through-floor lifts are the most popular type of home lift in the UK, and for good reason. They’re the most affordable option, require minimal structural work, and can be installed in almost any home within a couple of days. If you need wheelchair access between floors or simply want a practical alternative to a stairlift, a through-floor lift could be the answer.
What Is a Through-Floor Lift?
A through-floor lift is a platform-based lift that travels vertically through an opening cut in your ceiling and floor. Unlike cabin-style home lifts, through-floor lifts don’t need a separate shaft or pit — the lift sits at floor level when not in use and rises through the ceiling when called. Most models are enclosed with doors on one or both sides for safety.
They’re designed to carry one person (seated in a wheelchair or standing) between two floors. Some models can also carry a carer alongside the user. The platform typically measures around 800mm x 1250mm — large enough for most standard wheelchairs.
Through-Floor Lift Costs
| Model Type | Price Range | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Basic platform lift | £8,000–£12,000 | Single-user, manual doors, standard platform |
| Mid-range enclosed lift | £12,000–£18,000 | Automatic doors, larger platform, safety sensors |
| Premium through-floor lift | £18,000–£25,000 | Full enclosure, dual access, powered doors, premium finishes |
Add £2,000–£4,000 for installation, which includes cutting the floor opening, reinforcing the surrounding structure, and fitting the lift. The total installed cost typically ranges from £8,000 to £20,000.
How Installation Works
Installing a through-floor lift is less disruptive than most people expect. Here’s the typical process:
- Survey — A specialist surveys your home to identify the best position, check structural suitability, and take measurements. This usually takes 1–2 hours.
- Building control notification — Your installer submits a building notice to the local authority. This must be done before work starts.
- Structural preparation — A builder cuts and reinforces the ceiling/floor opening. This takes half a day to a full day depending on your home’s construction.
- Lift installation — The lift platform, guide rails, and enclosure are fitted. This typically takes 1–2 days.
- Testing and handover — The engineer tests all safety features, demonstrates operation, and walks you through maintenance.
Where Can It Be Positioned?
Through-floor lifts are flexible in positioning. Common locations include:
- Next to the staircase — Often the most logical position, using space that’s already a transition area
- Corner of a living room — The lift emerges into a bedroom above
- In a large cupboard or utility room — The most discreet option, hiding the lift away when not in use
- Hallway to landing — Keeping communal areas accessible without taking space from bedrooms
The lift needs to travel in a straight vertical line between floors, so the position on the ground floor dictates where it arrives upstairs. Your surveyor will help find the best compromise between convenience and minimal disruption to your room layouts.
Key Brands
The main through-floor lift manufacturers serving the UK market include Terry Lifts (one of the most established UK names, with the Harmony and Melody models), Stannah (offering the Salise through-floor lift), and Wessex Lifts. All offer models that comply with BS 6440 and carry the UKCA mark.
Pros and Cons
Advantages
- Most affordable type of home lift (£8,000–£20,000 installed)
- Wheelchair accessible — the main advantage over stairlifts
- Minimal structural work compared to shaft-based lifts
- Quick installation (1–2 days for the lift itself)
- Can be fitted in most homes, including older properties
- Covered by the Disabled Facilities Grant
Disadvantages
- Requires a ceiling/floor opening — some building work unavoidable
- Takes up floor space on both levels (roughly 1–1.5m²)
- Usually limited to two floors
- Slower than cabin-style lifts
- Less aesthetically premium than full home elevators
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a through-floor lift carry a wheelchair?
Yes, this is one of the primary reasons people choose a through-floor lift over a stairlift. Most models have a platform large enough for a standard wheelchair plus the user. Check the specific dimensions and weight capacity against your wheelchair size.
Will it damage my home?
The main structural change is the ceiling opening, which is reinforced with a steel frame. The lift can be removed in future and the opening filled in, restoring the property to its original state. Some cosmetic redecoration around the opening is usually needed.
Is it noisy?
Through-floor lifts are generally quiet — around 50–60 decibels during operation, similar to a normal conversation. You’ll hear the motor running but it shouldn’t disturb other rooms. Modern models are significantly quieter than older designs.