What Is The Best Handicap Stair Lift?

If you're handicapped a stair lift can really give you back your independence. But the cost of a handicap stair lift is expensive so before you part with your money you should make sure you buy the best stair lift for you. Here's a quick review of stair lifts for the disabled.


There are two basic types of stair lift; the straight stair lift and the curved stair lift. These further divide into electric AC mains stair lifts and DC battery operated stair lifts. First off, do you require a curved stair lift? The price of a curved stair lift is many times more expensive than a straight stair lift. And most stair lift manufacturers only make straight stair lifts. These manufacturers will tell you that you can use two straight stair lifts if you have a middle landing, however you should bear in mind that you will have to get on and off the stair chair lift twice; this may not be so easy, depending on your handicap, especially when changing stair lifts on a small interim landing.


Until recently just about all stair lifts for the disabled were powered from mains electricity. This had some problems: the units were noisy: they had a trailing cable, which could be easily tripped over; the ride action was somewhat 'juddery'; and you couldn't use it when there was a power failure. Most new handicap stair lifts are battery powered. You get many advantages with a battery stair lift: quiet ride; smooth ride; no mains wires and easy to install; and you can use it when there is a power outage.


However, there are some advantages to main power. With an electric stair lift you can use it as much as you like; battery operated stair lifts need to be recharged. So, if you think you might use the handicap stair lift more than 20 times a day, then you could consider an electric stair lift.


The following manufacturers make handicap stair lifts for straight stairways only.


The Acorn Superglide 120 stair lift is a very good battery powered unit. You get many features as standard; safety sensors to stop the chair when it encounters an obstacle, fold up seat and flip up foot rest, swivel seat, and a directional paddle switches that are operated by the lightest touch and can be used easily by those even with limited dexterity. You also get a choice of safety belts; inertial reel lap harness comes as standard - you have to pay more for a fixed 3-point shoulder harness.


Finally, Acorn also manufactures the Superglide Perch Stair Lift. This perch stair lift is especially useful for those who have only limited movement in their knees - it's also ideal for stairways that are narrower than normal.


Summit stair lifts are designed to be cheap and easily installed. The company makes electric stair lifts and not battery. You get many of the features that come with the Acorn; however the controls on the Summit stair lift are not ideal for the disabled. Also, you don't get a safety belt. If your disability is such that you have limited use in your hands or you need to be secured with a safety belt, then you really should consider the Acorn; the price of its disable stair lift is more than that of the Summit stair lift but you do get a lot more features that are better for the handicapped.


If you need a curved stair lift then you're probably best is considering either a Bruno stair lift or Stannah stair lift - both of these companies also make excellent straight stair lifts.


All Bruno stair lifts are battery powered. The company makes the Bruno Electra-Ride III Curved Rail stair lift. You get a retractable safety belt; optional wrap-around parking so the chair doesn't occupy too much space on the landing; and it can carry up to 350 lbs. All in all, the Bruno is an excellent stair lift for the disabled.


Stannah is a UK stair lift manufacturer who supply handicap stair lifts all over the world. The Stannah 260 stair lift is its curved stair lift. This stair lift is ideal for the disabled. The arms come with integrated controls that operate at the lightest touch - you can also get a joystick option if you prefer. You get a manually operate swivel seat as standard but there's also a powered swivel option. The stair lift comes with 9 sensitive safety edges to detect any obstacle and stop the chair. Finally, the chair travels along a unique dual track that is very elegant in design.


The Stannah stair lift is a little more expensive that the Bruno handicap stair lift but it is worth paying that little bit extra.


The above four stair lifts all work well for the disabled. For a straight stair lift, the Acorn Superglide stair lift is your best option. For a curved stair lift, the Stannah stair lift is my recommendation. Whichever model of handicap stair lift you choose make sure it has the features you need.


Following the links for a handicap stair lift, Stannah stair lift and stair lift reviews.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robin_O'Brien

Stair Lift Reviews

Before you buy a home stair lift it is essential that you first review the stair lifts on the market. You'll soon find that stair lift prices vary a great deal, but be wary of using a stair lift price as the main yardstick in choosing one; a cheap stair lift can be a good deal for the customer or it can be an expensive mistake.

