What You Need to Know
Chair Lifts for Stairs with Landings
Not all staircases are the same. Some are straight and simple, while others include turns, curves, or multiple landings. If your home has stairs with landings, you may be wondering what type of chair lift will work best. This guide explains the different types of staircases with landings, why landings exist, and the chair lift solutions available for them.
What Are Stairs with Landings?
A landing is a flat platform between flights of stairs. It may be located:
- At the top or bottom of a staircase.
- In the middle, when stairs change direction.
- Between multiple flights in a multi-level home.
Landings are more than just design features, they’re often required for safety. Building codes in many areas limit how many steps can run continuously before a landing or change in direction is needed. This makes stairways safer and easier to climb.
Common Staircase Designs with Landings
Straight Stairs with a Landing
Straight stairs may include a mid-landing between two flights. This design is common in taller homes and is one of the simplest layouts for stairlift installation.
L-Shaped Stairs
These stairs make a 90-degree turn at a landing, saving space and creating a more compact design.
U-Shaped Stairs
A U-shaped staircase has two flights that run in opposite directions, connected by a landing. The turn makes it easier to fit long staircases into smaller floor plans.
Curved, or Spiral Stairs
These stairs change direction by gradually turning rather than having a flat landing between flights. Some designs still include landings at the top or bottom.
Split Staircases
Sometimes a staircase divides into two directions from a large central landing. These can be more complex for stairlift installation but are still manageable with the right solution.
Chair Lift Options for Stairs with Landings
The type of stairlift you need depends on the shape of your stairs.
Straight Chair Lifts
- Best for single, uninterrupted staircases or stairs with a simple mid-landing.
- In homes with two separate straight flights, you can install two straight chairlifts, one on each staircase. However, the rider will need to transfer at the landing.
Curved Chair Lifts
- Designed for stairs that turn, bend, or spiral.
- Custom-built to match the exact shape of your staircase, allowing for a smooth, continuous ride from bottom to top without transferring between lifts.
- Ideal for L-shaped, U-shaped, or multi-landing staircases.
Multiple Landings and Multi-Level Homes
If your stairs include several landings or split directions, you typically have two options:
- Two or more straight lifts (cost-effective, but requires transferring at landings).
- One continuous curved stairlift (higher investment, but seamless travel from start to finish). Some curved models also include mid-park stops, letting you safely exit at an intermediate landing if needed.
Final Thoughts
Chair lifts for stairs with landings are not one-size-fits-all. The right choice depends on your staircase design, budget, and mobility needs.
- For simple straight stairs with a landing, two straight lifts may be sufficient.
- For curved or turning staircases, a custom curved stairlift is usually the best solution.
Take the Next Step
Mark & the team have installed over 1000 Stairlifts, so you can count on us to do the job right. If you’re unsure which option is right for your home, a professional stairlift consultation can provide clear answers and tailored recommendations.
