Stairlifts Stowmarket
The most popular kinds of chair lift: straight and curved. As their names suggest, straight stairlifts can only move in a straight line, curved lifts can handle bends. Curved lifts are a lot more expensive.
Stowmarket has a whole range of chair lift manufacturers to choose from, as does Hadleigh, Stanton, Ipswich.
These include: Acorn, Handicare, Stannah and TKA
There is something for everyone from Acorn's affordable range to more state-of-the-art chair lift with add-ons, everyone can find something they like.
Refurbished stairlifts are often cheaper than new. To ensure you get the most out of your money, buy a reconditioned chair lift from a trusted company. All reputable reconditioned stairlift companies in Stowmarket 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 technical surveyor will assess what's required and how much it's going to cost. If you're happy with the quote, the stairlift can be installed.
Building work is usually not required as stairlifts attach to the stairs, not the wall. Installation typically takes less than a day because of this.
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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 pricier than straight stairlifts because of the intricate design required to navigate turns. As curved staircases are less universal in shape than straight ones, you are more likely to need a custom-built rail, which will also be expensive. Curved stairlifts start at around £3,850 but multiple bends and stops will cost extra.
Common curved stairlift brands include:
- Handicare 4000
- Stannah 260 {Siena}
- Platinum Ultimate
- Otolift Modul-Air
- Thyssen Flow X / Access BDD Flow X
Straight Stairlifts
If your property features a straight staircase without any bends or curves then a straight stairlift is the solution for you. 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 designs of straight staircases featured (A-D) can give you an idea of whether you require a straight chair lift.
The average starting price for a new straight stairlift is around £1,950. Because they have a pretty simple design, straight chair lifts cost less than curved stairlifts. Additional features like a powered hinge or sliding rail and a powered swivel seat will cost more.
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 more straightforward design, straight stairlifts are quicker and easier to fit than curved ones. It will take half a day, at most, to fit a straight stairlift in your property.
Outdoor stairlifts
Are you finding steps to your home a challenge? Consider installing an outside chair lift. Whether to reach your property unassisted or parts of your garden that bring you joy, an outdoor chair lift can restore your confidence and independence.
The average cost of an outdoor stairlift in the East of England area is around £2,400, but this can be higher or lower depending on the length and style of your stairs. A curved set of steps will cost more than a short straight staircase.
Outdoor stairlifts are virtually the same as indoor stairlifts, but include waterproof components to make them more weather resistant. When you're not using your outdoor chair lift, a cover can provide extra protection from rain and snow.
If your home is near the sea, your external stairlift is more likely to suffer environmental damage. Salt in the air can corrode parts of the stairlift over the years.
Narrow Stairlifts
If your staircase is narrow, you can get a stairlift designed especially for tight spaces. When not in use, collapsing parts allow your stairlift to fold away as slim as 300mm.
An option for very narrow stairs is the Thyssenkrupp Flow X. The Flow X stairlift is designed to work on stairs down to 610mm wide. The chair automatically swivels to get the chair lift user through the tightest sections on your staircase without the user's knees or toes fouling the opposite wall.
Another option to look into is a perch stairlift. When using a perch stairlift, you partially stand but with a seat to lean on. Although, it may not be suitable if you have minimal mobility, which makes partially standing tiring or unsafe.
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Heavy Duty Stair lifts
If you are concerned you might exceed the max weight limit of a traditional stairlift, there's specific stairlift manufacturers who provide a HD option.
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 maximum 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 within a dedicated shaft or enclosure.
To operate a through-floor lift, a user enters the lift cabin at one level and selects up or down. 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 also provide a practical solution for wheelchair users.
A TFL is more expensive than a stairlift, starting at around £11,500. However, the benefits can, quite literally, outweigh the cost.
Reconditioned chair lifts Stowmarket
For those with a restricted budget, it's worth considering a pre-owned stairlift as a cost-effective option. Typically, it is straightforward to find a reconditioned stairlift for a straight staircase. Shortening an existing straight stairlift rail to fit your stairs is generally straightforward. Sourcing a used curved stairlift rail to fit your curved staircase is not an easy task as they are manufactured to a specific customer. One possible approach is to buy a new bespoke curved rail and buy a second-hand curved stairlift seat.
Shopping for a pre-owned stairlift can be more affordable than buying one brand new. Purchasing a second-hand one through EBay or a Stowmarket Facebook marketplace may seem like a cheap option. However, buying from a reputable company means you can trust that your used stairlift works properly.
Reconditioned stairlifts, from a reputable company, should also come with a one-year guarantee, meaning you're protected if it breaks down within a year.
