How to Install a Stair Lift

If your aging parent or a loved one is having a hard time getting up and down the stairs in their multi-story home, it may be time to install a Home Access Products stair lift, such as the Summit SL350 Stairlift. A stair lift takes up less space than a ramp or an elevator, and it reduces the risk of slipping and falling, thus preventing injury and lessening the fatigue of the aging resident.

For videos of how to install stair lifts at home, click here.

Although installing a stair lift may look hard at first, the process can be broken down into eight easy steps.

1. Buy your stair lift. Medical supply shops near hospitals may have them, and you can also order stair lifts online. Make sure to accurately measure the stairs before buying to ensure that the track is the correct length.
2. Lay the lower track on the stairs and attach the brackets to the stairs with the screws that came with your stair lift. Usually, you’ll place three brackets total: at the top of the stairs, at the bottom, and in the middle of the stairs. Take care to lay the track on the wall side of the stairs- laying it on the railing side will block people trying to walk up and down the stairs.
3. Install the call box wiring. Your stair lift will come with wiring to alert the lift to come down when it’s at the top of the stairs. Feed this cord through the track and against the wall (so that it stays out of the way and doesn’t create a tripping hazard) from the bottom to the top. Some tracks will have a specific place for the cord to clip onto the underside.
4. Lay the upper track on top of the lower track. It should slide onto the lower track and screw in; then, you can connect the upper track to the brackets you’ve already attached to the stairs. The seat base will attach between the two tracks.
5. Install the chain. The chain serves as a pulley to move the chair up and down. The chain fits securely in the center of the track, with half on the left side and half on the right. It should move smoothly if fed correctly.
6. Feed the seat’s power cable through its slot in the track. Because the cable moves with the chair, again, you will want to make sure it moves smoothly and won’t get stuck. If it gets stuck, it might pull out of the track, which is hazardous.
7. Attach the seat to the track using the supplied screws. Adjust it to a position that will be comfortable for the user. Only test the seat when it is securely attached to the track.
8. Plug the main power cable into the bottom of the track, and plug the other end into the wall outlet.

Congratulations! You’ve just installed your own stair lift. If you have questions, our team is always happy to help you out. We’re just a phone call away.