How to Install a Stairlift – A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re wondering how to install a stairlift, you’re in the right place. At UK Stairlifts, we’ve been professionally installing stairlifts for over 20 years, so we know the process inside and out. While we always recommend having your stairlift fitted by an expert, we understand that some people like to know exactly how the job gets done.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through a simple, step-by-step overview of how stairlift installation works, what’s involved, and some important tips to keep in mind.
Step 1: Measure Your Staircase
The first step in how to install a stairlift is taking accurate measurements of your staircase. Whether you have a straight, curved, or spiral staircase, knowing the length, width, and angle of your stairs is crucial.
Key measurements include:
- Total stair length
- Width of the staircase (to ensure enough clearance)
- The angle of the stairs
- Landing space at the top and bottom
At UK Stairlifts, we offer a free home survey where our experts take all necessary measurements to ensure a perfect fit.
Step 2: Choose the Right Stairlift
Before installation, you need to select the correct stairlift for your home. Factors to consider include:
- Straight vs curved stairlift
- Weight capacity
- Seat options (swivel, powered, foldable)
- Power supply (most stairlifts plug into a standard household socket)
We supply top-quality stairlifts from Stannah, Thyssen Krupp, Bruno, and Platinum – brands we trust for reliability and comfort.
Step 3: Fit the Rail to the Stairs
One common misconception is that stairlifts attach directly to the wall. In reality, the rail is fixed securely to the treads of the stairs.
Here’s how:
- Mark the stair tread positions for the brackets.
- Drill pilot holes into the stair treads (not the wall).
- Secure the rail brackets using strong bolts or screws.
- Carefully install the stairlift rail onto the brackets, ensuring it is level and aligned.
For curved staircases, the rail is custom-made to the exact shape of your stairs, requiring a more tailored installation.
Step 4: Install the Carriage (Chair Unit)
Once the rail is in place, the stairlift carriage (seat and motor unit) is attached. This involves:
- Sliding the carriage onto the rail
- Securing it in place according to manufacturer instructions
- Connecting the power supply
The carriage houses the motor, battery, and safety systems, so it’s essential everything is correctly aligned.
Step 5: Set Up the Charging System
Most stairlifts use a battery-powered system that automatically charges when parked at the top or bottom of the stairs.
Install the charging points at designated stops, usually at the top and bottom landing. Connect these points to a standard power outlet to keep the stairlift battery fully charged.
Step 6: Test the Stairlift
Once fully assembled:
- Run the stairlift up and down the rail.
- Check the smoothness of the ride.
- Test all safety features, including seatbelt, swivel seat lock, and obstruction sensors.
- Make sure the remote controls (if supplied) are working properly.
Step 7: Provide a Handover
At UK Stairlifts, once we install a stairlift, we always give customers a full demonstration on how to safely operate it. This includes how to:
- Use the controls
- Fold the seat and footrest
- Park and charge the stairlift correctly
Professional Installation is Best
While this guide outlines how to install a stairlift, we strongly recommend professional installation. It ensures: ✅ Correct fit and alignment
✅ Safe operation
✅ Warranty protection
Our experienced engineers at UK Stairlifts can install most straight stairlifts in just a few hours.
Checkout one of our videos showing a step by step installation we did for a customer:
Need Help with Stairlift Installation?
At UK Stairlifts, we’ve installed thousands of stairlifts across the UK. With over 20 years of experience and a range of new and reconditioned models, we’re here to make stairlift installation simple and stress-free.
👉 Contact us today for a free quote and survey!
UK Stairlifts – Your Trusted Experts for Safe and Reliable Stairlift Installation