Will a stair lift fit my stairs?

Most staircases can take a stair lift, including narrow ones, curved ones and stairs with a landing halfway up. The rail fixes to the steps, not the wall, so the main questions are how wide your stairs are, what shape they are, and what is at the top and bottom.

Straight stairs

A single straight flight is the simplest fit. The rail is a standard length cut to size, so these lifts are usually the quickest to install, often in a single visit. Folded up, the seat, arms and footrest sit close to the wall, which leaves room for everyone else to use the stairs.

Curved stairs and landings

If your stairs turn a corner, curve, or have a landing partway up, the lift runs on a custom rail made to the exact shape of your staircase. The installer measures (often with a photo survey), the rail is made to order, then fitted. Expect this to take longer than a straight lift, and to cost more.

Narrow stairs

Narrow stairs are rarely a deal-breaker. Many models are designed to fold slim, and some have a seat that swivels or a footrest that folds automatically. If space is very tight at the top or bottom, an installer may suggest a hinged rail that folds out of a doorway or hallway when the lift is parked.

Outdoor and porch steps

Outdoor steps need an outdoor-rated stair lift with weatherproof parts and a cover. For a few porch or entry steps, a vertical platform lift can be a better choice, especially for someone who uses a wheelchair or walker.

What to measure before the quote

• The width of the stairs at the narrowest point.
• The number of steps, and whether there is a turn or landing.
• What is at the top and bottom: doors, hallways, radiators or furniture.
• Where the nearest power outlet is. Most stair lifts charge from a standard outlet near the top or bottom of the stairs.

You do not need exact numbers before you ask for a quote. The installer will measure in person and tell you which options fit.

If a stair lift is not the right fit

A stair lift suits people who can safely get in and out of a seat. If that is hard, or if a wheelchair needs to go between floors, look at a home elevator or a platform lift instead. Our guide to choosing between a home elevator and a stair lift walks through the differences.