Stairlifts Witham
The most popular styles of chairlift are straight and curved. While straight stairlifts can only travel in one straight line, curved chairlift can handle corners. Curved chairlift cost a lot more due to their unique design and additional install cost.
Witham, Heybridge, Tiptree, Maldon has plenty of chairlift manufacturers to choose from. These include: Acorn, Access BDD, Bruno, Handicare, Stannah and Thyssenkrupp
There's something for everyone from Brook's affordable range to more sophisticated chairlift with additional features and customisations tailored for you, there's something for everyone.
Reconditioned stairlifts are often cheaper than new. Buy a reconditioned stairlift from a trusted brand to ensure quality and safety. All good reconditioned stairlift companies in Witham should install the lift as part of the service, simplifying the process. If you do buy a 2nd hand lift, be sure to get at least one-year warranty cover.
Prior to a stairlift being 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. If you're happy to proceed with the quote, you'll receive an installation date. It is not necessary to have any building work done since stairlifts are attached to the stairs rather than the walls. This means that installation is usually straightforward and takes less than 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 are considerably pricier than straight stairlifts due to their intricate design to navigate turns. The unique layout variations of curved staircases will require custom-built rails, which significantly contribute to the overall cost. While the starting price for curved stairlifts fetches around £3,850, additional charges are inevitable for accommodating multiple bends and stops along the staircase.
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 you have two straight staircases connected by a landing, it may be more cost-effective to fit two separate straight chairlifts. However, you need to be able to transfer independently between the two lifts. If this is not possible, a curved stairlift is the right choice.
The designs of straight staircases featured (A-D) can give you a better idea of whether you require a straight chairlift.
Straight stairlifts are less expensive than curved stairlifts because the rail is straight and simple to manufacture. Prices start from around £1,950. Features like a powered hinge rail or swivel seat will increase the total 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 simplistic design, straight stairlifts are quicker and easier to install than curved chairlifts. It should take half a day, at most, to fit a straight stairlift in your property.
Outdoor stairlifts
Do you have trouble getting up and downs steps to your home? Consider installing 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. 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. 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 more weather resistant. When you aren't using your external chairlift, a cover will provide extra protection from the elements. If you live near the sea, your outdoor stairlift is more likely to suffer environmental damage. Salt in the air can damage the stairlift over the years. A waterproof cover will also help to keep the seat dry.
Twin rail outdoor stairlift
garden step lift
External stair lift
Outside step chair lift
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 the narrowest of staircases is the Thyssenkrupp Flow X, previously the Flow 2. This stairlift works on both curved or straight staircases but is typically the best choice for very narrow curved staircases. The Flow X stairlift is the narrowest on the market, designed to work on stairs as narrow as 610mm. The chair automatically turns to get the chairlift user through the narrowest sections on your staircase without the user's knees or toes fouling 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 or you suffer with vertigo. It's a great option if you have constricted hip or knee joints that make sitting challenging.
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Heavy Duty Chair lifts
The maximum weight capacity of a stairlift varies depending on the model. Brands like Bruno and Handicare offer heavy-duty options, otherwise known as bariatric stairlifts, that are safe for people of a higher weight.
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're near the higher 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 designed to be strong enough to be walked on above. While TFL's do come with a higher price tag, starting at £11,500, they have the potential to make a life-changing impact.
Reconditioned chairlifts Witham
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 easy and safe enough to do. Pre-used curved stairlift rails are not easy to re-fit as they are custom-made for a specific staircase. The solution is to get a brand new custom-made curved rail and buy a 2nd hand curved stairlift carriage.
Shopping for a pre-owned stairlift can be more affordable than buying one brand new. Purchasing a second-hand one through EBay or a Witham Facebook marketplace may appear to be a cheap option. However, buying a refurbished stairlift from a reputable company means you can trust that your used stairlift works properly. Reconditioned stairlifts will also come with a 1 year guarantee, meaning you're covered for a year should it malfunction.
If you’re considering a stairlift and live in Witham, give us a call today on 0330 223 6584 or book your free home visit.