Yes, stairlifts can go around corners. If your staircase bends, changes direction or includes an intermediate landing, a curved stairlift can be designed to follow the shape of the stairs.
This means that having a staircase that isn’t completely straight doesn’t rule out fitting a stairlift. Curved stairlifts are designed for more complex staircase layouts and can provide a continuous journey between floors without needing to transfer between stairlifts.
At Teesside Stairlifts, we supply and install straight and curved stairlifts across Teesside, with both new and reconditioned options available. The type of stairlift you need will depend on the shape of your staircase, the space available and how you plan to use it.
How Can a Stairlift Travel Around a Corner?
A stairlift travels along a rail fitted to the staircase. With a straight staircase, this rail can run from the bottom to the top in a single continuous line.
A staircase with a corner needs a different approach. A curved stairlift uses a rail designed to follow the bends, turns and changes in direction found on the staircase.
The stairlift chair travels along this rail, carrying the user around the corner and continuing towards the next section of the stairs. Depending on the staircase, the rail can incorporate several bends and travel across or around landings.
This makes curved stairlifts suitable for many homes where a standard straight stairlift simply wouldn’t work.
What Types of Staircases Can a Curved Stairlift Fit?
There isn’t one standard type of curved staircase. Homes across Teesside have been built in many different styles and periods, so staircase layouts can vary considerably.
A curved stairlift may be suitable for stairs with a 90-degree corner, a 180-degree turn, one or more intermediate landings or several changes in direction.
They can also be considered for staircases that curve gradually rather than having a defined corner.
Some properties have relatively straightforward stairs with a single bend near the top. Others might have two or three separate flights connected by landings. Both situations can potentially be accommodated with the right stairlift configuration.
The key is to have the staircase properly measured and assessed, rather than assuming that its shape makes a stairlift impossible.
Can a Stairlift Go Around a Landing?
Yes. Curved stairlifts can often travel around an intermediate landing and continue onto the next flight of stairs.
For example, your staircase might rise before reaching a small landing, then turn 90 or 180 degrees and continue towards the first floor. A curved rail can be designed to follow this route.
This allows the user to remain seated throughout the journey rather than reaching the landing and having to transfer to another stairlift.
For someone who already finds stairs difficult, avoiding unnecessary transfers can make using the stairlift much more practical.
The amount of space on the landing and the layout of the surrounding staircase will need to be assessed before confirming what can be fitted.
Do I Need a Curved Stairlift If My Stairs Have a Corner?
If the stairlift itself needs to travel around the corner, you will usually need a curved stairlift.
There are situations where a staircase consists of separate straight sections divided by a landing. It may technically be possible to install separate straight stairlifts on each flight, but this isn’t necessarily the most practical choice.
You would need to get off one stairlift at the landing, cross it, and then get onto the second stairlift. For someone choosing a stairlift because walking or maintaining balance is difficult, this could defeat much of the purpose.
A continuous curved stairlift can allow you to complete the journey without changing chairs.
During a home survey, the staircase can be assessed and the practical options explained before you decide which route works best for you.
How Are Curved Stairlifts Measured?
Getting the measurements right is key to fitting a stairlift around corners.
With a straight staircase, measuring the required rail is relatively simple. Curved staircases have more variables because the rail needs to account for each bend, landing and change in direction.
The available space at the top and bottom of the stairs also needs to be considered. There needs to be a practical place for the user to get on and off the stairlift, and the installation should work with how others use the staircase.
This is one reason Teesside Stairlifts offers a free home survey. We can look at the staircase in person, understand what you need from the stairlift and discuss suitable options based on the property.
You don’t need to work out measurements or decide which stairlift you need before getting in touch.
Can Curved Stairlifts Fit Narrow Staircases?
A narrow staircase doesn’t necessarily mean a stairlift cannot be fitted.
The available width, the shape of the staircase, and the space around corners all need to be considered together. The size and design of the stairlift itself can also make a difference.
