You walk through doorways dozens of times daily without a second thought. Until suddenly, that half-inch threshold becomes a serious problem. Doorway thresholds represent one of the most overlooked safety hazards in and around homes, responsible for thousands of falls annually, yet incredibly simple to fix.
Understanding Threshold Dangers
Even small height differences can become genuine stumbling points. Changes in elevation as minor as a quarter inch are enough to snag a toe, catch a walker leg, or stop a wheelchair wheel in its tracks—especially when someone is distracted, moving quickly, or carrying something.
For older adults, the risk intensifies. Vision changes make depth perception harder. Balance issues mean slight trips don't get corrected easily. Wheelchair users face jarring bumps that can tip them forward. Manual wheelchair users must pop wheelies to clear thresholds, a technique that's exhausting and risky.
Common Doorway Hazards
Entry Doors: Front and back doors typically have 1- to 2-inch thresholds designed to keep weather out. These present the biggest challenges and highest fall risks.
Sliding Glass Doors: Patio access points feature raised tracks ranging from 1/2 to 1-1/2 inches, constantly catching walker legs and creating stumbling hazards.
Interior Transitions: Bathroom entries, bedroom doorways, and rooms with different flooring often have small elevation changes that cause problems.
Garage Access: Combines threshold issues with typical 2- to 4-inch steps, creating fall risks when carrying items or rushing.
TRANSITIONS® Threshold Ramp and Mat Solutions
The TRANSITIONS product line offers targeted solutions for most doorway situations.
Angled Entry Mats: Made from recycled rubber, these eco-friendly mats are available in heights from 1/2 inch to 2-1/2 inches in quarter-inch increments. Choose from black or grey colors, with blank or recessed "Welcome" design, and take advantage of the following benefits this mat has to offer:
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The 36-inch width accommodates standard doorways.
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Naturally slip-resistant rubber works safely on nearly any surface and withstands harsh weather for indoor/outdoor, high-traffic use.
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Recessed grooves trap dirt and debris while the edgeless design allows water drainage.
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Beveled edges on all sides allow cross-traffic access from any angle.
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Dense rubber helps keep the mats in place, though anchoring hardware is included for long-term installation if desired.
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Can be trimmed or notched for a perfect fit around doorjambs.
Angled Entry Ramps: This portable, self-supporting aluminum threshold ramp features independently adjustable legs with swivel feet to accommodate your threshold’s exact rise and boasts the following benefits:
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High-strength aluminum construction won't rust or corrode.
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Extruded tread surface offers slip resistance in any weather.
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Pre-drilled slots allow anchoring with included hardware.
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The 700-pound weight capacity handles power wheelchairs and more.
Available configurations:
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12-inch ramp with 1-inch swivel feet: adjusts from 1-15/16" to 2-15/16" in height
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24-inch ramp with 1.5-inch swivel feet: adjusts from 2-1/8" to 3-3/8" in height
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24-inch ramp with 2.5-inch swivel feet: adjusts from 3-3/16" to 4-3/8" in height
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36-inch ramp with 2.5-inch swivel feet: adjusts from 3-11/16" to 5-13/16" in height
Legs adjust independently, making these ideal for doorways with swinging doors, uneven surfaces, or single-step rises.
Installation: No Tools Required
Traditional threshold solutions involve carpentry and permanent modifications. TRANSITIONS angled entry mats and ramps eliminate that complexity.
Rubber mats: Simply place and use. Dense rubber and weight help keep them positioned through friction. Optional anchoring hardware included for long-term installation in high-traffic areas.
Adjustable ramps: Set leg heights in 2-3 minutes using swivel feet. Legs adjust independently to accommodate uneven surfaces. Pre-drilled holes allow for easy anchoring if long-term installation is desired.
This no-installation approach is ideal for renters who can't modify spaces, individuals with temporary mobility needs after surgery, and anyone wanting immediate accessibility without contractor scheduling or permits.
Material Advantages
Recycled Rubber Mats:
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Eco-friendly construction from recycled materials
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Naturally slip-resistant without coatings
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Works on any surface without damage
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Withstands harsh weather and high-traffic use
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Heavy, dense properties provide stability
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Can be trimmed or notched for a custom fit
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Available in multiple heights (1/2" to 2-1/2" in 1/4" increments)
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850-pound capacity
High-Strength Aluminum Ramps:
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Won't rust or corrode over time
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Lightweight for easy repositioning
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Adjustable height range for versatile use
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700-pound capacity for any user
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Extruded tread for permanent slip resistance
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Independently adjustable legs handle uneven surfaces
Choosing the Right Solution
Measure Accurately: Use a measuring tape to find the exact vertical rise from floor to threshold top. Quarter-inch differences matter when selecting mat heights or ramp configurations.
Consider Traffic Patterns: High-traffic doorways benefit from durable recycled rubber mats that handle heavy use. Adjustable aluminum ramps excel for varying threshold heights or uneven surfaces.
Check Door Swing: Ensure ramps don't interfere with door operation. Measure clearance when the door opens fully. Adjustable ramps work well for doorways that swing in and out.
Think Aesthetics: Choose black or grey mat colors to coordinate with flooring. Blank or "Welcome" recessed designs are available to match your style.
Beyond Wheelchairs: Who Benefits
Parents with Strollers: Threshold ramps transform doorway navigation from awkward lifting to smooth rolling.
Elderly Adults: Before mobility aids become necessary, ramps reduce fall risks for people with balance issues or vision impairment that can make depth perception difficult.
Pets: Senior dogs with arthritis or hip dysplasia struggle with elevation changes. Threshold ramps ease movement through doorways, reducing joint stress and helping to prevent painful impacts.
Delivery and Moving: Wheeled carts, dollies, and appliance movers glide over ramps instead of getting stuck or damaging thresholds.
Quick Takeaways
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The TRANSITIONS Angled Entry Mat is made from recycled rubber and is available in 1/2" to 2-1/2" heights with a naturally slip-resistant surface and beveled edges on both sides.
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The TRANSITIONS Angled Entry Ramp is built from high-quality aluminum, supports up to 700 pounds, and includes independently adjustable legs that make it ideal for uneven surfaces and varying threshold heights.
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TRANSITIONS threshold mats and ramps can be set up in under 5 minutes, making them the perfect access solution for renters, temporary needs, and immediate safety improvements.
Ready to improve safety and confidence at every step? Explore the complete TRANSITIONS line to find the best access solution to fit your specific needs.