Much of Pennsylvania’s housing went up between the 1880s and the 1940s. Builders then worked to tighter dimensions than today, and the staircases show it: tall risers, shallow treads and barely enough width for one person. They are beautiful, and they are hard work.
Why steep stairs are a hazard
- Each step demands a higher lift of the knee
- Shallow treads give the foot less to stand on, especially coming down
- Enclosed stairwells are often dim
- There is frequently a handrail on one side only
Can a stair lift cope?
Yes. A stair lift’s rail is set to the angle of your particular staircase, and the seat stays level whatever the slope. Compact models are intended for tight spaces, and their footrests and seats fold to leave a walking path.
What the surveyor checks
- The angle of the stairs against the lift’s working range
- The clear width, including any radiator or trim that intrudes
- Headroom, since steep stairs can pass under a low ceiling or a beam
- Space to get on at the bottom and off at the top
- The condition of the treads, which carry the rail
Typical Pennsylvania situations
- Row homes and twins. A straight, enclosed flight is usually the easiest of all to fit.
- Double-block houses. Stairs often run up beside the party wall, and the rail goes on that side.
- Farmhouses. Winder steps at the top or bottom may need a rail that turns.
Small improvements to make alongside
- Add a second handrail
- Improve the lighting, with switches at both ends
- Repair loose or worn treads
When the stairs really are too tight
Occasionally a staircase is too narrow or twisting for any lift. A compact home elevator, such as the shaft-less LUMA, placed elsewhere in the house may then be the answer.
Have yours measured
See the Indy models on our stair lifts page. Nationwide Lifts of Pennsylvania offers a free home assessment. Call 570-217-8426 or contact us.