For those with reduced mobility, going up and down the stairs can be a daily struggle. If you have a spiral staircase in your home, the struggle can be even more serious. The uneven width of the steps and curvature of the staircase make it much more likely that you’ll trip, fall, and injure yourself—possibly severely. But is it possible to install a stairlift on a spiral staircase to make it safer for you? Keep reading to find out.
Spiral staircases are all unique, with different levels of curvature and different angles to their turns. This requires a custom approach when installing a stairlift. Unlike straight staircases that use standardized tracks, a stairlift for a spiral staircase needs a specially designed track to follow the twists and turns of your individual staircase. Custom rails ensure that the stairlift fits the exact measurements of your staircase, making the installation process more intricate, but also, completely possible.
One of the main challenges with installing a stairlift on a spiral staircase is the amount of space available. Spiral staircases are usually narrower than straight staircases, and the tight turn radius can make it tricky to accommodate both the stairlift rail and the seat. Thankfully, many modern stairlift designs have addressed these issues. There are compact models available that take up minimal space, so you should be sure to explore these options. Foldable seats and footrests can further optimize space when the stairlift is not in use.
Because every spiral staircase needs a custom lift designed for it, it’s essential that you work with a professional to measure and assess your staircase. They’ll visit your home to collect the dimensions, angles, and specific needs of your stairs. Then, they’ll recommend a customized solution for your staircase’s structure while ensuring that the lift will be safe and comfortable for you to use.
As with anything else, customization doesn’t come cheap on a stairlift. Since every curved stairlift needs to be custom built to find your staircase, you should expect to pay more than you would pay for a standard straight stairlift. The cost will vary depending on many different factors like the track length and complexity of your staircase’s design, but a professional can give you a quote.
In short, yes, a stairlift can be installed on your spiral staircase. However, it requires a high level of customization to make it possible. Look for curved stairlifts for sale, but be sure to have a professional come out and measure your staircase for a proper fit.