think

Accessibility isn't just a buzzword. It’s a matter of dignity, independence, and safety.

Whether you're aging in place, hosting a loved one with limited mobility, or simply planning for the future, accessible design is something that benefits everyone — not just those with permanent disabilities.

Think about it: have you ever tried carrying laundry through a narrow doorway with one arm and a basket in the other? Or helped a friend maneuver a mobility device through a tight entrance? These are everyday reminders that even small barriers make a big difference.

Accessibility isn’t just about compliance with standards; it’s about creating homes where every person — regardless of physical ability — can move freely, comfortably, and confidently.

The Role of Doorway Width in Home Accessibility

Standard interior doorways in most homes are typically between 28 to 32 inches wide. While this may work fine for the average person walking through with empty hands, it becomes a constraint for those using mobility aids.

Here’s where doorway width matters:

🚪 Wheelchair and Scooter Users

To comfortably pass through a doorway in a wheelchair, a minimum of 32 inches is recommended — and 36 inches or more is ideal. Anything narrower can force users to angle their chair, make multiple adjustments, or avoid rooms entirely.

🦼 People Using Walkers or Rollators

Walkers and rollators may fit, but they often require extra clearance for turning. A few extra inches can mean the difference between ease and frustration.

👨‍🦳 Seniors or Individuals with Limited Balance

Wider doorways reduce the risk of bumping or catching on edges — a small change that leads to increased confidence and fewer mishaps.

👶 Families with Young Ch ildren

Parents pushing strollers will appreciate the extra space. It’s a subtle but practical benefit that enhances daily life for many households.

In short: the broader the doorway, the more accessible and comfortable the environment becomes.

Accessibility Doesn’t Always Mean Major Remodeling

Contrary to what many people think, you don’t always need jackhammers and construction crews to widen doorways. There are multiple strategies that make a big impact without major renovation costs:

✔ Replace the Door with a Wider Prehung Unit

If the framing already allows for some flexibility, you can replace the existing door with a wider one. Prehung door units can be custom-ordered at widths up to 36 inches and beyond, depending on your space.

✔ Remove Interior Trim and Replace with Slimmer Casing

Sometimes the wall opening is actually wider than the finished doorway — hidden behind trim. Removing bulky molding and replacing it with slimmer casing can add a couple of inches without touching the studs.

✔ Use Pocket Doors Instead of Swing Doors

Pocket doors slide into the wall rather than swinging out. They can make the entire opening more usable — and eliminate the need for swing clearance space which is often a barrier for mobility devices.

✔ Eliminate Door Stops and Replace Them with Concealed Magnets

A door stop is the thin strip of wood that stops the door from closing into the frame. Removing or modifying the stop and using hidden magnets instead can widen the effective doorway by a bit more.

✔ Consider Curbless Entry Thresholds

Low-profile or no threshold designs help reduce the tripping risk and improve roll-through ease — especially for wheelchairs and walkers — even when the doorway width remains fixed.

Practical Benefits of Wider Doorways

Let’s break down how wider doorways translate into real-world advantages:

1. Improved Independence for Mobility Aid Users

Whether someone uses a wheelchair, walker, cane, or crutches, wider doors make self-mobility easier. No more awkward angling or asking for help — they can enter and exit rooms on their own terms.

2. Safer Transitions Between Rooms

Narrow entrances increase the chance of catching wheels or feet on edges. Wider doorways reduce those risks — especially in dim lighting or during busy mornings.

3. Greater Comfort for All Occupants

Even people without mobility challenges benefit. Guests with luggage, tall objects, or groceries appreciate additional space.

4. Enhanced Future-Proofing

Aging in place is a priority for many households. Widening doorways now prepares your home for tomorrow’s needs, potentially saving money down the road.

5. Higher Home Value and Broader Market Appeal

Accessible homes are increasingly in demand. Wider doorways add to your home’s marketability — especially among aging buyers or renters with mobility needs.

Selecting the Right Doorway Width

So how wide is wide enough?

Here are common recommendations:

Use Case	Minimum Width	Ideal Width
Wheelchair (single)	32 inches	36+ inches
Scooter or Large Chair	34 inches	38+ inches
Walkers / Rollators	32 inches	36 inches
General Accessibility	36 inches	40 inches

Keep in mind: these are just guidelines. The actual best width depends on your space, existing framing, and future needs.

