Barry R. McKendrick
Owner/President, Safeguard Stairlifts
Should I Get a Straight or Curved Stairlift?
Straight stairlifts work for single-flight stairs without curves or turns, using standardized parts that install faster. Curved stairlifts are custom-manufactured for stairs with turns, landings, or spiral designs — and require an in-home assessment to price accurately. Many Utah homes with landings or turns need a curved solution.
This is the first question to answer. The answer depends entirely on your staircase design, and here in Utah, we see a lot of interesting configurations.
When You Need a Straight Stairlift
A straight stairlift is the right choice if your staircase:
- Goes directly from one floor to another
- Has no turns, curves, or landings
- Is a single continuous flight of stairs
Advantages:
- Lower cost — standardized parts and faster installation mean more accessible pricing
- Faster installation (most are completed in a single visit, typically within 2-4 hours)
- Standard parts available for repairs
- Can sometimes be relocated if you move
Common in Utah:
- Ranch-style homes with basement stairs
- Older homes with traditional straight staircases
- Townhomes with standard stair designs
When You Need a Curved Stairlift
A curved stairlift is necessary when your staircase has:
- 90-degree turns (L-shaped stairs)
- 180-degree turns (U-shaped stairs)
- Intermediate landings
- Spiral or winding design
- Curves at top or bottom
Advantages:
- Custom-fit to your exact staircase
- Smooth ride around all curves
- Can accommodate complex layouts
- Professional appearance
Common in Utah:
- Split-level homes (very common here!)
- Homes with basement stairs that turn
- Two-story homes with landing platforms
- Custom-built homes with unique designs
The Utah Factor
Since 2010, serving Utah families, we've seen plenty of staircases that need a curved solution. Here's why:
- Split-level popularity - Utah loves split-level homes from the 60s-80s
- Basement living - We use our basements, and access often requires turns
- Mountain homes - Hillside construction often means creative stair designs
- Multi-generational living - Larger homes with complex layouts
That is why custom curved stairlifts are one of our specialties, along with straight and outdoor lifts.
How Costs and Timelines Compare
| Factor | Straight | Curved |
|---|---|---|
| Parts | Standardized, off-the-shelf | Custom-manufactured for your staircase |
| Installation time | Single visit, typically 2-4 hours | Longer: the custom rail is manufactured first |
| Customization level | Standard configurations | Fully bespoke to your staircase geometry |
| Repair availability | Standard parts widely available | Manufacturer-specific custom components |
| Relative cost | More accessible | Higher — reflects custom engineering |
For accurate pricing on either type, an in-home assessment is the only reliable path. Contact us for a free quote.
How to Know Which You Need
Here's a simple test:
Stand at the bottom of your stairs and look up.
-
Can you see straight to the top without any walls blocking your view?
- Yes = Probably straight stairlift
- No = Probably curved stairlift
-
Are there any landings where you would stop and turn?
- Yes = Definitely curved stairlift
- No = Possibly straight stairlift
-
Does your staircase have any 90-degree or greater angles?
- Yes = Curved stairlift required
- No = Straight stairlift may work
Still not sure? That's what we're here for. We offer free in-home estimates where we'll measure your stairs and give you an honest recommendation. Our guide on how to measure for a stairlift shows what to note before the visit.
Why Curved Stairlifts Cost More
I get this question all the time, and it's a fair one. Here's the reality:
Curved stairlift rails are individually manufactured for your specific staircase. There's no "one size fits all" - each rail is bent and shaped using precise measurements from your home.
The manufacturing process involves:
- Designing your rail from the measurements
- Custom bending and shaping
- Multiple quality control checks
- Specialized installation
This custom work takes time and skilled labor, which is what makes curved stairlifts a more involved investment. For a deeper look at what drives your total cost, see our Utah stairlift cost guide.
The Safeguard Difference
At Safeguard Stairlifts, we specialize in all types of residential stairlifts: straight, custom curved, and even outdoor lifts.
Our advantages:
- Digital measurement system for a precise fit
- Serving Utah since 2010
- Personal attention on every consultation
- 365-day client support after installation
Making Your Decision
The type of stairlift you need is determined by your stairs, not your budget. We never recommend a straight stairlift if your stairs require a curved one - it simply won't work safely.
If you're unsure which type you need, contact us for a free in-home estimate. We'll come to your home, measure your staircase, and give you an honest recommendation with no pressure to buy.