How Long Does Stairlift Installation Take?

Posted on 16th March 2026 at 19:04

How Long Does It Take to Install a Stairlift?

Many people considering a stairlift worry that installation will be complicated or take a long time. In reality, most stairlifts can be installed quickly and with minimal disruption to your home.

Modern stairlift at the bottom of stairs

Straight Stairlift Installation Time

Most straight stairlifts can be installed in 1-2 hours.

This includes fitting the rail to the staircase, installing the chair, testing the system and demonstrations provided by our qualified engineers

Popular models such as the Acorn 130 Stairlift are designed for quick installation.

Curved Stairlift Installation Time

Curved stairlifts take longer to manufacture because the rail is made specifically for your staircase.

Once the rail is ready, installation normally takes 3–5 hours.

Popular models such as the Acorn 180 Curved Stairlift we have modular track systems in stock and can be installed the same week compared to the new stairlift that has to be manufactured

What Happens During Installation?

A stairlift engineer will:

1. Fit the rail to the stairs (not the wall)

2. Attach the stairlift chair

3. Connect the power supply

4. Test safety features

5. Show you how to use the lift safely

Will It Damage My Staircase?

No. Stairlifts are fixed directly to the stairs rather than the wall, meaning installation is usually non-invasive.

If a stairlift is later removed, the staircase can normally be returned to its original condition

Areas We Install Stairlifts

Think Stairlifts installs stairlifts across Yorkshire including:

• Hull

• Leeds

• York

• Scarborough

• Beverley

• Doncaster

• Sheffield

Most stairlifts can be installed in just a few hours, meaning you can regain safe access to your home the very same day.

Our engineers install stairlifts across Yorkshire including York, Scarborough, Hull, Doncaster and surrounding areas.

Stairlift Installation FAQs

Many people considering a stairlift want to know how long installation takes and what to expect on the day. Below are answers to some of the most common questions about stairlift installation times and the process involved

How long does it take to install a straight stairlift?

Most straight stairlifts can be installed within 1–2 hours. Models such as the Acorn 130 straight stairlift are designed for quick installation because the rail fits directly to the staircase and can be cut to the correct length during fitting.

How long does a curved stairlift installation take?

Curved stairlifts normally take 3–5 hours to install. Stairlifts such as the Acorn 180 curved stairlift or an Otolift curved stairlift use a custom-made rail that is built specifically for the shape of your staircase

Can a stairlift be installed in one day?

Yes. In many cases a straight stairlift such as the Acorn 130 can be installed the same day or within a few days of ordering, depending on availability and scheduling

Does installing a stairlift damage the stairs or walls?

No. Stairlifts from manufacturers such as Acorn and Otolift are fitted directly to the stair treads rather than the wall, meaning installation is quick and causes minimal disruption to your home.

Do you need to prepare your home before stairlift installation?

Very little preparation is required. Installers simply need clear access to the staircase, and stairlifts such as the Acorn 130 or Acorn 180 can usually be installed without any major building work.