M4 Door Canopies for Wheelchair Users: Which Door Canopies Are Best for Wheelchair Users?

When designing or adapting a home for accessibility, one key consideration is how the entrance is sheltered and accessible to everyone, including wheelchair users. In the UK, this falls under Approved Document M, Volume 1 of the Building Regulations, which outlines how new homes should be accessible and usable by all.

Understanding M4 Categories

There are three levels of M4 compliance, each specifying different accessibility standards:

• M4(1) – Visit-able dwellings
  The minimum standard for all new homes, ensuring step-free access and essential facilities on the entrance floor.

• M4(2) – Accessible and adaptable dwellings
  Homes designed so they can be easily adjusted to suit changing mobility needs over time.

• M4(3) – Wheelchair user dwellings
  Fully accessible homes designed for wheelchair users, either immediately or with minimal adaptations.

Examples of M4 adjustments include wider doorways, level thresholds, step-free access, and sufficient turning space for mobility aids both inside and outside the home.

Why Do Door Canopies Need to Be M4 Compliant?

For wheelchair users, standard door canopies often aren’t wide enough to provide full coverage during bad weather. M4(2) and M4(3) specify that the main entrance must include a covered landing (a flat, level area immediately outside the entrance door that’s protected from rain.)

• M4(2): Requires a covered landing of at least 900mm x 600mm

• M4(3): Requires a covered landing of at least 1200mm x 1200mm

A compliant M4 door canopy ensures this landing area remains dry and accessible, providing practical weather protection for wheelchair users and anyone with limited mobility.

Our Range of M4-Compliant Door Canopies

M4 Apex Door Canopy

A timeless, pitched-roof design suitable for both modern and traditional properties.

Features:

• Available in a wide range of standard colours

• Roofing options: Terracotta, grey, or brown composite (standard), ready-to-roof, or faux slate

• Choice of truss styles: W-truss, T-truss, Portcullis truss, and more

• Bracket options: Curved or straight gallows brackets

This canopy combines a classic look with M4-compliant coverage which is ideal for accessible new builds or retrofits.

M4 Mono Door Canopy

A sleek, single-pitch canopy that’s perfect for contemporary properties or narrow frontages.

Features:

• Available in a range of standard colours

• Roofing options: Terracotta, grey, or brown composite (standard), ready-to-roof, or faux slate

• Compatible with multiple truss styles

• Choice of curved or straight gallows brackets

The Mono canopy offers an elegant way to achieve M4 compliance while maintaining a modern aesthetic.

M4 Flat Door Canopy

A simple, functional design that provides maximum coverage with a clean, low-profile appearance.

Features:

• Two styles available: Decorative or Contemporary

• Two colour options: White or Anthracite Grey

• Durable GRP roof for long-lasting performance

Flat canopies are ideal where space or height restrictions apply, offering reliable M4-compliant protection.

Making Accessibility Practical and Stylish

At Apex Canopies, we supply a full range of M4-compliant door canopies designed for both form and function. Whether you’re building a new development or upgrading an existing home, our canopies provide the coverage, strength, and style needed to meet accessibility standards without compromising on appearance.

Enquire about our M4 canopies today or contact us for advice on selecting the right canopy for your project.