Staying in your forever home shouldn’t be stressful—especially when it comes to easily accessing each floor. As we age, stairs can become somewhat of a nuisance. But this inconvenience doesn’t have to alter your life. Keep your independence and confidence by installing a stairlift, or, if the space allows, a home elevator. Wondering which is right for you? Let’s first explore what exactly a stairlift is as well as its benefits and drawbacks.
What Exactly Is a Stairlift?
When it comes to safety for seniors and beyond, a stairlift isn’t just equipment—it’s a way to stay independent, safe, and confident in your home, helping you enjoy your space and live your life on your terms. A stairlift consists of a motorized chair and track, designed to help people go up and down pre-existing stairs. 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 are installed 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.
Are There Different Types of Stairlifts?
The layout of your staircase plays a key role in determining which type of stairlift is right for your home. Straight stairlifts are ideal for staircases that go directly up and down without any curves, turns, or intermediate landings. In contrast, curved stairlifts are custom-designed for more complex layouts, such as stairs with 90- or 180-degree turns, spiral designs, or multiple landings. Understanding the shape and structure of your staircase is the first step toward finding a solution that fits both your space and your mobility needs.
Straight Stairlifts
Low maintenance and easy to use, straight stairlifts allow you to stay mobile no matter the landscape. These stairlifts are fantastic solutions for straight staircases, helping you get from floor to floor, stress-free. A straight stairlift is the most common and cost-effective solution for many homes, especially in standard two-story houses. They offer a simple, efficient way to navigate between floors safely and independently.
Curved Stairlifts
In need of a stairlift that’s been specially designed for the nuances of your home? Curved stairlifts are optimal choices for curved and spiral staircases, as well as landings between floors. This custom-built mobility solution is designed for staircases with bends, landings, or spiral designs. Unlike straight stairlifts, curved stairlifts feature a uniquely tailored rail that precisely matches the shape and turns of your staircase. This makes them ideal for homes with more complex layouts, such as stairs that change direction, wrap around corners, or have multiple floors.
There are a couple of types of curved stairlifts, which can help those who are in need of a quicker installation or a more budget-friendly option. Modular rails can be installed as quickly as the next day; however, they most likely won’t perfectly fit the staircase’s curves. Custom rails are fabricated specifically for your stairs, which can take about a month to build. While they take longer to manufacture and install, curved stairlifts provide the same safe, smooth ride and independence, with the added flexibility to navigate virtually any staircase design. Customizable curved stairlifts are also an option as they allow you to build a personalized lift that perfectly fits your space and needs.
On all stairlifts, you should keep an eye out for a few safety features, including retractable seat belts, footrests, chassis obstruction sensors, safety lights, and constant pressure controls.
Stairlift Pros & Cons
Stairlifts Advantages
- Affordability: Whether you install or rent a stairlift, it is more affordable than a home elevator, and there are grants you can apply for that help cover the cost.
- No construction or remodeling: Unlike with home elevators, you do not have to plan for construction.
- Easy installation: Depending on the manufacturer, stairlifts can either be mounted onto the steps or onto the staircase wall. They can usually be fully installed within a few hours (potentially longer if the rail is more complex).
- Independence: They give you back your ability to move freely around your house—safely and confidently!
Stairlifts Cons
- Having limited design options: There are not as many decorative styles to choose from with stairlifts, and depending on the size of your stairwell, a stairlift may take away from your interior design. They can also take up space on the stairs.
- Not adding value to the home: Unlike residential elevators, stairlifts do not typically increase property values.
- Having smaller weight limits: Stairlifts have smaller weight limits than elevators do and cannot accommodate mobility devices.
- Allowing access to only one additional floor: Unless multiple stairlifts are installed on different stairways, you will only gain access to one additional floor in your home. Depending on the type of elevator, you can more easily access multiple floors without installing more than one product.
Still Need Help Deciding Between a Stairlift & Elevator? Speak with Our Consultants
Our expert consultants are ready to help you determine whether a stairlift or a home elevator is the right choice for your home and lifestyle. We specialize in finding the perfect solution for your unique requirements and will guide you through the entire process—from the first conversation to professional installation and future support. Let us help you make your home more accessible.
To schedule your free consultation, contact our team today.
