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Choosing the right stairlift starts with one question: does your staircase need a straight or a curved lift? The answer sets the price, the fitting time and how much of the lift is made to measure.
What is the difference between a straight and curved stairlift?
The difference comes down to the shape of your staircase.
Straight Stairlifts
- Designed for staircases with no bends, curves, or landings
- Run on a straight rail that moves parallel to the stairs
- Typically faster to install and less expensive
- Suit straight stairs in two-storey homes
These models are mounted directly to the stairs, and because the rail does not need shaping, installation is usually simple and cheaper.
Curved Stairlifts
- Made to measure for curved, spiral or multi-landing staircases.
- Require a curved rail tailored to your staircase's exact angle and design
- Can accommodate corners, bends, or multiple landings
- Follow the staircase through tight turns
Because of the bespoke nature of the track, curved stairlifts take longer to manufacture and install, but they offer a perfect fit for more complex staircases.
Get free quotes from up to 3 stairlift companies that cover your area.
Why are curved stairlifts so expensive?
Curved lifts cost more because they are made to measure. Straight stairlifts use pre-made tracks; curved stairlifts need:
- Precise measurements of your staircase
- A custom-built rail shaped specifically to your stairs
- Extra engineering so the chair runs smoothly round the bends
That is why they cost much more.
Cost Comparison
- Straight stairlifts: typically £1,800 to £3,500 installed (about £2,400 on average)
- Curved stairlifts: £3,800 to £7,000 for a single turn (about £5,500), and £7,000 to £10,000+ for bespoke multi-turn rails
For an awkward or winding staircase, a curved lift is often the only option, whatever the cost.
Which stair lift is the best?
Which type you need depends on your staircase first and your budget second:
| Feature | Straight Stairlifts | Curved Stairlifts |
| Staircase type | Straight only | Curved, spiral, or with landings |
| Installation time | 1–2 days | 2–4 weeks (includes custom track build) |
| Rail type | Pre-made straight rail | Custom-made curved rail |
| Cost | £1,800–£3,500 | £3,800–£7,000 (bespoke £7,000–£10,000+) |
| Customisation | Limited | Made to measure |
| Best for | Simple stairs, limited budgets | Complex staircases, multiple floors |
A straight lift suits straight stairs and a tighter budget. A staircase with bends or corners needs a curved lift.
Does a stair lift reduce a house's value?
A stairlift does not usually lower a property's value, and a buyer with mobility needs may see it as useful. But:
- A stairlift may be viewed as unnecessary by younger buyers and could be removed before sale.
- Straight stair lifts are easier to remove than curved ones, which are more difficult to repurpose due to their custom-made rails.
If resale value matters, choose a model that's easy to uninstall or consult your estate agent for advice.
Get free quotes from up to 3 stairlift companies that cover your area.
Straight or curved?
The staircase usually makes the decision for you, and the budget decides how fast it happens:
- Choose a straight stairlift if your stairs are linear and you need a quick, cheaper option.
- Opt for a curved stairlift if your stairs have bends, landings, or are uniquely shaped. It's the only way to guarantee a safe and smooth ride.
For narrow stairs or a complex layout, or if you are unsure which type you need, ask a stairlift installer for an on-site survey.
This page is part of Look Into's UK household cost research. For the costed figures behind it, with capture date, method and sources, see the UK Stairlift Price Index.
