Straight vs Curved Stairlifts: Which Do You Need?
Key points
- If your stairs run in one straight line from top to bottom with no landing or turn, a straight stairlift will usually fit.
- Any bend, half landing, quarter landing or winder step means a curved stairlift with a made-to-measure rail.
- Straight lifts cost from £1,595 reconditioned and can often be fitted in a few hours. Curved lifts cost from £3,395.
- Two straight lifts can sometimes replace one curved lift on stairs with a flat landing. We check this at the survey.
How to tell which you need
Stand at the bottom of your stairs and look up. If you can see the top step, and the stairs run in one straight line with no landing in between, you almost certainly need a straight stairlift.
If the stairs turn at any point, you need a curved stairlift. That includes stairs that:
- Turn 90 degrees at a quarter landing
- Turn back on themselves at a half landing
- Have winder steps, the wedge-shaped steps that turn a corner
- Have a small bend or kink at the top or bottom
- Spiral (see our guide to stairlifts for spiral stairs)
A curve of even one step at the top or bottom usually means a curved rail, so it is worth checking carefully.
Straight and curved compared
| Straight stairlift | Curved stairlift | |
|---|---|---|
| Suits | One straight flight | Any bend, landing or winder |
| Rail | Standard rail cut to length | Made to measure for your stairs |
| Reconditioned | from £1,595 | from £3,395 |
| New | £2,495 to £3,295 | £4,995 to £7,195 |
| Fitting | Often a few hours | Longer, after the rail is made |
| Warranty | 3 years new, 2 years reconditioned | 3 years new, 2 years reconditioned |
Prices are starting prices, fully fitted and including VAT.
Straight stairlifts
A straight stairlift runs on a single rail fixed to the stair treads, not the wall. Because the rail is a standard product cut to the length of your stairs, straight lifts cost less and are quick to install. Reconditioned models are widely available.
Models we often recommend:
- Acorn 130, from £1,595 reconditioned, a simple, low-cost choice for standard stairs.
- Handicare 1100, from £1,695 reconditioned, with a slim rail for narrow stairs.
- Handicare 1000, from £1,795 reconditioned, with heavy duty and perch versions.
- Platinum Ergo, from £1,695 reconditioned, which carries users up to 25 stone.
Compare prices for your stairsTell us about your staircase and we will call you with a guide price.
Curved stairlifts
A curved stairlift follows the exact line of your staircase. The surveyor measures every step and turn, the rail is manufactured to those measurements, and then it is fitted. This takes longer and costs more, but it means almost any staircase can have a stairlift, including narrow ones with tight turns.
Models we often recommend:
- Access BDD Flow X, from £4,995 reconditioned. Its seat swivels as it travels, and it fits stairs from 610 mm wide.
- Handicare Freecurve, from £5,295 new, on a slim single rail.
- Platinum Ultimate, from £5,495 reconditioned, which can start on the first step.
- Platinum Ergo Curve, from £3,995 reconditioned.
Can two straight lifts replace one curved lift?
Sometimes. If your stairs have two straight flights separated by a flat landing, two straight stairlifts can be fitted, one on each flight. The user moves from one seat to the other on the landing.
That can cost less than a curved lift, but it only works if the user can safely walk a few steps on the landing, and there has to be room at the top of the first flight and the bottom of the second. Our surveyor will tell you honestly whether it suits your home.
Other things to check
- Width. Most straight lifts fold to around 310 to 320 mm. On narrow stairs, see our narrow stairlifts.
- A door at the bottom. A hinged rail folds up so it does not block a doorway or hallway.
- The top of the stairs. A swivel seat turns you to face the landing so you can get off safely.
- User weight. Standard lifts usually carry up to around 19 to 22 stone. For more, see heavy duty stairlifts.
Once you know which type you need, our top 5 stairlifts compared shows the models we recommend for each.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I need a curved stairlift?
If your staircase has any bend, landing, winder step or turn, even a single step at the top or bottom, you will usually need a curved stairlift.
Is a curved stairlift much more expensive?
Yes. Curved stairlifts cost from £3,395 reconditioned and £4,995 to £7,195 new, compared with £1,595 to £3,295 for straight lifts, because the rail is made to measure.
Can you get a reconditioned curved stairlift?
Yes, for some models. Reconditioned curved stairlifts start at £3,395 fully fitted, with a 2-year parts and labour warranty.
How long does it take to fit a straight stairlift?
A straight stairlift can often be fitted within a few hours.
Can a stairlift go round a corner?
Yes. A curved stairlift rail is made to follow your staircase round corners, landings and winder steps.
Get a fixed price for your stairsBook a free home survey. We measure your staircase, compare the models that fit and give you a fixed written price, with no obligation.
Prefer to talk? Call us on 07534 654944.