April 2024
Compact Stairlifts In April 2024
Compact lifts are stairlifts specially designed to fit in a narrow staircase and save space in your home.
They have a number of benefits, including:
- A seat design with a curved back to keep your legs further away from the wall and to help avoid clash points on narrow staircases
- A foldaway seat (as opposed to the type of rigid seat found on conventional stair lifts)
- Adaptable controls for ease of use
- They can be installed on both curved staircases and straight staircases
Topics that you will find covered on this page
How to choose the right stairlift for you
It may be worth consulting with your doctor if you believe that your mobility has become more difficult and you’re considering purchasing a stairlift for your house. They may be able to point you in the direction of organisations that can assist with the cost of installing a stairlift.
Online discussion boards may also be a useful place to get unbiased input from individuals who have been in a similar situation. People on these forums may even have experience with more niche stairlift designs. Some of the best known stairlift companies can offer a free quote so you can start to compare the prices offered by different stairlift manufacturers.
When selecting between a variety of lifts, the minimum width of your staircase is one of the most significant factors to consider. A compact lift will be your best option if you have a particularly narrow staircase.
Once you’ve decided to install a stairlift, the next step is to select the most appropriate stairlift for your needs.
Different types of stairlift
There are three main types of stairlift: straight stairlifts, curved stairlifts and bespoke lifts.
Straight stairlifts are made for straight stairs with a simple, linear design. A curved stairlift is ideal for curved stairs, while bespoke stairlifts may be custom-made to match any style of staircase.
How to measure your staircase
If you want to install a chair lift in your home yourself, it’s always a good idea to first research what to expect from the measurements. However, if you’d prefer not to do this task yourself, a stairlift expert can come into your house and perform it for you.
To determine the length of your straight staircase, take a tape measure and measure the distance from the floor to the landing. This is how long your stairway is in feet. The distance between the walls of your staircase may be easily determined by taking a tape measure and measuring the gap. This is the minimum width you’ll need to consider while selecting a stairlift.
The minimum width required for a stairlift is 28 inches. However, if you have a really narrow staircase, you may need to opt for a compact lift, which is built specifically for use in confined spaces.
Other factors to consider
When choosing a stairlift, there are several things to think about. The most significant aspect is the width of your staircase. You’ll need a compact lift if your stairs are less than 28 inches wide.
You will need to think about what kind of staircase you have and whether you have more than one kind of staircase in your home. Stair lifts may be installed on straight or curved staircases, but they are not suited to spiral stairs. Remember that a curved stairlift will cost more since they are more complicated to create and install.
A bespoke stairlift for a spiral staircase may be expensive, and you may want to consider other, simpler alternatives such as a home elevator.
You will also need to consider the weight capacity of the lift. The maximum weight capacity of most stairlifts is 250 pounds, but if you need it, you can find ones with a higher weight capacity.
Stairlifts have a track that is 8-10 feet long, but tracks with longer or shorter lengths are available. If your house is small, you may consider extending the track along the landing to make more room around the stair case entry.
Terraced houses and narrow stairs
If you’ve determined that the width of your stairwell is insufficient, you’re not alone. Many older houses in the United Kingdom have narrow staircases.
Because terraced homes are often built on narrow plots of land, staircases for these types of buildings are typically small. It might be tough to locate a stairlift that will suit if your stairs are small. Consider compact seat stairlifts if you live in a terraced home and are concerned about the size of your staircase.
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"Straight stairlifts are made for straight stairs with a simple, linear design. A curved stairlift is ideal for curved stairs, while bespoke stairlifts may be custom-made to match any style of staircase."
Compact Lifts
Compact lifts are designed specifically for use in narrow staircases. They are smaller than conventional stairlifts and may be simply attached to stairs with a minimum width as narrow as 28 inches wide.
Compact stairlifts for narrow stairs provide all of the features and advantages of normal stairlifts, but they take up less room, making them ideal for flats with little floor space. They’re also great for use in public facilities like schools and hospitals, where space is tight.
Compact lifts are simple to use and can be folded away when not in use, so they don’t take up much room on the floor. They’re frequently equipped with a foldaway seat and footstool to allow more room.
Compact curved stairlifts for narrow staircases
You can get a curved stairlift for narrow curved stairs. Many stairlift suppliers will suggest perch stairlifts or standing stairlifts in this scenario. This is because these types of lifts take up less room on narrow curved stairs than a conventional seated stairlift.
