Understanding the Dimensions of the Main Straight Stairlifts Available in the UK
- Dan Lee
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Navigating stairs can be a challenge for many people, especially those with limited mobility. Straight stairlifts offer a practical solution by providing safe and easy access between floors. When choosing a stairlift, understanding its dimensions is crucial to ensure it fits your staircase and home layout comfortably. This guide covers the key dimensions of the main straight stairlifts available in the UK, helping you make an informed decision.
Why Stairlift Dimensions Matter
The size of a stairlift affects not only its usability but also the safety and convenience of everyone using the staircase. Key dimensions to consider include:
Rail length: Must match the staircase length precisely.
Seat width and depth: Should accommodate the user comfortably.
Footrest size: Needs to provide enough space for feet without obstructing the stairs.
Clearance from the wall: Ensures the stairlift does not block the staircase for others.
Knowing these measurements helps avoid installation issues and ensures the stairlift blends well with your home environment.
Common Dimensions of Popular Straight Stairlifts in the UK
Several brands dominate the UK market, each offering slightly different dimensions. Here are some typical measurements for the most popular models:
Acorn 130 Straight Stairlift
Rail length: Custom-made to fit the staircase, typically up to 3.5 meters.
Seat width: 43 cm (17 inches)
Seat depth: 38 cm (15 inches)
Footrest dimensions: 30 cm by 25 cm (12 by 10 inches)
Clearance from wall: Approximately 22 cm (8.5 inches)
The Acorn 130 is known for its compact design, making it suitable for narrow staircases.
Stannah Siena Straight Stairlift
Rail length: Tailored to staircase length, up to 4 meters.
Seat width: 44 cm (17.3 inches)
Seat depth: 40 cm (15.7 inches)
Footrest size: 32 cm by 27 cm (12.6 by 10.6 inches)
Clearance from wall: Around 20 cm (8 inches)
The Siena model offers a slightly wider seat for added comfort without compromising space.
Handicare 1100 Straight Stairlift
Rail length: Custom-fitted, up to 3.8 meters.
Seat width: 45 cm (17.7 inches)
Seat depth: 39 cm (15.3 inches)
Footrest dimensions: 31 cm by 26 cm (12.2 by 10.2 inches)
Clearance from wall: 21 cm (8.3 inches)
Handicare’s 1100 model balances comfort and compactness, ideal for most UK homes.
How to Measure Your Staircase for a Straight Stairlift
Before purchasing, accurate measurements of your staircase are essential. Here’s a simple guide:
Measure the length of the staircase from the bottom step to the top step along the wall where the rail will be installed.
Measure the width of the staircase to ensure enough space remains after installation.
Check the height of each step to confirm the stairlift can be safely mounted.
Note any obstacles such as handrails, doorways, or landings that may affect installation.
Professional stairlift providers offer free home surveys to take precise measurements and recommend the best model.
Additional Considerations for Stairlift Dimensions
Seat and Footrest Folding
Stairlifts come with foldable seats and footrests to save space when not in use. This feature reduces the overall width of the stairlift, allowing others to use the stairs comfortably.
Weight Capacity and Size
Stairlifts have weight limits, usually between 115 kg (18 stone) and 160 kg (25 stone). Larger users may require models with wider seats and stronger rails, which can affect dimensions.
Rail Placement
Rails can be installed on either side of the staircase. The choice depends on the staircase layout and clearance requirements. This affects the stairlift’s overall footprint.
Installation Space and Clearance
A typical UK staircase is about 80 cm (31.5 inches) wide. After installing a stairlift, at least 60 cm (24 inches) of clear space should remain for safe passage. This means stairlifts with a folded width of around 30 cm (12 inches) are ideal.
These dimensions provide a good starting point when discussing options with stairlift suppliers.
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