Stairlifts Shoeburyness
In case you struggle with stairs, a stairlift can restore your ability to move around your home more independently. The two primary styles of chairlift are straight and curved. While straight stairlifts travel in a straight line, curved lifts can navigate around corners. Curved lifts are much more expensive due to the manufacturing costs of the curved metal track and installation.
Shoeburyness, Southchurch, Prittlewell, Chalkwell has lots of chairlift makes to pick from. Manufacturers you may of heard of include: Acorn, Access BDD, Brooks, Handicare, Stannah and Thyssenkrupp From Acorn's affordable range to more high-tech products with add-ons and customisations tailored for you, you'll find something to suit every budget. All major brands provide installation, making the process stress-free.
Pre-owned stairlifts are less expensive than new ones. Buy a reconditioned chairlift from a reputable company rather than a private seller to ensure safety and quality. Buying a used stairlift from the likes of eBay, Gumtee, Shoeburyness Facebook Group or other classified ads may seem like a cheap option but it's unlikely you'll find a stairlift company that will install and warranty a stairlift they have not supplied. All reputable reconditioned stairlift companies in Shoeburyness will offer installation within the price, streamlining the whole process. For peace of mind, purchasing one with a one-year warranty is a good idea.
You should have a home survey performed by a stairlift surveyor before buying a stairlift. All stairlift companies in Shoeburyness have installation services, making the fitting process convenient. 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.
GET IN TOUCH
Schedule a Visit
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.
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
If the stairs travel in one direction without any turns, a straight stairlift is a suitable option to consider. If you have a straight staircase, it might look like one of the images illustrated A-D.
Consider fitting two straight chairlifts if you have two consecutive straight staircases linked by a quarter landing. This is only an option if you're able to walk between the stairlifts seats. If this isn't possible, a curved stairlift can be a good solution.
In addition, straight stairlifts are more affordable compared to curved models, starting at approximately £1,950. However, the inclusion of luxury features such as a motorised seat which swivels at the top of the stairs will increase the overall 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 install than curved ones. Requiring just one engineer, it typically takes just a few hours to fit a straight stairlift in your property.
Outdoor stairlifts
If you find climbing the stairs outside your home or garden difficult, consider fitting an outside chairlift. Whether to reach your property unassisted or parts of your garden that bring you joy, an outdoor chairlift can be an excellent investment. Outdoor stairlifts in East of England will typically start from £2,400, but this differs depending on factors like length of rail and design of your stairs. A curved set of steps will naturally cost more.
External stairlifts are similar in design to internal stairlifts, but waterproof materials make them more weather resistant. For times when your stairlift is not being used, a cover can provide additional protection from the elements. The waterproof cover will also help to keep the seat dry. If your property is near the coast, your outdoor stairlift is more likely to suffer environmental damage. Salt in the air can corrode parts of the stairlift over time.
Narrow Chairlifts
If your staircase is narrow, you may need a stairlift made especially for smaller 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, previously the Flow 2. 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 smallest sections on your staircase without the user's knees or toes hitting the spindles. Another option to look into is a perched seat stairlift. When using a perch stairlift, you partially stand but with a seat to perch on. Although, it may not be suitable if you have minimal mobility, which makes partially standing tiring or unsafe.
GET IN TOUCH
Schedule a Visit
Heavy Duty Stair lifts
If you're concerned you might exceed the max weight limit of a traditional stairlift, there are a couple of stairlift manufacturers who manufacture a HD bariatric option.
For straight stairs, the Handicare 1000 XXL has a weight capacity of 31 stones, offering a wider seat and extended armrest for comfort. For curved staircases, the Bruno Elite supports up to 30 stones, and the Platinum Ultimate can accommodate up to 25 stones.
If you're getting close to or exceeding these maximum weight limits, a Through-Floor-Lift (TFL) can be a great alternative to a stairlift. When the lift is parked on the ground floor, the top is strong enough to be walked on above. They are more expensive than a stairlift, starting somewhere around £11,500. However, the benefits can outweigh the cost.
Reconditioned chairlifts Shoeburyness
For those with a restricted budget, it's worth considering a pre-owned stairlift as a cost-effective 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. Pre-used curved stairlift rails aren't as easy to re-fit as they've most likely been manufactured for a specific home. One possible approach is to buy a brand new bespoke curved rail and buy a second-hand curved stairlift chassis.
It may be cheaper to purchase a pre-used chairlift in Shoeburyness than buying a new one. Getting 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 trained stairlift technician, buying a reconditioned stairlift from a reputable chairlift company is much more sensible. A refurbed chairlift, from a reputable company, should also come with a one-year warranty, meaning you're covered for up to a year should it malfunction.
