Can You Install a Stair Lift on Curved Stairs?

If you’re caring for a loved one or planning for your aging-in-place journey, navigating curved stairs can become a real concern. Maybe your staircase spirals, has multiple landings, or features a custom design that’s far from “standard.”

That’s when the question naturally comes up: Can you install a stair lift on curved stairs?

In this article, we’ll answer that directly and walk you through what you can expect from curved stairlift installation—what makes it different, what to plan for, and how to make sure it’s a perfect fit for your home and your needs.

Key Takeaways

• A stair lift can go on curved stairs if the rail is custom-made for your staircase shape.
• Curved stairlifts take longer to install because every rail is built to match your home’s unique layout.
• Safety features like a seatbelt, footrest, armrests, and remote controls come standard on curved stairlift models.
• A curved stairlift helps you or your loved one stay safe, comfortable, and independent across all floors at home.

Is It Possible to Add a Stair Lift to Curved Stairs?

Yes, you absolutely can install a stair lift on curved stairs, but it’s a custom job. Unlike straight stairlifts, which can often be installed with pre-cut, modular rail sections, curved stairlifts are designed to match the exact shape and flow of your staircase.

This includes shapes like 90- or 180-degree turns, spiral staircases, or multi-level runs with landings.

Here in California, where architecture tends to lean toward unique layouts, think split-level ranch homes in San Diego or spiral entryways in San Francisco Victorians, curved stairlift installations are more common than you might expect.

What to Expect When Installing a Stair Lift on Curved Stairs

Here’s what the process typically involves:

Custom Rail Fabrication for Your Stairs

Curved stairlifts require a curved rail, and no two are alike. Whether your stairs have a bottom landing turn or wrap around in a spiral, the rail has to be bent or manufactured to match that shape exactly.

California homes often feature irregular layouts, and stairlift providers account for this by creating a CAD model of your staircase before building your rail.

Options like the Bruno Elite curved stair lift offer high-quality curved rail options that prioritize both stability and aesthetics.

Longer Lead Times Due to Customization

Since curved stairlifts are not one-size-fits-all, you can expect a longer timeline between your initial consultation and the final installation. Depending on the manufacturer, the wait for a custom curved rail can range from a couple of weeks to over a month.

If you’re helping a loved one transition home after surgery or a hospital stay, it’s best to plan so the stairlift is ready when they are.

Professional Installation Is Non-negotiable

With a straight stairlift, modular rail systems sometimes allow for limited DIY installs. That’s not the case with curved stairlifts.

Because of the exact stairlift rail alignment needed—especially around tight corners or steep inclines—a professional installation ensures your safety and the unit’s long-term reliability.

An expert will handle everything from anchoring the rail into stair treads to calibrating the seat’s swivel and footrest settings.

Safety and Comfort Features Still Apply

Just like with straight models, curved stairlifts come with built-in safety features:

• Seatbelt
• Obstruction Sensors
• Footrest
• Armrests
• Smooth Starts and Stops

Many models also include power swivel seats, which help the rider turn safely onto the top landing without twisting or straining. You can also add remote controls so the lift can be called or sent from either end of the stairs.

It’s Made to Last, And Backed by Warranty

Curved stairlifts handle more wear and tear than you might think.

Most manufacturers provide generous warranties, and at California Mobility, we choose stairlift models based on weight capacity, daily use expectations, and even power outage resilience.

Battery-powered units with automatic recharging stations are common, meaning your lift works even when the lights don’t.

Ready for a Stair Lift That Fits Your Home, Curves and All?

If your home has curved or winding stairs, you don’t need to move or limit your daily routine to just one floor. With the right stairlift model and a professional team guiding the process, a curved stairlift can offer you or your loved one the confidence to live safely at home.

At California Mobility, we specialize in stairlift installation across California, including curved stairlifts for spiral staircases, multi-landing runs, and custom home layouts. Our experts will walk you through rail options, safety features, and seat styles to make sure the lift is the right fit.

Call us today for a free quote and a personalized consultation.

Whether you live in Los Angeles, the Bay Area, or anywhere in between, we’ll help you find a curved stairlift that brings you peace of mind, a smooth ride, so you can safely move between floors, without stress or hassle.