Many stairlifts include folding components such as the seat, arms and footrest. When the stairlift isn’t being used, these parts can be folded away to leave more space for other people using the stairs.
If the staircase has a particularly tight corner, this will need to be assessed as part of the survey.
Rather than trying to judge whether your staircase is wide enough yourself, having it measured is the easiest way to find out what options are available.
Where Does the Stairlift Stop?
The position where a stairlift starts and finishes is another part of planning the installation.
Depending on the staircase and stairlift, the rail may extend beyond the final stair so the user can get on or off in a convenient position. The aim is to create a setup that works with both the staircase and the way you move around your home.
Features such as swivel seats can also help with getting off the stairlift at the top of the stairs. The available features will depend on the stairlift model and the property.
We can explain these options during your home survey rather than recommending features that aren’t relevant to your needs.
Are Curved Stairlifts More Expensive Than Straight Stairlifts?
Curved stairlifts can cost more than straight stairlifts because the rail needs to accommodate the staircase’s unique shape.
The final price can depend on the length of the stairs, the number of bends, the landings, the stairlift model, and other installation requirements.
This doesn’t mean there is only one option available.
Teesside Stairlifts supplies both new and reconditioned stairlifts, giving you the opportunity to look at solutions that suit your needs and budget.
We also offer stairlift rental options for customers who need a stairlift temporarily.
A home survey gives us the chance to understand what is required before discussing suitable options and costs with you.
Can You Get a Reconditioned Curved Stairlift?
Reconditioned stairlifts can be an option for curved staircases where a suitable configuration is available.
For some customers, choosing a reconditioned stairlift offers a more affordable way to improve access around the home.
The suitability of a reconditioned model will depend on your staircase and requirements. Rather than assuming that you need to purchase a brand-new stairlift, we can discuss both options during your survey.
Our focus is on finding something appropriate for your home, needs and budget without putting you under pressure to choose a particular option.
Are Curved Stairlifts Safe?
Curved stairlifts are designed to carry users smoothly along the rail, including around corners and bends.
Depending on the model, stairlifts can include features such as safety sensors, swivel seats, folding footrests and battery backup.
Safety sensors can detect certain obstructions in the stairlift’s path, with the exact functionality depending on the model. Battery backup can allow compatible stairlifts to continue operating for a period during a power cut.
Professional fitting and ongoing servicing also play a part in keeping a stairlift working correctly over time.
Teesside Stairlifts provides stairlift installation, servicing and repairs, so support doesn’t have to end once your stairlift has been fitted.
How Long Does a Curved Stairlift Last?
There isn’t a single lifespan that applies to every stairlift. How frequently it is used, the particular model and how well it is maintained can all affect its working life.
Regular servicing gives the stairlift an opportunity to be checked, helping identify parts that need attention before they cause problems.
If you already have a stairlift and are experiencing problems with it, our team also provides servicing and repairs across Teesside.
What Happens During a Free Stairlift Home Survey?
If you’re unsure whether a stairlift can go around the corners in your home, you don’t need to figure it out yourself.
During a free home survey, we can inspect the staircase and assess its width, corners, bends, landings, and the available space at either end. We can also discuss who will be using the stairlift and what you need it to help with.
From there, we can explain whether a straight or curved stairlift is suitable and discuss new, reconditioned or rental options where appropriate.
It’s also your opportunity to ask questions about how the stairlift will fit, how it works, installation and ongoing maintenance.
There is no hard sell. The aim is to give you enough practical information to decide what works for you and your home.
Looking for a Curved Stairlift in Teesside?
If your staircase has corners, bends, or landings, that doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t have a stairlift.
Teesside Stairlifts has more than 15 years of experience helping customers find practical stairlift solutions for their homes. We supply and install straight and curved stairlifts across Teesside, with new and reconditioned options available alongside rentals, servicing and repairs.
If you’re considering a stairlift but aren’t sure what will work with your staircase, arrange a free home survey with Teesside Stairlifts. We can assess the layout, listen to what you need and talk you through the suitable options without a hard sell.
