Stair lifts have a few constraints, including the need for sufficient space on the staircase for installation. Homeowners in Lee’s Summit with older homes may wonder whether their staircases qualify for a stair lift installation.
In most situations, yes, because modern stair lifts have compact, slim designs that fit in almost any home. But if you’re hoping to install stair lifts on narrow staircases in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, here’s what you need to know before buying.
Quick Overview
- Most stair lifts fit staircases as narrow as 28 to 30 inches wide
- Seats, armrests, and footrests fold up to keep the staircase usable for other household members
- Slim-rail models like the Bruno Elan are built specifically for tighter spaces
- A free in-home measurement is the only reliable way to confirm if a stair lift fits
How Narrow Is Too Narrow for Installing Stair Lifts?
Anything below 28 inches is likely too narrow to install a stair lift. The good news is that most staircases, even narrow ones built in older homes are wide enough to accommodate the device.
Some stair lift units can work in spaces slightly tighter than that, depending on the configuration, but 28 inches is a solid baseline.
The easiest way to determine if your staircase is wide enough is to schedule a free in-home assessment. You can call us at 913-228-3039 to schedule your free visit.
What Stair Lift Features Make Installation Easier?
Modern stair lifts are designed to take up as little space as possible, and there are a few features that make this possible.
- Folding footrests lie flat when the lift is parked, which keeps the bottom of the staircase from being blocked. This matters especially in Lee’s Summit homes where the ground floor landing is tight, or the front door is close to the base of the stairs.
- Folding armrests allow the unit’s seated width to collapse significantly when not in use. Someone walking past a parked lift on a narrow staircase can usually do so without issue.
- Power swivel seats rotate the chair toward the landing at the top of the stairs, so you don’t have to twist or reach across the unit to stand up safely. In narrow staircases where maneuvering room at the top is limited, this feature is worth considering.
- Slim rail designs, like the Bruno Elan’s rail profile, sit closer to the tread surface than older or heavier-duty models. A lower rail height means more clearance for someone walking past.
Straight vs. Curved Staircases in Lee’s Summit Homes
Most narrow-staircase concerns occur in homes with straight staircases, which are the simpler installations. Straight units come in standard sizes, install in a few hours, and cost between $3,400 and $10,000 (installation included).
If your narrow staircase also has a turn or landing, that’s a curved stair lift situation. Custom rail fabrication is required, taking four to eight weeks and costing between $10,000 and $27,000. The narrow width doesn’t add cost on its own; the curve is what drives the price.
Does a Narrow Staircase Affect Who Can Walk Past the Lift?
No, typically everyone in your home can use the stairs, even with a stair lift installed. They’re designed to fold up so others can use the staircase and are parked at the top or bottom of the stairs.
If someone in the home uses a walker or wheelchair on the stairs, that’s a different conversation worth having with an installer before purchasing.
FAQ: Stair Lifts for Narrow Staircases in Lee’s Summit
What is the minimum staircase width for a stair lift?
Most models require at least 28-30 inches of width. Some configurations can work in slightly tighter spaces, but this varies by model.
Will a stair lift block my staircase for other people in the house?
No, when folded and parked, most stair lifts leave room for others to use the staircase. The seat, footrest and armrest should all fold up, out of the way.
Do narrow staircases cost more to fit with a stair lift?
No, there’s not a separate price for narrow staircases. Straight stair lifts are more affordable than curved or outdoor units so it depends on your staircase.
How long does installation take for a straight stair lift?
Most straight stair lift installations take two to four hours. You’ll be up and running the same day.
Does Independent Home Solutions help Lee’s Summit homeowners?
Yes, we do! You can call us at 913-228-3039 to schedule a free in-home assessment.
Ready to Find Out If Your Staircase Qualifies?
The only way to know for sure if your staircase can accommodate a stair lift is to have someone come measure it. Our assessments are free, take about an hour, and there’s no pressure to buy.
Call Independent Home Solutions at 913-228-3039 to get started. Our current service areas include Fairway, Kansas City, Leawood, Lenexa, Mission, Mission Hills, Overland Park, Olathe, Prairie Village, Shawnee, Roeland Park, and Westwood in Kansas and Blue Springs, Belton, Gladstone, Grain Valley, Grandview, Independence, Kansas City, Lees Summit, Liberty, North Kansas City, Pleasant Hill, Raymore, Raytown, and Waldo in Missouri.
