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Can Stair Lifts Turn Corners?
Curved stair lifts can be designed to tackle both intermediate landings and complex spiral staircases, but require custom stairlift installation for the perfect fit.
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At a glance:
- Unique staircases with tight turns, including intermediate landings and spiral designs, require a custom curved stair lift to safely transport seniors between floors.
- Curved rail systems cost more to install than straight stairlift rails, at $10,000–$14,000, with the final price depending on staircase complexity and added safety features—seat belts, footrests, etc.
- Like traditional lifts, most curved stair lifts are still designed using a single rail to ensure a smooth, comfortable ride.
Getting up and down the stairs while aging in place can be a real challenge for many seniors, especially with a complex staircase featuring turns and tight corners. Luckily, high-quality, custom-fitted stair lifts are available to you.
These lifts use a rail that’s fitted to your curved staircase, allowing you to smoothly travel from the bottom of the stairs to the top without jolting or stopping. Below, we analyze what to expect when looking for a new stairlift to tackle turns, so you and your loved ones can find the best mobility solution.
What Kind of Stair Lift Model Can Turn Corners?
While simple, straight stair lifts can’t turn corners, several models feature curved rails. With these models, the rail is molded to your staircase’s unique measurements. This makes it easy to fit a curved stair lift to almost any staircase, regardless of height, the number of landings, or the tightness of the spiral layout. Just keep in mind that due to added installation complexity, these stair lift types often cost more and take longer to install than their straight counterparts.
Examples of trusted curved stair lift manufacturers include Bruno, Stannah, Harmar, Acorn, and Savaria. We always recommend reaching out to a trusted brand for a free consultation to make sure you’re getting a good deal and professional stair lift installation services.
How Does a Curved Stair Lift Work?
A curved stair lift features a custom-made track that follows the bends and curves of your staircase while operating the same way a straight lift does. In essence, the battery-powered chair moves along the track, either up or down, until it reaches the floor you’re traveling to.
Because most models are battery-operated, they’ll need to be charged when out of use. We always suggest recharging your lift in advance to ensure ease of use during power outages and medical emergencies.
Understanding Curved Stair Lift Installation
Curved stair lifts usually necessitate professional design and installation due to their unique measurements and complex fitting process. Compared to straight lifts, they have a longer average manufacturing time and higher overall costs.
Here is a step-by-step overview of what to expect during the day-long installation process:
- Initial Assessment: Most high-quality brands offer a free consultation where they evaluate your staircase by taking detailed measurements of every curve and landing. During this initial meeting, you should also discuss your mobility needs, preferred safety features, and budget.
- Custom Rail Design: Once you commit to your new stair lift, the manufacturer will use the measurements they took to engineer a custom-fitted rail system. Each rail is built to order, meaning the manufacturing process can take several weeks.
- Site Preparation: Always clear the staircase of any obstacles or decorative rugs before the technician arrives. Many homeowners also wonder how to cut chair rail outside corners, as trim adjustments are sometimes necessary to accommodate the rail-mounting hardware. To ensure the trim aligns with the rail, you can wrap the corner with another horizontal piece and align the descent with the nosing of the top stair tread.
- Rail Installation: The custom rail is almost always anchored to the stairs themselves, rather than the wall. Using a series of brackets, the technician carefully secures the rail from the bottom to the top of the stairs, ensuring the system is level.
- Chair Mounting: Once the rail is secured, the seat, armrests, footrest, and drive mechanism are all carefully attached and aligned. Safety features such as seat belts, swivel seats, and obstruction sensors are also installed and calibrated at this stage.
- Battery Setup: The newly secured chair and drive system are connected to a standard power outlet, allowing the technician to test the battery. Charging points are typically positioned at both the top and bottom of the staircase so the lift stays powered regardless of where it parks.
- Safety Testing: In addition to battery testing, the lift is put through multiple test cycles to verify smooth operation. During this time, you’ll also be taught how to operate and troubleshoot the lift.
After your curved stair lift is installed, the technician should register any applicable warranties and leave you with the information you need to make future servicing or repair requests. Working with a professional manufacturer helps ensure that everything stays safe and functional over the long term.
Average Curved Stair Lift Costs
The average curved stair lift costs between $10,000 and $14,000, or just over double the average straight stair lift ($2,500–$9,000). The upfront installation cost is generally around $3,500, depending on length, added features, and other factors.
Compared to straight staircases, fitting a stair lift rail to curved staircases is a complex and personalized process. For that reason, it’s important to ask your chosen company how they factor installation into the final price. After all, many brands include installation costs in their quotes and offer useful financing options. You can also get essential financial assistance through Medicaid programs, Veterans Benefits, and local nonprofits.
Our Takeaway: Curved Stair Lifts Fit Complex Staircases but Require More Time and Investment to Install
Custom-designed curved stair lift models can tackle almost any staircase, including those with intermediate landings or spiral layouts. However, because they require custom measurements, they also typically cost more and take longer to install than straight stair lifts.
Ultimately, if you have a complex staircase, it’s important to reach out to a trusted manufacturer. That way, you can ensure that your installation is safe and secure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About If Stair Lifts Can Turn Corners
What a stair lift is exactly depends on the specific model, but they’re all simple home modifications that help seniors safely travel up and down the steps. Typically, the design involves fixing a railing to the stair treads and then mounting a battery-powered chair or platform to the railing. The user can then operate the lift using fixed buttons or a remote control.
Yes, curved stair lifts are just as safe as straight models, but you can add extra rails along the stairs as a precautionary measure. Maximizing the space between the lift, stairs, and landing can also reduce the chance of falls or usage complications.
Curved stair lifts are custom-designed, meaning they can handle any number of turns in any direction. Just keep in mind that the more complicated the design, the more expensive the installation.
Curved stair lifts have an average cost of $12,000 ($10,000 – $14,000). This price point may or may not include installation costs and additional safety features, depending on the stair lift manufacturer.
The cost to install a curved stair lift ranges from $1,000 to $5,000, averaging $3,500. Many companies factor installation costs into the final price, but you should clarify if that’s the case before making any commitments.
Yes, many companies will take measurements without charging you and offer you a hassle-free quote.
Curved stair lifts are usually more expensive due to complex measurements and a longer installation process. The extra time, labor, and features required bump up the overall price.
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