Narrow Staircase Guide
Will a Stairlift Fit on My Narrow Stairs?
One of the most common questions we hear. The good news: most staircases in Scotland are wider than you think, and modern stairlifts are designed to fit.
Short answer: In most cases, yes - a stairlift will fit. A standard stairlift needs a minimum staircase width of around 28-29 inches (71-74cm). Book a free home survey and we will measure your stairs and tell you exactly what will work.
How Narrow Is Too Narrow?
A straight stairlift rail sits against the wall on the stair treads. When someone is seated, the stairlift takes up around 12 inches (30cm) of staircase width. When the seat is folded up - which is how the stairlift is parked when not in use - it takes up around 10-12 inches (25-30cm).
This means that for a stairlift to be safely installed, you generally need a staircase that is at least 28-29 inches wide (71-74cm). Many Scottish staircases, even ones that feel narrow, comfortably meet this measurement.
To put that in perspective, 28 inches is roughly the width of a standard interior door. If you can walk comfortably through your staircase, there is a good chance a stairlift will fit.
Do Not Assume Your Stairs Are Too Narrow
Many people call us convinced that their staircase is too narrow, only to find out after a survey that it fits perfectly. This is especially common in older Scottish homes - traditional tenement flats, Victorian terraces and pre-war properties - where staircases look and feel narrow but are often within the required measurements.
The only reliable way to know is to have your staircase measured. Our free home survey does exactly that, with no obligation and no pressure to buy.
Measure Your Stairs Yourself
You can get a rough idea before we visit. You will need a tape measure and about five minutes.
Measure the Width
Measure across the staircase at the narrowest point - usually where there is a handrail on one side. Measure from wall to wall, not wall to handrail. If this is 28 inches (71cm) or more, a standard stairlift is likely to fit.
Check the Headroom
Stand at the bottom step and check you can stand upright without your head touching the ceiling above. Most stairlifts need at least 80 inches (200cm) of headroom measured vertically from the stair tread.
Note Any Bends or Turns
Does your staircase go straight from bottom to top, or does it have a turn, landing or bend? Straight stairs need a straight stairlift. Any bend or turn means you need a curved stairlift, which is made to measure for your specific staircase.
Not sure what your measurements mean? Call us on 0800 776 5404 and read out the numbers - we can usually tell you straight away whether a stairlift is likely to work.
How Stairlifts Are Designed to Save Space
Modern stairlifts are built specifically to minimise the space they take up on the staircase. Several design features help with this:
- Slim-profile rails that sit close to the wall and keep as much staircase width free as possible
- Folding seats that fold flat when the stairlift is parked, leaving the staircase clear for other people to walk past
- Folding footrests and armrests that tuck away neatly when not in use
- Hinged rails at the bottom that fold out of the way to stop the stairlift blocking doorways or hallways
Can Other People Still Use the Stairs?
Yes. When a stairlift is parked and folded, there is usually enough room for another person to walk safely past. Building regulations in Scotland require that a stairlift must leave at least 600mm (around 24 inches) of clear staircase width when folded. Our surveyors check this as part of the free home survey.
What If My Stairs Really Are Too Narrow?
Genuinely too-narrow staircases are rare, but they do exist. If your staircase turns out to be below the minimum requirement, there are still options worth considering:
- Percher (standing) stairlifts - you stand or lean rather than sit, which reduces the footprint on the staircase. These work well where a seated stairlift would be too wide
- Through-floor lifts - a vertical platform or cabin lift that travels between floors through an opening in the ceiling, avoiding the staircase entirely. This is a larger installation but removes the staircase width issue altogether
If a standard stairlift is not possible, we will tell you clearly and explain what the alternatives are. We would rather give you honest advice than try to fit something where it should not go.
What About Scottish Tenement Stairs?
Traditional tenement flats often have communal stairs with tight bends and relatively narrow widths. For the private staircase inside the flat itself, a straight stairlift is usually feasible. Communal closes are more complex - shared staircases may require agreement from other residents and, in some cases, the factors or local council. Give us a call and describe your situation - we have experience with this type of property.
What Happens During the Free Survey?
Our free home survey takes around 30 minutes. The surveyor will measure your staircase width at the narrowest points, check the step depth and height, look at access at the top and bottom of the stairs, check the available power supply, and discuss which models would suit your stairs and your needs. You will get a written quote with no obligation. We carry out free surveys across all of Scotland, including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Stirling, Motherwell, Greenock and Johnstone. Book your free survey here or call 0800 776 5404.
Costs and Funding
Slim-profile or specialist models for narrow staircases may cost slightly more than a standard straight stairlift. Our stairlift cost guide covers typical prices for all types. If budget is a concern, a quality reconditioned stairlift from around £995 may be a practical option. It is also worth knowing that some Scottish councils offer grants towards home adaptations including stairlifts through the Scheme of Assistance - see our stairlift grants guide for full details.
More Questions?
Our stairlift FAQ covers costs, installation times, grants, VAT exemption and more. If you cannot find what you are looking for, call us on 0800 776 5404 and we will do our best to help.
Narrow Stairs Questions Answered
What is the minimum staircase width for a stairlift?
Most standard stairlifts require a minimum staircase width of around 28-29 inches (71-74cm). Slim-profile models can sometimes work on slightly narrower staircases. The exact minimum varies by model - our surveyor will check this during your free home survey and recommend the most suitable option.
How much space will a stairlift take up on my stairs?
When the seat is fully folded up against the wall, a stairlift typically takes up around 10-12 inches (25-30cm) of staircase width, leaving the rest of the staircase free for other people to walk past. When someone is seated on the stairlift, it takes up around 12 inches (30cm).
My staircase has a bend at the top - does that affect things?
A bend or turn at the top of the stairs means you would need a curved stairlift rather than a straight one. Curved stairlifts are made to measure to fit the exact shape of your staircase. The width requirements are similar to straight stairlifts. See our curved stairlifts page for more information, or book a free survey and we will assess everything in one visit.
I live in a tenement flat. Can I get a stairlift?
Possibly, yes. If the stairlift would be installed on the staircase inside your own flat, a straight stairlift is usually feasible. If you need help with the communal close stairs, that is more complex as it involves shared areas and other residents. Call us on 0800 776 5404 and describe your situation - we can advise on whether a survey would be worthwhile.
Do I need planning permission for a stairlift?
No. A stairlift is a temporary fixture that does not require planning permission. The rail is bolted to the stair treads, not the walls, and can be removed without leaving any significant marks. If you are a tenant, you may need your landlord's permission before installation.
Can I get a grant to help pay for a stairlift on narrow stairs?
Yes, it may be possible. Scottish councils offer grants for home adaptations through the Scheme of Assistance, which can include stairlifts. Eligibility depends on your circumstances and which council area you live in. See our stairlift grants guide for full details. Bear in mind that grant applications can take several months, so if you need a stairlift soon, a reconditioned or rental option may be a better short-term solution.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
One phone call. That is all it takes. We will have a friendly chat, answer your questions, and book your free home survey.