When choosing a stairlift, the first decision you will have to make is whether a straight or curved lift is best for you. After years of fitting stairlifts, the team at ALS Stairlifts are best placed to discuss the pros and cons of both with you.
Straight Stairlifts
Pros
The first thing you will notice when comparing the two types is the difference in cost. Straight stairlifts are normally a lot cheaper than curved, making them popular with families on a budget. Starting from as little as £2000, they can make a huge difference to someone’s life without requiring such a large investment.
Straight stairlifts are also a lot easier to fit than curved ones. They can be installed into a home by engineers within a couple of hours, causing very little disruption to your home and routine.
Cons
Straight stairlifts will only fit into simple stairs and homes. Already pre-made, they are designed to fit onto a linear staircase and not suitable for particularly long stairs or any with bends and landings.
Curved Stairlifts
Pros
Curved stairlifts are bespoke and handmade for each home. This makes them perfect for stairs with turns or unusual layouts to them. No matter what the design of your home is, whether you have a spiral staircase or quarter landings, the lift will be built to fit within it.
Additionally, due to their bespoke nature, curved stairlifts can also reach more than one level. If your home is more than one storey, a curved stairlift can travel right up to the top of your home.
Cons
As a curved stairlift is handmade to measure, the costs are normally considerably more than a straight stairlift. Due to the amount of time and labour required to create these custom-made pieces, this is simply unavoidable.
Your choice of a straight or curved stairlift is simply down to the style and design of your home. If you have a basic linear and uncomplicated staircase, a straight stairlift would work perfectly for you. However, if your stairs incorporate turns and landings, spiral, or cover more than one level, then a bespoke curved stairlift would be the best choice for you.
Contact us today to discuss your requirements. If you’re still unsure, then our expert engineers can advise which is the best option for you and your home.