How to Measure Your Stairs for a Stairlift Installation

At BAW Stairlifts, we provide professional stairlift installation across East Anglia, ensuring every customer receives a perfect fit for their home. A key part of this process is measuring your staircase correctly. Accurate measurements allow us to design and install a stairlift that is safe, comfortable, and tailored to your staircase — whether it’s straight, curved, or has unique features.

Here’s our step-by-step guide to measuring your stairs for a stairlift installation.

Measuring a Straight Staircase

Straight staircases are the most straightforward to measure. Here’s what to do:

1. Count the steps - Start at the top and count each step down to the bottom. This helps determine the full run of the stairlift rail.

2. Measure the full length of the staircase - Place your tape measure at the edge of the top step (at the white trim or skirting board, as shown in our example photo) and measure all the way down to the bottom floor.

3. Check the width at the top and bottom - Measure the staircase at both ends. Always measure from wall to banister, not the width of the step itself. This ensures your stairlift installation has enough clearance throughout its journey.
   

Measuring a Curved Staircase

Curved staircases require more detail to create a customised rail. To help BAW Stairlifts plan your installation, please:

1. Take a face-on photo - Capture the full staircase, showing the curve clearly.

2. Take a top-down photo - From the landing, look down the stairs and take a photo that includes the full curve.

3. Measure the staircase width - As with straight stairs, measure from banister to wall. This is especially important at the tightest points of the curve.
   

Measuring with Obstructions

If your staircase has any obstructions, such as radiators, boxed-in pipes, or newel posts, we’ll need those details too:

• Measure from the banister to the start of the obstruction.

• For spindle staircases (with vertical bars):

  • Measure from the spindle to the opposite wall.

  • Measure from mid-spindle to the wall.

  • Measure from spindle to banister for clearance.
    

These details help us prepare a smooth, safe stairlift installation without surprises on the day.

Why Accurate Measurements Matter

Providing accurate staircase measurements helps BAW Stairlifts:

• Recommend the most suitable stairlift model for your home.

• Prepare the correct rail length and shape before installation.

• Deliver a faster, more efficient installation with minimal disruption.
  

Our expert team will always double-check your measurements during a free home assessment — so you can feel confident everything is precise before we begin.

Book Your Stairlift Installation in East Anglia

From straight staircases in Ipswich to curved staircases in Norwich and beyond, BAW Stairlifts serves the whole of East Anglia. By providing a few simple measurements and photos, you’ll help us tailor your stairlift installation to your exact needs.

Call us today to book your free home assessment or request a quote — and take the first step towards greater independence in your own home.