A straight stair lift is installed on either the staircase itself or on the wall next to the staircase. A track is installed on which to attach a lift chair that moves along the track for up and down access. Stairlifts for narrow stairs are also available for installation on straight staircases.
NOTE: It is a good idea to look for stair lift chairs that swivel. A swiveling stair lift chair is easier for those with mobility issues to enter and exit.
2. Curved stair lifts
Curved stairway lifts are used on staircases that are built with a curving turn that leads to the next floor. This type of stair glider costs considerably more than a straight stairlift. Curved lifts must be customized to fit curved staircases, since no one staircase is identical in specifications.
This not only means drives the cost height, but it also means that a custom curved stair lift has no re-sale value since it can only be used in the home for which it is designed. This type of staircase lift can cost up to ten times more than a straight stairlift of the same length!
Often, because of the increased cost of customization
and installation, many homeowners opt to have two
straight stairlifts installed to provide the same function,
but with much less expense.
However, this option only works on staircases that are
"L" angled and that has a landing, instead of a curve at
the turn. In this instance, a straight stair lift is installed
between the bottom floor and landing, then a second is
installed between the landing and the top floor.
Recommended Brands of Stair Lifts
There are many companies that offer stair lifts through
their particular brand. While each offers its own unique
features and options, be sure to look for a reputable brand that offers an extended warranty on all parts of the home stair lift.
These are the most important parts of this type of mobility system:
- track
- chair
- drive train
- battery pack
- remote
Consider stair lifts companies that offer a free in-home estimate and consultation with no obligation. They can provide valuable, personalized information that you may need before making your selection.
Be sure to verify a company's reputation with the Better Business Bureau as well as any consumer reports that you can find. This will insure that you receive the best quality products with excellent service. Some of the top companies include:
- StairLift USA
- AmeriGlide
- TK Access
- Acorn Stairlifts
- Bruno
Buying Tips
Here are a few additional buying tips to consider when purchasing stair lift for your home.
- Buy from a reputable company.
- Purchase the extended warranty.
- Do not sacrifice quality to save money with a stair lift cost.
- If you have your home stair lift professionally installed, get a written estimate before purchase.
- Compare 2 or 3 home stair lift brands before making a final decision. You may also want to consider purchasing a used stair lift or opting for a stair lift rental system for greater savings.
For More Information:
Copyright 2011. All Rights Reserved.
Home Stair Lifts: Make Your Home Accessible
with a Straight or a Curved Stairlift
Home stair lifts are becoming more necessary than ever before in modifying a home to become more adequately accessible to those who have mobility issues.
The baby boomer
population is quickly aging
and there are more people
today who live with various
levels of disability.
Installing either an indoor or
an outdoor stair lift is often
one of the most important
modifications that make it
possible for residents to
stay in their current homes
longer, and that can make
life easier and more
enjoyable.
There are many types of in-home stair lifts on the market, so it is important to know the various options that you have before making a this important choice.
Types of Home Stair Lifts
There are two main types of home stair lifts used in residential settings.
1. Straight stair lifts
Straight stair lifts are used on straight staircases. This type is generally the easiest to install, because straight staircases usually only vary in length. In fact, DIY stair lifts are straight because they do not customizations to fit.
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