Perch stairlifts
If you just have a little space on the staircase, a perch lift is an excellent alternative since the perch seat does not protrude far beyond the stairlift track. The perch seat version is also an excellent choice for people who have trouble lowering themselves into a seated position because of sore hip joints.
Standing Stairlift
Standing stairlifts are also a good choice if you have a narrow curved staircase as the lift takes up minimal space on the stairs. However, because the user must be able to safely remain standing for the entire trip up the stairs, standing stair lifts are not for everyone. In this instance, you will need to opt for a standard stairlift where you can ride comfortably in a seated position. Stairlift companies will be happy to help you decide the best stairlift for you.
Do you compromise on quality with a compact lift?
Narrow width stair lifts are just as comfy as standard stairlifts. They come with a variety of features that make them simple to operate and ideal for use in confined areas.
Stairlifts come in a variety of materials, so you can select one that is most comfortable. If you’d like to feel more comfortable when sitting down, you could choose a wider seat.
Another advantage of stairlifts for narrow steps is that they are less intrusive in your home environment since they may be folded up. This makes them an appealing choice for individuals who are concerned about what a chairlift would look like in their house.
How do I buy a stairlift?
You can buy stairlifts from most major merchants, or you may go to the website of a specialist stairlift manufacturer. Many stairlift manufacturers will provide you with a free stairlift estimate, so do some research and find the best solution for you.
Some providers may even allow you to hire a stairlift, which is an excellent alternative if you just need it for a short amount of time.
Second hand and reconditioned stairlifts can be found in very good condition, so it is worth looking around for these if you want to save money.
What do stairlifts look like?
Stairlifts are similar to seated wheelchairs that are attached to a metal hinged track. They’re typically white, but some providers will offer them in other colours. There will be a slim rail along the stair wall, and some models may include a personalised stair tread.
Sometimes, stairlift companies offer them custom-made to match your house décor, but most versions will look very similar.
How expensive are stairlifts?
The price of a stair lift will range depending on the type you choose. A basic chair lift will set you back between £2,000 and £4,000. A compact narrow stairlift will be somewhat more costly, but they provide excellent value for money because they take up less room than regular ones.
If you’re on a tight budget, buying second hand stairlifts or a reconditioned stairlift may be a good option. You may find high-quality used stairlifts for a fraction of the price of brand new ones on several internet marketplaces.
Are they easy to use?
Stairlifts are generally controlled by a tiny joystick that is connected to the armrest. Even if you have reduced mobility, they are simple to operate due to this feature. Some stairlifts also come with a remote control so that you may easily change the settings while sitting or standing on the staircase.
If a step on the staircase is blocked, the stairlift should automatically come to a stop. There are no complicated controls required, so you won’t have to worry too much about it.
All stairlifts are easy to operate, but some models are easier to use than others. You may want to consider the level of comfort and convenience offered by different models before making your decision.
Electricity Requirements
A stair lift can be powered by either mains electricity or batteries. If your staircase isn’t near a power source, you’ll have to get a model that works with batteries. Batteries have the significant advantage of allowing for continued usage in the event of a power outage.
What if it breaks down?
You may always contact an emergency callout team if your lift breaks down or there is an issue with the installation. Most stairlift firms provide this service, and they will send someone to your house to repair the problem.
Your stairlift will continue to function if there is a power outage as long as it is battery-powered. If it isn’t battery powered, you won’t be able to use it and will have to call for assistance.
How long do they last?
The average lifespan of a stairlift is ten years, although the type you select may impact this. This not only makes them a smart investment, but it also has the secondary advantage that secondhand and refurbished stairlifts are frequently in excellent working order.
How is a compact lift installed?
A stairlift professional will be able to set up the stairlift securely and ensure that it is functioning correctly. The lift will be secured to the steps using clamps and brackets, so make sure that it has been installed correctly to avoid any mishaps. Most stairlift installations take only a few hours.
Are narrow stairlifts safe?
When utilising narrow stairlifts, there are a few precautions that you should be aware of. Most significantly, make sure the lift is installed by a trained professional and that it is maintained on a regular basis.
