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Here’s what you need to know
When it comes to accessibility, door width plays a role in making buildings easier for everyone to navigate—including wheelchair users. But does that mean every door needs to be extra wide? Not necessarily.
In Australia, the recommended clear opening for wheelchair access is 850mm (measured from the doorstop to the face of the open door). While 820mm-wide doors are common and still suitable for many buildings, they often don’t provide that full clearance. However, Larnec’s standard 920mm and 1100mm doors do meet accessibility requirements, making them a great option for projects where compliance is needed. Explore our DDA-compliant access doors that meet accessibility standards and ensure safe, inclusive entry.
Where is disability compliance becoming more important?
The demand for wider, more accessible doors is growing across different industries—especially in commercial buildings, public spaces, healthcare, and aged care. Regulations such as the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 push for inclusive design, meaning some projects must meet accessibility standards.
That said, many buildings can still use 820mm doors without any issues. The key is knowing when accessibility rules apply and choosing the right door for the project.
What about door handles and sills?
It’s not just about door width—handle height is also important for accessibility. The recommended height in Australia is between 900mm and 1100mm, with 1000mm being the preferred height for easy reach. We can also supply entrance lever door handles that comply with AS1428 (Design for access and mobility).
For disabled access compliance, the door sill cannot exceed 5mm in height, ensuring wheelchair users can move through the doorway without obstruction. If a threshold is needed, Larnec’s ramp sill design is a great solution that complies with the standard, provides smooth access, hides flooring joins and avoids heavy water ingress (pictured below).
Planning ahead? Consider 920mm Doors
If you want to future-proof your projects, moving from 820mm to 920mm doors is a smart choice. This ensures compliance if regulations change while offering a better experience for all users.
Larnec offers a full range of doors to suit different accessibility needs. If you’re working on a project that requires disability-compliant doors—or you just want to get ahead of the curve—talk to your account manager or contact our team to explore your options.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, doors must be disability compliant in Australia when they are part of an accessible path of travel under the NCC and AS 1428.1. These requirements are designed to support safe and independent access for people with disabilities. Not all doors in a building need to comply—only those in designated accessible areas.
A door is disability compliant when it meets requirements for clear opening width, hardware, thresholds, and circulation space. It is designed to support ease of use, including one-handed operation and wheelchair access. Key factors include appropriate handle design, sufficient clearance, and minimal obstruction at entry points.
The minimum clear opening for disability access is typically 850mm. This measurement ensures wheelchair users can pass through safely without obstruction. Standard 820mm doors may not always achieve this clearance, so wider options are often more suitable for compliance.
Yes, thresholds and sills directly impact disability compliance and must be minimal or ramped. They are designed to support smooth wheelchair movement without creating trip hazards or barriers. In many cases, thresholds should not exceed small height limits or require ramped solutions to remain compliant.
Disability-compliant doors require hardware that is easy to operate with one hand and without tight gripping. Lever handles are typically preferred as they are designed to support users with limited hand strength or mobility. Incorrect hardware selection is a common reason doors fail compliance checks.