What Happens During a Stairlift Installation?

Many people are unsure what actually happens on the day a stairlift is installed.

The good news is that stairlift installation is usually straightforward and far less disruptive than most expect.

How long does installation take?

For straight stairlifts, installation typically takes around 2 hours.

Curved stairlifts can take anywhere from 4–6 hours depending on the complexity of the staircase and the type of system being fitted.

In most cases, the stairlift is fully installed and operational the same day.

How is the track fitted?

All stairlift tracks are fixed directly to the steps, not the wall.

The track is secured using strong wood screws which go straight into the stair treads. This creates a very solid and secure installation.

A straight stairlift usually requires around 16 screws along the staircase. If your stairs are carpeted, the small screw holes are generally difficult to see if the stairlift is ever removed in the future.

Do you need to clear the stairs?

For safety reasons, we do ask that the staircase is kept as clear as possible during installation.

This protects both the customer and our engineers while work is being carried out. That said, we understand every home is different and we will always accommodate different circumstances where needed.

How is the stairlift powered?

Once the track is fitted, a cable is run neatly to the nearest and most suitable power socket.

This supplies electricity to the charging system. The stairlift itself operates on batteries, which automatically recharge when the lift is parked on its charging point.

Testing and demonstration

After installation is complete, the stairlift is fully tested.

We check smooth travel, stopping positions and all safety features. Once everything is confirmed to be working correctly, we clean up the area and provide a full demonstration.

We’ll show you how to operate the lift, how to fold it away and answer any questions you may have.

Is stairlift installation messy?

Stairlifts are generally considered a clean and mess-free installation.

There’s no structural alteration, no plastering, and no major building work involved. In most cases, once fitted, the only visible addition is the rail and chair itself.

If you’d like to know how long installation would take in your home, you can arrange a survey or quote and we’ll guide you through it.

Final thoughts

Straight stairlifts are usually installed in around 2 hours, curved stairlifts within 4–6 hours depending on layout.

Tracks are securely fixed to the steps, not the wall, and installations are typically clean, efficient and completed in a single visit.

Stairlift installation – FAQs

How long does a straight stairlift take to install?

Most straight stairlifts are installed in around 2 hours.

How long does a curved stairlift take?

Curved installations usually take between 4–6 hours depending on the complexity.

Are stairlifts screwed into the wall?

No. Stairlift tracks are fixed securely to the stair treads, not the wall.

Will installation damage my carpet?

The track is secured with small wood screws. If removed in the future, screw holes are usually difficult to see, especially on carpeted stairs.

Is installation messy?

No. Stairlift installations are generally clean and involve no major building work.