Stairlift types
Straight Stairlifts: UK Pricing, Rail Types & Fitting
A straight stairlift suits a staircase that runs in one unbroken line from bottom to top, with no bends or mid-way landings. It is the simplest and least expensive type of stairlift: a new one typically costs £1,800 to £3,000 fitted, and installation usually takes two to three hours.
Last reviewed:
Is your staircase suitable for a straight stairlift?
Your stairs count as straight if you can stand at the bottom and see every step up to the top landing without the line turning. Winder steps (triangular treads at a corner), a quarter landing or a half landing all mean you need a curved stairlift instead.
Some homes have two straight flights separated by a flat landing. In that case two separate straight stairlifts are sometimes cheaper than one curved rail, but you would need to transfer from one seat to the other on the landing, which is not safe for everyone.
How a straight stairlift is fitted
Despite a common worry, a domestic stairlift is fixed to the stair treads, not the wall. The rail sits on small brackets (often called feet or stanchions) screwed into the treads, usually on the side nearest the wall or the banister, depending on which suits the user and the space best.
Because nothing is fixed into plaster or brickwork, a stairlift can normally be removed later leaving only small screw holes in the treads, which carpet usually hides.
A typical installation day
Arrival and checks
The engineer confirms the survey measurements and agrees which side the rail will run.
Rail fixing
The pre-cut rail is placed on the stairs and fixed to the treads with brackets.
Carriage and seat fitted
The motor unit and chair are mounted on the rail and the charging points are set.
Testing and handover
Safety sensors, seat belt and controls are tested, and the user is shown how to ride, swivel and charge the lift.
Most straight stairlifts run on batteries that recharge at charging points along the rail, so the lift needs a standard 13-amp socket near the top or bottom of the stairs.
Narrow staircases and space
Many UK houses, especially Victorian and 1930s terraces, have stairs around 70–80 cm wide. Most straight stairlifts are designed for this, and slimline models with folding seat, arms and footrest leave a clear walkway of a little over half the stair width when folded.
Manufacturers state a minimum stair width for each model, often somewhere around 61–70 cm. If your stairs are narrower than that, ask the surveyor about perch (standing) seats, which take up less room and suit people who find bending their knees difficult.
- Top of the stairs: you need enough landing space to step off safely. A powered swivel seat turns you away from the drop before you stand.
- Bottom of the stairs: if the rail would stick out across a doorway or hallway, a hinged rail folds out of the way.
- Radiators, windows and door frames: the surveyor checks for anything the seat or footrest could hit.
Features worth comparing
| Feature | What it does | Who benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Powered swivel seat | Rotates the seat at the top so you face the landing | Anyone with weak legs or balance |
| Folding footrest (powered) | Lifts the footrest at the touch of a button | Users who cannot bend to fold it |
| Perch seat | A higher, standing-style seat | Limited knee bend or very narrow stairs |
| Hinged rail | Rail end folds up clear of a door | Stairs ending near a door |
| Heavy-duty model | Higher weight limit and wider seat | Users above roughly 20 stone |
| Remote call controls | Send the lift up or down empty | Homes with more than one user |
All of these are covered in more depth in our guide to stairlift safety features.
What does a straight stairlift cost?
| Option | Typical price range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New straight stairlift | £1,800 – £3,000 | Standard rail, manual swivel |
| Reconditioned straight | £1,000 – £1,800 | Shorter warranty; check what was replaced |
| Hinged rail add-on | +£300 – £800 | Powered hinges cost more than manual |
| Rental (installation) | Varies | Plus a monthly charge — see [stairlift rental](/stairlift-rental/) |
These are indicative ranges gathered from typical UK quotes; they are not prices from any particular supplier. If the stairlift is for a person with a long-term illness or disability, it should be zero-rated for VAT. For a breakdown of the factors that move the price, see the full cost guide, or try the cost calculator.
Straight rails are also the type most widely available reconditioned, because a used straight rail can often be cut down to fit a new staircase.
Common questions
How long does it take to fit a straight stairlift?
Usually two to three hours once the installer arrives. Many installers can fit a straight stairlift within a few days of order if the model is in stock.
Can other people still use the stairs?
Yes. When the seat, arms and footrest are folded, there is still room for others to walk up and down, although the space is narrower than before.
Will it damage my walls?
No. Domestic stairlifts are fixed to the stair treads, not the wall.
Ready to take the next step?
Our buying guide walks you through choosing a stairlift, checking funding, comparing installers and avoiding pressure selling.