The average cost of installing a stairlift
If walking up and down the stairs has become difficult, a stairlift could be the perfect solution to help you stay safe and maintain your independence. As people begin to explore the various types of stairlifts, one of the first questions they ask is about the cost of installation.
The truth is that the installation cost of a stairlift in the UK can vary depending on the type of staircase in your home, your specific requirements, and the kind of model you choose.
This guide breaks down the average prices in the UK, what factors affect the total cost, and provides tips to help you make an informed decision when choosing the right stairlift for your needs and budget.
What is the average cost of installing a stairlift in the UK?
The average stairlift installation cost in the UK typically ranges from £2,000 to £5,000, but this can vary significantly depending on several factors.
The type of stairlift you need will affect the price. The installation cost of curved stairlifts, for example, is on average around £5,000 as these models are installed on curved staircases that have corners and landings that require custom rails.
Straight stairlifts are installed on straight staircases, and these are less expensive to install, with an average installation cost of £3,000.
Below is a table highlighting the average costs for straight, curved and outdoor stairlifts, which have been collected by Check a Trade.
|
Type of stairlift |
Range - Low |
Range - High |
Average Cost |
|
Straight stairlift |
£2,000 |
£4,000 |
£3,000 |
|
Curved stairlift |
£4,000 |
£6,000 |
£5,000 |
|
Outdoor stairlift |
- |
- |
£4,000 |
What affects the installation cost of a stairlift?
Several factors can influence the cost of installing a stairlift, depending on the specific requirements of your home and personal preferences.
One of the most significant factors that can affect stairlift prices is the type of staircase in a property. Stairlifts for straight staircases are more affordable, as standard tracks are used. Homes that have curved staircases will require custom-made rails to match the bends and turns, which increases the cost of the stairlift.
Other factors can affect the installation cost, such as the length of your staircase and whether there are intermediate landings, as these features may require additional track and joins.
You can add optional features to your stairlift, such as swivel seats and folding rails, which add convenience but may incur additional costs.
In some cases, the layout of your home can affect the pricing of installation, especially if space needs to be cleared or a radiator is located at the bottom of the stairs, which can impact the installation of a stairlift.
Extended warranties and servicing your stairlift can be offered at an extra cost, depending on the supplier of your stairlift. Every Companion stairlift comes with a fully comprehensive 12-month warranty.
Stairlift Service and Maintenance
Are there ways to reduce the cost of stairlifts?
From stairlift grants to stairlifts from social services, there are many ways you can receive financial aid to help you acquire and install a stairlift.
You can get stairlift grants in the UK from local councils, charities and other organisations. Not everyone will qualify for a grant, but it is worth researching to find out if you do before discounting the possibility of a purchase. With grants, you can not only pay for the model, but you can also get the stairlift installed.
It is possible to obtain a free stairlift through financial aid, but there is no specific application process for a ‘free stairlift’. You can apply for financial grants, which will cover all or part of the cost.
If you're disabled or have a long-term illness, you can get a VAT exemption for buying and installing a stairlift. As explained on the Gov.uk website, you will not be charged VAT on products designed or adapted for your own personal or domestic use, including the ‘installation and any extra work needed as part of this’.
Financing a stairlift & stairlift grants
Choosing the right stairlift for your home and budget
Choosing a stairlift model isn’t just about price; you need to find one that caters to your specific needs and that fits your home layout. Before you purchase a stairlift, it’s essential to weigh the different options available to you.
Comfort and ease of use are always the top priorities, but you also need to choose between new or reconditioned options. New stairlifts offer the latest features and can be adapted to your specific needs, while reconditioned stairlifts are a more budget-friendly option. You can also consider renting a stairlift, which is an ideal solution if you need a temporary model while recovering from an illness or injury. At Companion Stairlifts, we do not offer rental services, but we can advise you on the process.
Frequently asked questions about stairlift installation
How long does it take to install a stairlift?
With a professional installing your staircase, it will generally take a couple of hours for a straight stairlift or a curved stairlift, which includes not only the setup but also teaching the user and other home occupants how to properly use, clean, and maintain the stairlift.
Can you install a stairlift yourself?
Installing a stairlift should always be left to the professionals as there are lots of things that need to be taken into consideration, such as safely connecting the power supply, ensuring the tracks are correctly aligned, and the track's brackets are fixed securely.
Safety is paramount, as is ensuring proper installation and maintenance. When the stair lift installation process is underway, several factors need to be taken into consideration. These include safely connecting the power supply, ensuring the tracks are properly aligned, the track brackets are properly fastened, and making sure the angle of the model is correct to ensure there is an unobstructed path.
Can a stairlift be installed on all types of stairs?
Yes. It doesn’t matter whether you have a straight, curved or narrow staircase; there are bespoke stairlifts that can fit on any staircase. We can arrange a free home assessment and work with you to recommend the most suitable stairlift models.
Is there funding for installing a stairlift?
There are funding and grants available for purchasing a stairlift, including the installation of the model you have chosen.
The cost of installing a stairlift
The cost of installing a stairlift can range from £2,000 to £5,000, depending on the type of model required and the specific staircase.
Here at Companion Stairlifts, installation is included in the price of a stairlift purchase. If you would like to learn more, please contact us, and one of our trained advisors will be happy to answer any questions you may have about your stairlift installation.
