Stairlift Questions in Chalmette: What to Ask Before Choosing a Model
What sets apart choosing a stairlift in New Orleans from other locations is determining if your staircase turns. Straight stairlifts are $2,800 to $8,000, and curved stairlifts start at $13,000. Determining if your staircase turns is only part of the equation. Stair width, turns, landings, and folded clearance all affect what will actually fit in your home.
At 101 Mobility of New Orleans, I look at the staircase before looking at the model.
This is important in New Orleans, Metairie, Kenner, Harahan, Gretna, Marrero, and Chalmette, because two staircases that serve the same purpose can require different rail systems.
Because there is extensive historical housing stock in New Orleans, long and narrow house forms and older more complex multi-level forms mean that I cannot assume every staircase is a simple straight run.
Straight or Curved Stairlift: What is the Difference?
A straight stairlift uses a straight rail on a staircase that travels from one landing to another without turning.
A straight stairlift is a simpler configuration and cheaper option because the rail does not need to be manufactured to conform to other changes in the staircase.
| STAIRCASE LAYOUT | STANDARD DIRECTION | MAIN PLANNING ISSUE |
|---|---|---|
| One long straight run | Straight stairlift | Length, Landing space, Folded clearance |
| Staircase with a turn | Curved stairlift | |
| Intermediate landing with continued travel | Curved stairlift | Rail transition across landing |
| Winder/angled steps | Stairlift changes direction | |
| Two straight flights with a landing in between | Curved system or two straight lifts | Practicality of transferring between lifts |
There is an honest trade-off in that last example.
Two straight stairlifts may cost less than one curved stairlift, but the person using them would have to transfer between the lifts, which may not be practical.
There are many types of NOLA housing, and the age of a lot of the housing means there may not have been accessibility concerns when the house was built. For example, a lot of NOLA housing is long and skinny (shotgun) and may not have the space for a curved stairlift. I measure, but not every old house needs a curved stairlift.
Factors that could be affecting your staircase design include:
- Tighter stair width
- A turn between floors
- An intermediate landing
- A nearby doorway
- Limited clearances at the top or bottom
- A handrail or trim that affects rail placement
- Not as much room for the folded chair
- A transfer area that needs a closer evaluation
Those things plus the local layout issue are a few of the reasons that the difference between straight and curved equipment can cause a significant difference in price.
When thinking about stairlifts in New Orleans, one of the first things you should look at is the staircase design. Then think about controls and upholstery.
How much does staircase shape affect price?
A lot.
Most straight stairlifts in the residential market range from $2,800 to $8,000 installed. The current straight stairlift pricing guide provides more information about that installed price range.
Most curved stairlifts range from $13,000 and up installed. The curved stairlift pricing guide explains the factors that affect the installed price of a custom curved system.
A lot of the cost difference is in the rail. A straight rail is pretty standardized to the staircase and doesn’t require a lot of design work to make the rail. A curved rail requires a lot of design and engineering work to account for the different stairs in a staircase.
That’s why I need the staircase design classified right at the beginning.
A staircase that appears to be fairly straight but changes direction at a landing can impact price significantly.
Will there be enough space on the staircase for other family members to use the stairs?
Rail shape is only the first question. I also have to look at how much space is left for family members to use the stairs once the stairlift is in place, and how much space is left with the chair folded up.
That encompasses the rail, seat, armrests, footrest, handrails, and person sitting in the chair.
A staircase can technically accept a stairlift, but a parked chair can obstruct the use of the staircase by other household members.
I consider:
- Available width of the staircase
- Clearance for a folded chair
- Knee riding position
- Existing handrails
- Doors next to the staircase
- Hallway traffic
- Space at the top and bottom of the staircase
- Where the chair will normally park
This is particularly important in a shared household.
The stairlift may be used by one person while many others in the household use the stairs.
The staircase, the user, and the situation need to be taken into account during the installation.
What else should I consider beyond the staircase?
A stairlift needs to be designed to fit the stairs and the user.
A user of a stairlift needs to have a way to get on and off the stairlift at the top and bottom landings.
I take into account the seat position, controls, and what happens to a cane, walker, or other assistive devices.
Depending on space available at landings, a recommendation can change.
What If I Only Need a Stairlift Temporarily?
The determination of what is “temporary” depends on several variables. Is the staircase straight? Ask whether a rental system is available. 101 Mobility offers stairlift rentals; availability depends on local inventory and equipment required. Curved stairlifts are different.
Because the rail is custom built for that particular staircase, rentals are not offered. I would have to evaluate the actual geometry of a staircase with turns or landings to determine if a rental system is practical.
That’s another reason I would not recommend selecting a stairlift solely based on budget. The staircase determines the first limitation.
What happens after it is installed?
After a stairlift is installed, the next step is to review the entire route to make sure the stairlift operates as designed and planned. This includes stopping the chair at the planned locations, controls, and other features. It is also important to consider what effect the installed system has on the rest of the house. Can other members of the family still use the stairs? Does a nearby door still open? Is there sufficient clearance at the landing? Does the chair park where it is expected? The customer should know how to use the stairlift and charge it before it is considered ready for use.
If you are looking at both straight and curved stairlifts in the New Orleans area, a free in-home consultation is the first step in getting measurements to move us from a general price range to a specific staircase assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a stairlift cost in New Orleans?
Straight stairlifts cost between $2,800 and $8,000, while curved stairlifts are between $13,000 and $18,000. The larger initial price difference is in the staircase shape. A curved rail must be custom manufactured for the staircase.
How do I know if I need a straight or curved stairlift?
Generally, if the staircase has one straight uninterrupted run, you would need a straight stairlift. Any staircase that contains a turn, curve, winder steps or intermediate landings would require a curved system.
Can a stairlift fit on a narrow staircase?
Possibly. Stair width is only one consideration. I also need to assess the rail, kneed clearance, chair size, existing handrails, folded clearance, stair space, and clearance required for other household members to use the staircase.
Can two straight stairlifts replace one curved stairlift?
Sometimes. A curved system may not be required if two straight flights of stairs are separated by a landing. However, if that landing is inaccessible to the user, and that user is then required to transfer to another chair to use the second flight of stairs, a one-unit, continuous curved system would be a better configuration.
Why are curved stairlifts more expensive?
One of the biggest reasons curved stairlifts are more expensive is because of the custom rail. A straight rail stairlift can use a standard, off-the-shelf rail. However, a curved stairlift requires a rail that is measured and manufactured to fit the turns and landings of the staircase.
Can I rent a stairlift in New Orleans?
Generally, stairlifts can be rented for short term use if the stairs on the property lend themselves to the use of a straight rail system. Curved rail systems, on the other hand, are manufactured specifically for a staircase and are less common for rentals. The practicality of renting a stairlift is dependent on the staircase layout and what is available for rent in the local area.
When trying to determine what kind of stairlift your home needs, it’s best to start with your stairs and not with our catalog. Straight or curved? That is a question we get a lot. During a free in-home consultation, we can assess your stairs and show you what options best fit your home.
About the Author
Jonas Boutte is the owner of 101 Mobility of South Louisiana and has hands-on training from accessibility-equipment manufacturers including Bruno, Harmar, Stiltz, Staying Home, EZ-ACCESS, National Ramp, and others. He helps families throughout Greater New Orleans evaluate stairlifts and other accessibility solutions from the initial consultation and recommendation through installation coordination and ongoing support.
