Stairlifts are necessary for people who have difficulty or face danger climbing stairs. At the very least, stairs should be 27 inches, or 750 mm, in width to accommodate a stairlift. An easy D-I-Y measurement solution is to put a chair at the bottom of the stairs and sit in it to see whether or not there is enough space for a stairlift.
Another problem could occur if there is a doorway at the foot of the stairs. One possible solution is to use a stairlift with a feature known as a "hinged rail" or "folding track", which can be folded up to allow the door to swing open. Open banisters are not suited to a stairlift as they can trap the user's feet. Before putting a stairlift in, these spaces must be filled in.
How to choose a stairlift
Once you know your home can take a stairlift, it is important to choose smartly. The first thing to look at is whether you want a curved stairlift or a straight stairlift, depending on the shape of the staircase.
Generally, straight stairlifts are cheaper to install and usually quicker to put in as well, because the process is simpler. It should be obvious whether or not a staircase curves and many brands produce models to suit either type of incline.
If you have a curved staircase you can choose between either a curved stairlift or two straight ones, but straight stairlifts often extend to a degree over the end of the stairs. If this is the case, occupants of the house should consider whether this will prove a problem, especially if someone in the home uses a wheelchair.
If you are unsure which type of stairlift would better suit your stairs, you should seek expert advice beforehand. You can also find information on the different types and manufacturers of stairlifts here on the MobilityCompare website.
We have made every effort to ensure you find a stairlift that meets your specific needs. Use our comparison tool to compare stairlift prices and find the stairlift that's right for you!
Dolphin Stairlifts
Perhaps you need a stairlift for a wheelchair or something more commercial and specialised. In th...
Freelift Stairlifts
You can be sure of the benefit of experience with Freelift staircases, as the company has been ma...
Liftable Stairlifts
If you need an ordinary or a wheelchair stairlift, have a look at Lift Able, which may have a sol...
Meditek Stairlifts
One stairlift company you are likely to come across is MediTek. There are a number of features sh...
Minivator Stairlifts
For bath lifts or stairlifts, one provider to look at is Minivator, especially if you do not need...
Stair Chair Lift for Seniors
The comparison tool on the right provides a platform to help you search for stair chair lift comp...
Summit Stairlifts
This manufacturer likes to give three reasons for choosing its products.
According to Summ...
Wessex Lifts
A traditional stairlift may not be suitable for you. Perhaps you use a wheelchair or cannot fit a...
Stair Lifts for the Elderly
Your home is your little paradise on Earth and the stairs shouldn’t get in the way of you enjoy...
