Many people ask about the footprint of a stairlift when purchasing one, and whether it requires any renovations to the house. Stairlifts solve the problem of going up and down stairs, so factors such as floor space layout and stairlift design need to be considered comprehensively. Before installing a stairlift, it’s important to understand the installation requirements. Generally, we recommend that the required space depends on the following factors:
1. Stairlift Track Length and Width:
Usually, a straight space of more than 1 meter is needed to install the stairlift track. The track length is related to the number of steps and the floor height. The Handicare 1100 straight-line model has a track width of only 6.5 cm, making it one of the slimmest stairlifts on the market. Its custom-designed Freecurve model features a slim and stylish single-track design with a diameter of less than 76 mm, allowing for easy turning in narrow stairwells. Handicare’s straight and curved stairlifts feature foldable handrails, seats, and footrests, barely affecting the normal use of hallway space.
2. Seat Dimensions:
– Standard stairlift seats are typically 40-50cm wide and 40-50cm deep.
– Sufficient space must be provided for users to get in and out of the seat and turn around.
3. Clearance Between Track and Wall:
– For safety, a 110-150mm clearance should be maintained between the lift track and the wall. The Handicare 4000 curved stairlift occupies only 115mm of clearance.
4. Stairlift Space:
– If installed next to a staircase, the stairclift width must be at least 750mm to ensure sufficient pedestrian space. The Handicare Curved Stairlift 4000 can achieve a minimum stair width of 690mm.
Before installing a stairlift, the stair slope needs to be considered, typically around 50°, while the Handicare 4000 can accommodate a stair slope as large as 56°.
Considering all these factors, users should assess their stairwell space before purchasing. If stairwell space is insufficient, several innovative stairlift installation solutions are available. The key is to choose the most suitable installation method based on the actual site conditions. It is recommended to consult professional stairlift brand or dealer technicians for accurate answers.