The home stair lift market has grown significantly in the past few years. Many people with mobility problems are finding out that installing a handicap stair lift is cheaper than they thought and is certainly cheaper than the expense of moving house or hiring home help, not to mention the psychological and emotional benefits of reclaiming the upstairs of one's home. What follows is some advice on buying a stair lift and stair lift reviews of the most popular models.

But choosing the best stair lift for one's home can be problematic with so many stair chair lifts on offer. You need to be careful and to take your time when choosing a home stair lift. You should always seek professional advice before you buy a stair lift. Don't just talk to stair lift suppliers; talk to your community occupational therapist or friends who might already have a handicap stair lift in their home.

You should also look at as many makes of stair lifts and talk to at least 3 different dealerships. Talking to a dealer is important; don't buy from a dealer on the internet if they don't also have a phone number - if you have any problems later, chances are you won't get any answers back by email. If you can, go in person to a stair lift showroom and try out the chairs yourself. Try to go with a relative of friend.

There is a growing, and worrying, trend for home stair lifts to be sold without any installation. The buyer is told that self-installation is easy and can be done by anyone with basic DIY skills. However, AMEA (Accessibility Equipment Manufacturer’s Association) and the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) strongly advise against self-installation of a home stair lift. A reputable stair lift supplier will insist on doing the installation.

Also, remember to ask about warranty and after sales service. A reputable dealer will offer both; look for a dealership that offers 24/7 telephone support so that you'll get instant help when you need it.

Here are some brief stair lift reviews of some leading makes.

The Summit Stair Lift

This is a low cost home stair lift. The company only makes straight stair lifts. The Summit chair lift is made to be a no-frills but reliable handicap stair lift. It uses technology that is now considered old-fashioned by most leading stair lift manufacturers; it uses a cable system rather than rack and pinion to drag the chair along the track, and the Summit stair lift is mains powered rather than battery powered. Other manufacturers switched to rack and pinion battery powered stair lifts because they give a smoother ride. You do get basic safety systems with the Summit stair lift such as a sensor on the footrest to detect obstacles, a seat belt and cable tensioning. Won't you won't get the more sophisticated safety features offered by other manufacturers. All in all, the Summit stair lift is for those on a small budget.

The Acorn Stair Lift

Acorn makes only straight stair lifts. Currently you can buy the Acorn Superglide stair lift. This home stair lift uses a modern rack and pinion drive system and is powered by DC 24 volt rechargeable batteries. The home stair lift also comes with two wireless remote controls with send/call features. You get safety sensors on both the footrest and carriage that will immediately stop the chair should any obstacle be encountered on the stairs or track. What sets Acorn apart is that they make a perch stair lift, which is ideal for those who have trouble bending the knees or for staircases that are narrower than normal.

The Stannah Stair Lift

This is a UK stair lift manufacturer that now exports to over 40 countries. Quite simply, Stannah stair lifts are the best on the market. Stannah make both straight and curved stair lifts. The Stannah 120 stair lift has two models; the Solus (a very contemporary design) and the Sofia (for those who prefer a more traditional look). With a Stannah home stair lift you get many features as standard but the company also offers optional features that other manufacturers don't. Stannah stair lifts aren't the cheapest on the market, but it makes the best handicap stair lifts.

There's no doubting the benefits of installing a home stair lift. But choosing a home stair lift that best suits your needs takes patience and thought. Don't ever be rushed into buying a handicap stair lift - reputable dealers will never put you under pressure to buy.

Following the links for home stair lifts from brands like the Stannah Stair Lift as well as other handicap stair lift manufacturers.

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Summit Stair Lifts - For Those On A Budget

A home stair lift can give someone back their house and independence. But stair lift prices can be very high and beyond the reach of many. Some stair lift manufacturers make money by selling their products that have 'many features'. Having a plethora of features may be good for some people but many who really need a stair lift have a very small budget. Summit specializes in making no-fuss cheap stair lifts that are reliable.

Although Summit stair lifts are considerably cheaper than other brands you still get many features as standard. The most important of these features are the safety systems on the stair lift. The Summit stair lift comes with constant-pressure controls to stop the lift the instant the control is released. There are limits that ensure the carriage will stop at both the top and bottom of the stairs. And, like most top brands of stair lifts, there are sensors on the footrest to stop the carriage if any obstacles are encountered.

