What Many Recent UK Cost Guides Say (2025)
- One guide puts straight-lift costs at around £2,000–£ 5,000, and curved lifts are significantly higher, up to £10,000+ for complex or bespoke staircases.
- Another source lists a baseline straight-lift price of £1,975, with curved-lift prices “up to £5,500 +” depending on staircase configuration.
- For a “standard” straight staircase (single flight, 13 steps), many installers quote around £2,300–£2,500 for a new straight lift.
- Curved stairlifts, because each rail is custom-made, often average around £5,000, but can go higher with multiple turns, landings, or extra features.
Rule of thumb: a curved stairlift tends to cost roughly 2–3 times as much as a straight stairlift, all else being equal (staircase length, features, brand).
Why Curved Stairlifts Cost Much More
The price gap isn’t arbitrary, and there are clear technical, manufacturing, and labour reasons behind it.
Custom-made Rails
Straight stairlifts use standard rails cut to length, so production is fast and inexpensive. Curved staircases require custom-manufactured rails that match every bend, turn, and landing, significantly increasing materials and labour costs.
Complex Engineering & Installation
Curved lifts require more precise installation to ensure safety and smooth travel. The chair must remain level through bends, corners and changes in slope. That increases engineer time, installation complexity, and, in turn, cost.
– Less Standardisation, More Waste / Time
Because each curved lift is bespoke, there is less standardisation and fewer “off-the-shelf” units. That means longer lead times and higher overheads for suppliers. Standard straight lifts benefit from economies of scale.
– Greater Risk, More Materials
Curved lifts often require more brackets, longer rails, potentially specialised chair mechanisms (for stability around bends), and sometimes additional accessories, all of which increase cost.
What This Means for Buyers: How to Use Costs in Decision-Making
- If your staircase is straight, a straight stairlift is almost always the most cost-effective and practical option and will generally cost £2–3k less than a curved model.
- If your staircase has bends, landings or curves, a curved stairlift is often the only safe, practical option, so the higher cost (roughly £4k–£8k+) is a necessary investment.
- Always get a free home survey: the complexity of your staircase (width, number of turns, obstacles) can sometimes affect the price more than the “straight vs curved” distinction.
- Consider features and extras, as many added comforts (swivel seats, powered rails, heavier-duty components) incur additional cost beyond the base.
- For tight budgets: a reconditioned straight stairlift or renting may offer good value, but with curved stairs, refurbished units are often unavailable or cost much less to install safely.
Bottom Line: Straight vs Curved: What’s The Real Cost Difference
- Straight stairlifts remain the budget-friendly, widely available, and reliable solution, typically priced at £1,800–£5,500 all-in.
- Curved stairlifts command a significant premium, typically £3,800–£ 8,000, averaging £5,000–£5,500, depending on staircase complexity and required features.
- The difference isn’t just in the rail; it’s in the custom manufacturing, extra labour, bespoke engineering, and installation complexity.