Are you looking for a stair lift for basement stairs? Basement stairs can be fitted with a stairlift, just like any other stairs. So long as the stairs are in good condition and are uniform, there’s always scope for a stairlift installation.
Here’s a stairlift installation we did on basement stairs – a second hand/refurbished Stannah stairlift. Because stairlifts are installed into the steps (not the wall) stone steps can present a problem when it comes to drilling into them. Make sure you get someone who knows what they are doing. Choose a reputable installer such as UK Stairlifts, who have over 20 years of experience.
Issues can arise if, when drilling into stone, the stone cracks. So, drilling is a one-time deal, and you don’t want to get it wrong! This is unlikely if done properly using the correct tools and the proper precautions. We would use an SDS hammer drill and drill bit which is especially designed specifically for heavy duty drilling such as into concrete, masonry and brick.
Of course some basement steps are wooden, which presents less of an issue.
Stairlift For Basement Stairs – Stone Steps – Granite Steps
When it comes to installation of a stairlift onto stone or granite steps, you need to be careful. We once had an installation on a granite staircase! Fortunately we were able to drill into the granite, without having to make provisions to mount the rail on the wall, using adaptive brackets. This is a potential alternative if the stone or granite is likely to break when drilled.
In some situations, buildings are listed and therefore some stairs cannot be altered in any way. This is due to the special architectural or historical interest. If this is the case we can look into adaptive solutions. Give us a call on 0800 046 3438 if you have any queries and we will give you a free assessment.
Stone and granite stairs are often found when we are installing outdoor stairlifts. Our engineers love a challenge though so let us know if you have a difficult staircase and you’d like a stairlift on it! Stone and granite staircases have a much greater potential for a stairlift installation than a glass staircase!
Stair Lift For Basement Stairs – Stairlift Glass Staircase – Stairlift Floating Staircase
With a glass staircase, there’s no drilling possibility without potentially breaking the glass! So another solution would need to be found. For a stairlift fitting on a glass staircase, you would most likely need to install a wall-mounted rail, using adaptive brackets.
We once had a stairlift installation on a floating staircase made of granite! With a floating staircase, the stairs are less secure and often quite thin.
We were lucky though with this staircase as the granite was thick enough and soft enough to drill into it without damaging the stone.
Summary
Stairlifts can be fitted on basement stairs just like any other stairs. However, if the basement steps are made of stone, you need to take a few more precautions. With a normal staircase, the rails are drilled into the wood treads making up the staircase. With stone, there’s a potential for cracking. Getting the wrong hole and/or repeating the job through making mistakes can increase the likelihood of a crack appearing which could potentially ruin a stone step.
So it’s a “one-time” deal when it comes to getting it right with stone steps! Make sure you use someone who knows what they are doing such as UK Stairlifts. We have over 20 years of experience in the installation of stairlifts around the UK.
Give us a call on 0800 046 3438 or visit our contact page and leave us a message.