Can stairlifts be fitted to any stairs? Stairlifts can accommodate most staircases, yes. So if you’re wondering whether your staircase is suitable for a stairlift, it probably is. Even staircases with very narrow and awkward arrangements can be fitted with stairlifts. Two of the most versatile stairlifts are the Flow 2 stairlift from Thyssen and the Flow X stairlift, both of which can accommodate super narrow staircases.
These stairlifts can even navigate spiral staircases!
Can Stairlifts Be Fitted To Any Stairs?
Most of our customers don’t have spiral staircases of course! But some do have very narrow or winding stairs. Perhaps you have a very narrow staircase and wonder whether a stairlift will fit? Here’s a picture of the same model of stairlift as above on the spiral staircase (The Flow 2 stairlift from Thyssen) on a very narrow staircase. The Flow 2 folds down to an incredible 38 cm in width when not in use. That makes it one of the most versatile stairlifts around and it can be fitted to most staircases with room to spare.
Is My Staircase Too Narrow For A Stairlift?
If you’re worried that your staircase is too narrow for a stairlift, the Flow 2 and Flow X stairlifts from ThyssenKrupp can navigate staircases as narrow as 61cm.
The stairlifts use patented technology – ASL (Advanced Swivel & Levelling). This technology allows the chairs to move in a continuous movement while navigating tight corners. They can turn, pivot and swivel in a continuous motion to allow maximum dexterity on almost any staircase.
Here’s a Flow 2 stairlift being programmed to take a sharp corner. It does this while pivoting to allow the legs to avoid the obstacle of the newel post and bannister rail.
Stone Staircases
With most domestic stairlifts, the chairlift rail is attached to the staircase treads, not the wall. This usually means screwing into the wood on your staircase to secure the rail in place. This doesn’t damage your staircase, and the screws are very thin. But what if your staircase isn’t wooden? What if you have a stone staircase, as in the case of an outdoor staircase?
With stone staircases a stairlift can still be attached in the same way, as with outdoor stairlifts. So if you have a stone staircase this doesn’t limit your ability to install a stairlift. However, if you were to remove the stairlift at some point, there would be screw marks where the lift was installed. This would likely be more apparent on a stone staircase than it would with a wooden set of stairs, should you need to remove your stairlift at some point in the future.
Heavy Duty Stairlifts
If you are on the larger size, you might need a heavy duty bariatric stairlift. Most stairlifts are designed to carry a lift capacity of up to 17 to 25 stone. But if you’re heavier than this you’ll need a heavy duty stairlift which can carry up to 30 stone. Having a heavy weight stairlift comes with limitations and if you have a narrow or difficult staircase, this can present problems.
Most heavy weight stairlifts also have a larger seat and this means it’s also wider than normal. If you’re not sure about this you can give us a call and we will be able to advise you. Call 0800 046 3438.
Stairlifts On Metal Stairs
Most modern stairlifts are designed to attach to various types of stair treads, including metal, without requiring significant modifications. What’s needed is typically a few attachment points to secure the stairlift rail to the metal steps.
If you’re unsure about fitting a stairlift to metal steps speak to one of our team who can advise on the best stairlift models and makes to use. Call 0800 046 3438.
Summary
If you’re wondering whether stairlifts can be fitted to any stairs, the most common answer is yes! Mostly, this question related to those with curved, winding or narrow staircases, which isn’t a problem for modern stairlifts. Modern stairlifts are far more adaptable than they once were, with the ability to navigate staircases as narrow as 61cm in some cases! The Flow X stairlift from Thyssen is one of the best stairlifts to consider if you have a difficult or awkward staircase and require a stairlift.
If you’re on a budget we also offer reconditioned stairlifts which can reduce the cost of a stairlift considerably. Give us a call on 0800 046 3438 for a free, no obligation quote.