Stairlifts Blackheath

In case you find walking up the stairs uncomfortable, a stairlift will help you feel more confident. The most popular kinds of chairlift: straight and curved. As their names imply, straight stairlifts can only travel in one straight line, curved lifts can handle corners. Curved lifts are significantly more expensive due to the manufacturing costs of the curved metal rail and installation.

Living in Suffolk, close to High Street, Brampton, Rushmere, Beccles you'll find a variety of chairlift companies to meet your requirements. These include

  • Acorn
  • Stannah
  • Companion
  • Brooks
  • Platinum Stairlifts
  • Bruno
  • TKA
  • Oto Lift

From Brook's affordable range to more high-tech products with automatic options and customisations tailored for you, there's a solution for all. All major brands provide installation, making the process stress-free.

Refurbished stairlifts can be more affordable than brand new models. Buy a pre-owned chairlift from a reputable company rather than a private seller to ensure safety and quality. All reputable reconditioned stairlift companies in Blackheath should install the lift as part of the service, simplifying the process. For peace of mind, purchasing one with a one-year warranty is a good idea.

Prior to a stairlift being fitted, you must book a home survey from a professional stairlift surveyor. The technical surveyor will assess what's required and how much it's going to cost. Once you've approved the quotation, the company will book an installation date. No building work is typically needed as stairlifts attach to the stairs rather than the wall (a common misconception). This means that installation is normally quick and easy. A stairlift does not require building work because it attaches to the stairs instead of a wall. Installation usually takes around half a day if everything goes well.

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Curved Stairlifts

A curved stairlift is typically required when there is a curved or non-standard staircase in a home or building. It is designed to navigate stairs that have bends, curves, or intermediate landings. Here are a few scenarios where a curved stairlift might be necessary:

  1. Curved Staircase: If your staircase features a curve or bend, a curved stairlift is essential to navigate the turns smoothly and safely. The track of a curved stairlift is custom-made to match the specific shape and angles of the stairs.

  2. Spiral Staircase: Spiral staircases are compact and often have a central column. These staircases require a specially designed curved stairlift that can accommodate the tight curve and narrow width of the steps.

  3. Multiple Landings: If your staircase has intermediate landings, where the stairs change direction or level, a curved stairlift can be customized to travel across these landings seamlessly.

  4. Unique Architectural Design: In homes or buildings with unique or unconventional staircase designs, such as helical or freestanding stairs, a curved stairlift may be necessary to provide accessibility without compromising the aesthetics of the structure.

It's important to consult with a professional stairlift provider to assess your specific staircase configuration and determine if a curved stairlift is the appropriate solution for your accessibility needs.

Curved stairlifts come with a higher price tag compared to straight stairlifts due to the intricate design needed for navigating turns. Unlike straight staircases, curved ones vary in shape, requiring a custom-built rail that adds to the overall expense. While the starting price for curved stairlifts is typically around £3,850, additional charges will apply for multiple bends and stops along the staircase.

Below are some popular brands of curved stairlifts:

  • Acorn 180
  • Handicare 2000
  • Stannah 260
  • Platinum Ultimate
  • Thyssen Flow 2
  • Thyssen Flow X

staircase types for curved stairlifts

Straight Stairlifts

If the stairs travel in a single direction without any bends, a straight stairlift is the right option for you. If you have a straight staircase, it might look like one of the images illustrated A-D.

Consider fitting two straight chairlifts if you have two straight staircases linked by a half landing. This is only an option if you are able to move yourself between the stairlifts seats. If this isn't possible, a continuous run curved stairlift is the best solution.

In addition, straight stairlifts are more affordable compared to curved models, starting at approximately £1,950. However, it's important to note that the inclusion of luxury features such as a powered swivel seat will increase the overall cost.

Here are some popular straight stairlift models: • Brooks Lincoln • Stannah 600 • Platinum Horizon • Thyssen/Access BDD Homeglide • Acorn 130 • Handicare 1100 • Handicare 1000.

Straight stairlifts offer a quicker and easier installation process compared to curved stairlifts, thanks to their straightforward design. Typically, it takes one engineer less than half-a-day to fit a straight stairlift.

Staircase types for straight stairlifts

Outdoor stairlifts

If you find climbing the stairs outside your home or garden difficult, consider installing an external chairlift. Whether to reach your property unassisted or parts of your garden that bring you joy, an outdoor chairlift can reduce your risk of a fall and make life much easier. 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 injury. The average cost of an outdoor stairlift in the East of England region is around £2,400, depending on the layout and length of stairs. Stairs with turns will cost more than a short straight set.

External stairlifts are pretty much identical to indoor stairlifts, but include waterproof components to make them suitable for outdoors. When you're not using your outdoor chairlift, a weatherproof cover will provide extra shielding from rain and snow. If you live near the sea, your external stairlift is more likely to suffer weather damage. Salt in the air can damage the stairlift over the years. A weather-proof cover also keeps the seat dry.


Narrow Stair Lifts

If your stairs are particularly narrow, find a stairlift designed for tight spaces. When not in use, collapsing armrests, seat and footplate allow your stairlift to fold away as slim as 300mm. A good solution for the narrowest of staircases is the Thyssenkrupp Flow X. The Flow X stairlift is the narrowest on the market, designed to work on stairs down to 610mm wide. The seat automatically swivels to get the passenger through the smallest sections on your staircase without the user's knees or toes hitting the spindles. Another option to look into is a perched seat stairlift. When using a perch stairlift, you partially stand but with a seat to perch on. Although, it's likely not suitable if you find partially standing difficult. It's a great option if you have constricted hip or knee joints that make sitting challenging.


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Heavy Duty Stairlifts

Whilst most stairlifts' maximum weight limit tops out at 25 stone - there are a couple of options for those living in a larger body.

For straight stairs, the Handicare 1000 XXL has a weight capacity of 31 stones, offering a wider seat and extended armrest for comfort. For curved staircases, the Bruno Elite supports up to 30 stones, and the Platinum Ultimate can accommodate up to 25 stones.

If you exceed these maximum weight limits, through floor lifts(TFL's), also known as home lifts or residential elevators, provide a safe and secure way to move between different levels of a home. Through-floor-lifts consist of a self-contained cabin that moves vertically within a dedicated shaft or enclosure.

To operate a TFL, a user enters the lift cabin at one level and selects up or down. The lift moves smoothly and quietly, through the aperture in the ground floor ceiling, guided by a rail system. 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, starting at £11,500. However, the benefits can outweigh the cost.


Reconditioned chairlifts Blackheath

If cost is a concern, consider inquiring about approved-used stairlifts as a budget-friendly option. Typically, it is straightforward to find a reconditioned stairlift for a straight staircase. Shortening an existing straight stairlift rail to fit your stairs is cheaper than buying a brand new rail. Pre-used curved stairlift rails are not easy to re-fit as they are custom-made to a specific home. One possible approach is to buy a brand new bespoke curved rail to fit your stairs then use a second-hand curved stairlift carriage.

It may be cheaper to purchase a pre-used chairlift in Blackheath than buying a new one. Buying a pre-owned stairlift from a private seller may seem like a froogle choice, but it’s typically problematic and fraught with risk. Unless you’re a trained stairlift technician, buying a refurbished stairlift from a reputable chairlift company is a more sensible idea. A refurbished chairlift, from a reputable company, will also come with a 12 month warranty, meaning you're covered for a year should it stop working.

If you’re considering a stairlift and live in Blackheath, give us a call today on 0330 223 6584 or book your free home visit.