The 2010 ADA Standards and the A117.1 Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities require the bottom 10 inches on the push side of a door to be smooth and free from any obstructions for the full width of the door. While there are some exceptions (e.g., sliding doors or tempered glass doors without stiles), this requirement applies at the following locations:
- 2010 ADA Standards:
- Public and Common Use Areas: All doors along the accessible route
- Accessible Dwelling Units: The primary entry door and all doors within the unit intended for user passage
- A117.1 Standard:
- Public and Common Use Areas: All doors along the accessible route
- Type B Dwelling Units: The primary entry door
- Type A and Accessible Dwelling Units: The primary entry door and all doors within the unit intended for user passage
The door surface provision is intended to ensure the safety of people with disabilities who require the use of a wheelchair, walker, cane, or other mobility aid. It is common to utilize the toe of the wheelchair or leading edge of another mobility device to push open a door while moving through it. The smooth surface allows the footrest of a wheelchair or other mobility device that comes into contact with the door to slide across the door easily without catching.