How much does stair lift installation cost?

Stairlifts are great pieces of equipment that help those with mobility challenges to navigate their stairs, so they can remain living independently.

In this guide, we take a look at the average stairlift installation costs to help you budget for your project.

How much does a stairlift installation cost?

If you're looking to install a stairlift in your home, the installation cost will vary depending on the type of stairlift you go for.

Straight stairlifts

Straight stairlifts are basic designs for simple stairs without curves or bends. They’re quick and simple to install and can be placed on any floor to help your mobility around the house.

Straight stairlifts are quick and simple and rarely require customisation, so the cost of fitting a stairlift on straight stairs is at the lower end.

Average straight stairlift chair installation cost: £3,000

Curved stairlifts

These stairlifts are for more complex homes, including those with curved staircases or staircases that bend halfway up. They often need a custom rail design, which can take longer to install.

Due to the trickier installation requirements, curved stairlifts naturally cost more. If you factor in the customisation price, the costs can vary considerably.

Average curved stairlift chair installation cost: £5,000

Outdoor stairlifts

These stairlifts are often found on patios, decks and porches. They tend to be straight and require less installation time or customisation. They do need weather-proofing, but even with this, the average installation costs remain low.

Average outdoor stairlift chair installation cost: £4,000

Additional costs to consider

Stairlift service cost

Along with your stairlift's installation and customisation options, it’s worth factoring in stairlift service costs.

The smooth running of your installation is an additional cost that can affect the year on year price of the investment. The same goes for stairlift maintenance too.

Stairlifts should be inspected by a qualified engineer every six months and serviced annually. Most stairlift companies offer a warranty on new installations, which covers servicing. After the warranty runs out, you would need to pay a stairlift technician or engineer to service it.

A stairlift service cost is usually charged at an hourly rate, with the exact cost depending on the type of stairlift you have and what type of servicing it requires.

Wall structural strength

Other than stairlift service costs, one other major consideration is the structural condition of your existing walls. Your tradesperson will need to check whether they can bear the load or whether repair/reinforcement work is needed in advance.

Stairlift installation hourly rates

You can expect to pay around £70 per hour for your stairlift installation hourly rates. This will, of course, depend on the stairlift model and the length of your stairs. In general, the installation takes around 4 hours, so you'll be paying around £160 - £400 in labour charges.

Stairlift installation cost calculator

Stairlift installation costs vary based on a few factors. Here are the main ones:

• The type of stairlift you want

• The distance you want to cover (if the stairlift needs to go up two floors instead of one, it will cost you more)

• If you need reinforcement or repair work for your walls

• If you need to make alterations to your existing stairs

• Labour cost

Stairlift installation quotes

Now you’ve identified the type of stairlift you need and what modifications you’d like, the next step is to shortlist a tradesperson (we recommend at least three) and request some quotes. A stairlift installation is an important mobility feature you want to get right first.

Your chosen tradespeople will offer a consultation before purchase (most of which are free) and visit your home to measure your space and ensure your walls are sound. They will outline the costs involved before you commit to having work carried out and talk through your various options.

FAQs

What is a stairlift?

Stairlifts are electrical-mechanical devices that lift people with limited or no mobility up and down the stairs. A person sits on a chair or platform that moves along a rail mounted to the treads of stairs.

Is there funding for stairlifts?

In the UK, there is government funding called the Disabled Facilities Grant that can help towards the cost of installing a stairlift and other home adaptations. Whether you’re a landlord, tenant or homeowner, you can apply for a grant and get help towards the costs.

How long does it take to install a stairlift?

Depending on the type of stairlift you’re having installed and the customisation options you’ve chosen, the actual installation time shouldn’t take longer than a day. If your walls are sound and weight-bearing, your chosen tradesperson will come in, mark where the track will sit, and install it safely and securely.

• The average time it takes to install a straight stairlift: 3.5 hours

• The overall time it takes to install a curved stairlift: 8 hours

• The average time it takes to install an outdoor stairlift: 3.5 hours

Can I install a stairlift myself?

Although straight and outdoor stairlifts are less complex than curved stairlifts, DIY installation is not recommended. Professionals know exactly what they’re doing and will talk you through the entire process, including checking the wall's structural integrity and staircase before installation.

Remember, a bad installation can cost you more in the long run – not to mention the risk of serious injury – so we advise you to check out our trusted tradespeople to find a professional in your area.

Key insights

• Stairlifts come in three different styles and various customisations to suit every home

• Your walls will need to be structurally sound before you commit to installing a stairlift

• The average time it takes to install most stairlifts is around four hours

• Take a look to see if there are any grants available to you to help with your stairlift installation