Straight vs Curved Stairlifts: Why the Price Gap Is So Wide
The price gap for stairlifts is because a straight stairlift comes with a standard straight rail, often held in stock and cut to size for installation, while a curved stairlift requires a bespoke ‘made-to-measure’ rail that is manufactured specifically for your staircase – which incurs more production costs. Other factors, such as a curved stairlift requiring a more detailed technical survey, also widen the price range between the types of stairlift. All prices mentioned here exclude VAT, as most stairlift users qualify for VAT relief – see below.
What is the difference between straight and curved stairlifts?
The simple answer for the difference is that straight stairlift rails are one continuous angle with no turns, whilst curved stairlift rails need to have bends in them for any turns on a staircase. The table below gives a more detailed breakdown of the differences between the types of stairlifts:
| Straight stairlift | Curved stairlift |
|---|---|
|
Simple ‘nose-to-floor’ measurement required for rail length |
Detailed technical survey required to design rail bends and angles |
|
Standard rail held in stock and cut to size as required for install |
Bespoke ‘made-to-measure’ rail needs to be designed & manufactured |
|
Seat & carriage held in stock to use for any installation |
Seat & carriage requirements vary depending on the rail design |
|
Travel finishes on the top nose of the stairs, rotating the seat to get on/off at this point |
Travel can continue onto the landing, to get on/off the seat away from the top of the stairs |
|
Travel angle is always ‘back-to-wall’ |
Some models allow travel angle to be different to ‘back-to-wall’ to negotiate narrow spaces |
|
Lead time can be as little as 10 days as they are held in stock |
Lead time is longer, usually at least 3-4 weeks, due to design & manufacture requirements |
|
Requires a folding powered hinge section at the bottom if there is an open area |
Has various rail start options that negate the need for a folding hinge section for open areas |
How much more is a curved stairlift?
A curved stairlift in the UK starts from £4,995, which is £2,170 more than the starting price for a straight stairlift at £2,825. Other features that can make a curved stairlift more expensive include powered options, such as the seat swivel and the folding footrest, and advanced technology in some models – such as the Flow X’s ASL technology that allows the seat to swivel during travel to suit tighter staircases. The need for different heights, bends and angles on a curved stairlift also results in a longer rail length, again adding to the total cost.
Can I get a straight stairlift on curved stairs?
A straight stairlift on a staircase with turns is not a safe solution, as you would be getting on and off the top end of the stairlift whilst still on the stairs. Some straight stairs have a flat quarter landing at the top that has another step to the side; in theory you could have a straight stairlift here, but Kudos Stairlifts always prefer to provide the safest possible solution and follow British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) guidance.
Can I get a curved stairlift on straight stairs?
A curved stairlift on a straight set of stairs is more common than you might think. Although the rail would not need any bends/turns, it can provide horizontal overruns at the top and/or bottom of the stairs – to safely take the stairlift user further away from staircase for safer transfer on/off the stairlift. Kudos Stairlifts have supplied and installed several curved stairlifts on straight stairs across Surrey, Kent, Sussex, London and beyond – you find out more in our curved stairlift on straight stairs case study.
What is a bespoke stairlift rail?
The main cost in a curved stairlift is the bespoke rail; what this means is that the rail is specifically designed and manufactured for the exact measurements of the staircase it is being fitted to. A detailed technical survey, using digital software, creates a 3D drawing of the stairs and surrounding areas; this allows the manufacturer’s production department to design the rail with the right heights and angles, which is passed through to the factory to be made as required.
What is a modular curved rail?
Some manufacturers offer a modular system, meaning that various types of curved stairlift rail sections are held in stock for a faster production timescale. A detailed technical survey is still required to determine which modular rail sections are required for installation; these rail sections are often smaller meaning there will be more joins in the stairlift rail.
How do I compare prices for curved and straight stairlifts?
Get a stairlift quotation, use the table below as a guide on a base starting price, or find out more how a supplier may work out the stairlift price for you:
| Feature | Straight stairlift | Curved stairlift |
|---|---|---|
|
Base price (stairlift including rail) |
£2,825 |
£4,995 |
Above prices are correct as of August 2026 and are an example guide only and exclude VAT; exact pricing will depend on which make and model of stairlift is feasible for your staircase and personal requirements.
Why is the price gap so wide for stairlifts?
Why are straight and curved stairlifts different prices?
This is due to the difference in the rails; a straight stairlift rail is held in stock and cut to size for install, while a curved stairlift rail has to be designed and produced for the bespoke bends/turns, heights and angles required.
How much more does a curved stairlift cost?
The base price for a curved stairlift is around £2,170 higher than the base price for a straight stairlift, because of the bespoke rail requirements. Curved stairlifts start from £4,995 and straight stairlifts start from £2,825.
How do I know if I need a straight or curved stairlift?
If your stairs have any turns on them, you will need a curved stairlift; if there are no turns on your staircase, a straight stairlift should fit providing the stairs aren’t too narrow.
Why does a curved stairlift have a bespoke rail?
The rail for a curved stairlift has to be designed and manufactured for the exact heights and angles of the staircase it is being installed on, as it doesn’t just follow the same angle top to bottom, making it a bespoke ‘made-to-measure’ rail.
Contact our Client Focus Team today to discuss how a stairlift can improve and protect the quality of life for you and your family.
Choose from a range of industry-leading curved or straight stairlifts, suitable for almost any staircase and expertly installed by our own engineers.
Call us now on 0800 1522400 to arrange your free, no obligation survey and quote, or to ask any questions you may have.