It’s a good idea to lengthen the track on top of the landing so that the stairlift user isn’t forced to get off close to the staircase. Swivel seats can also make a seated stairlift safer since they ensure you’re getting off your chair facing in the correct direction. This should ensure you are able to safely stand at the top without fear of tumbling down the steep stairs after your journey.
You should double-check that everyone who will be riding the lift is wearing the correct safety equipment, such as a seat belt. Perch stairlifts are sometimes considered more hazardous since the user is less secure in the perch seat than with a regular straight stairlift, so a seat belt is crucial.
Is a compact lift right for you?
Stairlifts for narrow stairs are a great option for giving yourself enough space in your home, and they can come in a number of shapes and sizes. When not in use, stairlifts for narrow stairs can be folded away, allowing other stair users to walk past. This makes them a much better option for communal living.
However, if a compact stair lift does not sound like the best solution to your disabled access needs, there are a few alternatives to consider.
A vertical platform lift, which is ideal for flats or businesses with limited floor space, is one alternative. Vertical platform lifts are simple to use, but they will likely take up more space in your home than a seated stairlift or a perch seat model.
Another alternative is a home elevator, which is ideal for multi-story homes. Home elevators deliver all of the convenience and flexibility of a regular elevator, but they are meant to operate in residential homes. Once again, you will need to make sure that you have enough space in your home to accommodate one of these devices.
Have A Free Consultation With A Stairlift Specialist
You can contact an Acorn stair lift specialist in one of 3 ways:
- Option 1 – Call directly on – 0333 567 1603
- Option 2 – Book an appointment directly in the calendar below, and one of the team will call you back at your chosen time
- Option 3 – Leave your contact details and Acorn will get in touch with you
Option 1 - Call Acorn Stairlifts Directly
Monday to Thursday : 8am – 7pm
Friday : 8am – 5:30pm
Saturday & Sunday : 9am – 5pm
Call us on : 0333 567 1603
Option 2 - Book an appointment, in the calendar below, for a callback when it's convenient
Option 3 - Leave your details and Acorn will get in touch
Leave your contact details below, and one of the Acorn team will give you a call to discuss your needs.
Please note that Acorn Stairlifts undertake all calls.
More useful information on stairlifts
A Guide To Stairlifts
This article explains all you need to know about buying or renting a stairlift in the UK alongside information on where to find one.
Curved Stairlifts
Not all stairs are straight, so you may need a curved stairlift to go around a landing, This article explains how you get a curved stairlift.
Stairlift Rental
Renting a stairlift is a popular alternative to purchasing a new stair lift. This article explains how the rental process works.
Second Hand Stairlifts
Buying a second hand stairlift is much cheaper than buying a new one, especially if you nay not need it for long.
Reconditioned Stairlifts
A reconditioned stairlift allows you to get an almost new stairlift for a much lower price than a new one. This article explains how.
Stairlifts For Narrow Stairs
Thos will narrow stairs will need a specialist chair. However, there are lifts that could work. Our article explains what you need to know.
Article author
Katy Davies
I am a keen reader and writer and have been helping to write and produce the legal content for the site since the launch. I studied for a law degree at Manchester University and I use that theoretical experience, as well as my practical experience as a solicitor, to help produce legal content which I hope you find helpful.
Outside of work, I love the snow and am a keen snowboarder. Most winters you will see me trying to get away for long weekends to the slopes in Switzerland or France.
Email – [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
How to choose the right stairlift for you?
It may be worth consulting with your doctor if you believe that your mobility has become more difficult and you’re considering purchasing a stairlift for your house. They may be able to point you in the direction of organisations that can assist with the cost of installing a stairlift.
How expensive are stairlifts?
The price of a stair lift will range depending on the type you choose. A basic chair lift will set you back between £2,000 and £4,000. A compact narrow stairlift will be somewhat more costly, but they provide excellent value for money because they take up less room than regular ones.
How to measure your staircase?
If you want to install a chair lift in your home yourself, it’s always a good idea to first research what to expect from the measurements. However, if you’d prefer not to do this task yourself, a stairlift expert can come into your house and perform it for you.
What do stairlifts look like?
Stairlifts are similar to seated wheelchairs that are attached to a metal hinged track. They’re typically white, but some providers will offer them in other colours. There will be a slim rail along the stair wall, and some models may include a personalised stair tread.
