Stairlifts Braintree
The two main kinds of stair lift are straight and curved. While straight stairlifts travel in a straight line, curved stair lift can move around corners. Curved stair lift cost much more due to their unique design and additional install cost.
If you live near Essex there are lots of stair lift manufacturers to suit your individual needs.
Brands you may of heard of are
- Acorn
- Stannah
- Handicare
- Brooks
- Platinum Stairlifts
- Bruno
- Thyssenkrupp
- Oto Lift
There's something for everyone from Brook's affordable range to more sophisticated models with additional features, colour and upholstery options to knit into your home, there's a solution for all.
Refurbished stairlifts can be more affordable than brand new models. To ensure you get value for money, buy a refurbished stair lift from a reputable company. All good reconditioned stairlift companies in Braintree will offer installation within the price, streamlining the whole process. To ensure peace of mind, make sure the lift you purchase comes with a one-year warranty.
Prior to a stairlift being fitted, you must book a home survey from a professional stairlift surveyor. This process 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 usually takes under a day and is straightforward.
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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 considerably pricier than straight stairlifts due to their intricate design to navigate turns. The unique layout variations of curved staircases will require custom-built rails, which significantly contribute to the overall cost. While the starting price for curved stairlifts fetches around £3,850, additional charges are inevitable for accommodating multiple corners and stops along the staircase.
Here are some popular curved stairlift options to consider:
- Acorn 180
- Handicare 4000
- Stannah 260
- Platinum Ultimate
- Thyssen Flow X / Access Flow X
Straight Stairlifts
If your property has a straight staircase without any turns or corners, a straight stairlift is the ideal choice. 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 an idea of whether you require a straight stair lift.
The typical starting price of a brand new straight stairlift is around £1,950. Because they have a pretty simple design, straight stair lifts cost less than curved stairlifts. Additional features like a powered hinge or sliding rail and a powered swivel seat will cost more.
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 less than 4 hours to fit a straight stairlift.
Outdoor stairlifts
Do you have trouble getting up and downs steps to your home? Consider getting an outside stair lift. Whether to reach your property unassisted or parts of your garden that bring you joy, an outdoor stair lift can be an excellent investment.
The average cost of an outdoor stairlift in the East of England region is around £2,400, but this can be higher or lower depending on factors like the dimensions of your stairs. A long curved set of steps will naturally cost more.
External stairlifts are virtually the same as internal stairlifts, but include waterproof components to make them more weather resistant. When you're not using your external stair lift, a weatherproof cover can provide extra shielding from rain and snow.
If you live near the sea, your external stairlift is more likely to suffer environmental damage. Salt in the air can corrode parts of the stairlift over the years.
Narrow Chair Lifts
There‘s a lot of older properties in Braintree and Bradwell, Sand Hill, Halstead. If you live in one, your staircase may be narrower than modern staircases.
If your staircase is narrow, find a stairlift designed for tight spaces. When not in use, collapsing parts allow your stairlift to fold away as slim as 300mm.
An excellent stairlift for narrow stairs is the Thyssen Flow X. This stairlift works on both curved or straight staircases but is typically the best choice for very narrow curved staircases. The Flow X stairlift is designed to work on stairs as narrow as 610mm. The seat automatically swivels to get the passenger through the smallest sections on your staircase without hitting anything.
The other option to consider is a perch stairlift. When using a perch stairlift, you partially stand but with a seat to perch on. It's excellent if you have restricted knee or hip joints that make sitting uncomfortable. However, it's not suitable if partially standing makes you feel unsteady.
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Heavy Duty Stair lifts
The max weight limit of a stairlift varies depending on the make and model. Brands like Bruno and Handicare offer heavy-duty options, otherwise known as bariatric stairlifts, that are safe for people of a higher weight.
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 are at the top end of these maximum weight limits, a Through-Floor-Lift (TFL) is the alternative. When the lift is parked on the ground floor, the lid is designed to be strong enough to become part of the floor above.
Costing in the region of £11,500, Through-Floor-Lifts can be expensive compared to a stairlift. However, they can also make a massive difference in your daily life.
Reconditioned stair lifts Braintree
If you're on a limited budget, you might want to consider a second-hand stairlift. Acquiring a pre-used stairlift for a straight staircase is a straightforward process. Shortening an existing straight stairlift rail to fit your stairs is generally straightforward. Pre-used curved stairlift rails aren't as easy to re-fit as they've most likely been custom-made for a specific home. The solution is to purchase a new custom-made curved rail and opt for a second-hand curved stairlift chassis.
Purchasing a stairlift from a private seller in the Braintree area may seem like a cheap option, but it comes with much greater risks. If you want to buy a used stair lift it's better to buy one from a reputable installer. This way, you can be confident that your stairlift will work like new, installed correctly and is safe.
A refurbed stair lift, from a reputable company, will also come with a 1 year guarantee, meaning you're covered for up to a year should anything go wrong.
If you’re considering a stairlift and live in Braintree, give us a call today on 0330 223 6584 or book your free home visit.