One Curved Stairlift or Two Straight Stairlifts?

Some homes have two straight flights of stairs separated by a landing.

In that situation there can sometimes be two possible solutions: install one curved stairlift that travels continuously from bottom to top, or fit two separate straight stairlifts.

Both approaches can work very well, but they offer quite different experiences.

The biggest difference is the transfer

With one curved stairlift, the user sits down at the bottom and remains on the same chair for the entire journey.

The track follows the first staircase, negotiates the landing and continues onto the next flight.

With two straight lifts, the user needs to get off the first lift on the intermediate landing, move across and transfer onto the second chair.

Two straight stairlifts can be considerably cheaper

Straight stairlifts are simpler systems and are readily available both brand new and reconditioned.

Where suitable reconditioned lifts are available, installing two straight stairlifts can sometimes be dramatically cheaper than ordering a completely new curved stairlift.

You can view our reconditioned stairlift options here.

A curved stairlift offers more convenience

The obvious advantage of a curved lift is convenience.

There is no midway transfer, which can be particularly important for somebody whose mobility is already limited enough to require a stairlift.

It also removes the need to manage two separate chairs and two sets of controls.

Think carefully about the intermediate landing

Before choosing two straight lifts, consider what transferring between them will actually involve.

Is the landing large enough?

Can the user safely stand and walk between the two chairs?

Would they need a walking frame or stick while transferring?

A cheaper solution isn’t necessarily better if it makes the journey significantly harder.

Availability can favour straight lifts

Straight stairlifts are generally easier to source quickly.

There are also far more reconditioned straight lifts available because the rail can be adapted easily to another straight staircase.

A curved system may require custom manufacturing or more detailed design.

Budget vs convenience

This decision often comes down to exactly that.

If budget is the overriding concern and the user can safely manage the intermediate transfer, two straight stairlifts can be excellent value.

If budget allows and the user would benefit from one continuous journey, a curved stairlift is generally the more convenient solution.

Final thoughts

Neither option is automatically wrong.

Two straight stairlifts can save a substantial amount of money, particularly when reconditioned lifts are used.

A single curved stairlift costs more in many cases, but provides the considerable benefit of travelling from bottom to top without changing chairs.

Trent Stairlifts can price both options where a staircase allows it, giving you a proper comparison before deciding. Request a free quote here.

One curved vs two straight stairlifts – FAQs

Can two straight stairlifts replace one curved lift?

Sometimes, where the staircase consists of two straight flights with a suitable landing between them.

Which option is cheaper?

Two straight lifts can sometimes be considerably cheaper, particularly if reconditioned units are used.

What is the disadvantage of two straight lifts?

The user has to transfer from one chair to another on the intermediate landing.

What is the main benefit of one curved stairlift?

It provides one continuous journey from bottom to top.

Are straight stairlifts easier to source?

Generally yes.

Which would Trent Stairlifts recommend?

It depends on budget, staircase layout and how safely the user can manage a midway transfer.