Do You Need a Curved Stairlift? How Two Straight Stairlifts Could Save You Thousands
Curved Stairlifts
If you've started researching stairlifts for a home with a landing, you've probably discovered something frustrating: curved stairlifts can be expensive.
A curved stairlift is a great solution for many homes, especially when a staircase has multiple turns or landings. But because the rail is custom-made to follow the exact shape of your staircase, a curved stairlift can cost significantly more than a standard straight stairlift.
So if you have a staircase with a landing, do you actually need a curved stairlift?
Not necessarily.
Depending on the layout of your stairs and the mobility of the person using the lift, two straight stairlifts may be a practical and much less expensive alternative to one curved stairlift.
At Central Illinois Stairlift, we install both straight and curved stairlifts, and we're happy to help homeowners compare the options rather than automatically recommending the most expensive solution.
Why Are Curved Stairlifts So Expensive?
A straight stairlift travels along one uninterrupted staircase. The rail is a standard design that can be cut to fit the length of the stairs.
A curved stairlift is different.
The rail has to be custom-made for the exact shape and configuration of your staircase. That can include:
90-degree turns
180-degree turns
Intermediate landings
Multiple flights of stairs
Changes in direction
Other unusual staircase configurations
Because the track is custom-built, curved stairlifts cost considerably more than straight stairlifts.
In general, curved stairlifts are one of the more expensive stairlift options available. Current industry pricing commonly puts curved stairlifts in the several-thousand-to-$15,000+ range, with complex installations potentially costing even more.
At Central Illinois Stairlift, our Infinity curved stairlift starts at $9,995, with more complicated configurations costing more depending on the amount and configuration of custom track.
For homeowners who need a curved stairlift but have a tight budget, that price can be a major consideration.
What If Your Stairs Have a Landing?
This is where things get interesting.
Imagine a split-level home with two straight staircases separated by a landing:
A curved stairlift can be designed to travel continuously from the bottom to the top.
But there's another possibility:
Install one straight stairlift on each flight.
The homeowner rides the first stairlift to the landing, gets off, transfers to the second stairlift, and continues up the next flight.
This isn't the right solution for everyone. But for some homeowners, two straight stairlifts can provide the accessibility they need while saving thousands of dollars.
How Much Do Two Straight Stairlifts Cost?
This is where the potential savings can be substantial.
At Central Illinois Stairlift, our current price for two straight stairlifts is $6,590, including installation and a full 2-year warranty covering parts and labor.
That price includes straight tracks up to 15 feet per stairlift. Additional track is available for an additional charge if your stairs require it.
By comparison, our Infinity curved stairlift starts at $9,995, and the price increases as the custom track becomes more complicated.
So depending on the staircase, choosing two straight stairlifts instead of one curved stairlift could save a homeowner thousands of dollars.
And for families working within a budget, that difference can be significant.
How Does the Two-Stairlift Setup Work?
With two straight stairlifts, the chairs are installed as close together as practical at the landing.
The person rides the first stairlift to the landing, exits the chair, takes the necessary steps across the landing, and gets onto the second stairlift.
For some homes, that transfer may only involve one or two steps.
The exact setup depends on the size and configuration of the landing, the location of the stairs, and the needs of the person using the stairlifts.
That's why it's important to evaluate the staircase and the user's mobility before deciding which option is best.
Is Two Straight Stairlifts Better Than a Curved Stairlift?
There's no universal answer.
For some people, absolutely.
For others, a curved stairlift is the better choice.
The biggest factor is the person's ability to safely transfer between the two stairlifts.
Two straight stairlifts may be a good option if:
The home has two straight flights separated by a landing
The person can safely stand and take a few steps
The landing provides adequate space for the transfer
Keeping the cost down is important
A continuous ride isn't necessary
The person is comfortable transferring between chairs
For a homeowner who can safely make the transfer, two straight stairlifts can be an excellent alternative to a curved stairlift.
When Is a Curved Stairlift the Better Choice?
A curved stairlift may make more sense when the person using it cannot safely transfer between two chairs.
For example, someone with significant balance problems or very limited mobility may not be comfortable standing and walking across a landing.
A curved stairlift provides one continuous ride from one level to the next, eliminating the need to get out of one chair and transfer to another.
A curved stairlift may also be the better option when:
The staircase has complicated turns
There isn't enough room for a safe transfer
The person has difficulty standing
The person cannot safely walk even a few steps
The homeowner wants a continuous ride
The staircase configuration makes two straight lifts impractical
In these situations, paying more for a custom curved stairlift may be well worth it.
What About a 90-Degree or 180-Degree Staircase?
A staircase with a 90-degree turn or 180-degree turn doesn't automatically mean that you need a curved stairlift.
The important question is how the stairs are configured.
If the staircase consists of two straight sections separated by a landing, two straight stairlifts may be an option.
However, if the stairs turn continuously without a suitable landing or transfer area, a curved stairlift may be necessary.
That's why the configuration of the actual staircase matters much more than simply saying, “My stairs turn.”
What If You're Trying to Save Money on a Stairlift?
This is one of the most important questions families should ask.
A stairlift is a major purchase, and we know that not every homeowner has an unlimited budget.
If a curved stairlift is outside your budget, don't automatically assume that your only choices are spending more than you can afford or going without a stairlift.
Ask whether two straight stairlifts could work for your particular staircase.
You may find that the more affordable option can still provide the accessibility you need.
At Central Illinois Stairlift, we're happy to discuss both possibilities.
Our goal isn't to sell you the most expensive stairlift. It's to help you find a stairlift solution that makes sense for your home, your mobility needs, and your budget.
So, Do You Need a Curved Stairlift?
Maybe.
But you may not.
If you have a split-level home, a staircase with a landing, or two straight flights with a 90- or 180-degree configuration, it's worth asking about the possibility of installing two straight stairlifts.
For some homeowners, that can mean saving thousands of dollars while still making it possible to safely and comfortably access both levels of the home.
And if a curved stairlift really is the best solution for your situation, we'll tell you that too.
Not Sure Which Stairlift You Need?
Central Illinois Stairlift installs straight and curved stairlifts throughout Central Illinois, and we're happy to help you compare your options.
If you're considering a stairlift for yourself, your spouse, a parent, or another loved one, give us a call and tell us about your staircase.
We'll help you determine which options may work for your home and budget.
309-301-1000
Central Illinois Stairlift
Central Illinois Stairlift provides expert stairlift installation across Central Illinois, offering the trusted Ameriglide Rave 2 straight stairlift for homes throughout the area. Whether you’re in Peoria, Bloomington, Normal, Springfield, Champaign, Pontiac, Decatur, Rockford, Chicago, Quad Cities or any surrounding Illinois communities, we can help you age in place safely with professional stairlift services. To learn more about installing a stairlift in your Illinois home, call or text 309-301-1000 for an instant quote over the phone.
