Key Takeaways
- Curved stairlifts in the UK typically cost £4,000–£8,000+, depending on staircase layout, brand, and features.
- These lifts are custom-built, meaning every rail is made to fit your specific staircase. This is the biggest reason costs vary.
- Complex bends, multiple landings, narrow stairs, and optional powered features all increase price.
- Reconditioned curved stairlifts exist but are rarer and usually cost £2,500–£5,000, depending on rail re-engineering.
- Getting several quotes is essential, as two companies may give very different prices for the same job.
Curved Stairlift Prices: UK Averages
| Type of Curved Stairlift | Typical Cost (Installed) |
| Single-curve stairlift | £4,000–£6,000 |
| Double-curve / multiple bends | £5,500–£8,000+ |
| Narrow, steep, or complex staircases | £6,000–£10,000+ |
| Reconditioned curved stairlift | £2,500–£5,000 |
| Outdoor curved model | £5,000–£9,000+ |
These are typical ranges for UK homeowners, but curved stairlifts can vary more than any other type due to bespoke manufacturing.
Why Curved Stairlifts Cost More Than Straight Ones
A straight stairlift uses a standard rail that fits most UK stairs, making them mass-produced and affordable.
A curved stairlift rail is custom-made for your home, meaning:
- Engineers measure your staircase precisely
- CAD software designs a bespoke rail
- The rail is fabricated and welded to match your curves, bends, or landings
- It cannot be reused in another property
This bespoke manufacturing makes curved models significantly more expensive.
8 Reasons Curved Stairlift Prices Vary So Much
1. Number of Bends and Curves
Each curve adds design time, fabrication work, installation complexity, and cost.
- One bend: cheaper
- Two or more bends: significantly more
- S-shaped or spiral staircases: the highest cost
2. Staircase Length and Height
Longer rails cost more.
- A typical UK curved lift rail might be 5–7 metres
- Very tall or long staircases may exceed 10 metres
- Extra length = more material, more welding, more supports
3. Intermediate Landings
Landings require precise levelling and extra rail shaping.
You’ll pay more if your staircase has:
- A 90° turn
- A 180° turn
- Mid-landings
- Split flights
Each landing adds complexity → higher cost.
4. Space Restrictions
Narrow, tight, steep, or Victorian staircases often require:
- Special slim-fit rails
- Modified seat designs
- Extra safety sensors
- Additional rail supports
These add several hundred pounds to the final price.
5. Choice of Brand
Top brands (e.g., bespoke UK manufacturers) cost more due to advanced engineering, smoother rides, and longer warranties.
Cost tiers:
- Premium brands: £6,000–£10,000+
- Mid-range: £4,500–£7,000
- Budget curved systems: £4,000–£5,500
6. Powered Features
Optional upgrades include:
- Powered swivel seat
- Powered footrest
- Powered hinge rail
- Linked seat and footrest system
- Extra safety sensors
- Heavy-duty motor (high weight capacity)
Each feature can add £150–£700 to the final cost.
7. Installation Conditions
Installation takes longer for curved lifts, but costs rise further if:
- Your walls need extra strengthening
- The lift must be fitted to the stair treads instead of the wall
- Access is difficult
- There’s limited space for charging points
Complex installs can add £200–£600.
8. New vs Reconditioned
Reconditioned curved stairlifts are less common (because the rails are bespoke), but they do exist.
Typical reconditioned price: £2,500–£5,000
Factors affecting price:
- Whether the old rail can be reworked or must be newly manufactured
- Age of the refurbished carriage
- Warranty period (6–24 months)
- Brand and model availability
How to Get the Best Price on a Curved Stairlift
1. Get at least 2–3 quotes
Prices vary dramatically between companies, even for the same staircase.
2. Ask for a breakdown
Request cost details for:
- Rail manufacturing
- Installation
- Features
- Warranty
- Aftercare package
3. Check if reconditioning is possible
If stock exists, you could save 30-40%.
4. Avoid paying extra for unnecessary features
Some sales reps push upgrades that you may not need.
5. Ask about trade-in or buy-back
If you already have a lift, you may get a discount on your replacement.
Is a Curved Stairlift Worth the Cost?
For many households, curved stairlifts are the only safe option if the staircase has:
- Bends
- Landings
- Multiple floors
- Tight turns
Because the rail is built exactly to your home, the ride is smoother, safer, and more reliable than modular alternatives.
If the user has permanent mobility needs, the investment is usually worthwhile for long-term comfort and independence.
FAQs
Why is a curved stairlift so much more expensive?
Because the rail is custom-made, it requires more engineering and cannot be reused in another house.
Is there a cheaper alternative?
Sometimes a two-step stairlift solution works (one upstairs, one downstairs), but this is less convenient.
Can a curved stairlift be reconditioned?
Yes, but stock is limited, rails are custom-built or must be re-engineered.
Do curved stairlifts take longer to install?
Manufacturing the rail can take 1-4 weeks, while installation usually takes half a day.
Bottom Line
Curved stairlifts vary in price because every system is bespoke, built around your exact staircase. Expect to pay:
- £4,000–£6,000 for simple curved staircases
- £6,000–£10,000+ for complex, multi-landing, or narrow stairs
Costs rise with added features, brand choice, complexity, and customisation.
A curved stairlift is a significant investment, but for homes with turns or landings, it remains the safest, smoothest, and most reliable mobility solution.