Straight Stair Lifts

Is a straight stair lift the right fit for your stairs?

A straight stair lift is for a staircase that runs in one unbroken flight — no turn, no bend, no intermediate landing. If that describes your stairs, this is the simplest and fastest lift we install, and the rail is a standard section cut to your measurement rather than a custom fabrication.

If your stairs turn, bend, or break at a landing, you need a curved stair lift instead, with a rail built to your staircase. Stairs that lead outside to a porch, deck, or walkout basement take a weather-rated outdoor stair lift.

What installing one actually involves

The rail fastens to your stair treads, not to your wall. That is the detail that makes a straight stair lift a quick job rather than a remodel: no framing, no drywall, no structural work, and only small fixing holes in the treads if the lift is ever taken out. Because the rail is usually in stock, many straight installations are finished and running in a single visit.

Every job starts with a free in-home assessment, where we measure the staircase and check the landings, doorways, and clearance at the top. You can read the full step-by-step on our stair lift installation page.

How the models above differ

All of the straight stair lifts we install do the same core job, so the choice usually comes down to four things:

• Weight capacity. Most of the models here are rated to 350 lb. If the rider is near that figure, say so at the assessment and we will point you at the heavier-duty options.
• How far it folds back. This matters most on stairs that other people in the house still need to walk up. The AmeriGlide Rave 2 folds to about 11 inches from the wall; the SHC Legacy II to about 12.5 inches.
• Warranty. Coverage varies by manufacturer — the Legacy II, for example, carries a lifetime warranty on its drive and circuit board. The specifics are on each model page.
• Seat and control options. Powered swivel seats, powered footrests, and extended track lengths are available on some models and not others.

Living with a straight stair lift

Most of the straight stair lifts we install run on battery power and charge whenever the lift is parked at the top or bottom of the rail, which means they keep working during a power outage — here is what actually happens when the power goes out. The seat, arms, and footrest fold up when the lift is not in use, so the staircase stays walkable for everyone else.

Servicing is straightforward, and we service and repair existing lifts as well as the ones we install. What to expect over the years covers the routine side of ownership.

Straight stair lift questions

Is a chair lift the same as a straight stair lift?

Yes. Chair lift, stair lift, stairlift and stair chair are all names for the same thing — a powered seat that rides a rail up your staircase. If you have been searching for a chair lift for stairs, this is what you are looking at.

Will a stair lift fit narrow stairs?

Usually, yes — folded, these lifts sit close to the wall and leave the staircase usable. Narrow stairs are exactly the case worth measuring in person rather than guessing from a brochure. We go into it in are your stairs too narrow for a stair lift?

What if my staircase turns partway up?

Two options. A curved stair lift carries you the whole way in one ride. Or, on some staircases, two straight lifts can be installed as a double run with a short transfer at the landing — which is often less expensive. We will tell you which your stairs can take.

Does installation damage the staircase?

No. The brackets fix into the treads and leave small holes behind if the lift is removed. Nothing is attached to the wall and no carpet or trim has to come up.

What does a straight stair lift cost?

It depends on the model, the length of the rail, and the options you choose. Straight lifts cost less than curved ones because the rail is not custom-fabricated. We do not quote stair lifts sight unseen — you get a firm price at the free in-home assessment, with no obligation.

Straight stair lifts in the Wichita area

Home Accessibility Solutions is family-owned and based in Wichita, Kansas, and our own crew handles every installation across the Wichita metro and south-central Kansas. Call (316) 361-6220 to book a free in-home assessment.