Stairlift Installation Guide, Requirements & Tips | Senior Stairlifts

Stairlift Installation

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An elderly woman happily chats with an Engineer from the comfort of her stairlift.

Here at Senior Stairlifts, we have proudly helped with stairlift installation across countless homes in the UK.

For those of us who have limited mobility, stairlifts are incredibly beneficial and can become a special part of someone’s home. Stairlifts can aid with independence and confidence, which is why those who are new to stairlifts may have questions about the installation of their new stairlift.

Using our expertise and attentive eye for detail, the installation process of your new stairlift will be made as simple and easy as possible. Our stairlift engineers have experience in tackling a wide range of Handicare stairlift makes and models for yourself or your family, meaning you are in safe hands when it comes to the installation of your brand-new stairlift.

We will be with you for every step of the stairlift process.

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liverpool stairlifts

Request a copy of our brochure

In our brochure, you’ll find plenty of detailed information and background on our quality range of stairlifts, including our leading Handicare products.

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The Senior Stairlifts Brochure showing stairlift seat styles

Measure your stairs

Depending on the size and shape of your staircase, you will need a particular type of stairlift, as there is a variety of types to choose from. Whilst most staircases are strong enough to hold a stairlift, it’s important that before purchasing your stairlift you measure your stairs to ensure that you get the right fit for your home.

This includes measuring the width, length, and height of the stairs. If you’re struggling, one of our friendly team members will come out and do this for you.

You will find that every staircase is different, and sometimes the minimum width required to get a stairlift is not available if you have a narrow staircase. By measuring the clearing distance of your staircase, you can gather a better idea of the space which is available at the bottom of the stairs.

In general, straight stairlifts have a minimum staircase width of 28”. Whereas, curved stairlifts need at least 30″ of width, but this may vary from model to model.

Straight Stairlift in a well-lit home.

Choose the right type of stairlift

Choosing the right type of stairlift to suit your needs is important. There are different types of stairlifts available for you:

  • Straight
  • Curved
  • Outdoor

The main difference between the straight stairlift and the curved stairlift is the rail.

If you have a straight staircase, then you will be able to install a straight stairlift. However, if your staircase has any curves or bends, then you will need a curved stairlift rail to be installed.

In terms of outdoor stairlifts, they offer the same features as indoor stairlifts, including the rail, chair, motor, controls, and safety mechanisms. The main difference between the models is that outdoor stairlifts are equipped for weather protection.

Here at Senior Stairlift, we also offer reconditioned and rental stairlifts. 

Each stairlift model differs in price, get in touch for pricing details and advice on which model your staircase will be best suited for. We are here to help. 

Close up of a Stairlift with the footrest unfolded.

Consider the weight limit

Before installing your new stairlift, it’s important to consider the weight limit of the stairlift and ensure that it can accommodate the weight of the user.

Generally, stairlifts have a weight capacity of between 20 and 30 stone. They’re extremely safe because they are created with a range of safety precautions in place to deliver safe transportation for the user. Regardless, you should take precautions and check before installing and using the stair lift.

Straight stairlifts tend to have a maximum weight limit of around 25 stone, whilst curved stair lifts may vary as weight capabilities are dependent on the design and unique features of the staircase. 

Speak to our expert team for advice on the weight limit of our models. 

An elderly woman talks to her husband and uses her newly installed straight Handicare 1100 which is at the bottom of the stairs.

Check the power source

Before the installation of your stairlift, you need to make sure that the stairlift can be powered by a reliable source of electricity. The majority of stairlifts are battery-powered but will need to be recharged when sitting at the charging point at the top or bottom of the stairs, to make sure that it is constantly charging.

What’s excellent about battery-run stairlifts is that they run quietly. You shouldn’t unplug the stairlift when it is not in use, because this could lead to potential damage to the battery pack.

A stairlift with a cream seat at the bottom of the stairs.

Hire a professional installer with Senior Stairlift

We highly recommended that you hire a professional installer with Senior Stairlift to ensure that your stairlift is installed correctly and safely.

During the installation of your brand-new stairlift, the professional installer will attach a track on brackets to support the rail, keeping it elevated from the stairs.

Don’t panic, there will be no damage to your bannister or walls because the brackets are attached to the treads of the stairs and the stairlift will be installed at an appropriate distance from the wall to avoid any scraping when the lift is in use. You must hire a professional for the installation process because attempting to fit the lift in yourself could cause damage to your staircase.

With the professional and efficient assistance from Senior Stairlift, you will be provided with a speedy installation, with no mess to worry about. Leave it to the professionals!

Get in touch today by calling us on 0800 995 6019 or fill in our simple contact form.

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An Engineer, expertly servicing a stairlift on an at-home visit.

Get a Free Stairlift Consultation

With so much choice, choosing a stairlift can be overwhelming or you may be unsure whether you need a straight stairlift or a curved one. Our free stairlift survey takes the pressure off and makes choosing your ideal stairlift easy.

Test the stairlift before use

Before using your new stairlift for the first time, make sure to test it, to ensure that it’s functioning properly and that the user is comfortable using it.

Your Senior Stairlift Engineer will make sure you’re completely satisfied with your installation before leaving.

Likewise, it’s useful to test it regularly without the user on it, to ensure that it is fully functioning properly. This will prevent an emergency from occurring whereby the user cannot get up or down the stairs because the stairlift has stopped working.

Cherry Red Handicare 2000 Curved Stairlift

Regular maintenance

Regular maintenance is important to ensure that your stairlift continues to function properly and safely. Make sure to follow the maintenance instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Similar to running a car, your stairlift needs some tender loving care, which is where stairlift servicing comes in.

To get the most from your stairlift it is important that you have it serviced regularly and any repairs fixed. One of our highly experienced engineers will carry out a thorough service to manufacturer standards.

We can offer service and warranty plans on any stairlift, meaning you can relax knowing we have your stairlift covered for any maintenance and repairs it may need.

We recommend that you get in touch for an annual service with us. Although every 6 months might be even more efficient. 

All of our brand-new stairlifts come with comprehensive warranties, including an extended 3-year cover. For reconditioned models, we also offer a 2-year warranty should anything need addressing, plus the help of our 24/7 support line and optional servicing packages.

With Senior Stairlifts, you can relax knowing that we have your stair lift covered for any maintenance and repairs it may need, we can even come out on the same day.

If you have any questions regarding regular stairlift maintenance, routine servicing, or an issue that needs our attention, we’re here to help. 

Choose a reliable stairlift company – Senior Stairlifts. If you’re interested in getting a mobility solution and would like a quick, easy and direct quote from us, you can find out more here. Alternatively, you can always pick up the phone and give our friendly team a call at 0800 995 6019 or fill in our simple contact form.

Need financial help? You might be able to get the cost of a stairlift covered through financial aid and a stairlift grant.

Handicare 2000 stairlift in a modern, open plan home.

Get A Quote

Looking for a perfect stairlift for your mobility needs can feel overwhelming. With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to discern what would be best for you and your home, which is why Senior Stairlifts are here to help. With our 24/7 phone line, you’re guaranteed to talk directly to one of our experienced engineers who are available to answer any questions and advise on your next steps. We don’t believe in overselling or giving you guff – just simple, honest pricing from our experts themselves.

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