Choosing between a straight stairlift and a curved stairlift comes down to one thing: your staircase. Straight stairlifts are designed for stairs that run in a single, uninterrupted line. Curved stairlifts are built for stairs with bends, corners or landings. The difference? Straight models utilise a standard rail system, allowing for quick installation in just a few hours. Curved models need a survey first because we custom-build the rail to follow every turn in your staircase.
What Are the Strengths of Straight and Curved Stairlifts?
Straight Stairlifts
Curved Stairlifts
Strengths:
- We install them quickly, usually within they two to four hours.
- Lower cost because the rail system is standardised.
- Slimline designs fold away neatly.
- Battery-powered, so work during power cuts.
- Simple controls that anyone can use.
Strengths:
- Custom-built to match your exact staircase.
- Handles turns, landings and unusual angles.
- Options for powered swivel seats.
- Specific models support weight capacities up to 25 stone.
- Smooth travel from top to bottom, no matter the layout.
What this means for you
Your day stays on track. There’s no waiting around for a long installation. And because the seat folds, other people in your home can still use the stairs without squeezing past.
What this means for you
You don’t have to move house just because your stairs have a bend. We design curved stairlifts to fit. So even if another company has said no, there’s a good chance we can help.
Straight Stairlifts
Strengths:
- We install them quickly, usually within they two to four hours.
- Lower cost because the rail system is standardised.
- Slimline designs fold away neatly.
- Battery-powered, so work during power cuts.
- Simple controls that anyone can use.
What this means for you
Your day stays on track. There’s no waiting around for a long installation. And because the seat folds, other people in your home can still use the stairs without squeezing past.
Curved Stairlifts
Strengths:
- Custom-built to match your exact staircase.
- Handles turns, landings and unusual angles.
- Options for powered swivel seats.
- Specific models support weight capacities up to 25 stone.
- Smooth travel from top to bottom, no matter the layout.
What this means for you
You don’t have to move house just because your stairs have a bend. We design curved stairlifts to fit. So even if another company has said no, there’s a good chance we can help.
A lot of companies boast a 24/7 service and maintenance offering, but few actually deliver. I can honestly say that Obam do that and we had our stairlift back up and running within hours of calling them.
Who Should Choose a Straight Stairlift?
Straight stairlifts suit you if:
- Your staircase runs in one line with no bends or landings.
- You want a quicker, more affordable option.
- You need something installed soon.
They’re our most popular choice. We fit them to the stairs, not the wall, so there’s no structural work involved. Most installations take a morning or afternoon.
Who Should Choose a Curved Stairlift?
Curved stairlifts suit you if:
- Your stairs have one or more turns
- There’s a landing partway up
- The staircase has an unusual shape
We send one of our surveyors to measure every angle. Then we manufacture a rail that follows your staircase exactly. It takes a bit longer, but the result is a stairlift that fits as if it were always meant to be there.
Which type do you need? Give us a call on 01427 787 532 or explore our full stairlift range, or try our Mobility Solutions Finder. We’ll arrange a free survey and talk you through your options with no pressure.
How Do Straight and Curved Stairlifts Compare?
| Feature | Straight Stairlifts | Curved Stairlifts |
|---|---|---|
| Staircase type | Straight stairs only | Stairs with bends or landings |
| Installation time | Two to four hours | Four to six hours |
| Custom rail required | ✘ | ✓ |
| Typical cost | Lower | Higher |
| Lead time | Shorter | Longer |
| Battery powered | ✓ | ✓ |
| Foldable seat and footrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| 24/7 engineer support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manufacturer warranty | ✓ | ✓ |
| Slimline or compact options | ✓ | ✓ |
Why Does This Comparison Matter?
Picking the wrong stairlift costs you time, money and hassle. If you’ve got a straight staircase and someone tries to sell you a curved model, you’re paying for something you don’t need. And if your stairs have a turn, a straight rail won’t reach where you’re going.
We’re upfront about this. Our surveyors are salaried, not on commission. So they’ll recommend what actually works for you, not the priciest option on the list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight stairlifts are more affordable because they use a standard rail. Curved models cost more due to custom design and manufacturing.
Curved stairlifts are available in compact designs for narrower stairs. We’ll assess your staircase during a free survey and recommend the best fit.
Installation is quick for both types. Straight stairlifts take two to four hours. Curved models take four to six. We fit the rail to the stairs, not the wall, so there’s no major building work to worry about.
All stairlifts we supply are battery-powered. They’ll keep working during a power cut, and the batteries recharge automatically when power returns.
There is. Every stairlift comes with the manufacturer’s warranty and 24/7 support from our own engineers. Day or night, we’re here if something goes wrong.
Pages you might find helpful:
Stairlift Servicing and Maintenance: keep your stairlift running smoothly
Warranties and Service Plans: understand your cover and support options
The Complete Stairlift Guide: everything you need to know before buying.
