Stairlifts Chigwell
The most popular kinds of stair lift: straight and curved. As their names imply, straight stairlifts travel in a straight line, curved ones can turn around corners. Curved ones cost a lot more.
If you live around Essex or Buckhurst Hill, Loughton, Epping, Warley, Brentwood you'll find plenty of stair lift companies to suit your needs. These include
- Acorn
- Stannah
- Handicare
- Brooks
- Platinum Stairlifts
- Bruno
- Thyssenkrupp
- Oto Lift
There's something for everyone from Brook's affordable range to more high-tech stair lift with automatic options to match your decor, everyone can find something they like.
Pre-owned stairlifts can be more affordable than brand new models. Buy a reconditioned stairlift from a trusted brand to ensure quality and safety. All reputable reconditioned stairlift companies in Chigwell 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.
You don't need to deal with an external company when you purchase a stair lift from any major company. Getting your home inspected by a stairlift surveyor is the first step to buying a stairlift. It is possible to install a stairlift within a day of the survey.
Due to the fact that stairlifts attach to the stairs, rather than the wall, there is usually no need for building work. Installation usually takes under a day and is straightforward.
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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 come with a higher price tag compared to straight stairlifts due to the intricate design needed to navigate beds. 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.
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 property has a straight staircase without any turns or corners then a straight stairlift is the most suitable option. However, in the case of two straight staircases connected by a landing, you have the choice of either two separate stairlifts or one continuous curved stairlift.
The illustrations of straight staircases featured (A-D) can give you a better idea of whether you'd need a straight stair lift.
In addition, straight stairlifts are more affordable compared to curved models, starting at approximately £1,950. However, the inclusion of motorised features such as a powered swivel seat will bump up the price.
Here's a selection of straight stairlift models you may want to investigate:
- Handicare 1100
- Handicare 1000 including perch seat option
- 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 install than curved stair lifts. It should take half a day, at most, to fully install and handover a straight stairlift.
Outdoor stairlifts
Do you have trouble getting up and downs steps to your home? Consider installing an external stair lift. Whether to reach your property unassisted or parts of your garden that bring you joy, an outdoor stair 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 falls or accidents that can lead to injuries. An outdoor stairlift will cost in the region of £2,400, but factors like length of rail and staircase design will affect this. A curved staircase will naturally cost more.
Outdoor stairlifts are virtually the same as indoor stairlifts, but include waterproof components to make them more weather resistant. When you're not using your outdoor stair lift, a protective cover can provide extra protection from the elements. If you live by 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. The cover will also help to keep the seat dry.
Twin rail outdoor stairlift
garden step lift
External stair lift
Outside step chair lift
Narrow Chairlifts
If your staircase is narrow, you may need a stairlift made especially for smaller spaces. When not in use, folding parts allow your stairlift to fold away as slim as 300mm.
A good solution for really narrow stairs is the Thyssenkrupp Flow X. This stairlift works on both curved or straight staircases. The Flow X stairlift is designed to work on stairs down to 610mm wide. The carriage automatically swivels to get the stair lift user through the smallest sections on your staircase without hitting anything.
Another option to look into is a perch stairlift. When using a perch stairlift, you partially stand but with a seat to lean on. Although, it's likely not suitable if you find partially standing difficult or you suffer with vertigo. 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.
The highest weight capacity for straight stairs is the Handicare 1000 XXL, with a maximum weight capacity of 31 stones. It styles a wider seat, larger base, and extended armrest to keep you comfortable. For curved staircases, you can choose the Bruno Elite stairlift, which can carry up to 30 stones, or the Platinum Ultimate, with a weight capacity of up to 25 stones.
If you exceed these weight limits, through floor lifts(TFL's), sometimes referred to 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, through a newly made aperture 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 provide a practical solution for individuals with mobility challenges, enabling them to move between floors effortlessly and comfortably. While it's true Through-Floor Lifts come with a higher price tag, starting at £11,500, they can be a transformative investment that has the potential to significantly improve one's quality of life.
Reconditioned stair lifts Chigwell
To reduce costs, you could consider buying a stairlift second-hand. Sourcing a pre-used stairlift for a straight staircase is straightforward. Shortening an existing straight stairlift rail to fit your stairs is cheaper than buying a brand new rail. Sourcing pre-owned stairlifts to suit your curved staircase is almost impossible as they've most likely been custom-made to a specific home. The solution is to get a new bespoke curved rail and use a pre-owned, refurbished, curved stairlift carriage.
Buying a pre-loved stairlift from a private seller in the Chigwell area could seem like a good idea, but inva never invarably. If you want to buy a used stair lift it's a much more sensible idea to buy one from a reputable installer. This way, you can be assured that your stairlift will work like new and is safe to use. Reconditioned stairlifts, from a reputable company, will also come with a 1 year warranty, meaning you're covered for a year should it stop working.
If you’re considering a stairlift and live in Chigwell, give us a call today on 0330 223 6584 or book your free home visit.