Do you Need a Straight Stairlift or a Curved Stairlift for your Home?

There are two main types of stairlifts, described as ‘straight’ and ‘curved’. But how do you know which one’s the right type for your home? This will help you with your stairlift journey.'

There are two main types of stairlifts, described as ‘straight’ and ‘curved’, but how do you know which ones the right type for your home? In short, it depends on your staircase. Generally speaking, if you have a straight run of stairs connecting one floor with the next, then you’ll need a straight stairlift. If your stairs are anything other than straight, then you’ll probably need a curved stairlift. 

Straight stairlifts: A straight stairlift is one that uses a straight stairlift rail running from the bottom to the top of your stairs. The stairlift carriage (the part that 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 implies, a straight stairlift is for a ‘standard’ straight flight of stairs. It’s the simplest and also the lowest-priced type of stairlift because it only needs a standard mass-produced straight rail. You’ll need enough room at the top and bottom of your stairs to get on and off safely. Many stairlift carriages have swivel seats to make this easier. 

Curved stairlifts: A staircase that has angled turns, bends, or curves will almost certainly need a curved stairlift. It works in the same way as a straight one, except that it runs on a made-to-measure rail which is not straight. Curved stairlifts are more expensive because the ‘non-standard’ curved rail has to be specially built to precisely follow the unique characteristics of your staircase. Curved stairlifts often have a lower maximum carrying capacity than straight ones. You might also have to wait longer for a curved stairlift while the one-off curved rail is fabricated in a factory. If you need a curved stairlift urgently, another option is a ‘modular curved stairlift rail’, such as that developed by Acorn Stairlifts. Its FastTrack® system uses ready-made interlocking rail sections assembled on-site in your home by a stairlift engineer. This modular system means a curved stairlift can be installed within days of your inquiry instead of weeks. 

Some exceptions: With every general rule, there are some exceptions. For example, a straight staircase might not have enough room at the top or bottom to get safely on or off the carriage. This problem can usually be overcome by having a bend in the rail at the top or bottom, so the stairlift carries you into a safe space, such as a landing. It’s really a ‘hybrid’ straight stairlift with a simple curve added. With a return staircase, which changes direction from a mid-point landing, it’s often easier and more economical to install two short straight stairlifts rather than a single one that curves around the bend. This option relies on the user being able to transfer safely from one to the other at the mid-point landing. 

How to be sure: If you’re still not sure what type of stairlift you need you can let the experts take a look at your staircase. Reputable stairlift suppliers offer a free no-obligation home survey and quote. In other words, a representative will visit your home to expertly measure your staircase and speak to you about your needs and abilities. In fact, most companies will only give a quote after they’ve surveyed your stairs. Having done so, the surveyor can explain what type of stairlift you need and why, and give a full quote for the work. Make sure there are no hidden extras to the quote and that it’s valid for an extended period, giving you time to make up your mind. Don’t be pressured into signing until you’re ready and don’t fall for any “today only discount offer”. Because the survey and quote are free and carry no obligation to buy, you can get several quotes from competing suppliers, but remember – the cheapest quote isn’t always the best. You need to be confident the product meets your needs and happy with all other aspects of the deal, such as installation times and ongoing customer support, and aftercare.