Stairlifts Wickford
The two primary types of chairlift: straight and curved. While straight stairlifts can only move in a straight line, curved chairlift can turn around corners. Curved chairlift are a lot more expensive than straight stairlifts.
Wickford, Downham, Fryerns, Vange has lots of chairlift makes to choose from. Brands you may of heard of are
- Acorn
- Stannah
- Handicare
- Brooks
- Platinum Stairlifts
- Bruno
- Access BDD
- Oto Lift
There's something for everyone from Brook's reliable and simple designs to more state-of-the-art products with add-ons and customisations tailored for you, everyone can find something they like.
Refurbished stairlifts are less expensive than new ones. To ensure you get the most out of your money, buy a second-hand chairlift from a trusted company. All reputable reconditioned stairlift companies in Wickford will facilitate the install, streamlining the whole process. To ensure peace of mind, make sure the lift you purchase comes with 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 exactly what's required and how much it's going to cost. Once you've approved the quotation, the stairlift can be installed. No building work is usually needed as stairlifts attach to the stairs rather than the wall (a common misconception). This means that installation is normally quick and easy. Building work is usually not required as stairlifts attach to the stairs, not the wall.
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 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.
Below are some popular brands of curved stairlifts:
- Acorn 180
- Handicare 2000
- Stannah 260
- Platinum Ultimate
- Thyssen Flow 2
- Thyssen Flow X
Straight Stairlifts
If you have two straight sets of stairs connected by a landing, it may be worth considering the installation of two separate straight chairlifts. However, it is crucial to ensure a safe transfer between the seats of the stairlifts. If you're not comfortably able to do this, opting for a curved stairlift is the alternative solution.
The designs of straight staircases featured (A-D) can give you an idea of whether you require a straight chairlift.
Straight stairlifts are less expensive than curved stairlifts because the rail is straight and therefore easier and cheaper to make. The cost of a straight stairlift starts at around £1,950. Features like a powered hinge rail or automaticswivel seat will increase the total cost.
Here are some popular straight stairlift models: • Brooks Lincoln • Stannah 600 • Platinum Horizon • Thyssen/Access BDD 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 no more than 4 hours to fit a straight stairlift.
Outdoor stairlifts
Do you have an external set of stairs, perhaps leading up to your front door our out to a garden area? Consider fitting an external chairlift. Whether to reach your property unassisted or parts of your garden that bring you joy, an outdoor chairlift can be life-changing. 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. Stairs with turns will naturally cost more than a short straight set.
Outdoor stairlifts are virtually the same as internal stairlifts, but include waterproof components to make them suitable for outdoors. When you're not using your outdoor chairlift, a weatherproof cover will provide extra protection from the elements. If you live close to the sea, your outdoor stairlift is more likely to suffer weather damage. Salt in the sea air can damage the stairlift over the years.
Twin rail outdoor stairlift
garden step lift
External stair lift
Outside step chair lift
Narrow Chairlifts
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. 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 down to 610mm wide. The seat automatically turns to get the chairlift user through the narrowest sections on your staircase without the user's knees or toes hitting the spindles. The other option to consider is a perch 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. It's a great option if you have constricted hip or knee joints that make sitting challenging.
GET IN TOUCH
Schedule a Visit
Heavy Duty Chair lifts
The weight limit of stairlifts differs based on the specific model. Manufacturers such as Handicare and Bruno provide bariatric stairlifts with increased max weight capacity.
The Handicare 1000 XXL is the top choice for straight stairs, offering an impressive weight capacity of 31 stones. Its design features a wider seat, larger base, and extended armrest, prioritizing your comfort. If you have curved stairs, the Bruno Elite stairlift can carry up to 30 stones, while the Platinum Ultimate is a reliable option with a weight capacity of up to 25 stones.
If you exceed these weight limits, through floor lifts(TFL's), also known as home lifts or residential elevators, provide a safe and secure way to move between different levels of a home. TFL's consist of a self-contained cabin that moves vertically, through a newly made aperture 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 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. While Through-Floor Lifts do come with a higher price tag, starting at £11,500, they have the potential to make a life-changing impact.
Reconditioned chairlifts Wickford
Ask about approved-used stairlifts if costs are a concern. 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. Sourcing pre-owned stairlifts to match another curved staircase is almost impossible as they've most likely been custom-made for a specific home. One possible approach is to buy a brand new custom-made curved rail to suit your staircase and fit a pre-owned, refurbished, 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 Wickford 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 refurbished chairlift should also come with a one-year warranty, meaning you're covered if it breaks down in the first 12 months.
If you’re considering a stairlift and live in Wickford, give us a call today on 0330 223 6584 or book your free home visit.