Straight vs Curved Stairlifts – What’s the Difference?

Mobility issues can be common as we get older and you may find it more difficult to complete day to day tasks like climbing the stairs or stepping in and out of the bath. It’s important to feel safe in your own home and luckily there are many different types of home adaptation which can help.

Installing a stairlift can allow you to retain more independence and move between floors comfortably and safely – but which type of stairlift do you need? The right stairlift for you will depend on the size and shape of your stairs, so see below to find out more about the difference between straight and curved stairlifts.

Straight stairlifts

As the name suggests, this type of stairlift is suitable for stairs that ascend in a completely straight line, with no turns, bends or landing halfway up. You’ll need to have enough landing room at the top and bottom, but many companies can offer stairlifts that are suitable for narrow stairs.

The rail of a straight stairlift is attached to the stairs, not the wall, and the seats can be folded up to give you more space when the stairlift is not in use.

Curved stairlifts

You’ll need a curved stairlift if the stairs in your home have a quarter landing, half landing, if they are ‘fanned’ (two sets of stairs at an angle less than 90 degrees), or if you have a spiral staircase. Fitting a curved stairlift is slightly more complicated but as long as the angle of your stairs can be measured, a stairlift can be fitted.

Curved stairlifts are always bespoke as each one has to be custom made to fit the angle of your stairs. Each rail will be unique to your staircase for the perfect fit. If you’re worried about the length or angle of your stairs, there’s no need to be, curved stairlift rails can have as many as 20 bends for a smooth, safe journey between floors.

If you’d like to install a straight or curved stairlift in your home, get in touch with the experts at Alfix. We’re proud to offer a free home survey for all potential customers to make sure you get the right stairlift to suit your needs. We supply and install a wide range of new and reconditioned stairlifts, as well as stairlift rental, so give us a call today or contact us online.