Stair lifts become essential when we age or incur mobility challenges. Simple tasks such as accessing different floors in the house suddenly become a challenge. But luckily, these machines have revolutionized how we maintain our independence.

Owning a home means each day is an opportunity to learn some good old-fashioned DIY tricks. So, stop paying companies money to install your stair lift when you can do it yourself.

Throughout this blog, we break down the guide to stair lift installation into a clear and concise step-by-step guide. We guide you through the installation and post-installation steps and share a few safety tips with you. Let’s help you elevate your home.

Pre-Installation Preparation

Before anything else, the first step when installing a stair lift is to evaluate and lay the ground for the actual work. This stage is crucial for a smooth and successful installation process. It includes:

Evaluate your staircase

Carefully examine your staircase, taking note of its dimensions, design, and specific characteristics such as landings and curves. This helps you choose a stair lift that will fit best.

Remove any obstacles

Clear the stairway of any potential hazards and obstacles. Remove any loose items that may pose a challenge during the installation. It’s important to have a clear and unobstructed path for an easier and safer installation.

Staircase weight capacity

Next, you need to assess the weight capacity of your stairs. Stair lifts have their weight limit. Plus, it’s important that the model you choose can accommodate this and your weight. Confirm with the manufacturer’s manual if you are unsure.

Power Source

Stair lifts need a reliable source of power to operate. Make sure that your power outlet is easily accessible, and it can connect with the lift easily. You can consult with an electrician if there are no outlets within your proximity.

Peruse the instruction manual

Carefully go through the instruction manual, reading and familiarizing yourself with the steps. Check for the requirements and any specific precautions or instructions provided. Understand the manual to make sure that you will go through the installation with confidence.

Again, the pre-installation stage is important for a safe and successful installation process. These preparations ensure that you have a smooth transition. When all is in place, you can now move to the real work.

Installation Steps

After the pre-installation process, it’s time for the actual work. Here’s a breakdown of a step-by-step guide on what to do.

Step 1: Gather Your Equipment

Make sure you have all the tools and equipment you’ll need. These include measuring tape, screwdrivers, wrenches, a drill, and any specific tool outlined in the manual guide.

Step 2: Position and Secure the Track

Position the stair lift track along the staircase. Make sure it is level and that the top landing is aligned. Mark holes on the stairs where you will attach the stairs.

Now, using screws and bolts, be guided by the marked holes to secure the track to the stairs. Fasten it securely throughout the track. 

Step 3: Install Plates and Brackets

The next step is to install mounting plates and brackets to the track. These help in providing additional support and stability to the chair. Use the manufacturer’s instructions for proper attachment and placement.

Step 4: Install the Chair

Take the chair and carefully align it with the track. Connect the two securely. The seat, footrest, and armrest should be connected securely. Be guided by the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Confirm that you’ve fastened everything properly and that the chair can move smoothly along the track without obstructions.

Step 5: Connect Power Supply

Your stair lift needs power to operate. Again, use the manufacturer’s guidelines to connect all the electrical wiring needed. This involves connecting wires, having proper grounding, and plugging in the power supply.

Exercise extreme caution in this step. If you have any doubts, call in a professional to help you out. Better to be safe than sorry.

Step 6: Test the Stair Lift

It’s now time to test whether you are a good handyman. Test the chair to confirm that it is functioning properly. Operate the chair in all directions and look out for any abnormal movements. Also, listen for any unusual noises.

Confirm that all the safety features, such as sensors and seat belts, are functioning correctly. If something is out of place, take time to correct it. Confirm with the manual how to rectify and reinstall it.

You can decide to make adjustments to the chair and fine-tune it to your liking. Adjust the seat’s height, armrests, or footrest as you wish.

Post-Installation Care

We are almost done. To maintain your stair lift in top shape, you need to exercise post-installation care tips. Don’t know what those are? Here are a few.

• Like any equipment or furniture in your home, you need to clean your stair lift regularly. Wipe the seat, footrest, and armrest using a soft, damp cloth. Don’t use any abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals that may damage the material.
• Make sure you lubricate the lift’s moving parts. This helps reduce wear and tear and ensure a smooth operation.
• If your stair lift uses batteries, maintain them to ensure a reliable operation. Schedule battery replacements when the need arises to prevent unexpected inconveniences.
• Always address any malfunctions or issues with your stair lift promptly. Don’t delay them. Contact a qualified technician or the manufacturer to help resolve the issue. This will help prevent any further damage.
• If the stair lift is going to be used by many people, ensure everyone knows how to operate it. They should be able to safely get on and off the chair and operate the controls. Educate them on the safety guidelines to prevent future accidents.

Safety Tips

Congratulations on successfully installing a stair lift in your home. But before you start using it, you need to perform a standard safety check. Safety is a top priority to ensure you have an enjoyable and secure experience.

Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind when installing and using a stair lift.

• Read through the manufacturer’s manual carefully. Familiarize yourself with the instructions and guidelines provided. Keep an eye on the operating procedures, weight limits, and any given precaution or warning.
• Always use a seat belt with a stair lift. You want to remain buckled up in place to prevent accidental falls or slips during the ride. 
• Respect and observe the recommended weight limits specified by the manufacturer. There’s a reason these are in place. Exceeding the limits will compromise the safety and stability of the stair lift. Only transport heavy objects using a stair lift as a last resort.
• We already mentioned this, but it’s worth repeating. When installing (and even using) a stair lift, make sure the path and surrounding area are free from any obstacles or objects that could pose a hazard. Clear the path to ensure a smooth and safe ride.
• Inspect the stair lift periodically and check for any signs of malfunction, damage, and wear and tear. Also, confirm that all the safety features, such as emergency stop buttons and sensors, are functioning properly.
• Keep your hands and feet clear of the moving parts when using the stair lift. Don’t reach out or place objects near the wheel or on the track when the lift is moving.
• Use the lift’s remote control responsibly. Only use it when necessary and keep it out of children’s reach. 
• Finally, once in a while, it is a good idea to call in professionals to perform maintenance checks on the stair lift and service it. They will inspect the components and perform any necessary adjustments. They will also ensure that the lift is performing as it should.

Conclusion

Anything else that we’ve left out? I don’t think so. Stair lifts are a valuable asset for people with mobility issues. They help them navigate their homes independently and safely.

Hopefully, this guide will provide you with the inspiration and knowledge to begin your stair lift journey, from installation to using it. The safety tips and post-installation care should also help you maintain the lift in top shape and remain safe.

At Mobility Paradise, we have a wide variety of stair lifts that any competent handyman will find super easy to install. You can complete their installation process in 3 hours or less when you follow the installation instructions.

Browse through our stair lift collection and pick one that suits you the best. Also, feel free to contact us with any questions or if you need assistance. We are always happy to help!