Can All Stairlifts Go Around Corners?

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Stairlifts provide comfort and accessibility to countless people around the world. However, most staircases are straight, which might make you curious if your curved stairs can handle a stairlift. Whether you’re getting a stairlift for yourself or a loved one, it’s important to know if they can handle corners, twists, and turns.

Most stairlifts can go around corners, but not all of them. Many companies make stairlifts specifically designed for corners. They can also be modified for spiral staircases, staircase landing turns, and more. It’s best to have the staircase on the inside of the corner rather than the far side.

Throughout this post, we’ll explain whether or not all stairlifts can navigate around corners, how they interact with staircase landings, and why you should consider a curved stairlift. Enjoy!

Can Stairlifts Maneuver Around Corners?

Stairlifts can maneuver around corners, but you’ll need to provide the manufacturer with the dimensions of each turn. It’s best to have a technician come out to your house to measure and customize the stairlift. Also, consider the pros and cons of placing the stairlift close to or far from the turn.

Here’s what you should know about stairlifts turning corners:

• Many companies make universal stairlifts than can be used on angled, flat, or curved surfaces with corners. It’s important to choose a company that customizes stairlifts rather than providing regular mass-produced units. They rarely work for corners. Instead, look for curved stairlifts.
• Proper placement makes a world of difference for the person riding the stairlift around a sharp turn. Some stairlifts should be on the inside of the corner. Others will be on the furthest side (on the opposite side of the stairs from the corner). You’ll need more railing if it’s on the far side, but it might take up less room.
• You don’t need corners on your stairs to make turns convenient. Many homeowners place stairlifts that turn near the bottom of the stairs for accessibility and storage purposes. The stairlift can turn and park around the corner at the top or bottom of the stairs, letting the user stand without squeezing between the stairs and the lift.
• It’s best to place a grab bar at the bottom of any stairlift (whether or not it has corners and turns). The Dolibest Handrail is the perfect handlebar for stairlifts. Choose from multiple sizes ranging between 16 inches to 46 inches. This 1.3-inch thick rail is made of durable steel that includes wood screws.

There’s always a stairlift for your staircase. With the countless customizations available, you can definitely find one that works for the corners around your stairs. If you have other obstacles on your stairs, read on to learn what you can do about them.

Can Stairlifts Go Around Landings?

Stairlifts can go around landings if they’re customized properly. Most manufacturers will request the dimensions of each obstacle, including doors and landings. If you have multiple landings, you’ll need quite a bit more railing. However, any stairlift can go any distance, so you likely won’t have to worry about paying more (other than the customization costs).

Paying for Senior Care claims and custom stairlifts can be customized to navigate landings, even if they wrap around corners. Many staircases have landings on sharp turns. You can place the stairlift on the innermost rail to limit the riding distance. Customized stairlifts can also work if you have multiple landings with varying widths.

Keep in mind that a traditional fixed stairlift might have trouble on landings. Basic stairlifts are only made to go up and down. However, there are several styles you can choose to fit your staircase. Proceed to the following section to learn all about custom stairlifts that go around corners, landings, and other alterations.

What Is a Curved Corner Stairlift?

A curved stairlift is the best option for staircases with corners. It’s designed to work around various turns, twists, and other obstacles. Many companies produce curved stairlifts that can handle sudden turns without unwanted jolts or random stops at each turning point.

So, why might someone want a curved stairlift? Find out below.

1. They’re the top choice for people who have corners on their staircases. You can’t get a fixed stairlift to turn corners, which means you’d either have to get multiple units or walk part of the distance. If you want you or your loved one to have a lift up or down the stairs, a curved unit is the only way to go.
2. They can go over anything near the stairs. Whether there are landings, doors, or other obstacles, a curved stairlift is the way to go. These customized lifting systems can easily navigate around narrow edges, wide walkways near the staircase, and so on.
3. Curved stairlifts are usually smoother. They turn much easier, not to mention the slower pace. Most companies design their curved stairlifts slightly slower because too much momentum can cause discomfort to the rider and damage to the chair.
4. According to Stannah, you can install a curved stairlift on a spiral staircase. If you’re worried about constant turns, curved stairlifts are the best choice. They can be built to be the same width as the stairway, even if it’s narrow. Most stairlifts fold up to keep them out of the way, especially if they’re installed on crowded staircases.

You can customize a curved stairlift to go at a complete 90-degree angle, keeping it out of the way when it’s not being used. These angles are also good for the aforementioned landings, letting you decide where the stairlift stops and turns. Always ask for a curved stairlift if you want a stairlift that goes around corners.

If you want to install stairlifts, you may need to know whether you can use them on both sides of the stairs. Read my guide to learn how to determine which side to install stairlifts. Can Stairlifts Be Used on Either Side of the Stairs?

Final Thoughts

While not all stairlifts are suitable for corners, there are countless options at your disposal. Make sure you choose a stairlift that fits the corners, landings, and other unique features of your home. You can find a stairlift to accommodate any set of stairs, so it’s always worth finding the right company.

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