Can Stairlifts Be Installed on Tiled or Marble Stairs?

Stairlifts aren’t limited to carpeted or timber staircases.

They can also be installed on tiled, stone and marble stairs in many homes, although the fixing process needs a little more care.

The main difference is how the engineer drills the fixing points for the stairlift track.

How is the track fixed?

As with other staircases, the stairlift track is supported on legs which are fixed directly to the steps.

It doesn’t need to be attached to the wall.

On tiled or marble stairs, the installer needs to carefully drill through the finished surface before creating the fixing below.

Specialist drill bits are normally required

A diamond-style drill bit will generally be used when drilling through hard materials such as tiles or marble.

These bits allow the installer to create a clean fixing hole without using the same aggressive drilling method that might be suitable for ordinary timber.

Once the surface has been drilled correctly, suitable fixings can be used to secure the stairlift track.

Is there a risk of cracking tiles?

There is always some degree of risk when drilling into tiles, marble or other brittle finishes.

Good-quality materials can generally be drilled without any problems, but no installer can completely guarantee that an existing tile will never chip or crack.

For this reason, stairlift companies may include a disclaimer covering damage to brittle or decorative finishes.

This isn’t because damage is expected. It simply reflects the unavoidable risk that exists whenever a finished tile or stone surface needs to be drilled.

Can installation create dust?

Yes, drilling stone or tile can create more dust than fixing into timber.

A careful installer will do their best to control this and clean the work area once the installation is complete.

Stairlift installations are still generally considered relatively clean and low disruption.

What about expensive marble stairs?

If the staircase has particularly expensive or unusual stonework, it’s worth mentioning this during the survey.

The engineer can then consider the fixing locations carefully and explain any potential risks before work begins.

Final thoughts

Tiled and marble staircases can normally accommodate a stairlift perfectly well.

The main difference is simply that drilling the fixings requires specialist equipment and a little more care.

If you have tiled or stone stairs in Nottingham or the East Midlands and want to know what’s possible, Trent Stairlifts can assess them properly. You can request a free quote here.

Tiled staircase stairlifts – FAQs

Can stairlifts be installed on tiled stairs?

Yes, in most cases.

Can stairlifts be fitted to marble stairs?

Yes, providing the staircase and finish are suitable.

What drill bit is used?

A diamond-type drill bit is commonly used on hard tile and stone surfaces.

Can tiles crack during installation?

There is always a small risk whenever brittle materials are drilled.

Does the stairlift attach to the wall?

No. The track supports are fixed into the steps.

Is installation more difficult than timber?

It normally takes a little more care and specialist drilling equipment.