Stairlifts Marks Tey

In case you struggle with stairs, a stairlift will enable you to get around your home more comfortably.

The two main styles of stairlift are straight and curved. straight stairlifts can only travel in one straight line, curved ones can handle bends. Curved ones are significantly more expensive due to the manufacturing costs of the curved track and installation.

Marks Tey has lots of stairlift manufacturers to meet your requirements, as does Stanway, Tiptree, Colchester.

Manufacturers you may of heard of include: Acorn, Access BDD, Bruno, Handicare, Stannah and Thyssenkrupp
There is something for everyone from Brook's affordable range to more state-of-the-art products with add-ons to match your decor, everyone can find something they like.

All major brands provide installation, making the process stress-free.

Second-hand stairlifts are less expensive than new ones. Buy a reconditioned stairlift from a trusted brand to ensure quality and safety. All good reconditioned stairlift companies in Marks Tey will offer installation within the price, streamlining the whole process. It's a good idea to ensure the purchase of a recon lift includes at least a one-year warranty for peace of mind.

Stairlift surveyors will need to conduct an assessment of your home before installing a stairlift. There is no need to worry about the installation process because all stairlift companies offer installation services.

As stairlifts attach to stairs, not walls, no building work is usually required.

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Curved Stairlifts

A curved stairlift is typically needed in situations where a staircase has curves, bends, or multiple landings. Unlike straight staircases that can be accommodated by a standard straight stairlift, curved staircases require a specialized curved stairlift due to their unique shape.

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.

Here are some popular curved stairlift options to consider:

  • Acorn 180
  • Handicare 4000
  • Stannah 260
  • Platinum Ultimate
  • Thyssen Flow X / Access Flow X

staircase types for curved stairlifts

Straight Stairlifts

A straight stairlift is likely right for your home if your staircase goes in one direction without bends or curves. You may need two straight stairlifts if you have two straight staircases linked by a platform. For this to work, you must be able to walk between the stairlift seats by yourself. Getting a curved stairlift could be a better option if this is problematic.

Straight stairlifts are less expensive than curved stairlifts because the rail is straight and therefore easier and cheaper to make. The cost of a straight stairlift starts at around £1,950. Features like a powered hinge rail or swivel seat will increase the total cost.

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 more straightforward design, straight stairlifts are quicker and easier to fit than curved ones. It often takes half a day, at most, to fit a straight stairlift in your property.

Staircase types for straight stairlifts

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 outdoor stairlift. Whether to reach your property unassisted or parts of your garden that bring you joy, an outdoor stairlift can restore your confidence and independence. 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.

An outdoor stairlift will cost in the region of £2,400, but other environmental factors may increase this. Stairs with turns will naturally cost more than a short straight set.

Outdoor stairlifts are similar to internal stairlifts, but waterproof materials make them more weather resistant. When your stairlift is not being used, a cover can provide extra shielding from the elements. The waterproof cover will also help to keep the seat dry.

If you live near the sea, your external stairlift is more likely to suffer weather damage. Salt in the sea air can corrode the stairlift over time.


Narrow Chairlifts

If your stairs are particularly narrow, look for a stairlift designed 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.

A good solution for really narrow stairs is the Thyssenkrupp 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 turns to get the stairlift user through the narrowest sections on your staircase without the user's knees hitting the opposite wall.

The other option to consider is a perched seat 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.


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Heavy Duty Chairlifts

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're 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 be walked on above.

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 stairlifts Marks Tey

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 manufactured to a specific job. The solution is to get a new bespoke curved rail to suit your stairs then fit a second-hand curved stairlift seat.

Purchasing a second-hand stairlift from a private seller in the Marks Tey area could seem like a good idea, but it comes with much greater risks. If you want to buy a used stairlift it's a much more sensible idea to buy one from a reputable installer. This way, you can be confident that your stairlift works as well as a new one, installed correctly and is safe to use.

A refurbed stairlift should also come with a one-year guarantee, meaning you're covered if it breaks down within a year.

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