Can a Stairlift Be Installed on Either Side of Your Stairs

One of the most common questions about stairlifts is whether they must be installed on a specific side of the staircase. The simple answer is no. In most homes, stairlifts can be installed on either side of the stairs. Choosing the best side depends on several factors, including the layout of your staircase, nearby doorways, and what provides the safest and most comfortable ride.

This post explains what determines the best side for stairlift installation and how you can decide which option works best for your home.

What Determines Which Side We Install On?

When assessing a staircase for a stairlift, several key factors guide the decision about which side to install the rail and seat.

Available Space at the Top and Bottom

The most important consideration is how much room is available for safely getting on and off the stairlift. Sometimes one side offers a much easier exit point at the top landing or bottom of the stairs. For example, if the top landing has a doorway or hallway on one side, installing the stairlift rail on the opposite side can provide a clear path for exiting.

Doorways and Hallways

We want to avoid blocking doors or creating obstacles at either end of the staircase. In many homes, placing the rail on the opposite side of doorways or hallways creates a cleaner fit and better flow. For instance, if a door opens near the bottom of the stairs on the left side, installing the stairlift on the right side prevents interference with the door swing.

Existing Handrails

Many homeowners worry that their existing handrails must be removed to install a stairlift. In most cases, this is not necessary. Stairlift rails attach directly to the stair treads, not the wall, so existing handrails can often remain in place. This means you can keep your familiar handrail for extra support while still enjoying the convenience of a stairlift.

User Comfort

Sometimes the best side is simply the side that feels more natural for the person using the lift. Factors such as mobility limitations, arthritis, balance concerns, and room layout all play a role. For example, if a user has limited strength or range of motion on one side, installing the stairlift on the opposite side can make it easier to transfer on and off the seat.

How We Help You Choose the Best Side

At New England Stairlifts, we can often determine the best installation location from just two photos:

• One photo taken from the top looking down the stairs

• One photo taken from the bottom looking up the stairs

  
  

With these images, we can provide an exact recommendation and pricing within minutes. This saves you the hassle of an in-home visit and speeds up the process of getting a stairlift installed.

Examples of Stairlift Installation Choices

Here are a few real-world examples to illustrate how the side choice varies:

• Example 1: A narrow staircase with a door immediately at the bottom left. Installing the stairlift on the right side keeps the door clear and allows easy access to the lift.

• Example 2: A staircase with a wide landing at the top and a hallway on the right. Installing the stairlift on the left side provides a safer exit without blocking the hallway.

• Example 3: A user with arthritis in the right arm prefers the stairlift on the left side to make transfers easier and more comfortable.

  
  

These examples show that the best side depends on the unique layout of your home and the needs of the user.

What to Do Next

If you are considering a stairlift but are unsure which side to choose, send two photos of your staircase:

• One from the top looking down

• One from the bottom looking up

  
  

We will review your photos and let you know:

• Which side is best for installation

• Whether a stairlift will fit your stairs

• Available new, reconditioned, and rental options

• Exact pricing with no obligation

  
  

This quick process helps you make an informed decision without waiting for an in-home visit.