Can Stairlifts Be Installed on Steel Staircases?

Timber and concrete are the staircase materials people most commonly associate with stairlifts, but they’re certainly not the only options.

Stairlifts can also be fitted to steel staircases.

The principle remains largely the same; the main difference is the type of fixings used to secure the rail supports.

Stairlifts don’t rely on the wall

A stairlift rail is supported from the staircase itself.

That means having steel steps rather than timber doesn’t create a fundamental problem and there’s no requirement for a solid wall alongside the stairs.

Bolts replace timber screws

On a traditional timber staircase, support legs are normally fixed using suitable wood screws.

On a steel staircase, the engineer will instead use bolts or another appropriate fixing designed for the steel construction.

The exact method depends on how the stairs have been fabricated.

Steel can provide a very solid installation

A correctly fixed steel staircase provides an extremely rigid base for the stairlift track.

As with concrete and timber, the important factor is choosing appropriate fixings and positioning the supports correctly.

Straight and curved steel stairs

A simple straight steel staircase can potentially use a standard straight stairlift.

Where the steel staircase changes direction, turns around landings or has a more complex industrial-style design, a curved system may be required.

Commercial properties

Steel staircases are often found in commercial or mixed-use buildings.

Where a stairlift is being fitted in a commercial environment, additional electrical or maintenance requirements may apply depending on the premises.

Final thoughts

Yes, stairlifts can be installed on steel staircases.

The installer simply uses an appropriate bolted fixing system rather than the wood screws typically used on timber stairs.

If you have an unusual staircase in Nottingham or the East Midlands, Trent Stairlifts can assess the construction and recommend a suitable installation. Get a free quote here.

Steel staircase stairlifts – FAQs

Can stairlifts be fixed to steel steps?

Yes.

Are wood screws used?

No. Suitable bolts or steel fixings are normally used.

Does the stairlift need a wall?

No. The track is supported from the staircase.

Are steel stairs strong enough?

A properly constructed steel staircase provides a very rigid base.

Can curved lifts go on steel stairs?

Yes, where the layout requires a curved system.

Does the fixing method vary?

Yes, the installer chooses fixings appropriate to the particular staircase construction.