What to Consider Before You Modify

Before changing any doorway, a few considerations will help you plan effectively:

✦ Structural Constraints

Some doorways are load-bearing, meaning they support part of the house’s weight. Widening these usually does require professional help. However, many interior doors (like bedrooms, bathrooms, closets) are not load-bearing and can be addressed more easily.

✦ Budget

Even modest changes have costs — materials, labor, and finishing. Establish your budget early and decide how much impact you want per dollar.

✦ Aesthetic Preferences

Wider doorways change the look of a room. Choosing consistent trim styles and matching doors helps maintain design flow.

✦ Use Patterns

Take time to observe how people use the space. Do they struggle with particular rooms more than others? Which areas would benefit most from an accessibility upgrade?

Once these are clear, you can target improvements where they’ll matter most.

Small Modifications That Make a Big Difference

In some cases, you might not need to change the actual opening at all to improve accessibility. Consider these simple options:

➤ Replace Traditional Doorknobs with Lever Handles

Lever handles are easier to operate than round knobs — especially for people with limited grip strength.

➤ Install Low-Threshold or No-Threshold Door Shoes

A raised threshold might be only a small bump, but those few millimeters can impede wheelchair access. A low-threshold replacement improves roll-through ease without costly construction.

➤ Apply Cushioned or Protective Trim

Rounded or cushioned trim reduces injury risk if someone accidentally brushes against the side of the frame while passing through.

These small changes don’t widen the doorway but they soften the transition — and often make mobility devices easier to navigate.

Is Professional Support Necessary?

For more complex doorway widening — especially for load-bearing walls — professional input is highly recommended. Contractors and accessibility specialists can:

• Assess load distribution and structural needs

• Recommend framing adjustments

• Order custom widening kits

• Ensure compliance with local building codes
  

But for everyday accessibility upgrades, many homeowners find success with handyman support or even DIY modifications — depending on their comfort level.

Accessibility Should Be Thoughtful — Not Intimidating

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when considering changes to your home’s design. But accessibility doesn’t have to be a scary word. In fact, small improvements can create enormous gains in usability and peace of mind.

Wider doorways — even by a few inches — can:

✔ Make rooms more inviting ✔ Create smoother transitions ✔ Reduce risks of trips and falls ✔ Improve access for mobility devices ✔ Give users a sense of independence

And best of all — when approached with planning and creativity — they don’t have to involve major remodeling.

Meet Today’s Accessibility Goals With Smart Solutions

If you’re exploring how to make your home more accessible but want to avoid the headache of slow, expensive renovations, there are solutions designed to help — right now.

One area that often gets overlooked in accessibility planning is bathroom hardware. Even the most well-planned doorway won’t help if someone struggles with balance once inside. That’s why high-quality grab bars and support systems play an essential role in complete accessibility.

Whether you’re preparing your home for aging family members, planning ahead for mobility challenges, or simply enhancing safety for everyday living, reliable safety hardware makes a dramatic difference.

👉 That’s where GrabBar Los Angeles comes in.

With expert guidance and professional installation of durable, ADA-compliant grab bars and mobility support systems, GrabBar Los Angeles helps homeowners:

• Improve bathroom safety without disruptive renovation

• Choose the right hardware for your space and mobility needs

• Increase confidence and comfort for users of all ages

• Get solutions fast — with a focus on quality and performance
  

From grab bars near showers and toilets to practical supports throughout your home, they make it simple to improve accessibility today — no walls torn out, no weeks of construction, no guesswork.

🛠️ Visit https://www.grabbarlosangeles.com/ to learn how accessible design should feel — simple, effective, and built around your real-life needs.

Final Thoughts

Accessibility isn’t just a remodeling trend. It’s a lifestyle choice that elevates safety, independence, and comfort for everyone — whether aging in place, welcoming guests with mobility challenges, or simply improving daily routines.

And it doesn’t have to be dramatic or expensive. Wider doorways, thoughtful hardware upgrades, and smart design choices prove that meaningful change doesn’t start with destruction — it starts with intention.

Here’s to homes that work for all of us — beautifully, safely, and with dignity at every doorway.