Stairlifts Southchurch
The two main types of stairlift are straight and curved. While straight stairlifts travel in one straight line, curved lifts can handle corners. Curved lifts are a lot more expensive than straight stairlifts.
Living in Essex, close to Prittlewell, Shoeburyness, Chalkwell, Rochford you'll find plenty of stairlift manufacturers to choose from. These include
- Acorn
- Stannah
- Handicare
- Brooks
- Platinum Stairlifts
- Bruno
- TKA
- Oto Lift
Refurbished stairlifts tend to be cheaper than buying new. Buy a refurbished stairlift from a reputable company over a private seller to ensure safety and quality. Buying a used stairlift from the likes of eBay, Gumtee, local Facebook Marketplace 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 Southchurch will provide installation services, making the process easy. For peace of mind, purchasing one with a one-year warranty is a good idea.
Prior to a stairlift being fitted, you must book a home survey from a professional stairlift surveyor. This process will assess exactly what's required and how much it's going to cost. If you're happy to proceed with the quote, you'll receive an installation date. 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.
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
Here are a few scenarios where a curved stairlift would be necessary:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 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 you have two straight staircases connected by a landing, you may be able to fit two separate straight stairlifts. However, you need to be able to transfer independently between the two lifts. In cases where this may not be feasible, a curved stairlift is most likely the best solution.
The illustrations of straight staircases featured (A-D) can give you a better idea of whether you'd need a straight stairlift.
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 luxury features such as a motorised seat which swivels at the top of the stairs will bump up the price.
Popular straight stairlift makes and models: • Acorn 130, • Brooks Lincoln, • Handicare 1100/1000, • Platinum Horizon, • Stannah 600 and • Thyssen Homeglide
Outdoor stairlifts
If you find climbing the stairs outside your home or garden difficult, consider getting an external stairlift. Whether to reach your property unassisted or parts of your garden that bring you joy, an outdoor stairlift 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 falls or accidents that can lead to injuries. 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 long curved set of steps will naturally cost more than a short straight staircase.
External 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 protection from nasty weather. If you live by the sea, your external stairlift is more likely to suffer weather damage. Salt in the air can damage parts of the stairlift over time. A weather-proof cover also keeps the seat dry.
Narrow Stair Lifts
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.
An excellent stairlift for narrow stairs is the Thyssen Flow X. The Flow X stairlift is designed to work on stairs as narrow as 610mm. The carriage automatically swivels to get the stairlift user through the smallest sections on your staircase without the user's knees or toes fouling the opposite wall.
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 Stairlifts
Whilst most stairlifts' maximum weight limit tops out at 25 stone - there are a couple of options for those living in a larger body.
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 are at the top end of 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. Through-Floor-Lifts are significantly more expensive, starting at £11,500, but can be a life-changing purchase.
Reconditioned stairlifts Southchurch
If you're on a limited budget, you might want to consider a second-hand stairlift. Finding a reconditioned stairlift for your straight staircase is usually uncomplicated. 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 not so easy as they've most likely been manufactured to a specific staircase. The solution is to get a new custom-made curved rail to fit your staircase then use a pre-owned, refurbished, curved stairlift seat.
It may be cheaper to buy a pre-used stairlift in Southchurch 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 qualified stairlift expert, buying a used stairlift from a reputable stairlift company is a better option. A refurbished stairlift, from a reputable company, will also come with a 12 month warranty, meaning you're covered for a year should anything go wrong.