Unlike most other brands the Summit stair lift uses a cable system, rather than a rack and pinion one, to move the chair along the rack. Most companies feel that rack and pinion gives a smoother ride, especially when starting and stopping. This is possibly true but rack and pinion stair lifts need to be cleaned and lubricated regularly to prevent damage to the components. Cable systems require far less maintenance.

Also, the cable used in the Summit stair lift is aircraft cable rated for 4,200 lbs. This means the chair can carry a maximum weight of 350 lbs - the more costly Stannah stair lift can carry a maximum load of less than 300 lbs.

All in all, the cable system used in the Summit stair lift might not give you the perfectly smooth ride but it needs less attention and can carry a hefty load.

The Summit stair lift operates on standard household AC current, 115 VAC, 15 AMP minimum grounded circuit. Most stair lifts on the market today use DC rechargeable batteries. Again, the argument is that DC power gives smoother starts and stops than does AC electric power. This may be true, but there are also disadvantages to battery units. They need to be replaced every so often - there isn't this additional expense with an AC mains powered stair lift. Also, rechargeable batteries need charging after about 20 round trips of the stairs. If a stair lift is going to be used many times during the day or if more than one person will be using it, then AC mains powered stair lifts really are the better option.

The simple design of the Summit stair lift makes it easy to install, even someone with basic DIY skills is supposed to be able to fit one. However, it is always recommended that a customer never self-installs a stair lift.

Apart from the ride being a little less smooth than other brands, are there any other drawbacks?

Well, today there is quite a large market in used stair lifts. Later, should you want to sell your stair lift, you'll find that it may not be in so much demand as other used stair lifts.

You won't get many of the extras that are available with more expensive stair lifts, even if you request them. For instance, you only get a manual swivel seat; you can't get a motorized one like you can with a Stannah stair lift. You can't get the range of safety belt options like some other brands. The look of the Summit stair lift is very basic, but if you're on a budget, how it looks, won't be top of your list of requirements.

Many consumer reviews of stair lifts concur that the Summit stair lift may not be the best of the market in terms of style or functionality but it's as safe as others however the price of the Summit stair lift is its biggest selling point.

Following the links for the Summit stair lift as well as stair lift reviews on the handicap stair lift.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robin_O'Brien

Summit Stair Lifts - For Those On A Budget

A home stair lift can give someone back their house and independence. But stair lift prices can be very high and beyond the reach of many. Some stair lift manufacturers make money by selling their products that have 'many features'. Having a plethora of features may be good for some people but many who really need a stair lift have a very small budget. Summit specializes in making no-fuss cheap stair lifts that are reliable.

Although Summit stair lifts are considerably cheaper than other brands you still get many features as standard. The most important of these features are the safety systems on the stair lift. The Summit stair lift comes with constant-pressure controls to stop the lift the instant the control is released. There are limits that ensure the carriage will stop at both the top and bottom of the stairs. And, like most top brands of stair lifts, there are sensors on the footrest to stop the carriage if any obstacles are encountered.

Unlike most other brands the Summit stair lift uses a cable system, rather than a rack and pinion one, to move the chair along the rack. Most companies feel that rack and pinion gives a smoother ride, especially when starting and stopping. This is possibly true but rack and pinion stair lifts need to be cleaned and lubricated regularly to prevent damage to the components. Cable systems require far less maintenance.

Also, the cable used in the Summit stair lift is aircraft cable rated for 4,200 lbs. This means the chair can carry a maximum weight of 350 lbs - the more costly Stannah stair lift can carry a maximum load of less than 300 lbs.

All in all, the cable system used in the Summit stair lift might not give you the perfectly smooth ride but it needs less attention and can carry a hefty load.

The Summit stair lift operates on standard household AC current, 115 VAC, 15 AMP minimum grounded circuit. Most stair lifts on the market today use DC rechargeable batteries. Again, the argument is that DC power gives smoother starts and stops than does AC electric power. This may be true, but there are also disadvantages to battery units. They need to be replaced every so often - there isn't this additional expense with an AC mains powered stair lift. Also, rechargeable batteries need charging after about 20 round trips of the stairs. If a stair lift is going to be used many times during the day or if more than one person will be using it, then AC mains powered stair lifts really are the better option.

The simple design of the Summit stair lift makes it easy to install, even someone with basic DIY skills is supposed to be able to fit one. However, it is always recommended that a customer never self-installs a stair lift.

