The type of stairlift you need is almost entirely determined by your staircase, not by personal preference. Getting this wrong is an expensive mistake. This guide tells you exactly how to tell which type you need and what the difference in cost looks like.
The quick answer
If your staircase goes in a straight line from bottom to top with no turns, landings or bends, you need a straight stairlift. If it turns, bends, has an intermediate landing, or is spiral, you need a curved stairlift. When in doubt, any stairlift company will confirm which you need during a free home survey.
Cost comparison
| Straight stairlift | Curved stairlift | |
|---|---|---|
| Price range | £1,200 – £4,000 | £3,500 – £12,000+ |
| Made to measure? | No (standard rail) | Yes (custom built) |
| Installation time | 2–4 hours | 4–8 hours |
| Second-hand viable? | Yes | No |
| Lead time | Days to 2 weeks | 2–6 weeks |
Straight stairlifts: what you need to know
A straight stairlift uses a standard rail that is cut to length on site. This is why they are cheaper, faster to install and available second-hand. The rail runs in a single straight line from the bottom of the staircase to the top. At installation, the engineer measures your staircase and cuts the rail to the correct length, then bolts it to the stair treads.
Most UK staircases in pre-1970s terraced and semi-detached houses are straight, making straight stairlifts by far the most common type sold. If you live in a Victorian or Edwardian terrace with a single flight of stairs, you almost certainly need a straight model.
Curved stairlifts: what you need to know
A curved stairlift rail is manufactured to match the exact measurements and angles of your specific staircase. No two curved rails are the same, which is why they cannot be reused in another home and why second-hand curved stairlifts are almost never a viable option.
The manufacturing process typically takes two to six weeks from the survey to delivery. If you need a stairlift urgently, straight stairlifts can usually be installed within a few days, whereas a curved stairlift requires waiting for the custom rail to be built.
Common staircase configurations requiring a curved stairlift include: L-shaped staircases with a 90-degree turn, U-shaped staircases with a 180-degree turn, staircases with an intermediate landing, staircases with a slight curve or gentle arc, and spiral staircases.
Frequently asked questions
My staircase has a small curve. Do I definitely need a curved stairlift?
Any bend, curve or turn means you need a curved stairlift. Even a very slight arc is enough to require a custom rail. An engineer will confirm during a free home survey.
Can a curved stairlift be installed on a spiral staircase?
It depends on the specific spiral. Gently curved spiral staircases can usually accommodate a curved stairlift. Very tight spirals may not be suitable. A specialist assessment is needed.
Can I get a curved stairlift through the Disabled Facilities Grant?
Yes. The DFG can fund both straight and curved stairlifts up to the grant maximum of £30,000 in England. As curved stairlifts cost more, this funding can be particularly valuable. Ask about DFG support when you book a free survey.
HomeMobilityGuide.co.uk is independent. We may earn commission through links on this page at no extra cost to you.