Stair lifts can be a real game changer for mobility within a home. However, some misconceptions could deter people unfamiliar with their features from taking advantage of them. For instance, you may be unsure how installation works and whether or not a stair lift could damage your home by attaching to the walls. We’re here to help!
Stair lifts are beneficial for anyone with mobility issues, including those with temporary injuries or chronic illnesses. They’re safe, reliable solutions that allow people to move efficiently throughout their homes. Arrow Lift’s high-quality stair lifts come with robust safety features, dependable performance, and regular maintenance options to ensure the longevity of your investment. Modern stair lifts are designed to complement the aesthetics of your home. Let’s learn more about how stair lifts operate.
Components of a Stair Lift:
Stair lifts primarily comprise two main parts: the chair and the rail. These elements work together to create safe and efficient movement between floors.
The Chair
Depending on the stair lift you choose, you can select your stair lift seat from a variety of shapes and sizes. Chairs are typically padded for your comfort, with arms and a footrest that can fold up when not in use. The seat can also swivel to help you get on and off safely, and it, too, can fold up out of the way when you’re finished.
The Rail
The rail is the track that smoothly glides your chair up and down the stairs. It can be straight or curved, depending on your stairway configuration. The track allows the lift to support riders safely as they travel between floors.
Do Stair Lifts Attach to the Wall?
A common concern about stair lifts is potential wall damage. However, the rail mounts directly to the stair treads, ensuring no harm to your walls. This design offers greater flexibility, allowing stair lifts to be installed on various staircases, whether they are straight, curved or have landings.
Mounting the rail to the stairs eliminates the need to rely on the wall’s structural integrity, providing a more stable and reliable lift while keeping your walls damage-free.
Stair Lift Installation: Where Else Can You Use a Stair Lift?
Stair lifts are versatile solutions that enhance mobility in various settings, both indoors and outdoors. They can meet diverse needs in personal residences, commercial establishments, or historic buildings.
Indoor or Outdoor Use
While stair lifts are commonly seen indoors, they are also frequently installed outdoors. Built with weatherproof materials and features, outdoor stair lifts are exceptionally durable and reliable. They often include protective covers to shield them from the elements and essential safety features such as non-slip surfaces, safety belts, and sensors. Just as customizable as indoor stairway lifts, outdoor stair lifts can be designed to blend seamlessly with outdoor aesthetics.
Commercial Use
Installing stair lifts in commercial or non-residential settings like places of worship ensures equal access for individuals who have difficulty walking up and down the stairs. It promotes an inclusive environment where they have access to different levels of the building to participate in activities and feel welcome and valued.
Historic Buildings
You can explore tailored options for historic buildings that blend seamlessly with the existing decor. Installation techniques aim to minimize the impact on the building’s structure and aesthetics, ensuring that landmark buildings retain their charm and value.
Custom Stair Lift Configurations
Stair lifts can be installed on almost any stair configuration and stairs made of nearly any material, including wood, carpet, tile, or concrete.
Straight Staircases
Straight staircases are straightforward, without any curves or landings. They’re typically quicker to install and less expensive than other configurations.
Curved Staircases
Stairway lifts with curves, bends, or multiple landings operate with custom-made tracks that match the contours of the staircase. Thanks to today’s advanced engineering, even more complex staircases, including spirals, can achieve a smooth ride on a stair lift.
Stair Landings
A landing can be configured in the stair lift design to allow riders to get on and off safely or continue seamless travel to the next floor.
Multi-Flight Stairs
You can even configure stair lifts to travel across multiple floors and stop at each level. Because the tracks are customizable, you can navigate complex pathways and multiple staircases to ensure equal access to all parts of a building.
A Smooth Ride Ahead
Modern stair lifts are a practical and efficient way to enhance mobility within your home. They’re customizable to fit your needs. Because they rely on stair treads rather than walls for installation, walls remain untouched.
Stair lifts are equipped with a wide range of features to enhance their functionality and the user experience. With foldable seats, armrests, and footrests, they have a minimal footprint when not used.
Every building is unique, so working with a reputable company is your best bet to determine the most accurate fit and the right stair lift for you. We’ll explore your options to choose the best configuration and track design for your staircase. Then, we’ll customize the track to ensure a perfect fit. Every stair lift comes with essential safety features, and your comfort is also customizable, with padded seats, adjustable armrests, and smooth start and stop mechanisms.
Take the first step toward better mobility by scheduling a free, no-obligation consultation, and our trained Stair Lift Professionals can help you get started.
