When you’re considering a stairlift, the first question is often a practical one: will it actually fit? You do not need to take precise stairlift measurements before an Acorn Home Survey. However, checking your staircase width, shape, number of steps, and available landing space can give you a useful idea of whether you are likely to need a straight or curved stairlift.
What measurements matter for a stairlift?
Five things tell most of the story:
- Staircase width: Measure the narrowest usable width.
- Staircase shape: Is it one straight flight, or are there turns, bends, or intermediate landings?
- Run: The horizontal depth of each step, which affects footrest clearance as the chair travels.
- Number of steps: Useful for describing the staircase during an initial conversation.
- Top and bottom landing space: Check for doors, hallways, or other obstacles near where the stairlift would begin and end.
The Surveyor would also take precise measurements for the rail.
What is the Minimum Stair Width for a Stairlift?
The Acorn 130 requires about 67 cm of staircase width, and the Acorn 180 requires about 69 cm to allow the user to swivel comfortably. A professional survey is still needed to determine whether a stairlift can be safely fitted to a particular staircase. For more details, see how wide stairs need to be for a stairlift.
If yours measures narrower, that’s not an automatic dealbreaker. Acorn’s slimline rail is engineered for tighter spaces, and our surveyors regularly fit stairlifts on staircases homeowners assumed were too narrow.
Narrow Staircase: A professional survey determines fit and clearance.
Obstructed bottom landing: An optional hinged rail may help a doorway or walkway clear
Measuring for a Straight Stairlift
A single straight flight with no bends or intermediate turns is typically suited to a straight stairlift such as the Acorn 130.
- Measure the width at the narrowest point. Check two or three spots along the staircase, not just the bottom. The tightest point is the one that matters.
- Measure the total rail length needed. Measure diagonally from the lower part of the staircase toward the upper landing if you want a rough idea of the staircase length. The Acorn surveyor will take precise measurements required for the rail.
- Check both landings for enough room for the seat to park without blocking the doorway or hallway. If the rail would otherwise obstruct a doorway or walkway at the bottom of the stairs, an optional hinged rail may be available.
If you are not sure which type your staircase requires, our guide to straight vs curved stairlifts explains the difference.
Measuring for a Curved Stairlift
If your staircase has a bend, corner, intermediate landing, or spiral design, a curved stairlift is the best solution. Basic home measurements won’t get you far. The Acorn 180 uses Acorn’s FastTrack modular rail system, which is configured to follow the bends, turns, and landings of the staircase. Because curved staircases require more detailed measurements, the final configuration should be determined during a professional home survey.
- The bend angle and landing transition
- The precise rail path, including tight corners
- Clearance at each turn
If you’re unsure whether a stairlift is even possible on a complex staircase, the survey is the only reliable way to find out. Our engineers have encountered nearly every configuration imaginable.
FAQs
Do I need to measure my stairs before a survey?
No. Our surveyors bring everything needed to measure the staircase accurately. Checking the width, shape, number of steps, and landing space beforehand can simple help you understand your staircase and feel more prepared for the survey.
How long does an Acorn survey take?
An Acorn Home Survey typically takes about one hour. The surveyor will assess the staircase, take the necessary measurements, and discuss the stairlift options suitable for the home.
Can a stairlift be installed on either side of the staircase?
The best rail position depends on the staircase layout, available clearance, and access at the top and bottom. The surveyor will assess the staircase and determine the appropriate configuration.
Will installation damage my walls or stairs?
No. Acorn stairlift rails attach directly to the staircase rather than the wall, so installation does not require structural changes to the home. For a closer look at the rail batteries, controls, and operation, see how a stairlift works.
Book your Free Acorn Home Survey
The most accurate way to check your stairs is a free Acorn Home Survey. We measure everything for you. It takes about an hour, and there’s no obligation to go ahead.