Apart from the ride being a little less smooth than other brands, are there any other drawbacks?

Well, today there is quite a large market in used stair lifts. Later, should you want to sell your stair lift, you'll find that it may not be in so much demand as other used stair lifts.

You won't get many of the extras that are available with more expensive stair lifts, even if you request them. For instance, you only get a manual swivel seat; you can't get a motorized one like you can with a Stannah stair lift. You can't get the range of safety belt options like some other brands. The look of the Summit stair lift is very basic, but if you're on a budget, how it looks, won't be top of your list of requirements.

Many consumer reviews of stair lifts concur that the Summit stair lift may not be the best of the market in terms of style or functionality but it's as safe as others however the price of the Summit stair lift is its biggest selling point.

Following the links for the Summit stair lift as well as stair lift reviews on the handicap stair lift.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robin_Cassidy

An Overview Of Bruno Stair Lifts

Michael R. Bruno and his wife Beverly founded Bruno Stairlifts over 20 years ago. The company is now one of America's leading manufacturers of mobility aids. Today, Bruno manufactures over 50 different products, ranging from stair chair lifts, vehicle lifts and turning automotive seating. The company makes straight and curved stair lifts for indoor and outdoor use.

The company has been awarded the ISO-9001 certification, which means that Bruno Stair Lifts are recognized for product excellence worldwide. Indeed, the company occupies the high-end of stair lifts. Most companies don't have the technical expertise to produce outdoor stair lifts or curved stair lifts; Bruno and some others like Stannah Stair Lifts do.

All stairlifts are sold, installed and serviced by Bruno's factory trained network of dealers. Bruno stair lifts come with a 2 year warranty on all parts and a 5 year warranty on the gear box, motor and rail system, which is as good as any warranty in the industry.

Bruno makes 3 home stair lifts; the Electra-Ride LT, the Electra-Ride II and the Electra-Ride Elite. It also makes an outdoor model called the Outdoor Electra-Ride Elite and is the first in the industry that can carry a pay load of 400 lbs.

All of the straight stair lifts made by Bruno can operate up to a maximum incline of 45 degrees and to a minimum stair case width of 32". Other companies can offer better specifications; the Stannah 120 stair lift can handle an incline of 52 degrees and the Acorn Superglide Perch stair lift can be fitted on narrower stairs. However, most domestic staircases can be fitted with a Bruno stair lift.

Bruno also makes a curved stair lift called the Electra-Ride III Curved Rail. Again what's impressive about this stair lift is that it can carry up to 350 lbs. The Stannah curved stair lift carries less than 300 lbs.

All of Bruno's stair lifts are powered by DC 24 volt rechargeable batteries. Just about all modern stair lifts now use batteries rather than mains power. There are many advantages to using batteries; they're safe with no possibility of electrocution; they provide smoother starts and stops; and you can still use the stair lift during power outages. What is particularly impressive about Bruno stair chair lifts is the length of their battery life. The company claims that the battery will last an amazing 3-4 days or 15 trips up and down the stairs. The battery itself is built to last 3-5 years and replacements can easily be bought from your local hardware store.

Bruno's products have been awarded accreditations and awards, including the Today's Caregiver Magazine's "Caregiver Friendly" product award and the Da Vinci new product award for a lift-up power mobility seat.

So, are Bruno stair lifts the best on the market? Well, we have to say that there stair lifts on the market that offer more features as standard and look more stylish; the Stannah Solus stair lift being one. Also, other manufacturers supply stair lifts at a lower price; the Ameriglide stair lift being an example. However, in the price range of the Bruno stair lift, it probably does offer the best product. You can get more features from other brands but you pay more, or you pay less for another brand stair lift but you'll get fewer features than the Bruno.

Following the links for the Bruno stair lift and the Stannah stair lift and read stair lift reviews.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robin_O'Brien

Fixings Squeaking Stairs in Older Homes

Oh yes the common problem of squeaking stairs in an older house. This could become very frustrating and annoying as you walk up and down the stairs. There seems to be one or two stair treads that are always squeaking. That annoying sound as you walk as softly as you can on your way down to the kitchen in the middle of the night to grab a quick snack.

The number one cause of squeaking stairs is when the nails used to fasten the stair tread to the stair strainers has worked its way loose. Over time as the lumber shrinks in the stair treads and the stairs stringers. You will start to develop a separation or a gap between the stair tread and the stair strainer.

