Key Takeaways
- Most stairlift installations are straightforward and take 1–4 hours, but some homes present challenges.
- Common issues include narrow stairs, curved or multi-flight layouts, obstructions, power supply problems, and weak or damaged steps.
- Professional installers can solve almost all problems using custom rails, hinged tracks, carpentry adjustments, or alternative configurations.
- Rarely, a home may require minor pre-work (such as moving a radiator or fitting a socket), but the installer will advise you during the survey.
Short Answer: What installation problems can happen?
The most common issues include narrow staircases, obstacles such as radiators or doors, tricky landing areas, a lack of power outlets, and damaged or uneven steps. Almost all problems can be solved with the right equipment, custom rails, or minor home adjustments recommended during the survey.
Installation Problems You Might Face and How They Are Solved
A stairlift installation is usually fast, clean, and straightforward, but every home is different. While most issues are easily managed, it’s helpful to know what can go wrong and how engineers fix it.
Below is a clear breakdown of the most common installation challenges and the professional solutions used to overcome them.
1. Narrow or Steep Staircases
The Problem
Some UK homes, especially older terraces or cottages, have very narrow or steep stairs, making it difficult to fit a standard stairlift.
How It’s Solved
- Engineers use slimline stairlift models designed for tight spaces.
- Foldable seats and footrests help maintain hallway clearance.
- Bespoke bracket placement ensures the rail fits safely without reducing walking space.
- In extreme cases, the rail is mounted on the opposite side or slightly higher to maximise clearance.
2. Curved, Spiral, or Multi-Flight Staircases
The Problem
Complex staircase layouts require more precise engineering and can cause delays or alignment issues.
How It’s Solved
- Using custom-made curved rails designed specifically for your staircase shape.
- Modular curved systems for faster fitting are available.
- Multi-flight staircases can be fitted with a continuous rail or two separate stairlifts, depending on safety and budget.
- Engineers carefully level each bend to ensure smooth transitions.
3. Doors at the Top or Bottom of the Stairs
The Problem
A door that opens onto the staircase can obstruct the rail or chair.
How It’s Solved
- Fitting a hinged (folding) rail that lifts out of the way when not in use.
- Reposition the lift to the opposite side of the stairs.
- Adjust track length to stop before the door area (when safe).
- Using compact chairs to reduce intrusion.
4. Radiators, Handrails, or Low Windowsills
The Problem
Obstructions near the staircase can interfere with bracket placement or seat clearance.
How It’s Solved
- Adjusting rail height or angle to avoid the obstruction.
- Using shorter or repositioned brackets.
- Employing compact rail designs for tight squeezes.
- Recommending light pre-installation modifications (e.g., removing or shifting a handrail).
Most solutions require no structural changes.
5. Lack of a Nearby Power Socket
The Problem
Stairlifts need a power outlet near the top or bottom of the stairs to charge the batteries.
How It’s Solved
- Use an existing nearby socket (even in a hallway or landing).
- Running a discreet extension behind the rail or skirting.
- If necessary, advise a qualified electrician to install a new socket.
No major electrical work is usually required.
6. Uneven, Damaged, or Weak Stair Treads
The Problem
Stairs must be strong enough to support bracket screws. Weak wood or uneven surfaces can complicate installation.
How It’s Solved
- Reinforcing the affected treads using specialist carpentry techniques.
- Adjusting bracket positioning to avoid damage to sensitive areas.
- Using wider brackets for improved stability.
- In rare cases, repairing or replacing a step before installation.
The installer will identify this during the survey.
7. Limited Space on Landings
The Problem
Small landings at the top or bottom of the stairs may make it difficult to mount or dismount safely.
How It’s Solved
- Using swivel seats that rotate away from the stairs.
- Adjust the track so the seat parks slightly further away.
- Using curved parking rails to move the chair onto a wider landing.
- Using standing or perch-style stairlifts for extremely tight landings.
8. Unusual Staircase Shapes or Construction
The Problem
Some homes have open-plan staircases, glass balustrades, very shallow steps, or floating stairs.
How It’s Solved
- Engineers use alternative mounting points or custom-made bracket systems.
- Tracks may be reinforced or extended based on staircase design.
- In extreme cases, a landing-to-landing stairlift or vertical platform lift may be recommended if safer.
9. Obstruction Sensors Triggering During Testing
The Problem
During installation, the stairlift may stop unexpectedly if safety sensors detect an obstruction.
How It’s Solved
- Engineers remove or adjust the obstruction.
- They recalibrate the sensors if they are too sensitive.
- They reposition or adjust the track if necessary.
- All safety testing is repeated to ensure smooth operation.
10. Difficulty Fitting Curved Rails Into Tight Corners
The Problem
Curved rails must follow the exact profile of your staircase, which can be tricky in very tight bends or narrow landing turns.
How It’s Solved
- Using a highly accurate digital survey tool to map the staircase.
- Custom manufacturing the rail to millimetre precision.
- Making micro-adjustments during installation to ensure smooth travel.
- Using multi-piece rails to navigate exceptionally tight curves.
Conclusion
Stairlift installations are usually smooth and straightforward, but every home is unique. Issues like narrow stairs, awkward landings, obstructions, or lack of power can occur, but trained engineers are equipped with solutions for nearly every scenario.
From hinged rails to custom brackets and reinforced steps, professional installers ensure your stairlift fits safely, works reliably, and causes minimal disruption.