This is hands-down one of the most common concerns we hear from homeowners considering a stair lift. The good news? You can breathe easy. When professionally installed, stair lifts won’t damage your walls at all.
Here’s why: stair lifts attach directly to your stair treads, not your walls.
How Stair Lifts Actually Get Installed
At Independent Home Solutions, we secure the stair lift rail system directly onto your stair treads using heavy-duty screws. Since everything mounts to the stairs themselves rather than the surrounding walls, your walls stay completely untouched throughout the entire process.
This mounting method isn’t just about protecting your walls – it’s actually the strongest and safest way to install a stair lift. Your stairs are built to handle weight and movement, making them the ideal foundation for the system.
What Happens When You Remove a Stair Lift?
Maybe you’re wondering about the long-term commitment. What if your needs change, or you decide to sell your home? Our trained technicians can completely remove stair lifts, and with a little basic touch-up work, it’ll look like nothing was ever there.
Here’s what to expect based on your stair type:
- Wooden Stairs: You’ll have small screw holes in each tread where the rail was mounted. A quick application of wood filler, followed by light sanding with fine-grit sandpaper, will make these disappear completely.
- Concrete Stairs: Similar process – just use concrete filler instead of wood filler to patch the mounting holes.
- Carpeted Stairs: You might notice some slight indentations where the brackets sat, similar to what you’d see after moving heavy furniture. A thorough vacuum and carpet cleaning typically restores the original appearance.
Common Questions About Stair Lift Installation
What are the main drawbacks of stair lifts?
The biggest consideration is space. Stair lifts do take up room on your staircase, which can be challenging if you have particularly narrow stairs. Also, if you have multiple floors, you’ll need separate units for each level, which increases the overall investment.
Do I need reinforced walls for installation?
Not at all. Since stair lifts mount to the stairs rather than walls, wall strength isn’t a factor in the installation process.
How safe are modern stair lifts?
Today’s stair lifts are incredibly reliable and come loaded with safety features, including obstruction sensors, seatbelts, emergency stop buttons, and swivel seats for easier transfers.
How long do stair lifts typically last?
With proper maintenance, you can expect about ten years of reliable service from your stair lift. Regular check-ups help ensure all safety features continue working properly.
The bottom line: a professionally installed stair lift protects your home while giving you the independence to safely navigate your stairs again.
