Stairlifts Prittlewell
In case you feel uneasy when climbing your stairs, a stairlift can boost your confidence and provide the support you need.
The two main types of stairlift are straight and curved. As their names suggest, straight stairlifts travel in a straight line, curved stairlift can navigate around corners. Curved stairlift are significantly more expensive due to the manufacturing of the curved track and installation.
If you live around the Essex area you'll find a variety of stairlift makes to suit your individual needs.
These include: Acorn, Bruno, Handicare, Stannah and TKA
From Acorn's reliable and simple designs to more customisable products with add-ons to match your decor, there is a solution for all.
All major brands provide installation, making the process stress-free.
Refurbished stairlifts tend to be cheaper than buying new. Buy a pre-owned stairlift from a reputable company over a private seller to ensure safety and quality. All good reconditioned stairlift companies in Prittlewell will offer installation within the price, making the process easy. For peace of mind, make sure your lift includes at least a one-year warranty.
Before a stairlift is fitted, you must book a home survey from a professional stairlift surveyor. The survey will assess what's required and how much it's going to cost. Once you've approved the quotation, the stairlift can be installed. No building work is usually needed as stairlifts attach to the stairs rather than the wall. This means that installation is normally quick and easy.
Since stairlifts attach to the stairs rather than the wall, no building work is normally required. Therefore, installation is usually straightforward and takes around half a day.
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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 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.
Some popular brands of curved stairlifts are • Acorn 180 • Handicare 2000 • Stannah 260 • Platinum Ultimate • Thyssen Flow 2 • Thyssen Flow X
Straight Stairlifts
If your stairs travel in one direction without any bends, a straight stairlift is the right option for you. If you have a straight staircase, it might look like one of the images illustrated A-D.
Consider fitting two straight stairlifts if you have two straight staircases linked by a half landing. This is only an option if you are able to move yourself between the stairlifts seats. Getting a curved stairlift can be a good solution if this isn't possible.
In addition, straight stairlifts are more affordable compared to curved models, starting at approximately £1,950. However, it's important to note that the inclusion of motorised features such as a motorised seat which swivels at the top of the stairs will bump up the price.
Here are some popular straight stairlift models: • Brooks Lincoln • Stannah 600 • Platinum Horizon • Thyssen 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 less than 4 hours to fit a straight stairlift.
Outdoor stairlifts
If you find climbing the stairs outside your home or garden difficult, consider fitting an external stairlift. Whether to reach your property unassisted or parts of your garden that bring you joy, an outdoor stairlift can be life-changing. 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, depending on the layout of stairs. Stairs with turns will cost more than a short straight set.
Outdoor stairlifts are virtually the same as internal stairlifts, but include waterproof components to make them suitable for outdoors. When you're not using your external stairlift, a weatherproof cover can provide extra shielding from rain and snow.
If your property is by the coast, your outdoor stairlift is more likely to suffer weather damage. Salt in the air can damage parts of the stairlift over the years. The weather-proof cover also keeps the seat dry.
Twin rail outdoor stairlift
garden step lift
External stair lift
Outside step chair lift
Narrow Chair Lifts
If your staircase is narrow, look for a stairlift model designed for tight spaces. When not in use, collapsing parts allow your stairlift to fold away as slim as 300mm.
An option for the narrowest of staircases is the Thyssenkrupp Flow X, previously the Flow 2. This stairlift works on both curved or straight staircases but is usually the best choice for very narrow curved staircases. The Flow X stairlift is the narrowest on the market, designed to work on stairs as narrow as 610mm. The seat automatically swivels to get the passenger through the narrowest 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
The weight capacity of stairlifts can vary depending on the model, and certain brands including Bruno and Handicare provide heavy-duty options, commonly referred to as bariatric stairlifts. These specialised stairlifts are designed to accommodate individuals with higher body weights safely.
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 are getting close to or exceeding 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 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 Prittlewell
If cost is a concern, consider inquiring about approved-used stairlifts as a budget-friendly option. Finding a reconditioned stairlift for your straight staircase is usually uncomplicated. Shortening an existing straight stairlift rail to fit your stairs is easy and safe enough to do. Finding pre-owned stairlifts to match another curved staircase, regardless of how similar they look, is not an easy task as they've most likely been custom-made to a specific job. One possible approach is to get a brand new custom-made curved rail and buy a reconditioned curved stairlift chassis.
It might be cheaper to purchase a stairlift second-hand in Prittlewell than buying a new one. Buying a pre-owned stairlift from a private seller may seem like a good idea, but it’s typically problematic and fraught with risk. Unless you’re a qualified stairlift technician, buying a reconditioned stairlift from a reputable stairlift company is a more sensible idea.
Reconditioned stairlifts, from a reputable company, will also come with a 1 year guarantee, meaning you're protected if it breaks down in the first 12 months of it being fitted.
