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Outside Stair Lifts: A Safe & Practical Solution for Outdoor Steps

Outside stair lifts (also known as outdoor stairlifts) are designed to help people safely access their home when steps, slopes, or raised entrances make walking difficult. Whether it’s a short set of garden steps or a long external staircase, an outside stair lift can restore independence and remove the risk of falls.

In this guide, we’ll explain what outside stairlifts are, how they work, how much they cost, and whether they’re right for your home.

outside stair lift

What Is an Outside Stair Lift?

An outside stairlift is a specially adapted stairlift installed outdoors rather than inside the home. It works in the same way as a standard stairlift but is built to withstand the UK’s weather conditions.

They’re commonly used for:

  • Front or back garden steps

  • Steep external staircases

  • Raised doorways or porches

  • Access from a driveway to the home

Outside stair lifts are ideal for homeowners who struggle with steps before they even reach their front door.

How Are Outside Stair Lifts Different From Indoor Models?

While the basic operation is the same, outside stairlifts include extra features to ensure safety and durability outdoors.

Key features include:

  • Weatherproof materials to resist rain, frost, and UV exposure

  • Protective covers to keep the seat and controls dry

  • Corrosion-resistant rails

  • Lockable controls to prevent unauthorised use

  • Battery operation, so they work even during power cuts

These adaptations ensure reliable performance all year round.

Are Outside Stair Lifts Safe?

outside stair lift

Yes — when professionally installed, outside stair lifts are extremely safe.

Most models include:

  • Seatbelts

  • Obstruction sensors

  • Swivel seats for safe mounting and dismounting

  • Smooth start/stop technology

They significantly reduce the risk of slips and falls, especially in wet or icy conditions where outdoor steps can become dangerous.

Straight vs Curved Outside Stair Lifts

The type of outside stair lift you need depends on your staircase.

Straight Outside Stair Lifts

  • For staircases with no bends or landings

  • Faster to install

  • More affordable

Curved Outside Stair Lifts

  • Custom-built for bends, corners, or complex layouts

  • Ideal for winding garden steps or split levels

  • Higher cost due to bespoke rail design

A home survey will confirm which option is suitable.

How Much Do Outside Stair Lifts Cost in the UK?

Prices vary depending on the staircase layout and whether the lift is straight or curved.

As a general guide:

  • Straight outside stair lifts: from around £3,000 upwards

  • Curved outside stair lifts: from around £7,500 and upwards

At UK Stairlifts, we also offer reconditioned stairlifts, which can significantly reduce costs while still providing a safe, reliable solution.

Can You Buy a Reconditioned Outside Stairlift?

outside stair lift

We don’t offer reconditioned stairlifts which are suitable for outdoor use. The main reason being is that we don’t know the history of an outdoor stairlift and it may have damage which is unseen. Outdoor stairlifts are subject to more damage from cold (and hot) temperatures which can damage parts and cause corrosion.

If you’re looking for an outdoor stairlift we always recommend buying brand new. Despite the adaptations for outdoor stairlifts, they are still subject to more damage than an indoor lift, especially over longer duration.

So if a stairlift has been outside for some time, it is more likely to have an issue.

We stand by our reconditioned stairlifts for inside use however, and apply a full 2 year warranty to them for full peace of mind.

Is an Outside Stairlift Right for You?

An outside stair lift may be the right solution if:

  • You struggle with steps leading to your home

  • You want to remain independent

  • You wish to avoid costly building work like ramps

  • You want a long-term, reliable access solution

For many people, it’s a life-changing improvement that allows them to continue living safely at home.

Get Expert Advice & A Free Quote

Choosing the right outside stairlift starts with expert guidance and an honest assessment of your needs.

📞 Call UK Stairlifts today on 0800 046 3438
💻 Or request a free, no-obligation quote via our contact page:
👉 https://ukstairlifts.com/contact/

Have a look at some of our installations on Youtube here.

Our friendly team will talk you through your options — including new and reconditioned outside stairlifts — and help you find the safest, most cost-effective solution for your home.

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