The stair stringer can shrink as much as 3/8 of an inch in just a few years. I was building a home and went to measure the stair stringer that was 11 1/2 inches wide originally. Then I measured it after two months outside in the summer sun it now measured 11 1/16". I was amazed that the lumber could shrink that much in such a short period of time.

As the stair stringer shrinks it starts to pull away from the plywood or hardwood stair tread. As it starts to separate from the stair tread the nail will stay in its original position until the stair tread starts to put pressure on the nail eventually lifting it up a little bit higher than its original position.

As you step on the stair tread the squeaking sound you hear is the nail rubbing against the stair tread. There are a few ways to fix a squeaking stair tread. If you have access to under the stairway you can apply some adhesive along with a 10 inch 2 x 4 under the stair tread and attach it to the stair stringer.

First apply adhesive to two sides of the 2 x 4. The adhesive will be used to glue the stair tread to the stair stringer. You can use screws to screw the new 2 x 4 onto the side of the stair stringer.

If you cannot access the underside of the stairs and you have carpeting you can actually locate the stair stringer and drive a 2 inch screw through the carpeting in to the stair stringer. This will pull the stair tread down and will not allow it to rub up against the nail making that awful sound of a squeaking stair case.

If you have a finished wood stair tread you will not be able to screw through it into the stair stringer without damaging the finish on tread itself. It will be easier to access the stair stringer from below somehow and apply the 2 x 4 with the adhesive to stop the stair squeak.

You can apply these methods to as many stair treads that are squeaking without taking apart the entire staircase and rebuilding it.

Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He is currently working on more building stairs books and adding useful content to help solve problems created by the lack of construction knowledge in the building industry.

Stair Building

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Greg_Vandenberge

Fixings Squeaking Stairs in Older Homes

Oh yes the common problem of squeaking stairs in an older house. This could become very frustrating and annoying as you walk up and down the stairs. There seems to be one or two stair treads that are always squeaking. That annoying sound as you walk as softly as you can on your way down to the kitchen in the middle of the night to grab a quick snack.

The number one cause of squeaking stairs is when the nails used to fasten the stair tread to the stair strainers has worked its way loose. Over time as the lumber shrinks in the stair treads and the stairs stringers. You will start to develop a separation or a gap between the stair tread and the stair strainer.

The stair stringer can shrink as much as 3/8 of an inch in just a few years. I was building a home and went to measure the stair stringer that was 11 1/2 inches wide originally. Then I measured it after two months outside in the summer sun it now measured 11 1/16". I was amazed that the lumber could shrink that much in such a short period of time.

As the stair stringer shrinks it starts to pull away from the plywood or hardwood stair tread. As it starts to separate from the stair tread the nail will stay in its original position until the stair tread starts to put pressure on the nail eventually lifting it up a little bit higher than its original position.

As you step on the stair tread the squeaking sound you hear is the nail rubbing against the stair tread. There are a few ways to fix a squeaking stair tread. If you have access to under the stairway you can apply some adhesive along with a 10 inch 2 x 4 under the stair tread and attach it to the stair stringer.

First apply adhesive to two sides of the 2 x 4. The adhesive will be used to glue the stair tread to the stair stringer. You can use screws to screw the new 2 x 4 onto the side of the stair stringer.

If you cannot access the underside of the stairs and you have carpeting you can actually locate the stair stringer and drive a 2 inch screw through the carpeting in to the stair stringer. This will pull the stair tread down and will not allow it to rub up against the nail making that awful sound of a squeaking stair case.

If you have a finished wood stair tread you will not be able to screw through it into the stair stringer without damaging the finish on tread itself. It will be easier to access the stair stringer from below somehow and apply the 2 x 4 with the adhesive to stop the stair squeak.

You can apply these methods to as many stair treads that are squeaking without taking apart the entire staircase and rebuilding it.

Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He is currently working on more building stairs books and adding useful content to help solve problems created by the lack of construction knowledge in the building industry.

Stair Building

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Greg_Vandenberge

What to Look For When Buying a Stair Lift

Stair lifts are an imperative invention which has made the mobility of the old and the disabled possible. People who have some issues with their legs or who are completely handicapped can make use of the stair lifts. It can help them go up and down the stairs on their own and they no more have to wait for someone to lift them or support them to climb the stairs.

