Straight or Curved Stairlift… Which Do I Need?

Straight or curved stairlifts, you should be confident the stairlift meets your needs and is a quality item that will last. So how do you know what’s the right type for you? The short answer is it depends on your staircase.

Stairlifts come in two main types – ‘straight’ and ‘curved’ – so how do you know what’s the right type for you? The short answer is it depends on your staircase. Generally speaking, if you’ve got a straight run of stairs connecting one floor with the next, you’ll need a straight stairlift. But if your stairs go through any curves, bends, or angles, then you’ll need a curved stairlift. 

Straight stairlifts: A straight stairlift is one that uses a straight stairlift rail running the length of your stairs. The stairlift carriage – the part you ride on – is mounted onto the rail and travels up and down it, controlled by the passenger or a remote control unit.  As the name suggests, a straight stairlift is designed for a ‘standard’ straight flight of stairs. It’s the simplest and lowest-priced type of stairlift. That’s because it only needs a standard mass-produced straight rail, cut to length to fit your staircase. There must be room at the top and bottom of your stairs to get on and off safely. Stairlift carriages often have swivel seats to make this easier. Some straight stairlifts also have the option of a short hinged rail section at the bottom of the stairs. It can be lifted up out for the way (when the stairlift is not in use) if it would otherwise cause a trip hazard. 

Curved stairlifts: A curved stairlift works in the same way as a straight one, except that it runs on a rail that is not straight. A staircase that has turns, bends, or curves will need a curved stairlift. They’re more expensive because the ‘non-standard’ curved rail has to be tailor-made to match the unique profile of your staircase. You might also have to wait longer for the one-off curved rail to be fabricated in a factory. An exception is a ‘modular curved stairlift rail’, such as that developed by Acorn Stairlifts. Its patented system uses prefabricated interlocking rail sections which are assembled in your home by a stairlift engineer. An initial survey of your staircase specifies which rail sections are needed from a wide selection, each with a slightly different bend or rise. This modular system means a curved stairlift can be installed within days, rather than weeks. 

Some exceptions: As with every general rule, there are odd exceptions. For example, some straight staircases don’t have enough room at the top or bottom to get safely on or off the stairlift. They need a bend in the rail at the top or bottom so the stairlift carries you into a safe space, such as a landing. This is a ‘hybrid’ – a straight stairlift with a simple curve at the top or bottom. If you’ve got a return staircase that changes direction from a mid-point landing, it can be cheaper to install two short straight stairlifts rather than one long curved one. This relies on the user being able to safely transfer from one to the other at the mid-point landing. 

How to be certain: The best way to know what type of stairlift you need is to give the experts a look at your staircase. Reputable suppliers will offer a free no-obligation home survey and quote service. In other words, a representative will visit your home to expertly measure your staircase and assess your abilities and needs. Having done so, the surveyor can advise what type of stairlift is needed and why. Based on their findings, they should also offer a comprehensive quote for the work – but should not pressure you for an immediate sale. Most stairlift suppliers will only give an exact quote after surveying your staircase. Make sure it’s an all-inclusive quote with no hidden extras and that it’s valid for a set period, giving you time to make your mind up. Don’t fall for a “today only one-time discount offer.”

If the survey is free and without obligation, you can get quotes from several stairlift suppliers, but remember, the cheapest quote isn’t necessarily the best. You should be confident the stairlift meets your needs and is a quality item, and that the supplier won’t cut and run as soon as it’s installed. You’ll need ongoing maintenance and aftercare.