Step 1: Which Side of Stairs, Left or Right? Stand at the bottom of the stairs and look up the staircase to determine if it would go on the left side or the right side of the stairs. The most common side for a stairlift to be installed is the wall side. If the staircase is open plan, then determine which side would be most practical for access to the stairlift from the bottom of the stairs.

Step 2: Measure From The Top Step To The Bottom Floor Area: Stand at the top of the stairs and measure from the top stair tread (A) and extend your tape measure down the staircase. The tape measure should lightly touch each edge of every stair tread and the tip of the tape measure should be extended right down to the bottom floor area (B) which is past the very first stair tread.

Step 3: Measure Width Of Staircase: Measure the width of the staircase from (C) to (D) making sure you measure from the skirting board and not the wall.

Step 4: Measure The Bottom Clearing Distance: Measure from the end of the bottom step (E) to the nearest obstacle (F). This could be a near by door, radiator, wall or cupboard for example. By measuring the clearing distance, it will give you an idea as to how much room is available at the bottom of the stairs. A minimum space is required of around 18"-20" for the stairlift to be parked for getting on and off safely. If  the space is limited you may require a hinge track system, Please click here to see how this works.