How Is a Bespoke Curved Stairlift Track Made?

A straight stairlift track is relatively simple. The staircase is measured and a straight rail is cut to the correct length.

A curved staircase is completely different.

Every bend, change in gradient and landing needs to be accounted for, which is why many curved stairlift rails are manufactured specifically for the individual staircase.

The staircase is measured first

Before manufacturing begins, the staircase needs to be accurately surveyed.

Depending on the manufacturer and system, this may involve detailed measurements, templates, photographs or digital surveying.

The goal is to create a track that follows the staircase closely while maintaining the required clearance for the chair and user.

Manufacturing a bespoke rail

Many bespoke curved tracks are manufactured using sophisticated pipe-bending machinery.

A 5-axis CNC pipe bending machine can create the different bends and changes in direction needed to reproduce the staircase design.

The finished rail is essentially manufactured specifically for that individual home.

Why does manufacturing take longer?

Because the track isn’t simply taken from stock and cut to length, the rail needs to be designed, manufactured, checked and delivered.

Depending on the manufacturer and workload, this can mean waiting several weeks for a bespoke curved stairlift track to arrive.

The advantage is a rail designed precisely for that staircase.

Modular curved tracks are different

Not every curved stairlift is made this way.

The Acorn 180, for example, uses a modular curved track system.

Rather than bending one bespoke rail for the staircase, the installer uses a range of pre-manufactured straight sections, bends and turns.

These sections bolt together to form the completed curved track.

Bespoke vs modular tracks

Both approaches work very well.

Bespoke manufacturing offers a track designed specifically around the staircase, while modular systems can often be assembled and installed more quickly because the components already exist.

The right system depends on the staircase, budget, timescale and customer requirements.

You can see the curved systems Trent Stairlifts supplies on our curved stairlifts page.

Final thoughts

There’s considerably more engineering behind a curved stairlift track than most people realise.

Whether it’s manufactured from measurements using CNC bending equipment or assembled from modular components, the finished rail needs to safely follow the staircase from bottom to top.

Trent Stairlifts supplies a range of curved stairlift solutions across Nottingham and the East Midlands. You can request a free quote here if you’d like to discuss your staircase.

Curved track manufacturing – FAQs

Are curved stairlift tracks made specifically for each staircase?

Many are, particularly bespoke curved rail systems.

How are curved rails bent?

Manufacturers can use specialist multi-axis CNC pipe-bending machinery.

How long does a bespoke curved track take?

It can take several weeks depending on the manufacturer.

What is a modular curved stairlift?

It uses pre-manufactured sections and bends that connect together to follow the stairs.

Is the Acorn 180 modular?

Yes, the Acorn 180 uses a modular track system.

Is bespoke better than modular?

Not necessarily. They are different engineering approaches and each has advantages.