Straight vs Curved Stairlifts: Differences and Costs
Straight vs Curved Stairlifts: Differences and Costs
Which stairlift you need comes down to the shape of your stairs. It also has the biggest effect on the price.
Last checked: 6 November 2026.
Straight stairlifts
A straight stairlift runs along a staircase with no bends or landings. Which? says standard straight stairlifts typically range from £2,000 to £4,000 (2026 pricing from key manufacturers).
Acorn says a straight stairlift can be fitted in as little as an hour.
Curved stairlifts
A curved stairlift is used where the staircase turns, has a landing or has more than one bend. Which? explains that the rail has to be made to fit the exact shape of your stairs, which is why these are more bespoke. It puts custom curved stairlifts at £4,500 to £8,000 or more, and says each corner in the staircase roughly doubles the initial price.
Acorn says a curved stairlift takes a few hours to fit once the rail has been made.
Side by side
Staircase: straight has no bends; curved follows turns and landings.
Typical price (Which?, 2026): straight £2,000 to £4,000; curved £4,500 to £8,000 or more.
Rail: straight rails are standard; curved rails are made to measure.
Timescale: Which? says brands such as Acorn and Stannah can take between one and 14 days, with curved stairlifts taking longer.
Not sure which you need?
You don't have to work it out yourself. The surveyor who visits your home will measure the stairs and tell you which type fits. Read what happens at a stairlift home survey so you know what to expect.
Ways to bring the cost down
Check whether you qualify for VAT relief, and whether your council offers help with the cost.
If you'd like a figure for your own stairs, you can request a free stairlift quote and Acorn will contact you to arrange a free home survey. There's no obligation.
Sources
Essex Home Support doesn't fit stairlifts. We've partnered with Acorn Stairlifts and may receive a fee if you go ahead after being referred by us. Prices, rules and grants change, so check the current details with the organisations linked below. This is general information, not advice.
