Do-It-Yourself Stair Lift Kits

Stair lifts remain a very popular safety tool, used in many homes all over the world. Stair lifts are designed to provide a cost effective alternative to installing an elevator, while still allowing for full access of a home. While there are many models available, most stair lifts use a similar design, which involves a metal track system that is attached to the stairs, with a chair that moves along the track. Recently, the do-it-yourself stair lift kit has become more popular, with several companies offering these types of stair lifts.

The do-it-yourself stair lift kit is designed so that the homeowner, or a handyman, can install the stair lift, without having to rely on a professional stair lift installer. Not only does this save a good deal of money, but it can also save time, as it can sometimes take a week or two to get an appointment for the stair lift installation, while the lift itself can often be shipped in a few days.

To make installing the stair lift easier, manufacturers of do-it-yourself stair lift kits, assemble as much of the stair lift as possible at the factory. For example, the car, which consists of the electric motor, wiring, and seat, is usually completely assembled and only needs to be plugged in and attached to the track. Most do-it-yourself stair lift manufacturers include the stair lift in three parts, the track, the power cord, and the car.

While the installation process is greatly simplified, it still requires a rudimentary understanding of basic building principles and construction.

Disadvantages of Do-It-Yourself Stair Lift Kits

One downside to do-it-yourself stair lift kits is that they are often only available for straight staircases. One company, AmeriGlide, which mainly sells Summit Stair Lifts, offers a number of models that can be installed onto a straight staircase, but if there is a landing or a 90 degree bend, which is common on staircases, an AmeriGlide stair lift will not work. As a result, if almost all of the staircase is straight, except for the last two steps, an AmeriGlide stair lift will not work, well not unless you install two of them or perhaps walk down the last two steps, but that defeats the purpose of using a stair lift in the first place.

Another company, Bruno, also offers stair lifts that are relatively easy to install, but Bruno Stair Lifts are also available for curved staircases and staircases with landings in between. They are not as easy to install as Summit Stair Lifts, but Bruno Stair Lifts do offer simpler installation and also offer the advantage of being able to be used on non-straight staircases.

Many of these self-installed stair chairs are designed with simplicity in mind, so do not have as many features. They are almost always designed with the track attached to the staircase as well, which can take up a good deal of space. If space is a concern or if the staircase is very narrow, it is better to use a stairlift that attaches to the wall instead of the steps, but this will usually require a professional stair lift installer.