Orthopedic chairs - Stairlift requirements

Nearly all modern houses and the majority of older homes can accommodate a stairlift. There are however a few exceptions.

Stairlifts have either a chair or a platform and they are supported on, and run on, rails or tracks. This means that the stair needs to be of adequate width to accommodate the chair of the stairlift plus the working width of the track and the fixings that the chair runs on. Unfortunately if a stairway is too narrow it may not be possible to install a standard stairlift. In some cases a narrower than normal chair can overcome this problem.

A further consideration is the support for the track along which the chair moves. This track is ordinarily fixed to the stairway’s side wall and this necessitates a structural side wall. In some modern houses this wall may be composed of timber stud partitioning which is not structurally suitable. When this is the case it is sometimes possible to make an amendment to the fixing method to enable the treads of the stairs to support the tracking. Some other solutions are also available.

Simple straight runs of stair are normally straightforward and relatively cheap to fit, however bends and curves increase the complexity of the installation and in turn the price. Any landing or half landing that requires a change in direction will normally be built to order for each installation and this is why the cost is increased.

Other things to consider

On the assumption that a staircase is both wide enough and has suitable enclosing walls for a stairlift, the next consideration is the space available at the top and bottom of the staircase. These are the points at which the lift will begin and end its transition and it is important that there is sufficient room for the person using the stairlift to get on and off. This becomes even more significant if either of the following situations are relevant -

• If the person using the stairlift is a wheelchair user and needs room for a wheelchair at the top and bottom of the stairlift.


• If the stair will also be used by able bodied people who will climb the stairs. When this is the case there needs to be adequate room for the chair of the stairlift to turn out of the way (i.e. not cause an obstruction) when it comes to rest at the top or the bottom of the staircase.

Most stairlift chairs will fold upwards so as to minimise the obstruction that they cause, however in many cases it is possible to turn the chair of the stairlift to one side of the staircase during the installation.

Although a new purpose designed and fitted stairlift is always desirable, there are occasions where cost can be prohibitive. When this is the case one option is to consider a reconditioned stairlift from a reputable company. Correctly refurbished stairlifts should comply with all relevant regulations and come with a suitable warranty and extended warranty option.