Not every staircase goes straight up. Many Northwest homes have stairs that turn at a landing, wrap around a chimney or fan out at the bottom. If yours does, a standard stair lift will not cover the whole distance. You have two alternatives.
A curved stair lift
The staircase is measured precisely and a rail is manufactured to match it. The chair then travels from bottom to top without stopping, following every bend.
- No getting off partway
- The rail can extend past the top step so you get off on the landing
- The chair can park around a corner
- Takes longer to deliver, since it is made to order
- Costs considerably more than a straight lift
Two straight lifts
If two straight flights are joined by a flat landing, a straight lift on each may be possible.
- Lower cost in most cases
- Faster to install
- You must walk across the landing and change chairs
Which is right for you
- Steady on your feet for a few steps: consider two straight lifts
- Unsteady, or likely to become so: choose curved
- Winder steps instead of a flat landing: curved is the only option
- Very tight budget: ask whether a lift on the longer flight alone would help
What the survey involves
For a curved lift, the surveyor records the shape of the stairs in detail and shows you where the rail and the parked chair will sit.
Features are the same
Seat belt, swivel seat, obstruction sensors and battery power, whichever type you choose.
Is an elevator worth considering?
When a curved lift is costly because the staircase is complex, compare it with a compact home elevator. An elevator also works for wheelchair users and adds lasting value.
Have your staircase assessed
Nationwide Lifts of Washington offers a free in-home consultation. Call (425) 495-6910.