The short answer
A straight stairlift runs on a single, standard-length rail up a staircase with no bends or landings, so it is quicker to supply and fit and costs less — typically £2,000–£4,000. A curved stairlift is fitted where the staircase turns, has a half-landing, or has intermediate steps, and its rail must be custom-made to the exact shape of your stairs. That bespoke manufacturing is why curved models cost more — usually £4,000–£8,000+ — and why they take longer to supply. The right type is decided by your staircase: if it is a single straight flight, a straight lift fits; any turn or landing usually means a curved rail.
The choice between straight and curved is not really a preference — it is set by the shape of your staircase. Here is what separates them and why it matters for cost and lead time.
At a glance
- Straightsingle standard rail, no bends
- Curvedbespoke rail, turns or landings
- Straight cost£2,000–£4,000
- Curved cost£4,000–£8,000+
- Decided byyour staircase shape
How the two differ
A straight stairlift covers a staircase that runs in one straight line with no turns or intermediate landings. Because the rail is a standard length cut to fit, it can usually be supplied and installed quickly. A curved stairlift is needed wherever the staircase changes direction — a 90- or 180-degree turn, a half-landing, or a few steps before a bend. Its rail is manufactured to match the precise contours of your stairs, often measured by laser or photo survey, so it costs more and takes longer to produce.
| Feature | Straight | Curved |
|---|---|---|
| Staircase | single straight flight | turns, bends or landings |
| Rail | standard length, cut to fit | bespoke, made to measure |
| Typical cost | £2,000–£4,000 | £4,000–£8,000+ |
| Lead time | usually quicker | longer (rail is made to order) |
General comparison for guidance. Sources: Which? and BHTA buyer guidance.
How your staircase is measured
For a straight lift, the supplier measures the length of the flight and confirms the seat and footrest will leave safe clearance at the top and bottom. For a curved lift, the survey is more detailed — the bends, landing and step layout are measured precisely so the bespoke rail follows the staircase exactly. This is why a curved quote should always follow an in-person or detailed survey rather than a number quoted blind over the phone.
Not sure which type your stairs need?
We'll match you with a BHTA-member stairlift supplier who surveys your staircase and confirms whether a straight or curved lift fits, then quotes on a clear specification.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a straight and curved stairlift?
A straight stairlift runs on a standard-length rail up a single straight flight, while a curved stairlift has a bespoke rail made to match a staircase with turns, bends or a half-landing. The curved rail is custom-manufactured, which is why it costs more.
Why is a curved stairlift more expensive?
Because the rail is built to the exact shape of your staircase rather than cut from a standard length. That bespoke manufacturing costs more and takes longer, so curved lifts typically run £4,000–£8,000+ against £2,000–£4,000 for straight.
Do I need a survey before a curved stairlift quote?
Yes — a firm curved-stairlift price should follow a detailed survey of your staircase, because the rail is made to measure. A number quoted blind over the phone cannot account for your bends and landings.
Sources & further reading
Figures on this page are typical UK ranges drawn from published sources and depend on your specific staircase. They are guidance, not a quotation.