Outdoor Stairlifts
If you have outside steps to your front or back door, to access your garden, or a steep drive that you struggle to walk up and down, then an outdoor stairlift could be the solution.
Outdoor stairlifts work in a similar way to indoor ones, running on a track fitted to the steps. They can be folded up and protected from the elements by a weather resistant cover when not in use.
Is an outdoor stairlift right for you?
Having a stairlift installed outside means you will gain better access to your garden or outdoor space and will be able to more easily get in and out of your home meaning you will not be limited to staying indoors. Many people with disabilities, wheelchair users and elderly people with mobility issues have a stairlift installed externally. This gives them the freedom to continue to enjoy their gardens.
What different models are there?
The main stairlift companies in the UK, such as Acorn, Companion and Stannah, offer a variety of models to fit most types of external steps. Steps that go in a straight line will need a straight stairlift. If your steps bend or go round corners then you will need a curved model.
How much does an outdoor stairlift cost?
Prices for outdoor stairlifts depend on your particular requirements and the configuration of your steps. This is why we recommend you arrange a free, no obligation quote from a reputable manufacturer. A surveyor will need to visit to ascertain which type of stairlift will be most appropriate for your circumstances and provide you with a written quotation for the work.
As with indoor models, straight stairlifts are cheaper because they can be installed on readymade tracks. Curved ones are more expensive because they require a track or rail to be made to measure.
Bear in mind that stairlift companies provide free surveys and quotes, so it won’t cost you anything to get someone to come out and look at your steps to see if it is possible to install a stairlift on them.
Can I save money by buying second-hand or renting?
If you are considering buying a used stairlift we recommend you choose a reconditioned model from a reputable supplier rather than use Ebay. If you find a used one for sale from a private seller be aware that you will have no protection if it’s faulty.
On the other hand, a reconditioned one from a trusted supplier will be fully safety tested, professionally installed and will have a guarantee. If it develops a fault within the cover period you’ll be able to call a helpline to get it repaired.
Some companies do offer a rental service, but you must carefully consider whether this is the most cost effective option for you. If you only require the stairlift for a short time, hiring one may be cheaper. However, over the longer term it will usually work out better to buy rather than rent.
