Stairlift installation isn’t as complicated or finicky as you may think. We provide stairlift fitting as part of our services, so this is by no means an instruction manual for anyone trying to do it themselves.
This is a step-by-step guide of how a stairlift is installed.
Jump straight to…
- Do I have a straight or curved stairlift?
- How long does it take to install a stairlift?
- How to fix the stairlift rail to the staircase
- Assembling the stairlift
- In Summary…
Do I need a straight or curved stairlift installation?
The stairlift installation process is different for curved and straight models. You can decide whether you need a straight or curved stairlift simply by looking at your staircase!
Take a look at this guide if you’re looking for more information on stairlifts and different models. These are installed a bit differently due to their different layouts.
How long does a stairlift installation take?
Our engineers usually allow a full day for a home stairlift installation. This is because they need to fit the rail and wire it all up to the electrics.
Curved stairlifts can take a couple of days to get set up just because there are more parts and the curves need to be perfectly positioned.
It takes significantly less time to uninstall a stairlift. We simply remove the screws and take it all apart.
When it arrives…
Brand new straight stairlifts usually arrive in two main pieces which will make up the rail. There will also be other boxes that contain fittings, screws, and the stairlift chair itself.
This makes it easier to get the components in and out of your home for an efficient stairlift fitting.
Curved stairlifts usually come in quite a few different sections, particularly the rail. Again, this is to make it easier to get the parts in and out of your house.
Are stairlifts drilled into walls?
The short answer to this question is no. Stairlifts are not fitted to the wall at all, which means less mess and a much easier installation process.
Stairlift rails are actually screwed into the steps themselves. Brackets are fitted to the bottoms of the rails, and these are lined up and fixed to the steps with screws.
This means that stairlift installations are a lot less disruptive if our engineers aren’t drilling into the wall! It also makes it much easier to remove the stairlift if you ever decide to get rid of it.
How to fix the stairlift rail to the staircase
As mentioned above, the stairlift rail is fixed to the staircase with brackets. These are positioned on the top of the step and are then screwed in place.
Curved stairlifts are fixed in the same way but will have more brackets. This is to make sure that any curves are completely secured and will not move or become detached when the stairlift moves across them.
Assembling the stairlift
The sections of rail are then bolted together to create one single piece of track. These pieces will be factory joined for a completely discreet and smart finish.
The stairlift chair is then mounted and attached to the rail. Our engineers then wire up the staircase to give it power.
If your stairlift has a battery-operated remote control, then this is will automatically connect to the system wirelessly.
Can my stairlift travel further?
You can install a stairlift to travel beyond the staircase and on to the landing itself, and it’s fixed to the floor in the exact same way. Particularly with curved stairlifts, our customers want a bit of extra distance when they get to the top of the stairs to make sure that they’re positioned safely.
In Summary…
This is a very brief guide on installing a stairlift. Obviously our own expert stairlift installers provide a seamless installation service, but we often get questions on how it’s done.
Get in touch with our team to book your free stairlift assessment!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Do I need a straight or curved stairlift?
A: You can usually determine this by simply looking at your staircase. If it has any turns or landings, you’ll likely need a curved stairlift. A straight staircase will require a straight stairlift. If you’re unsure, we offer free assessments to help you decide.
Q: How long does it take to install a stairlift?
A: Straight stairlifts can typically be installed in just one day. Curved stairlifts, due to their custom rail designs, may take up to two days to install.
Q: Are stairlifts drilled into the wall?
A: No, stairlifts are not attached to the wall. The rail is fixed directly into the steps using brackets, which makes the installation less disruptive and easier to reverse if needed.
Q: Can the stairlift travel beyond the stairs?
A: Yes! In some cases, particularly with curved stairlifts, the rail can be extended onto the landing for added safety and convenience.
Q: Can stairlifts be removed later?
A: Absolutely. Stairlifts can be uninstalled with minimal disruption. The process typically involves removing the screws and disassembling the parts.
