Before going ahead with a stairlift installation, most people start by asking an efficient question:
" Can Stairlifts Be Fitted to Any Stairs ? "
It’s a fair question, especially if your staircase is a bit awkward, narrow, or curved. The short answer is: Yes, in most cases, stairlifts can be fitted to almost any type of staircase.
But (and this is important) the type of stairlift, cost, and installation method will depend on your layout.
But like most things, the full picture is a little more detailed. In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about stairlift compatibility, including:
The different types of staircases and which stairlifts suit them best
Ready? Let’s explore your stairlift options together.
Before we talk about stairlifts, we need to talk about stairs.
Your staircase shape plays a big role in determining the type of stairlift you’ll need and how easy or complicated the installation might be.
Let’s take a look at the most common types of staircases found in UK homes.
| Staircase Type | Description | Stairlift Solution | Can Fit Stairlift? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight stairs | No bends or landings. Goes straight up in one line. | Straight stairlift (standard model) | Yes, very easily |
| Curved stairs | Includes bends, turns, or spiral sections | Custom curved stairlift | Yes, but custom |
| Narrow stairs | Less than 70cm wide | Slimline or perch stairlift | Yes, with care |
| Stairs with landings | Has one or more flat areas or changes in direction | Curved or twin straight stairlifts | Yes, with planning |
| Outdoor steps | Steps outside the property, often at entrances | Weatherproof outdoor stairlift | Yes, specialised |
As you can see, whether your stairs are straight, curved, narrow or steep, there’s usually a solution.
In over 95% of homes, stairlifts can be installed successfully. Thanks to advancements in engineering and customisation, stairlift companies can now design rails and chairs to fit just about any staircase.
That said, there are a few things to keep in mind.
1. Stair Width
2. Weight Capacity
3. Headroom
4. Power and Access
You’ll find straight staircases in most UK houses, and they’re often the easiest to fit with a stairlift.
If you’ve got a straight staircase, you’re in luck. You can easily find reconditioned stairlifts that fit your setup, which means you’ll save money without compromising safety.
Got a bend, a 90-degree turn, or a multi-floor staircase? You’ll need a curved stairlift.
Here’s the thing: the stairlift itself can be reconditioned, but the rail usually needs to be custom-made to fit your staircase. This means the cost can be higher than with a straight stairlift, but it’s still cheaper than buying a brand-new unit.
Because staircases come in all shapes and sizes, stairlift options and costs will vary accordingly.
Here’s a typical price guide to help you plan:
| Stair Type | New Stairlift Price | Reconditioned Price | Installation Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight | £2,000 – £3,000 | £1,000 – £1,800 | 1 – 2 hours |
| Curved | £4,000 – £6,000+ | £2,500 – £3,800+ | 4 – 6 hours |
| Narrow/Compact | Same as above, may need perch model | Same as above | Slightly longer |
| Outdoor | £2,500 – £4,000 | £1,800 – £3,000 | 2 – 3 hours |
Note: These are average figures across the UK. At Reconditioned Stairlift Prices, we offer competitive pricing on reconditioned stairlifts, plus flexible financing through easy payment and rental options too.
You might be thinking, “My stairs are a bit of an odd shape. Surely I’ll struggle to get a stairlift.”
You’d be surprised how often we hear this! Here's the truth:
So, unless your staircase is completely vertical (like a loft ladder!), chances are a stairlift can still be installed.
This is where things get interesting.
There are two types of rails for stairlifts:
Straight rails: Reconditioned rails can usually be trimmed to fit your stairs perfectly.
Curved rails: These must be custom-built to the exact measurements of your stairs, but the stairlift seat and motor can still be reconditioned to save money.
Don’t worry – a stairlift installer will measure everything precisely during a free home visit.
When budget is a concern, opting for a reconditioned stairlift can be a great way to reduce costs.
At Reconditioned Stairlift Prices, our reconditioned stairlifts are:
And yes, they can still be custom-fitted to your stairs, whether straight or curved.
To find out if your stairs can accommodate a stairlift, take advantage of our free home visit. We’ll assess your staircase and offer expert advice on the best options, all without any obligation.
You’ll also get:
In nearly all cases, yes. Thanks to bespoke designs and expert installation, there’s almost always a stairlift solution that works — even for unusual, steep, or narrow staircases.
So, whether you’re looking for a reconditioned straight stairlift, a custom curved option, or just exploring the idea, know this:
Your stairs are probably just fine, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Get in touch with us today for your free stairlift survey. We'll help you:
Call us or book online — and let’s make your home accessible again.
Yes! Stairlifts can be fitted to nearly all types of staircases, including straight, curved, narrow, and those with landings. Customisation options allow installers to adapt the rail to your staircase’s unique shape and size.
No special wiring is required. Stairlifts run on rechargeable batteries charged via a standard household plug socket, usually placed near the top or bottom of the stairs.
No. Stairlift rails are fixed to the stair treads (the horizontal parts of the stairs), not the walls. This means minimal impact on your home’s structure and easier removal if needed.
This is quite common in UK homes.
If a door opens onto the staircase, you might need a hinged rail or a retractable rail at the bottom.
This adds a bit to the price, but it makes the stairlift safe and practical in tighter spaces.
Another common concern – especially in narrow UK terraces – is space.
Most staircases only need around 700mm (27 inches) of width for a standard seated stairlift. If that’s tight, there are solutions:
And yes, these are available reconditioned too!
0800 358 9572Contact Us
Mobility Marketing Services Ltd is trading as Reconditioned Stairlift Prices and is part of the Affordable Stairlift Group.
Registered office address: Ground Floor, Woodend Court, Unit 2 Roydsdale Way, Euroway Industrial Estate, Bradford, England, BD4 6SE
Mobility Marketing Services LTD is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Ideal Sales Solutions Ltd. Ideal Sales Solutions Ltd is a credit broker and not a lender (FRN 703401). Finance available subject to status. The rate offered is always provisional and will depend upon your personal circumstances, the loan amount and the term. Representative example of a £5,000 purchase made over 3 years with a 25% deposit; Deposit amount £1,250; Total credit £3,750. Finance available at 15.9% APR fixed over 36 months. 36 monthly repayments of £131.65. Total amount payable £4,739.54. Total interest payable £989.54.
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