A custom curved stairlift is one of the most effective ways to stay safe and independent in a home where a straight stairlift simply won’t work. If you have a staircase that curves, bends, or has a landing partway up, you’ve probably already discovered that standard stairlift options aren’t designed for it. The good news is that curved stairlifts exist precisely for situations like yours, and the process of getting one installed is more straightforward than most people expect.
Why Curved Staircases Require a Different Approach
Straight stairlifts are built to standard dimensions and can often be ordered and installed relatively quickly. A curved stairlift is a different product entirely. The rail has to follow the exact path of your staircase, accounting for every turn, intermediate landing, or change in pitch along the way. No two curved staircases are identical, which is why a custom curved stairlift is measured and manufactured specifically for your home.
This isn’t a project you can shop for online and self-install. Getting it right requires an in-home assessment by someone who knows what they’re looking at. We’ve been doing these assessments in La Crosse, WI, Onalaska, WI, Sparta, WI, and across the region for over 35 years, and the details matter. The width of the staircase, the height of the ceilings, the position of any doors or railings, the angle of the curve — all of it factors into the measurements that go to the manufacturer.
What the Process Actually Looks Like
When someone contacts us about a curved stairlift, here’s how things typically unfold.
First, we schedule a home visit. One of our team members comes out to your home, takes detailed measurements of the staircase, and talks with you about how the lift will fit into your daily life. This is also a good time to ask questions, look at different seat and rail options, and get a realistic sense of the timeline and cost involved.
From there, the measurements go to the manufacturer. We work with trusted brands like Bruno, which has a long reputation for quality curved stairlift systems. The rail is custom-fabricated to match your staircase precisely. This manufacturing step takes some time, so we always recommend reaching out sooner rather than later, especially if you or a family member’s mobility needs are becoming more pressing.
Once the unit arrives, our team handles the installation. A properly installed curved stairlift is anchored to the stairs themselves, not the wall, so it works in a wide variety of homes. We walk you through how to use it, make sure everything feels comfortable and safe, and don’t consider the job done until you’re confident.
What to Expect After Installation
A curved stairlift is a long-term investment in your home and your independence. Like any mechanical product, it benefits from routine maintenance and occasional service. We handle repairs and servicing in addition to installation, and our technicians cover a wide area. Customers in Winona, MN, Rochester, MN, and surrounding areas know we’ll make the trip when something needs attention. We’ve had technicians travel nearly two hours to service equipment for a customer in need, and that’s just how we operate.
If your mobility situation changes over time, we can also discuss whether adjustments make sense. And if you’re caring for a family member and aren’t sure yet what the right solution is, that’s fine too. Sometimes people come to us comparing a curved stairlift to a vertical platform lift, and we’re happy to walk through both options honestly so you can make the right call for your home and your budget.
A Few Things Worth Knowing Before You Call
Curved stairlifts do cost more than straight models, and the lead time for fabrication is longer. Planning ahead makes a real difference. If you’re anticipating a need in the coming months, it’s worth starting the conversation now rather than waiting until things become urgent.
Also, if you or your loved one is a veteran, there may be VA benefits that apply to mobility equipment. We work with veterans regularly and can help point you in the right direction on that front.
Whether you’re in La Crosse, WI, Sparta, WI, Onalaska, WI, Rochester, MN, Winona, MN, or the surrounding areas, we’d be glad to answer your questions and figure out whether a custom curved stairlift is the right fit for your home. Give us a call or drop us an email and we’ll take it from there.