--- title: "Straight vs Curved Stairlift: What's the Difference? | Salford Stairlifts" description: "How to tell which type your staircase needs, and why curved lifts cost more." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Guides", "item": "/guides" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Straight vs Curved Stairlift: What's the Difference?" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "My stairs have a small step at the top — is that curved?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Usually yes. Even a single intermediate step counts as a curve and needs a custom rail." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I get away with a straight lift on bendy stairs?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "No — a straight rail can only ever serve a straight flight safely." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How much extra is a curved lift?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Typically £1,400–£3,000 more than the equivalent straight model." } } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Article", "headline": "Straight vs Curved Stairlift: What's the Difference?", "description": "How to tell which type your staircase needs, and why curved lifts cost more.", "author": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Salford Stairlifts" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Salford Stairlifts" } } ] --- [S Salford Stairlifts Family-run · BHTA ](/) [Products](/products)[Locations](/locations)[Services](/services)[Guides](/guides)[Reviews](/reviews)[About](/about) [07897 037526](tel:07897037526)[Free survey](/free-quote) [Products](/products)[Locations](/locations)[Services](/services)[Guides](/guides)[Reviews](/reviews)[About](/about)[Book a free survey](/free-quote) - Family-run · Local, 10+ years - Same-week install · Most straight lifts - 12-month warranty · On every fit Buyer guide # Straight vs Curved Stairlift: What's the Difference? How to tell which type your staircase needs, and why curved lifts cost more. 1. [Home](/) 2. [Guides](/guides) 3. Straight vs Curved Stairlift: What's the Difference? Key takeaways - • Straight = single uninterrupted flight - • Curved = any bend, half-landing or spiral - • Straight lifts are 50–75% cheaper - • Two straight lifts can sometimes replace one curved A straight stairlift fits a single uninterrupted run of stairs. Anything with a bend, half-landing, intermediate step or change of direction needs a curved stairlift with a custom rail. ## How to tell which you need Stand at the bottom of your stairs and look up. If you can see the top step in a single line, it's a straight stairlift. If the stairs turn (even slightly), it's curved. ## Why curved costs more The rail is custom-manufactured to the exact dimensions of your staircase — there is no off-the-shelf rail. The seat unit itself is similar in price. ## The two-straights trick Some Salford homes with a half-landing can be fitted with two straight lifts (one per flight) instead of a curved — sometimes much cheaper, with a small standing transfer at the landing. ### Want a fixed written quote? Book a free home survey — a real surveyor, not a salesperson, with a written quote within 24 hours. [Book my free survey](/free-quote) **About this guide.** Written by the Salford Stairlifts engineering team — BHTA-approved, 10+ years fitting stairlifts across Greater Manchester. Last updated 2026. ## Get a free quote We'll call you back within one working hour. Your name \* Phone \* Postcode Email (optional) I'm interested in Not sure yet New Straight Stairlifts Reconditioned Straight Stairlifts Used / Second-Hand Stairlifts New Curved Stairlifts Reconditioned Curved Stairlifts Stairlifts for Narrow Stairs Anything we should know? (optional) Request my free quote No pushy sales calls, ever. Free, no-obligation survey. ## Frequently asked questions ## My stairs have a small step at the top — is that curved? Usually yes. Even a single intermediate step counts as a curve and needs a custom rail. ## Can I get away with a straight lift on bendy stairs? No — a straight rail can only ever serve a straight flight safely. ## How much extra is a curved lift? Typically £1,400–£3,000 more than the equivalent straight model. ### Nearby areas we cover Same engineers, same prices, same week. - [Stairlifts Salford](/locations/salford) - [Stairlifts Swinton](/locations/swinton) - [Stairlifts Prestwich](/locations/prestwich) - [Stairlifts Cheetham Hill](/locations/cheetham-hill) - [Stairlifts Deansgate](/locations/deansgate) - [Stairlifts Northern Quarter](/locations/northern-quarter) Salford Stairlifts Family-run stairlift specialists. 10+ years fitting new, reconditioned and curved stairlifts across Salford and Greater Manchester. - [07897 037526](tel:07897037526) - [hello@salfordstairlifts.co.uk](mailto:hello@salfordstairlifts.co.uk) - 3 Acton Square, Salford M5 4NY - Mon–Sat 8am–7pm · Emergency callouts 24/7 Stairlifts [New straight](/products/new-straight)[Reconditioned straight](/products/reconditioned-straight)[Used](/products/used-second-hand)[New curved](/products/new-curved)[Reconditioned curved](/products/reconditioned-curved)[Narrow-stairs](/products/narrow-stairs) Service areas [Salford](/locations/salford)[Swinton](/locations/swinton)[Prestwich](/locations/prestwich)[Cheetham Hill](/locations/cheetham-hill)[Deansgate](/locations/deansgate)[Northern Quarter](/locations/northern-quarter)[Eccles](/locations/eccles)[Worsley](/locations/worsley) Help [Installation](/services/installation)[Repairs](/services/repairs)[Servicing](/services/servicing)[Removal](/services/removal)[Free survey](/services/free-home-survey)[FAQs](/faqs)[Contact](/contact) © 2026 Salford Stairlifts. 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