Why curved rails are made to measure
A curved stairlift rail is shaped to follow your particular staircase, round each bend and landing, so one chair can travel the whole way. That means a detailed survey first. Installers often measure the stairs with photographic or laser equipment, and the rail is then made for your home. As a result, expect a wait of some weeks between ordering and fitting, rather than days. Ask each installer how long their lead time is, and say if there's a date you're working towards, such as a hospital discharge.
Parking, landings and the top of the stairs
A curved rail can be designed to park the chair around a corner at the bottom, keeping a hallway or doorway clear, and to carry on past the top step so the user can get off safely on the landing. Some rails can stop at a half-landing if someone needs to reach a bathroom there. Every extra curve adds to the design, so ask the installer to explain the route of the rail and the parking positions on a drawing or photo before you agree to anything.
If the lift may not be needed for long
Because a curved rail is made for one staircase, it usually can't be reused in another home, and it's harder to resell than a straight lift. If you're unsure how long the stairlift will be needed, ask whether the installer offers a buy-back or removal arrangement, and what it involves. It's also worth asking whether moving to a ground-floor bedroom, or a through-floor lift, would suit better. An occupational therapist assessment through your council can help you weigh up the options before you commit.
Jobs we can find a stairlift installer for
- Made-to-measure rails for bends and landings
- Spiral and winding staircases
- Parking around a corner to keep hallways clear
- Rails that extend past the top step
- Stops at half-landings
- Detailed photographic or laser surveys
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