Can Stairlifts Go Around Corners?
By Darrell Foster of Keystone Accessibility
If you're thinking about installing a stairlift in your home, one of the first questions that comes to mind is whether stairlifts can go around corners. The answer is yes—stairlifts can turn corners! But there’s more to it than that. In this blog post, we’ll dive into how curved stairlifts work, what kind of stairs they can be installed on, and answer some of the most frequently asked questions about them.
Harmar Helix Curved Stairlift
Stairlifts for Different Types of Stairs
Whether your stairs are straight, have one or more landings, or even spiral, stairlifts can be designed to fit most staircases. Curved stairlifts are a perfect solution for stairs with turns or unique designs. These stairlifts are custom-made to match the exact curves and bends of your staircase, ensuring a smooth and safe ride. In some circumstances, when a staircase goes up a few steps then has a landing, makes a 90 or 180 degree turn then goes up more steps, it is more affordable to do two straight stairlifts with a chair transfer at the landing.
Can a Stairlift Be Fitted to Any Staircase?
Yes, stairlifts can be installed on nearly any staircase, even those with sharp turns or narrow spaces. Here’s how it works:
Curved Stairlifts: These lifts are custom-made to fit your specific staircase. The rail is designed to hug each curve closely, ensuring a neat fit that maximizes the space left on the stairs for others to use. They can also provide “parking areas” which will allow the chair to be completely out of the way and off of the staircase.
Straight Stairlifts: For those with stairs that go directly up and down without any bends or turns, a straight stairlift is typically the best solution. If you have a bi-level home, or a staircase with a single landing and a 90 degree turn, a more affordable option could be to get two straight stairlifts for each run of steps. This is best determined during a consultation with us!
No matter the configuration of your stairs, it’s a good idea to consult with a professional to get the best solution for your needs. At Keystone Accessibility, we offer free, no-obligation consultations to assess your staircase and recommend the right stairlift for your home.
Key Features of a Curved Stairlift
Curved stairlifts come with several features that make them both practical and safe. Here are some of the key features you can expect:
Custom Rail Design: The rail is built to fit your specific staircase, ensuring it follows each bend and curve perfectly.
Foldable Chair: The chair can fold up when not in use, leaving more room on the stairs.
Battery-Powered: These stairlifts run on batteries, so they’ll work even during power outages.
Enhanced Safety Features: Many models come with safety sensors, seat belts, and more to keep you secure.
No Construction Required: Curved stairlifts attach directly to the stair treads, meaning there’s no need for heavy construction work in your home.
Benefits of Curved Stairlifts
Curved stairlifts provide several benefits, especially for those with unique or challenging staircases. Here’s why they might be the best option for your home:
Fits Any Staircase: Whether your stairs are narrow, curved, or have multiple landings, a curved stairlift can be designed to fit them.
Space-Saving: When not in use, the chair folds up neatly to allow others to use the stairs comfortably.
No Power? No Problem! The stairlift will continue to work during power outages thanks to its built-in batteries.
Flexible Parking: You can extend the rail so that the chair parks away from the stairs, keeping your top and bottom landings clear.
Parking Positions
There are many options for parking positions of curved stairlifts to keep the chair completely out of the way of the staircase. Even though they do fold up to be quite narrow, having a parking space allows for a completely unobstructed path up and down the stairs!
How Are Stairlifts Installed?
Stairlifts are usually installed without any major modifications to your home. Curved stairlifts are attached directly to the stair treads, so no walls need to be drilled into. Installation is done by a trained technician and typically takes just a few hours.
FAQs About Curved Stairlifts
Can Stairlifts Go Around Corners?
Yes, stairlifts can go around corners! Curved stairlifts are custom-designed to fit staircases with bends, landings, or even spiral steps. The rail is crafted to follow the exact shape of your stairs, ensuring a safe and comfortable ride.
Are Curved Stairlifts Safe?
Curved stairlifts are completely safe when installed by a professional. They come with various safety features like seat belts, safety sensors, and battery backups to ensure they function even during a power outage.
What Is the Cost of a Curved Stairlift?
Curved stairlifts tend to be more expensive than straight stairlifts because they are custom-made to fit the specific design of your staircase. In some circumstances two straight stairlifts can be used instead of a curved stairlift making your access more affordable. At Keystone Accessibility, we work with you to find the best option for your budget.
How Long Does Installation Take?
Installation of a curved stairlift typically takes a few hours and requires no major construction. The lift is attached directly to the stairs, making the process quick and non-invasive.
Can Keystone Accessibility Help Me Find the Right Stairlift?
Absolutely! At Keystone Accessibility, we specialize in providing mobility solutions tailored to your home. We offer free consultations to help you figure out the best stairlift for your needs. Whether your stairs are straight or curved, we’re here to guide you through the process.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation!
If you’re considering installing a stairlift, whether it's a straight or curved model, we’re here to help. Our team at Keystone Accessibility has years of experience in making homes more accessible. Give us a call today to schedule your free consultation and see how a stairlift can improve your home life.
FAQs About Keystone Accessibility
What Services Does Keystone Accessibility Offer?
We specialize in the sale and installation of stairlifts, platform lifts, and mobility solutions for both residential and commercial properties. We also provide maintenance services to ensure your equipment stays in top condition.
Where Do You Operate?
We serve Central Pennsylvania and parts of Maryland, traveling up to two hours from our base to install stairlifts and offer consultations.
Do You Offer Financing?
Yes, we offer financing options through our partner, Hearth, to make mobility solutions more accessible to everyone.
How Can I Schedule an Appointment?
To schedule a free consultation, simply head to our contact page to fill out our online form, or give us a call at 717-219-7976! We’ll work with you to find a time that’s convenient and help you explore your options for stairlifts.
Curved stairlifts are a great option for those with unique or challenging staircases. If you have any more questions or would like to get started, contact us at Keystone Accessibility today!
