Outdoor Stair Lifts

Other kinds of stair lifts which are used in special circumstances are outdoor stair lifts. An outdoor stair lift is like its indoor counterparts, the straight and curved stair lifts, but of course this one is used outside rather than with your home. The only real difference between indoor and outdoor stair lifts lies in weather proofing.

Why Outdoor Stair Lifts?

Outdoor stair lift seats must be sturdier, to withstand the elements. Think about it: in terms of the upholstery on your patio furniture must be tougher than the fabric covering your sofa. The electrical supply and control for the stair lift must also be insulated better to prevent damage due to moisture of temperature extremes resulting from exposure.

Wheelchair Platform Outdoor Stair Lifts

Another type of stair lift that is more common for outdoor use than indoor is the wheelchair platform stair lift. This is a heavier duty stair lift that does not have a seat, but rather a platform which a person confined to a wheelchair may mount while remaining in their wheelchair. The platform then has safety rails which hold the wheelchair in place while the lift is moving. These are more common in outdoor situations due to the fact that wheelchair platform outdoor stair lifts are generally more bulky than normal stair lifts, and only the widest stair cases can accommodate them.

Outdoor Stair Lift Pricing

Prices for outdoor stair lifts are much higher than their indoor counterparts, due to weatherproofing, sturdier construction, and the use of non-corroding metals for the cleats and rail installation. For straight outdoor stair lifts, prices begin around $2000 and can go as high as $6000 for deluxe models. Curved outdoor stair lifts are more expensive still, and suffer all the drawbacks of curved indoor stair lifts, inclusing longer wait times for installation, more maintenance, and being more difficult to install properly.

Manufacturer Comparisons

Most stair lift manufacturers offer their stair lifts modified for outdoor installation. Of the various manufacturers, owner reviews of outdoor stair lifts showed the company Sterling to be the clear choice for reliability, adjustability, product quality, and aesthetics, with a rating of 8 out of a possible 10 points. The lowest rating fell to Acorn, which manufactures all types of stair lifts. User complaints included full or partial unit failures, and difficulties in getting the company to honor warranties

With the many options available in stair lifts, there is one to suit almost every need. Should your need for a stair lift lie outside rather than inside, do not worry, as there are many options available to you. Whether your outside staircase is straight or curved, and depending on your budget, there are outdoor stair lifts available to assist you in getting around outdoors.