Measuring for Your Lift

Measuring for your new stair lift is easier than you might think. Although we take measurments as part of our free consultation, you may want to do this yourself if you plan to install the stair lift yourself. All you have to do is follow the easy instructions on this page, and you'll be a step closer to having your new custom lift installed.
First, you'll want to observe your stairway's layout and decide which side of the staircase you'd like to have the stair lift mounted on as viewed from the bottom. This will depend mostly on whether or not there are any obstacles that would block the lift or its rail, so keep in mind that the stair lift rail will hang over the top landing by 8" (20cm) and meet the floor at the foot of the stairs 14" (36cm) beyond the 'nose' of the first step. Check to see if there are any obstructions that will in any way block the stair lift based on the measurements above, and decide which side will be most appropriate based on that information.

PRINT OUT this page to fill out the measurements to have handy whenever the information is needed.

Explanation of Measurements

1 - Overall Length of Staircase is a straight measurement from the nose of the top step to the floor at the foor of the stairway.

2 - Staircase Width - If the width of your staircase varies from point to point, which it may, record the shortest length for this measurement.

3 - Bottom Clearance - A minimum of 24" (61cms) is required for this measurement.

4 - "Rise" of One Step - Height of one step. This may vary slightly, so measure several steps part way up the stairs and take an average.

5 - "Tread" of One Step - Depth of one step. This may vary slightly, so measure several steps part way up the stairs and take an average.

6 - ‘Diagonal' of One Step - Distance between the 'noses' of two ajacent steps. This may vary slightly, so measure several steps part way up the stairs and take an average.

Information used with permission from Acorn Stairlifts

 
 
Copyright 2004, All Steps, Inc. except where noted
Site designed and maintained by
Cory B. Schneider
Last edited on 1-27-04