Chair Lifts for Stairs
Finding the Right Chair Lift for Your Stairs
Your home is unique and so are your stairs. That is why Options HME carries a variety of chair lifts, so we are able to provide a lift that best fits your stairway. Below, we’ll outline the different types of chair lifts and how they fit in some of the most common stairways. If you would rather speak directly to an experienced team member about your situation, please give us a call at (618) 491-6261.
1. Straight Stairs
Choosing a chair lift for a straight set of stairs is relatively simple. The chair lift will ride along a straight rail. The seat swivels 90 degrees at the top landing for safe and easy entry/exit. Popular and highly rated straight chair lifts include the Harmar Pinnacle SL600 and the Harmar Pinnacle SL300. Typically, straight chair lifts are the most affordable style of lift.
2. Stairs with a Middle Landing
L-Shaped & U-Shaped stairs are common in split-level homes. When looking for a chair lift for your stairs with a middle landing, you have two options.
A curved chair lift will travel the full length of the stairs, including across the landing. They provide an uninterrupted ride, from top to bottom without the need to stop at the landing.
Two straight chair lifts are also an option. Since a straight chair lift is designed to operate on a straight rail at a fixed angle, they cannot travel across landings. The solution is to install a straight chair lift for each “flight” of stairs. The user will transfer from one lift to the other on the landing. Typically, two straight chair lifts are less expensive than a curved chair lift.
3. Stairs with a Top or Bottom Landing
These stairways typically have anywhere from 1 to 4 steps to a landing, then the main flight of stairs. There are 3 possible options for installing a chair lift on these stairs.
Single straight chair lift. This is the most popular option. Many customers can handle the first few steps, but struggle with the main flight of stairs. We can install a chair lift on the main flight of stairs, meaning the user will only have to walk the stairs to the landing.
Two straight chair lifts. If you have trouble climbing any number of stairs, we can likely install a straight stair lift on the short flight (to the landing) and the long flight of stairs. You will then only need to transfer from one lift to the other on the landing.
Single curved chair lift. A curved chair lift will take you from one floor to the other, without interruption. While this may be the more expensive option, it requires no transferring and minimal effort.
4. Curved or Spiral Stairs
If your stairs have a curve (pie shaped steps) or are spiral, a curved chair lift will be your best option. It will take your from one floor to the other, safely. A straight chair lift will not work on these types of stairs, as it would require you to exit the lift in the middle of the stairs.
5. Unique or Custom Built Stairs
If your stairs do not fit in to any of the above categories, don’t worry! We more than likely will be able to develop a solution to install a chair lift on your stairs. Whether your stairs are outdoors, have interesting angles, or span multiple levels, contact us to schedule a free, in-home consultation.
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