Stairlifts South Woodham Ferrers

In case you find climbing the stairs troublesome, a stairlift can boost your confidence and provide the support you need.
The two main kinds of stairlift: straight and curved. straight stairlifts travel in one straight line, curved stairlift can handle bends. Curved stairlift are significantly more expensive than their straight counterparts.
South Woodham Ferrers has a whole range of stairlift makes to suit your individual needs, as does Hockley, Hawkwell, Rayleigh. Brands you may of heard of include

  • Acorn
  • Stannah
  • Companion
  • Brooks
  • Platinum Stairlifts
  • Bruno
  • TKA
  • Oto Lift
From Acorn's dependable and simple designs to more state-of-the-art products with automatic options, everyone can find something they like. All major brands provide installation, making the process stress-free.
Pre-owned stairlifts can be more affordable than brand new models. Buy a second-hand stairlift from a reputable company rather than a private seller to ensure safety and quality. All reputable reconditioned stairlift companies in South Woodham Ferrers will offer installation within the price, making the process easy. To ensure peace of mind, make sure the lift you purchase comes with a one-year warranty.
To get a stairlift, you must have your home surveyed by a stairlift surveyor. Installation services are available from all stairlift companies, making the fitting process as easy as possible.
Building work is generally not required as stairlifts attach to the stairs, not the wall. As a result, installation is usually simple and takes no more than a day.

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Curved Stairlifts

Here are a few scenarios where a curved stairlift would be necessary:

  1. Curved Staircase: If your staircase features curves or turns, a curved stairlift is essential to navigate the bends smoothly and safely. The rail of a curved stairlift is custom-designed to match the specific shape of your staircase.

  2. Multiple Landings: In cases where you have a staircase with multiple landings or intermediate platforms, a curved stairlift is designed to traverse these complex configurations, ensuring a seamless ride between different levels.

  3. Unique Architectural Design: If your home has a unique or custom-designed staircase that doesn't conform to a standard straight shape, such as a spiral staircase, a curved stairlift is the ideal solution. It can be tailored to accommodate the specific dimensions and curvature of the stairs.

  4. Maximizing Space: Curved stairlifts are often preferred when space is limited, and a straight stairlift installation is not feasible. They can be installed on narrow or compact staircases that would otherwise be unsuitable for a traditional straight stairlift.

Overall, the main factor determining the need for a curved stairlift is the presence of curves, bends, or multiple landings in a staircase, which necessitates a customized solution to ensure safe and comfortable mobility for individuals with limited mobility or disabilities.

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 is typically around £3,850, additional charges are inevitable for accommodating multiple turns and stops along the staircase.

Common curved stairlift brands include:

  • Handicare Freecurve
  • Stannah 260 {Siena}
  • Platinum Ultimate
  • Otolift Modul-Air
  • Thyssen Flow X / Access BDD Flow X

staircase types for curved stairlifts

Straight Stairlifts

If your property features a straight staircase without any turns or corners then a straight stairlift is the right choice. However, in the case of two straight staircases connected by a landing, you have the choice of either two separate stairlifts or one continuous curved stairlift.

The images of straight staircases featured (A-D) can give you an idea of whether you'd need a straight stairlift.

Straight stairlifts are less expensive than curved stairlifts because the rail is straight and simple to manufacture. The average starting price is around £1,950. Features like a powered hinge rail or upgraded swivel seat will increase the overall 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 one engineer no more than half-a-day to fit a straight stairlift.

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 getting an outdoor stairlift. Whether to reach your property unassisted or parts of your garden that bring you joy, an outdoor stairlift can be life-changing. An outdoor stairlift will cost in the region of £2,400, depending on the layout and length of stairs. A long curved set of steps will cost more than a short straight staircase.

Outdoor stairlifts are similar 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 rain and snow. A waterproof cover also keeps the seat dry. If your home is near the sea, your outdoor stairlift is more likely to suffer environmental damage. Salt in the air can corrode the stairlift over time.


Narrow Stairlifts

If your stairs are particularly narrow, look for a stairlift model specifically for limited 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 usually the only option available for very narrow curved staircases. The Flow X stairlift is designed to work on stairs down to 610mm wide. The carriage automatically turns to get the stairlift user 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 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 currently available for straight stairs is the Handicare 1000 XXL, which can carry up to 31 stones. For curved staircases, some models have a weight capacity of up to 25 stone, such as the Platinum Ultimate. The highest weight capacity currently available for a curved staircase is the Bruno Elite, which can carry up to 30 stones.

If you're 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 lid is designed to be strong enough to be walked on above. Costing in the region of £11,500, Through-Floor-Lifts can be expensive. However, they're sometimes your only option if you want to stay in your existing home.


Reconditioned stairlifts South Woodham Ferrers

Ask about approved-used stairlifts if costs are a concern. Typically, it is straightforward to find a reconditioned stairlift for a straight staircase. Shortening an existing straight stairlift rail to fit your stairs is cheaper than buying a brand new rail. Sourcing pre-owned stairlifts to suit your curved staircase, regardless of how similar the stairs look, is much more difficult as they've most likely been manufactured to a specific home. One possible approach is to purchase a new custom-made curved rail to fit your stairs and pair it with a second-hand curved stairlift chassis.

Shopping for a pre-owned stairlift can be more affordable than buying one brand new. Purchasing a second-hand one through EBay or a South Woodham Ferrers Facebook marketplace may appear to be a cheap option. However, buying from a reputable company means you can trust that your used stairlift works properly. A refurbed stairlift should also come with a one-year warranty, meaning you're covered if it breaks down within the first year.

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