Stairways have different types of configurations and can be straight, curved or spiral. While a straight stair lift is meant for a straight stairway, a curved stair lift is meant for a curved or spiral one, though straight stair lifts can also be installed on some curved stairways with landings. Both straight and curved stairway lifts can be installed on either side of the staircase. The way they are operated is basically the same, but these lifts differ from each other in many ways.

Straight and Curved Stair Lift – Main Differences

•    Purpose – Though both the curved and straight stair chair lift work the same way, the curved stair lift can only be used on curved and spiral stair ways. It can smoothly negotiate bends and landings, large or small. A straight stair lift is meant for a simple straight flight of stairs. If the landing is large enough, you can even have two straight stair lifts, though this is a feasible option only if the user can easily transfer from one lift to the other. Therefore, in such cases, a curved model is usually recommended.

•     Installation – Curved lifts have to be custom built. They cannot be installed on an existing stairway and have to be specially designed to fit into it. Therefore the time taken to install it is usually more than that of a lift for a straight stairway. For a straight stairway model, there is no builder work involved as all that needs to be done is to attach the rail to the stair. It could take more than a month to install a curved model.

•    Cost - Straight models can be easily fitted in straight stairways and cost less than the curved stair lift which must be specially configured to suit the stairway structure. However, though more costly, the curved model fetches only a lower resale price as it can fit only a staircase similar to the one on which it was installed.

•    Ease of repair and maintenance – Straight models are comparatively easier to maintain. As curved models are considerably complex, they are not that easy to maintain.

Install Quality Stair Lifts

Regardless of the model you need, it is highly advisable to seek professional help. Dealers that offer leading brands of straight stair lift and curved stair lift models, also offer efficient installation, repair and maintenance services. Browse web directories and the yellow pages to find a dealer with sufficient experience and a good reputation in accessibility equipment supplyand service.

About The Author AY Elevator & Lift, a leading elevator and lift company provides a wide range of mobility equipments including outdoor and indoor stair lifts, straight stair lifts, curved stair lifts, electric stair lifts, and more.