Stairlifts Newmarket
The two main types of chairlift: straight and curved. As their names imply, straight stairlifts move in one straight line, curved ones can handle corners. Curved ones are much more expensive due to the manufacturing costs of the curved rail and installation.
Newmarket has a whole range of chairlift makes to pick from, as does Newham, Soham, Barrow.
These include
- Acorn
- Stannah
- Handicare
- Brooks
- Platinum Stairlifts
- Bruno
- TKA
- Oto Lift
From Acorn's dependable and simple chairlift to more state-of-the-art products with automatic options, you'll find something to suit all budgets.
Refurbished stairlifts are less expensive than new ones. Buy a refurbished chairlift from a reputable company rather than a private seller to ensure safety and quality. DO NOT buy from auction websites or local marketplaces unless you plan to install this yourself. All good reconditioned stairlift companies in Newmarket will provide installation services, simplifying the process. For peace of mind, make sure your lift includes at least a one-year warranty.
You don't need to deal with an outside company for installation of stair lifts. All major stair lift manufacturers offer their own installation service. The first step in buying a stairlift is to have a stairlift technician perform a home survey. It is possible to install a stairlift within a day of the survey, assuming you were happy with the quote.
Generally, stairlifts don't require building work since they attach to the stairs rather than to the wall. This means that installation is usually straightforward and typically takes half 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.
Common curved stairlift brands include:
- Handicare 2000
- Stannah 260 {Siena}
- Platinum Ultimate
- Otolift Modul-Air
- Thyssen Flow X / Access BDD Flow X
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 chairlifts if you have two straight staircases linked by a platform. This can only work if you're able to get between the stairlift seats unaided.
Straight stairlifts are less expensive than curved stairlifts because the rail is straight and simple to manufacture. 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 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 one engineer no more than half-a-day to fit a straight stairlift.
Outdoor stairlifts
Do you have an external set of stairs, perhaps leading up to your front door our out to a garden area? Consider installing an external chairlift. Whether to reach your property unassisted or parts of your garden that bring you joy, an outdoor chairlift 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.
An outdoor stairlift will cost in the region of £2,400, but this differs depending on factors like length of rail and design of your stairs. A curved set of steps will cost more.
Outdoor stairlifts are similar in design to internal stairlifts, but include waterproof components to make them suitable for outdoors. When you're not using your outdoor chairlift, a protective cover can provide extra protection from the elements.
If you live near 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. A waterproof cover will also help to keep the seat dry.
Narrow Stair Lifts
If your stairs are particularly 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 excellent stairlift for tight spaces is the Thyssen Flow X. The Flow X stairlift is designed to work on stairs down to 610mm wide. The seat automatically swivels to get the passenger through the tightest sections on your staircase without hitting anything.
Another option to look into is a perched seat stairlift. When using a perch stairlift, you partially stand but with a seat to lean 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 Chair lifts
Whilst most stairlifts' maximum weight limit tops out at 25 stone - there are a couple of options for those living in a larger body.
There are models available for curved stairs with a weight capacity of 25 stone—for example, the Platinum Ultimate. The highest weight capacity for a curved staircases is the Bruno Elite stairlift offering a max limit of 30 stone. For straight staircases, the Handicare 1000 XXL, goes up to 31 stones.
If you exceed these weight limits, through floor lifts(TFL's), sometimes described as home lifts or residential elevators, provide a convenient and efficient way to move between different levels of a home. TFL's 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 lift travels smoothly and quietly, through the aperture in the ground floor ceiling, guided by a rail system. 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.
Through-Floor-Lifts are significantly more expensive, starting at £11,500, but can be a life-changing purchase.
Reconditioned chairlifts Newmarket
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 generally straightforward. Pre-used curved stairlift rails aren't as easy to re-fit as they've most likely been custom-made to a specific staircase. One possible approach is to buy a new bespoke curved rail and opt for a reconditioned curved stairlift seat.
Shopping for a pre-owned stairlift can be more affordable than buying one brand new. Purchasing a second-hand one through EBay or a Newmarket Facebook marketplace may appear to be a cheap option. However, buying from a reputable company means you can trust that your used stairlift is professionally fitted and will operate safely.
A refurbed chairlift, from a reputable company, will also come with a one-year warranty, meaning you're covered if it breaks down in the first 12 months of it being fitted.
