How to Measure

Measuring for your new stair lift is a 5 to 10 minute job. Some customers have an unfounded fear of measuring wrong. The measurements are few and very straightforward. The tollerances are not so exact that things like carpet runners will make a difference.

Stand at the bottom of the stairs looking up and decide which side of the stairs the lift will be mounted on. There is no need to consider handrails or make any other compromises as the lift will mount directly to the stair treads and can be adjusted to miss things like handrails. Even a wall isn't required. The stair lift rail will overhang the top landing by 6" and butt into the floor at the bottom approximately 12" beyond the edge of the last step.

Now take your measurements in inches in accordance with the diagram at the right.

It may be easier to print the chart at right and write on it.

1. The most important measurement is #1 on the guide picture at the right. Stand at the top of the stairs, extend your tape measure so that it lies on each of the stair treads. when the tape measure touches the floor at the bottom of the steps you will have the correct length for measurement #1. Record #1 measurement in inches in the first block.

2. Now measure from the edge of the top step to the edge of the first step (in inches). Record this measure in block 2.

3. Now measure the width of your staircase and enter the measurement (in inches) into block 3, marked Staircase Width.

4. If a wall or door exists at the bottom of the steps as shown in 4 on the guide at right, please measure from the bottom step to the wall or door. Record this measurement in box #4 marked Bottom Clearance.

5. The last three measurements (5,6,7) assist us in preseting the seat angle. Measure each one according to the guide at right and enter the results in the appropriate boxes.