Stairlifts

A stairlift carries you up and down your own stairs on a rail fixed to the treads, not to the wall. For most people it is the difference between living in the whole house and living on one floor of it, and it is usually far cheaper and less disruptive than moving or converting a downstairs room.

Straight or curved, and why it matters so much

This is the single biggest factor in cost and lead time.

A straight stairlift runs on a standard rail cut to length. Your staircase has to be genuinely straight, with no bend, no turn and no intermediate landing. These are considerably less expensive and can often be installed within days.

A curved stairlift has a rail manufactured specifically for your staircase, following every bend and landing. That means a survey, measurement and a build, so the cost is several times higher and delivery takes weeks rather than days. There is no way around it: the rail only fits one staircase in the world, yours.

If your stairs turn even slightly, or there is a small landing partway, you need a curved lift. We would rather measure and tell you that early than have you plan around the wrong figure.

Indoor or outdoor

Outdoor stairlifts are built for weather, with sealed components, weatherproofing and covers. An indoor lift fitted outside will fail. If the stairs are to a porch, a deck or a garden, say so at the start.

Things people wish they had asked

Seat width and weight capacity vary, and heavy duty models exist for larger users. A powered swivel seat turns the chair at the top so you step off facing the landing rather than twisting on the stairs, which matters if balance is poor. Folding rails clear a doorway at the bottom of the stairs. Most lifts run on batteries so they still work in a power cut.

Getting it right

Every stairlift is fitted to a specific staircase, so nothing can be quoted properly from a photograph alone. Contact us and we will arrange a survey, measure the stairs and tell you honestly which type you need.