Stairlifts Barnham
The most popular styles of chairlift: straight and curved. straight stairlifts move in a straight line, curved ones can handle corners. Curved ones cost significantly more than their straight counterparts.
If you live near Suffolk there are lots of chairlift makes to choose from. These include
- Acorn
- Stannah
- Companion
- Brooks
- Platinum Stairlifts
- Bruno
- Thyssenkrupp
- Oto Lift
Pre-owned stairlifts can be more affordable than brand new models. To ensure you get the most out of your money, buy a second-hand chairlift from a trusted company. All good reconditioned stairlift companies in Barnham will offer installation within the price, simplifying the process. It's a good idea to ensure the purchase of a recon lift includes at least a one-year warranty for peace of mind.
Before a stairlift is fitted, you must book a home survey from a professional stairlift surveyor. The technical surveyor will assess exactly what's required and how much it's going to cost. Once you've approved the quotation, the installation can get started.
A stairlift does not require building work because it attaches to the stairs instead of a wall. Installation typically takes less than a day because of this.
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Curved Stairlifts
Curved stairlifts are custom-made to fit the unique shape and dimensions of the curved staircase. They have a flexible rail system that curves along the staircase, allowing the user to travel smoothly and safely around corners or up multiple flights of stairs. This makes curved stairlifts an ideal solution for individuals with mobility challenges who need assistance navigating curved or multi-level staircases in their homes or public buildings.
Curved stairlifts are generally pricier than straight stairlifts because navigating corners requires a more intricate design than travelling in a straight line. As curved staircases are less universal in shape than straight ones, you are more likely to need a custom-built rail, which can also be expensive. The starting price of curved stairlifts is about £3,850. Multiple bends and stopping locations will be extra.
Below are some popular brands of curved stairlifts:
- Acorn 180
- Handicare 2000
- Stannah 260
- Platinum Ultimate
- Thyssen Flow 2
- Thyssen Flow X
Straight Stairlifts
If your property has a straight staircase without any turns or corners, a straight stairlift is the most suitable option. However, in the case of two straight staircases connected by a landing, it may be necessary to consider installing two separate stairlifts.
The images of straight staircases featured (A-D) can give you a better idea of whether you require a straight chairlift.
Straight stairlifts are less expensive than curved stairlifts because the rail is straight and simple to manufacture. Prices start from around £1,950. Features like a powered hinge rail or swivel seat will increase the overall price.
Here's a selection of straight stairlift models you may want to investigate:
- Handicare 1100
- Handicare 1000
- Brooks Lincoln
- Stannah 600
- Platinum Horizon
- Access BDD Homeglide
- Thyssen Levant / Thyssen Comfort
- Acorn 130
Because of their more straightforward design, straight stairlifts are quicker and easier to fit than curved chairlifts. Requiring just one engineer, it typically takes less than 4 hours to install a straight stairlift.
Outdoor stairlifts
Finding it difficult to climb an external set of stairs? Consider fitting an external chairlift. Whether to reach your property unassisted or parts of your garden that bring you joy, an outdoor chairlift can restore your confidence and independence. Stairs can pose a significant risk for individuals with limited mobility or balance issues. Outdoor stairlifts offer a secure and stable mode of transportation, reducing the chances of falls or accidents that can lead to injuries. Outdoor stairlifts in East of England will typically start from £2,400, depending on your requirements. A long curved staircase will naturally cost more.
Outdoor stairlifts are similar to internal stairlifts, but waterproof materials make them more weather resistant. For times when your stairlift is not being used, a waterproof cover provides additional shielding from extreme weather conditions. A waterproof cover will also help to keep the seat dry. If your home is near the sea, your outdoor stairlift is more likely to suffer weather damage. Salt in the sea air can damage parts of the stairlift over time.
Twin rail outdoor stairlift
garden step lift
External stair lift
Outside step chair lift
Narrow Chair Lifts
If your staircase is narrow, look for a stairlift model specifically for limited spaces. When not in use, folding armrests, seat and footplate allow your stairlift to fold away as slim as 300mm.
A good solution for very narrow stairs is the Thyssenkrupp Flow X, previously the Flow 2. The Flow X stairlift is the narrowest on the market, designed to work on stairs as narrow as 610mm. The carriage automatically turns to get the passenger through the tightest sections on your staircase without hitting anything.
Another option to look into is a perched seat stairlift. When using a perch stairlift, you partially stand but with a seat to lean on. Although, it may not be suitable if you have minimal mobility, which makes partially standing tiring or unsafe.
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Heavy Duty Stair lifts
The maximum weight capacity of a stairlift varies depending on the model. Brands like Bruno and Handicare offer heavy-duty options, otherwise known as bariatric stairlifts, that are safe for people of a higher weight.
The Handicare 1000 XXL is ideal for straight stairs, supporting up to 31 stones with added comfort features like a wider seat and extended armrest. The Bruno Elite is a great choice for curved staircases, accommodating up to 30 stones, while the Platinum Ultimate can handle up to 25 stones.
If you exceed these weight limits, through floor lifts(TFL's), also known as home lifts or residential elevators, provide a convenient and efficient way to move between different levels of a home. Through-floor-lifts consist of a self-contained cabin that moves vertically, through a newly made aperture within a dedicated shaft or enclosure.
To operate a through-floor lift, a user enters the lift cabin at one level and selects up or down. The cabin ascends or descends to the chosen floor, allowing the user to exit at their destination safely.
Through floor lifts typically use an electric motor and a system of cables, pulleys, or hydraulic mechanisms to move the cabin. They are designed to be space-efficient and can be customised to fit the specific dimensions of a home. A TFL is more expensive than a stairlift, starting somewhere around £11,500. However, the benefits can, quite literally, outweigh the cost.
Reconditioned chairlifts Barnham
If you're on a limited budget, you might want to consider a second-hand stairlift. Finding a reconditioned stairlift for your straight staircase is usually uncomplicated. Shortening an existing straight stairlift rail to fit your stairs is easy and safe enough to do. Pre-used curved stairlift rails aren't as easy to re-fit as they are custom-made to a specific staircase. One possible approach is to get a brand new bespoke curved rail to fit your staircase and pair it with a reconditioned curved stairlift carriage.
It may be cheaper to purchase a stairlift second-hand in Barnham than buying a new one. Getting a pre-owned stairlift from a private seller may seem like the most affordable option, but it’s usually problematic and fraught with risk. Unless you’re a trained stairlift expert, buying a used stairlift from a reputable company is much more sensible. Reconditioned stairlifts, from a reputable company, should also come with a 12 month guarantee, meaning you're covered for up to a year should it malfunction.
If you’re considering a stairlift and live in Barnham, give us a call today on 0330 223 6584 or book your free home visit.