How wide do doorways need to be for wheelchair access in a main floor renovation?

Doorways for wheelchair accessibility must be a minimum of 32 inches clear width when the door is open 90 degrees, though 36 inches is the preferred standard for better maneuverability.

When planning a main floor renovation for wheelchair accessibility, the Alberta Building Code follows accessibility standards that require doorway openings to provide at least 32 inches of clear, unobstructed width. This measurement is taken with the door fully open, measuring from the face of the door to the opposite door jamb. However, 36-inch clear width is strongly recommended as it provides much more comfortable passage and easier maneuvering, especially for larger wheelchairs or power chairs.

Standard residential door sizes and their clear widths:

• 30-inch door = approximately 28 inches clear (too narrow)


• 32-inch door = approximately 30 inches clear (too narrow)


• 34-inch door = approximately 32 inches clear (minimum code)


• 36-inch door = approximately 34 inches clear (good)


• 38-inch door = approximately 36 inches clear (excellent)

Additional doorway considerations for wheelchair access include removing or minimizing thresholds (maximum 1/2 inch high), ensuring adequate maneuvering space on both sides of the door (minimum 18 inches on the latch side), and considering the door swing direction. Pocket doors or sliding doors can be excellent solutions where space is tight, as they don't require swing clearance.

Calgary-specific renovation context: Most homes built before 1990 have 30-32 inch interior doors that will need to be widened. This typically involves removing the existing door frame, widening the rough opening in the wall (which may require structural assessment if it's a load-bearing wall), installing a new wider frame, and patching drywall and flooring. If you're doing a comprehensive main floor renovation, it's much more cost-effective to address all doorway widening at once rather than piecemeal.

Professional guidance is essential for load-bearing wall modifications. Any structural changes require a building permit from the City of Calgary and may need engineered drawings. A qualified contractor can assess which walls are structural and coordinate the proper permits and inspections.

Next steps: Measure your existing doorways, identify which ones need widening, and consult with a renovation contractor who has experience with accessibility modifications. Consider the full accessibility picture including hallway widths (minimum 36 inches), bathroom layout, and entrance accessibility when planning your renovation.

---

Find a Flooring Contractor

Calgary Construction Network connects you with experienced contractors in the directory:

• Turnbull masonry ✓
• YYC CABINETS INC ✓
• Eshine Cleaning Services ✓

Browse all contractors →