What is a shaftless stairlift? Most stairlifts that are installed into homes are shaftless. That is, they don’t require structural work and a cut-out in your ceiling/floor. When a shaft is required, major structural work is done to install the shaft of the lift. But with most stairlifts, fitting only requires placement of a rail on the staircase.
So if you’re looking for a shaftless lift, rest assured that’s what we offer. Give us a call on 0800 046 3438 with your details and we can help!
What Is A Shaftless Stairlift?
A standard stairlift is installed on your staircase treads, and requires minimum disruption. It can usually be installed in a few hours. A lift with a shaft, or an elevator, is a different kettle of fish! We have on occasion installed a shaft style home lift, but it is a rarity. In our last installation of a shaft lift, we installed it for someone who couldn’t sit comfortably in a standard stairlift. This was due to health issues and available space. Our client couldn’t sit comfortably in the largest available stairlift.
But most homes can accommodate a standard stairlift without complications. For very difficult stairs we usually use specialist stairlifts for very narrow stairs. These are especially adaptable for awkward environments where standard stairlifts don’t fit.
When Is A Shaft-Lift Required?
As mentioned already, we installed a shaft-lift for a client of ours who couldn’t sit comfortably in the best alternative option – a heavy weight stairlift designed for larger people. These stairlifts have a higher weight capacity and larger seats than standard stairlifts.
Unfortunately, our client had returned from hospital and had a problem with their legs. They couldn’t bend the legs back enough to sit on the seat. So the feet became an issue.
This is often the “breaking” point of a heavy weight stairlift – when the back to toe/knee measurement is larger than the space on the staircase. Although certain stairlifts can get around this issue, for this situation, the shaft lift was the only solution.
Shaftless Stairlift Prices Vs. Standard Stairlift Cost
The minimum cost of a shaft-lift in the UK typically starts around £15,000 for non-hydraulic options, while hydraulic lifts generally begin at about £23,000. By way of comparison, our stairlifts start at £1,250 for a straight reconditioned stairlift. Curved, reconditioned stairlifts start at £2,950.
A shaft style lift requires a “cut out” in a room and this requires structural work to be carried out. The cut out space has to be reinforced so it can carry the weight of the person/s travelling in the lift and the lift shaft and lift itself.
A standard stairlift doesn’t require such structural work and is simply fitted to your staircase. It can also be easily removed when no longer needed, causing minimal disruption.
Need A Stairlift? Call Us!
If you’re looking for a standard stairlift, give us a call. We specialise in reconditioned stairlifts for all kinds of staircases. Let us know your issues and we will be happy to help!
Call us on 0800 046 3438 or leave a message on our contact page.
You can also browse some of our installations on our YouTube channel here.
