Your Trusted Guide to the Right Stairlift

A stairlift, also known as a chair lift or stair chair, is a tool designed to help you enjoy your home and live your life on your terms. No matter the reason for needing a little support on the stairs, stairlifts help increase independence, provide peace of mind, and are all-around simple solutions. They install on a staircase and come in a variety of shapes and sizes to accommodate all types of stairs, both indoors and outdoors. With a range of options, you can find the lift that best suits your space and unique needs.

Stairlifts can be installed on either the left or right side of a staircase, depending on your home’s specific layout and needs. The decision often depends on factors such as the staircase design, available space, and the location of walls or other obstacles. During the initial home visit and measurement process, a professional will assess these factors to determine the most suitable side for the stairlift. The goal is to ensure smooth and safe operation, while also considering the aesthetic and functional aspects of the staircase to ensure the lift fits seamlessly into your home.

Curved stairlifts are typically expensive due to the customized engineering required for each unique staircase. Unlike straight stairlifts, they need specialized tracking to navigate turns, bends, and landings. The complexity of the design process, including precise measurements and adaptations, contributes to the higher cost. Longer staircases also often increase the price, as more materials and longer tracks are needed for safe, efficient operation. Keep in mind that, on average, assisted living facilities cost $68,000 per year without considering moving costs. While stairlifts may seem expensive at first glance, they’re far less than the alternatives in both price and effort. Being able to age in your own space is truly priceless.

Yes, curved stairlifts can! Provided the stairlift has enough space to work and move correctly, a curved lift can navigate corners and turns. Many custom rails can complete tight turns including 90- and 180-degrees. You’ll simply need a curved stairlift design that works within your home for the staircase to function correctly.

Wondering about the main use cases for installing a curved stairlift? Curved stairlifts are ideal for staircases that are not just straight but have bends, turns, or landings. Whether your stairs curve around a 180-degree spiral or have complex turns, a curved stairlift can be customized to fit your unique staircase layout. This adaptability ensures that you don’t have to compromise on the functionality of your home. No matter the complexity of your staircase, curved stairlifts allow for seamless, safe transitions across various levels, providing both convenience and independence in a way that suits your specific needs.

Retractable seat belts, footrest and chassis obstruction sensors, safety lights, and constant pressure controls are a few safety features to keep an eye out for.

There are multiple options available for both curved and straight stairlifts to ensure the rails do not become tripping hazards in your doorway or halls. Many straight stairlift manufacturers offer folding rails, which are optional and installed at the lower landing of

the rail and will fold/unfold as needed when the lift is in motion. Curved stairlift rails can be manufactured with a drop nose, which means the end of the rail at the lower landing won’t protrude into the walkway or any doorways.

Depending on the stairlift type and complexity, this timeline can vary. For straight stairlifts, because they are not custom designed, they can be kept in stock at local dealerships. This eliminates any wait time for either design and fabrication or delivery from the manufacturer, meaning if the local dealer has availability, the straight stairlift could be installed the next day. The length of the staircase and any preparation needed the day of the install will dictate the time needed to install the stairlift. However, it can typically take one to 4 hours total.

If purchasing a curved stairlift, there are a few factors that dictate the wait time and the stairlift installation time. For custom curved stairlift rails, manufacturers will need to design, fabricate, and ship the stairlift. Depending on the manufacturer and their capacity, this can take three to five weeks from the time the dealer visits and measures the home until the unit is delivered. The shape, size, and complexity of the staircase can influence the installation time, bumping it from two to four hours.

There are limited options for a modular curved stairlift, but if in need of an immediate solution for curved stairs, there are a couple of manufacturers who offer a curved stairlift that can be installed the next day. Due to the nature of the lift, the measurements can be taken during the initial visit and then built on the stairs the next day because they can be kept in stock. However, because the rail is put together in the home, this stairlift’s install time can range from three to seven hours.

Depending on your local dealer, yes! There are stairlift rental opportunities for those in need of a temporary stairlift. However, this is mostly only possible for straight stairlifts or modular curved stairlifts. Custom curved rails cannot be reused, rehomed, or rented. Work with a local dealer to learn more about their own specific stairlift opportunities.