Yes! You CAN measure for your own stair lift!

The first step to be made after deciding to buy a stair lift is to measure the stairs for the new lift.

Many people do not know where to start in this instance and need a few helpful pointers. The truth is it will only take 10 minutes, and it is a very simple and easy process. If there are 2 people to measure, it will be even quicker and easier.

Read here on How to measure your stairs for a stair lift…

You can save time and money by measuring up yourself rather than getting someone else to visit your home to do it. Some companies will charge for an on-location inspection. If you take the measurements yourself, any company will be able to advise you on what styles and varieties they have available for your home. With easy to follow instructions from the manufacturer, it is even possible for you to install a straight stair lift yourself at home and with your measurements.

While you are standing at the bottom of the stairs, decide which side the lift will be the most suited. As the majority of stairs run along a wall, this will be where the stair lift will run as well.

Don’t worry about hand rails or carpet runners as the stair lift will be designed to function normally around these types of obstacles.

It is important to note that the track will be fixed to the stair tread and not to the wall.

You can use the following step by step guide to getting your measurements; this guide can be used for both indoor and outdoor steps. You need a pen and paper and a tape measure.

Measurement 1

After deciding which side the stair lift is to go on, stand at the top of the stairs and measure the distance down to the bottom. This is the most important measurement; the measuring tape should fall on the edge of each step and be parallel with the skirting board. Make sure the tape starts at the landing and is touching the floor at the bottom of the stairs.

Measurement 2

This is the tread measurement. Start from the edge of the top step, not from as far back as the landing, and take the tape to the edge of the first step. Make sure the tape does not sag on the steps, and touches the edges of each one to get an accurate measurement.

Measurement 3

This is the width of the stair case. Measure from one side to the other. You can also measure the depth and height of a single step but these are not essential.

Measurement 4

From the bottom step, measure the distance to the closest obstacle, most likely a door or a table or to the closest wall. This will give the person, installing the stair lift, an idea how much room he has and will help in the choice of varieties you will have.

For more help on measuring, read about

“…Installing a straight stair lift is easy and most people with a small amount of DIY experience can install one in only a few hours…”

That’s all it takes to measure up for your new stair lift. They are designed for minor differences so it will not be a big problem if your measurements are slightly incorrect. You should take the measurements twice, or as many times as you feel comfortable with, if you are unsure. Once you are happy with all your recordings you can send them off to the company who will then be able to assemble a lift that suits you and your home. They can also deliver it to your door if it is required.

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