Everything You Should Know About Stairlifts For Narrow Stairs

By Author: Associated Stairlifts Ltd
Total Articles: 17
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It may come as a surprise to many, but there is no width minimum for residential staircases under UK building standards. There are some regulations about stairlift widths for fire escapes and disabled access, but if your house was not built specifically for ease of access by disabled individuals, there might also be no guarantee your staircase width will be able to accommodate a stairlift.

Since stairlift manufacturers became aware of the issue, they've devised some fairly inventive remedies, and only a professional assessment will determine if a stairlift can be installed on your narrow staircase.

Stairlifts can be a vital source of assistance for individuals with mobility challenges like the elderly, who are looking to keep their independence for as long as they can. Stairlifts allow these individuals to live in their homes that would otherwise be difficult to live in. However, many of the older properties in the UK, have very steep or narrow staircases.

You may be concerned that finding a suitable stairlift will be impossible if your house has a narrow staircase, but fortunately, there are stairlifts ...
... for narrow stairs that are specifically built to handle this issue. Narrow staircases should no longer impede getting a stairlift in most circumstances. The most well-known stairlift manufacturers offer a variety of stairlifts that are specifically tailored to the needs of individuals with unusually narrow staircases.

When it comes to buying or renting stairlifts for narrow stairs, the options can sometimes be overwhelming, so start by consulting a professional. Stairlift providers will be able to inform you whether or not a stairlift will fit your tiny staircase. Before settling on a particular stairlift that will be safe and useful for your home, a surveyor from a trusted stairlift provider will assess your staircase to determine what option will be best for you.

Although several models may be installed on a narrow staircase, there is always the possibility that your stairs are simply too narrow to securely accommodate a chairlift. The minimum width necessary for most stairlifts for narrow stairs is around 73cm, which is a decent rule of thumb. Any size below this width might not work and could be dangerous, as there is a possibility that the seat will clash with the banister or wall and prevent others from using the stairs or passing by.

Some stairlifts for narrow stairs, on the other hand, can be customised for the purpose and utilised on very narrow staircases, but this depends on the manufacturer. For example, your knees would not protrude as much if you sat on a higher seat, perched slightly on the edge, and an Acorn stairlift with a perched seat could be a perfect stairlift for narrow stairs, but many other well-known stairlift models provide a creative answer to the issue of narrow staircases.

To prevent clash sites, the stairlift seat can also be configured to automatically swivel around tight corners on the stairs. A stairlift seat will normally travel up the stairs with the back of the seat parallel to the wall or banisters. Some manufacturers can, however, create a stairlift seat that faces downwards while traveling, which can aid to avoid collision points on a narrow stairway. This solution is typically only appropriate if there is enough space to run the rail onto the landing at the top of the steps.

The main thing to remember is that a staircase, regardless of its design or dimensions, does not automatically imply that you cannot use mobility assistance like a stairlift in your home. Some models are carefully planned and made with special features that make them acceptable for most stairs, but the best advice is to consult with a reliable stairlift provider to determine the way forward and help you find a solution for your specific scenario.

About Us

Associated Stairlifts is a well-known family-owned stairlift supplier company that was established in 1990. They are operating nationwide as an independent supplier of bespoke stairlifts and are proud to have a firmly established reputation for quality service, customer satisfaction, and value for money. With decades of experience in the industry, they offer customers comprehensive advice on the optimal solutions for staircases, based on the customer’s requirements. They pride themselves on taking the time to understand the needs of their customers, and on delivering sound, professional and friendly advice. With Associated Stairlifts you will soon be well equipped to make an informed final decision on the best stairlift for you. They also supply stairlifts from any quality manufacturers, including Acorn, Brooks, Meditek, Platinum, and Stannah. Whatever your budget, or specific needs, we will be able to find the perfect stairlift for you. Find out more by visiting our website at https://www.associatedstairlifts.co.uk.