Stairlifts Chalkwell
The most popular types of stairlift: straight and curved. straight stairlifts can only move in a straight line, curved lifts can handle bends. Curved lifts are a lot more expensive due to their unique design and additional install cost.
Chalkwell has a whole range of stairlift makes to pick from, as does Prittlewell, Eastwood, Southchurch.
Common makes you may of heard of are: Acorn, Access BDD, Handicare, Stannah and TKA
There is something for everyone from Acorn's affordable range to more bespoke products with additional features to match your decor, everyone can find something they like.
Refurbished stairlifts tend to be cheaper than buying new. To ensure your second-hand stairlift works properly, purchase a refurbished one from a trusted stair lift manufacturer. All good reconditioned stairlift companies in Chalkwell should install the lift as part of the service, making the process easy.
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, you'll receive an installation date. It is not necessary to do any building work as stairlifts connect to the stairs, not the walls.
GET IN TOUCH
Schedule a Visit
Curved Stairlifts
Here are a few scenarios where a curved stairlift would be necessary:
-
Curved Staircase: If your staircase features curves or turns, a curved stairlift is essential to navigate the bends smoothly and safely. The rail of a curved stairlift is custom-designed to match the specific shape of your staircase.
-
Multiple Landings: In cases where you have a staircase with multiple landings or intermediate platforms, a curved stairlift is designed to traverse these complex configurations, ensuring a seamless ride between different levels.
-
Unique Architectural Design: If your home has a unique or custom-designed staircase that doesn't conform to a standard straight shape, such as a spiral staircase, a curved stairlift is the ideal solution. It can be tailored to accommodate the specific dimensions and curvature of the stairs.
-
Maximizing Space: Curved stairlifts are often preferred when space is limited, and a straight stairlift installation is not feasible. They can be installed on narrow or compact staircases that would otherwise be unsuitable for a traditional straight stairlift.
Overall, the main factor determining the need for a curved stairlift is the presence of curves, bends, or multiple landings in a staircase, which necessitates a customized solution to ensure safe and comfortable mobility for individuals with limited mobility or disabilities.
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.
Common curved stairlift brands include:
- Handicare 4000
- Stannah 260 {Siena}
- Platinum Ultimate
- Otolift Modul-Air
- Thyssen Flow X / Access BDD Flow X
Straight Stairlifts
If your stairs in your home travel in the same direction without any turns, 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 stairlifts if you have 2 straight staircases linked by a quarter landing. This is only an option if you are able to walk between the stairlifts seats. Getting a curved stairlift can be a good solution if this isn't possible.
The average starting price for a new straight stairlift is around £1,950. Because they usually have a pretty simple design, straight stairlifts cost less than curved stairlifts. Additional features like a powered hinge or telescopic rail and a powered swivel seat will cost more.
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 simplistic design, straight stairlifts are quicker and easier to fit than curved ones. Requiring just one engineer, it typically takes just a few hours to install a straight stairlift in your property.
Outdoor stairlifts
Are you finding steps to your home a challenge? Consider fitting an outside stairlift. Whether to reach your property unassisted or parts of your garden that bring you joy, an outdoor stairlift 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 falls or accidents that can lead to injuries.
Outdoor stairlifts in East of England will typically start from £2,400, but factors like length of rail and staircase design will affect this. Stairs with turns will cost more than a short straight set.
External stairlifts are similar in design to indoor stairlifts, but waterproof materials make them more weather resistant. For times when your stairlift is not being used, a cover provides extra protection from the elements. A weather-proof cover will also help to keep the seat dry.
If your property is by the coast, your outdoor stairlift is more likely to suffer environmental damage. Salt in the sea air can corrode parts of the stairlift over time.
Narrow Stairlifts
If your staircase is narrow, you can get a stairlift designed especially for tight spaces. When not in use, folding parts allow your stairlift to fold away as slim as 300mm. An excellent stairlift for narrow stairs is the Thyssen Flow X. The Flow X stairlift is designed to work on stairs as narrow as 610mm. The carriage automatically turns to get the stairlift user through the narrowest sections on your staircase without the user's knees fouling the spindles. The other option to consider is a perch 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.
GET IN TOUCH
Schedule a Visit
Heavy Duty Chair lifts
If you are concerned you might exceed the max weight limit of a traditional stairlift, there's a couple of stairlift manufacturers who manufacture a HD bariatric option.
For curved stairs, some models have a weight capacity of up to 25 stone, such as the Platinum Ultimate. The highest weight capacity currently available for curved stairlifts is the Bruno Elite, which can carry up to 30 stones. For straight staircases, the Handicare 1000 XXL can take up to 31 stones. It also has a wider seat, an extended seat base and an extended armrest to keep you comfortable.
If you are at the top end of these maximum weight limits, a Through-Floor-Lift (TFL) is your only option. When the lift is parked on the ground floor, the top is designed to be strong enough to become part of the floor above.
Through-Floor-Lifts are significantly more expensive, starting at £11,500, but can be a life-changing purchase.
Reconditioned stairlifts Chalkwell
If you're on a limited budget, you might want to consider a second-hand stairlift. 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. Finding a used curved stairlift rail to fit your curved staircase is not an easy task as they've most likely been custom-made for a specific home. The solution is to buy a brand new bespoke curved rail then buy a 2nd hand curved stairlift chassis.
It can be cheaper to buy a pre-used stairlift in Chalkwell than buying a new one. Buying a pre-owned stairlift from a private seller may seem sensible, but it’s usually problematic and fraught with risk. Unless you’re a qualified stairlift engineer, buying a refurbished stairlift from a reputable company is much more sensible.
Reconditioned stairlifts should 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 Chalkwell, give us a call today on 0330 223 6584 or book your free home visit.