Stairlifts Buckhurst Hill
The two primary types of chair lift are straight and curved. While straight stairlifts can only move in a straight line, curved chair lift can navigate around corners. Curved chair lift are significantly more expensive than their straight counterparts.
Buckhurst Hill, Chigwell, Loughton, Epping has a variety of chair lift manufacturers to pick from. Popular makes you may of heard of are
- Acorn
- Stannah
- Companion
- Brooks
- Platinum Stairlifts
- Bruno
- Access BDD
- Oto Lift
From Brook's affordable range to more customisable chair lift with automatic options and customisations tailored for you, you will find something to suit every budget. All major brands provide installation, making the process stress-free.
Second-hand stairlifts are less expensive than new ones. Buy a reconditioned chair lift from a reputable company over a private seller to ensure safety and quality. Buying a used stairlift from the likes of eBay, Gumtee, Buckhurst Hill Facebook Group or other classified ads may seem like a cheap option but it's unlikely you'll find a stairlift company that will install and warranty a stairlift they have not supplied. All reputable reconditioned stairlift companies in Buckhurst Hill will provide installation services, making the process easy. To ensure peace of mind, make sure the lift you purchase comes with a one-year warranty.
The majority of stair lift companies provide their own installation services, so you do not have to deal with external contractors. Your home will need to be inspected by a qualified stairlift surveyor before you can order a stairlift. Once complete, a stairlift can be installed as soon as a day later.
It is not necessary to have any building work done since stairlifts are attached to the stairs rather than the walls. As a result, installation is usually straightforward and takes less than a day.
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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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 are pricier than straight stairlifts because of the intricate design required to navigate turns. As curved staircases are less universal in shape than straight ones, you are more likely to need a custom-built rail, which will also be expensive. Curved stairlifts start at around £3,850 but multiple bends and stops will cost extra.
Some popular brands of curved stairlifts are • Acorn 180 • Handicare 2000 • Stannah 260 • Platinum Ultimate • Thyssen Flow 2 • Thyssen Flow X
Straight Stairlifts
If the stairs in your home travel in one direction without any bends, a straight stairlift is the right choice. If you have a straight staircase, it might look like one of the staircase designs illustrated A-D.
Consider fitting two straight chair lifts if you have 2 straight staircases linked by a landing. For this to work, you need to be able to walk between the stairlifts seats. If this isn't possible, a continuous run curved stairlift can be a good solution.
Straight stairlifts are less expensive than curved stairlifts because the rail is straight and therefore easier and cheaper to make. The average starting price is around £1,950. Features like a powered hinge rail or upgraded swivel seat will increase the total cost.
Popular straight stairlift makes and models: • Acorn 130, • Brooks Lincoln, • Handicare 1100/1000, • Platinum Horizon, • Stannah 600 and • Thyssen Homeglide
Outdoor stairlifts
Do you have an external set of stairs, perhaps leading up to your front door our out to a garden area? Consider fitting an outside chair lift. Whether to reach your property unassisted or parts of your garden that bring you joy, an outdoor chair lift 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. Outdoor stairlifts in East of England will typically start from £2,400, depending on the layout of stairs. A curved staircase will cost more.
Outdoor stairlifts are similar to internal stairlifts, but waterproof materials make them more weather resistant. When your stairlift is not being used, a waterproof cover provides additional shielding from the elements. A waterproof cover also keeps the seat dry. If your home is by the sea, your external 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 Stairlifts
If your staircase is narrow, you can get a stairlift designed especially for tight spaces. Collapsible parts and compact designs mean your stairlift can be minimal in size and fold out of the way when not in use.
An option for really narrow stairs is the Thyssenkrupp Flow X. The Flow X stairlift is the narrowest on the market, designed to work on stairs as narrow as 610mm. The chair automatically swivels to get the passenger through the tightest sections on your staircase without the user's knees or toes fouling the opposite wall.
Another option to look into is a perch 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 Chairlifts
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 the top choice for straight stairs, offering an impressive weight capacity of 31 stones. Its design features a wider seat, larger base, and extended armrest, prioritizing your comfort. If you have curved stairs, the Bruno Elite stairlift can carry up to 30 stones, while the Platinum Ultimate is a reliable option with a weight capacity of 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 convenient and efficient way to move between different levels of a home. These 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 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.Through floor lifts also provide a practical solution for wheelchair users. While Through-Floor Lifts do come with a higher price tag, starting at £11,500, they have the potential to make a life-changing impact.
Reconditioned chair lifts Buckhurst Hill
Ask about approved-used stairlifts if costs are a concern. The process of finding a reconditioned stairlift for a straight staircase is typically straightforward. Shortening an existing straight stairlift rail to fit your stairs is generally straightforward. Sourcing pre-owned stairlifts to match another curved staircase is much more difficult as they are custom-made for a specific home. The solution is to buy a new custom-made curved rail then opt for a 2nd hand curved stairlift carriage.
It can be cheaper to purchase a pre-used chair lift in Buckhurst Hill than buying a new one. Getting a pre-owned stairlift from a private seller may seem like a good idea, but it’s usually problematic and fraught with risk. Unless you’re a qualified stairlift technician, buying a refurbished stairlift from a reputable chair lift company is a more sensible idea. A refurbed chair lift will also come with a 1 year guarantee, meaning you're covered for up to a year should it stop working.
