How Much Space Does a Stairlift Take?
A stairlift can be an integral part of maintaining your independence. The contraption is fitted to the treads of the staircase and helps the user get up and down the stairs safely and painlessly.
Stairlifts have seen dramatic advancements in recent years. There are now makes and models to fit staircases of all types and shapes, allowing everyone to navigate their staircase safely.
One of the most frequent questions we get asked is how much space a stairlift takes, and what can be done if your staircase is particularly narrow.
At Ideas in Action, we aim to install the perfect staircase for anyone who needs it. In this article, we explain how much space is required for a traditional stairlift — and how we can help you if your staircase doesn’t meet these requirements.
Are there minimum space requirements for a stairlift?
Traditional stairlifts do have minimum space requirements to ensure the stairlift can function properly and the user is safe. It’s important to remember that while in a seated position your knees and legs will jut out beyond the width of the stairlift. If your staircase is not particularly wide, you may not have enough space to keep your body safe and comfortable.
As a general rule, a straight staircase should be at least 750mm (29.5 inches) wide and a curved staircase should be at least 850mm (33.5 inches) wide.
Unfortunately, UK building regulations don’t have minimum width requirements for domestic staircases, meaning there is no guarantee your staircase will be wide enough for a traditional stairlift.
Can you put a stairlift on a narrow staircase?
If your stairlift does not meet the minimum width requirements, you won’t be able to get a traditional stairlift — but you still have many other options.
Stairlifts have seen dramatic improvements over the past few decades and many are now suitable for stairlifts of unorthodox shapes and sizes.
If you have a narrow staircase, your best option is to choose a slimline stairlift that requires less staircase width than a traditional stairlift.
A popular example of a space-saving stairlift is the Handicare 1000, which boasts one of the slimmest straight stairlift tracks on the market. Featuring a slimline aluminium track, folding footrest, seat and arms, the Handicare 1000 is perfect for narrow straight staircases. It can be supplied with a power hinge to prevent the track from obscuring a doorway, and it has optional powered features to fold the footrest away after use. Despite its compact and lightweight design, the Handicare 1000 still has an impressive weight capacity of 135kg.
Handicare 1000. Visit the product page here.
Can I install a stairlift if there is a door at the end of my staircase?
If there is less than 300mm (12 inches) from the bottom of your staircase to a doorway, you will need to install a hinged-rail stairlift. A hinged rail can be elevated when the stairlift is not in use to prevent the stairlift rail from becoming a tripping hazard.
The Handicare 1100 is a popular choice for stairlifts with doorways at the end of the stairs. It offers a ‘zero intrusion’ option, which is elevated and has no overrun at the end of the stairs. Users can get on and off the landing without having to use the footplate.
The Handicare 1100 is also loved for its ultra slim and compact design, leaving plenty of room for other stair users to climb the stairs when the chair is not in use. The Handicare 1100 also comes with safety sensors that will automatically stop the stairlift if an obstruction is detected.
Handicare 1100. Visit the product page here.
What features of a stairlift save space?
When looking for a narrow-stair stairlift, here are some of the key features to look out for:
- Slim line rail
- Compact design
- Foldable seat
- Foldable footrest
- Foldable armrest
- Powered hinge
The Handicare 1000 and Handicare 1100 are just two of the models we offer in our wide range of stairlifts. At Ideas in Action, we help every customer find the perfect stairlift for their needs. Simply measure your staircase and give us a call and we can advise which stairlift is right for you. Our team offers advice, installation and maintenance so that you can enjoy your stairlift as soon and as long as you need it.
Contact our team today to find out more.