Stairlift dimensions - Widths, heights and specifications
Finding the Right Stairlift to Fit in Your Home
Have you ever thought about installing a stairlift in your home, but had no idea if it would fit your stairs because you didn’t know the stairlift’s dimensions? Many of our customers have gone through the exact same thing.
Stairlifts – A Practical Mobility Solution
At Stannah, we have several stairlift models with different dimensions to fit your stairs and various customisation options.
Because no two homes are the same and staircases can have different shapes, our stairlifts are highly customisable and safe, making the best use of the available space and ensuring maximum safety for everyone – those using the stairlift and those who prefer to use the stairs.
Stairlift Dimensions: do stairlifts have different dimensions?
Stairlifts can vary in size depending on the model. Depending on whether the staircase is curved or straight, the type of staircase they’re installed on will also influence the rail measurement.
Straight Stairlift Dimensions
Straight stairlifts are installed on straight staircases, connecting one floor to another. Usually, the chair is parked at the bottom or top of the stairs.
The rail is installed along the staircase on which the chair will travel. The rail itself takes up only 15 cm on the stairs, so it won’t bother the people who wish to use the stairs on foot.
Another important aspect to remember is that the rail will stick out past the bottom step by about 45.7 cm. This extra space is essential so that the stairlift can be parked safely.
So, if you have a narrow hallway or a doorway near the last step of your stairs, you should consider other features such as a retractable rail or a rail that bends around the wall or bannister.
- Chair Width (inside of armrests) = 48.2cm
- Depth from Wall (Folded) = 34.4cm
- Rail to Wall (Outside Edge of Rail) = 15cm
- Depth from Wall (Unfolded) = 65.9cm
- Seat Height (adjusted at installation) = 39cm to 49cm
Minimum Staircase Width = 67.9cm
Curved Stairlift Dimensions
Curved stairlifts are installed on curved or spiral staircases with bends, turns or intermediate landings. The chair lift may turn and bend around a wall or bannister, keeping the stairs available for anyone who wishes to use it.
The metal rail is always made to measure, considering the staircase’s bends and turns. The rail will be 15 cm from the wall in straight sections of the curved stairs, just like the rail of a straight staircase.
Yet, it’s difficult to say how much space the rail may take up on the stairs because it will depend on the staircase’s design.
- Chair Width (inside of armrests) = 48.2cm
- Depth from Wall (folded) = 40.5cm (depending on rail start position)
- Rail to Wall (outside edge of rail) = 15.2cm (will vary, depending on turns and configuration)
- Distance from wall to footrest (unfolded) = 67.9cm (may vary depending on configuration)
- Height from footrest to seat (not adjustable) = 47cm
Minimum Staircase Width = 67.9cm (depending on configuration)
Outdoor Stairlift Dimensions
Outdoor stairlifts are installed on straight stairways and usually include a safety key to prevent other people from being able to use the stairlift without your permission.
The stairlift and the outdoor rail are also prepared to withstand the wear and tear that results from temperature differences, including exposure to cold, rain, humidity and heat.
- Width of chair (from armrest) = 47.9cm
- Distance from wall (folded) = 33.3cm
- Distance between the wall and the outside edge of the rail = 20cm
- Distance from Wall (unfolded) = 64.7cm
- Height from footrest to seat (adjustable) = 48.5 cm to 53.5cm
Minimum staircase width = 66.8cm
Stairlift Requirements
Stairlift minimum width: the space you need for the installation
As well as knowing the stairlifts’ dimensions in general, it’s important to know how wide each one is.
The width of a stairlift varies depending on the model. It can range from approximately 64 cm to 77 cm (with the seat unfolded). The space required to install a stairlift is usually wider than the width of the stairlift itself.
When choosing a stairlift for your home, it’s important to ensure that you have the minimum required space available.
| Stairlift type | Minimum stairlift width |
| Straight stairlift | 67.9cm |
| Curved stairlift | 67.9 cm* |
| Outdoor stairlift | 66.8 cm |
* may vary depending on the configuration.
Over the years, the design of Stannah stairlifts has been assessed and tested to ensure greater stability, safety and comfort for their users, but without ever forgetting its stylish features.
Stairlift Measurements Ctd
For an accurate assessment and expert advice on the most suitable stairlift for your home, you can request a visit from a Stannah mobility expert.
Our mobility experts assess your stairs and help you understand the space requirements that may impact a stairlift’s flawless installation and future operation.
The space measurement process has several steps:
1. Choosing the right stairlift
To decide which type of stairlift is right for you, our mobility expert assesses your stairs to decide on the best option – a straight or curved stairlift.
2. Measuring the staircase’s size
The size of the staircase can influence several aspects of a stairlift, from the size of the rail to how long it will take the chair to travel the distance between the bottom and top floor.
3. Measuring the width of the staircase
You need to ensure that the staircase has the minimum width required for you to install a chair lift. At this stage, you may be advised to remove some elements that take up too much space, such as furniture or wall frames.
4. Measuring the headroom at the top of the stairs
Our mobility experts assess the headroom available at the top of the stairs, ensuring that there will be enough space to safely enter and exit the stairlift.
5. Measuring the space available on the landings
You need to have enough space for the rail so that you can park the chair and get in and out safely.
The rail can either be placed parallel to the steps or make a turn to park. This means that, depending on the situation, you can consider installing a retractable rail to prevent the rail from becoming a tripping hazard in a passageway.
Another option includes extending the rail to bend around the wall or a bannister. Thus, the stairlift is parked in a completely safe place.
