Stairlifts Rochford
The two main types of chairlift: straight and curved. As their names imply, straight stairlifts travel in one straight line, curved ones can handle bends. Curved ones cost a lot more than straight stairlifts.
If you live in Essex you'll find lots of chairlift brands to choose from. Brands you may of heard of include
- Acorn
- Stannah
- Handicare
- Brooks
- Platinum Stairlifts
- Bruno
- Access BDD
- Oto Lift
From Brook's affordable range to more expensive models with customisable upholstery to knit into your home, the selection is wide and varied.
Reconditioned 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 Rochford will provide installation services, streamlining the whole process. For peace of mind, purchasing one with a one-year warranty is a good idea.
The first step toward getting a stairlift is to have a stairlift technician come to your home and do a home inspection. Installation services are available from all stairlift companies, making the fitting process as easy as possible.
A stairlift does not require building work because it attaches to the stairs instead of a wall.
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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 considerably pricier than straight stairlifts due to their intricate design to navigate turns. The unique layout variations of curved staircases often demand custom-built rails, which significantly contribute to the overall cost. While the starting price for curved stairlifts fetches around £3,850, additional charges are inevitable for accommodating multiple turns and stops along the staircase.
Here are some popular curved stairlift options to consider:
- Acorn 180
- Handicare 4000
- Stannah 260
- Platinum Ultimate
- Thyssen Flow X / Access 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 transfer between the stairlifts by yourself.
In addition, straight stairlifts are more affordable compared to curved models, starting at approximately £1,950. However, the inclusion of features such as a motorised seat which swivels at the top of the stairs 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 simplistic design, straight stairlifts are quicker and easier to install than curved chairlifts. It should take half a day, at most, to install a straight stairlift in your property.
Outdoor stairlifts
If you find climbing the stairs outside your home or garden difficult, consider installing an outside chairlift. Whether to reach your property unassisted or parts of your garden that bring you joy, an outdoor chairlift 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 injury. The average cost of an outdoor stairlift in the East of England region is around £2,400, but other environmental factors may increase this. A curved staircase will naturally cost more than a short straight staircase.
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 waterproof cover can provide extra protection from the Great British weather. A weather-proof cover also keeps the seat dry. If you live close to the sea, your external stairlift is more likely to suffer environmental damage. Salt in the air can corrode the stairlift over time.
Twin rail outdoor stairlift
garden step lift
External stair lift
Outside step chair lift
Narrow Chair Lifts
If your staircase is narrow, find a stairlift model designed for tight spaces. When not in use, collapsing armrests, seat and footplate allow your stairlift to fold away as slim as 300mm.
An excellent stairlift for tight spaces is the Thyssen Flow X. The Flow X stairlift is the narrowest on the market, designed to work on stairs as narrow as 610mm. The chair automatically swivels to get the passenger through the tightest sections on your staircase without hitting anything.
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'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 Chair lifts
If you are concerned that you might be too heavy for a traditional stairlift, there are specific stairlift manufacturers who supply a HD version.
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, TFL's, sometimes described as home lifts or residential elevators, provide a convenient and efficient way to move between different levels of a home. These 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 lift moves 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 provide a practical solution for individuals with mobility challenges, enabling them to move between floors effortlessly and comfortably. They are more expensive, starting at around £11,500. However, the benefits can, quite literally, outweigh the cost.
Reconditioned chairlifts Rochford
To reduce costs, you could consider buying a stairlift second-hand. The process of finding a reconditioned stairlift for a straight staircase is typically straightforward. 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 almost impossible as they've most likely been custom-made to a specific customer. The solution is to purchase a brand new custom-made curved rail and opt for a second-hand curved stairlift chassis.
It's usually more affordable to get a stairlift second-hand. Purchasing second-hand from a private seller in the Rochford area may seem like a good idea but inevitably never is. However, buying a refurbished stairlift from a reputable company in Rochford is more sensible idea. Reconditioned stairlifts, from a reputable company, should also come with a 12 month guarantee, meaning you're covered if it breaks down within the first year of it being fitted.
