If you’re looking for a stair lift buying guide, look no further. Here at Uk stairlifts we have compiled the ultimate guide for buying a stairlift! Download our stairlift buyers guide here.
Here’s some of what’s included in the buyers guide ebook.
Stair Lift Buying Guide – Straight Or Curved?
First and foremost your staircase will dictate what kind of stairlift you will need to purchase. Initially, it’s a case of whether you have a straight or a curved staircase.
A straight staircase is generally easier to fit, and usually much cheaper too, depending on the model of stairlift you choose. A curved staircase involves greater specification and you may even need a customised rail in order to fit your staircase. With a straight staircase, it’s much more straight forward – no pun intended!
Stair Lift Buying Guide – Complicated/Awkward Stairs
With more complicated staircase configurations, or for tight spaces, you may need a “smarter” stairlift which can deal with difficult situations. In such situations we often recommend the Access BDD Flow X stairlift because it can deal with very awkward staircases.
Checkout the picture below which shows a Flow 2 stairlift (the Flow X’s predecessor) on a spiral staircase.
Certain staircases will be able to accommodate cheaper stairlifts too, such as the Stannah 600 or the Stannah 260 stairlifts, both of which we recommend. This leads us to the next big determining factor in choosing a stairlift – cost.
Stair Lift Buying Guide – Cost Of A Stairlift
The cost of a stairlift can be prohibitive if you’re on a budget and there can be grants available in certain situations for stairlift purchase. Checkout our post on free stairlifts for pensioners for more on grant information or download our buyers guide.
Stairlift Prices
Alternatively we offer reconditioned stairlifts which can significantly trim your costs down. You can save up to 50% on the cost of a stairlift by purchasing one which has been previously used. You might think this means compromising on quality but here at UK Stairlifts we pride ourselves on our reconditioned stairlifts and they are a top choice with our customers.
All our reconditioned units are purchased with a keen eye for detail. We only choose the best makes and models which we believe offer the highest levels of quality and which will stand the test of time. We thoroughly strip our stairlifts down, replacing parts and giving them new batteries.
Only after our stringent tests are completed does a second hand stairlift go out for sale. We offer full 2 year guarantees on our reconditioned units too, which means if you have a problem you’re covered for call outs, parts and labour for a full 2 years.
Our prices start at £1,250 for a reconditioned (straight) stairlift and £1,850 for a new (straight) stairlift. See our stairlift prices page for more information.
Stair Lift Buying Guide – Other Considerations
When looking to purchase a stairlift there’s other considerations too. One of these is whether you need a heavy weight stairlift. Most stairlift models will take up to 25 stone in weight, which is usually enough. But if the user is larger than average, or there’s the consideration of carrying equipment on a stairlift (such as oxygen tanks, for example), a higher weight capacity might be needed.
With heavy weight bariatric stairlifts the weight capacity is up to 30 stone. However, heavy weight stairlifts can present problems for more awkward staircases. They are generally less agile than some stairlifts and have a wider seat. This can make them less suitable if you have a difficult or narrow staircase to navigate.
For more information on choosing the perfect stairlift for you, checkout our free ebook The Ultimate Stairlift Buyers Guide.
If you have any questions or would like to chat with someone about a stairlift, give our friendly team a call on 0800 046 3438 or visit our contact page and leave us a message.