A stair lift is easy to install, and can be fixed at almost all stairways. However, if you wish to purchase a stair lift for yourself or a dear one, you need consider a few things.

When you plan to buy a stair lift, an agent from the stair lift company will have to visit your place. This is essential as to know the precise measurements of your staircase and evaluate your particular requirement. Once they have taken the measurements and noted your need, they can present you with a number of options of lifts for stair.

You should request for a written quotation before making any decision. This is important as stair lifts are not very cheap. You can also contact a number of stair lift suppliers so that you can have various options. Having a number of options will help you make the best deal in terms of cost as well as function. You can compare their prices and warrant etc.

If you think you cannot afford to buy a new stair lift, you can also find the option of used ones. However, you should remember that the used lifts for stair might not have any warranty. Instead of purchasing a second hand stair lift from a private supplier, it is preferable to purchase a reconditioned lifts for stair from a supplier who is well established. But in this case as well you must see the warranty.

One of the best things about lifts for stair is that they can be installed at any staircase regardless of the style, size, or shape. Most stair lifts are meant for indoor usage; however, you can also find some which can be used outdoor as well. You can find many different sorts of stair lifts which are meant for different purposes, and cater for the needs of people with diverse problems.

A common type of lift for stair is a standing stair lifts. These stair lifts are meant for those who can stand but cannot bend their joints to climb the stair. They can stand on these lifts for stair, and thus move up or down the stairs independently. The standing lifts for stair can also be installed in a limited space without any problem.

Another type of lifts for stair includes the seated stair lifts. Those who are completely handicapped and cannot move up or down the stairs at all normally use these. They have seats which run along the stairs. All you have to do it to sit on them, and you can move about. Some lifts for stair also come with the additional feature of fold able arms.

Tag : stair lifts,stair design,wood stair,stair gate Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brinkmann_Hamer

About Stair Lifts

Handicap stair lift is another form of stairlift but they are not exactly the same. A stairlift can serve as a multipurpose equipment that can carry wheelchairs and transportation carts. On the other hand handicap stair lift are used solely for users with disability and unable to ascend a flight of stairs. Handicap stair lifts are manufactured in different models to suit the different stairs it will be installed in. There are the straight handicap stair lifts and curved handicap stair lifts that are for curved staircases. Whatever the kinds of rails used, the stair lifts can be used to transport heavy stuff between floors. Standard stair lifts measure about 25 inches and the rails weigh 30kg. Stair lift can be folded compactly against the wall when it is not required. The platforms are pulled by cable or chain along the rail track. The seats on the handicap stair lifts are comfortable with footrests and armrests. The seat heights are adjustable too.

Handicap stairlifts are simple to operate and can function at the touch of an on and off button. Curved stair lifts are more expensive as they require the manufacturers to send engineers to the house to measure the curved stairs and build according to the dimensions. Handicap wheelchair stair lift are well fitted with safety features to ensure the well being of the users on top. However, one should still be caution when buying used stair lifts. For a start, when checking the used lift, always ensure it has a safety belt. Some lifts have been operating for years and the safety belt may have worn off. This is highly dangerous for handicap stairlift users as they may fall off the stair lift during movements.

When purchasing stairlift, you should consider the models and the profile of the users before shelling out a substantial amount to buy.While choosing the handicap lift, one should keep the user's disability in mind. The user of the stair lift should get themselves in and out of the lift seat comfortably with little or no assistance. They should also be able to stand on their own two feet for a short amount of time. Handicap lift still require a fair amount of user effort to fulfill its potential. If the user is unable to transfer out of the wheelchair comfortably and has problems standing, chances are the handicap stairlift does not meet the need. If the user is able to stand on his own, we can use a perched stair lift.

They should also have the strength to manually push the buttons on the stair lift. I can understand some users may experience problems exerting strengths with their fingers. Users with these problems should choose handicap stair lifts which are operated by sensors or maybe voice commands. These special lifts will cost more due to the additional technology built in. Users must be able to keep their upper body upright on their own without a back support. Because if they do not maintain their posture on the handicap stairlift, they face the danger of slipping off the lift seat and further injuring themselves. Last but not least, the safety belt should be in working condition and secure the user firmly in place.

Handicap stair lift that intends to carry wheelchairs up and down the staircase have to be assessed separately as the different wheelchairs have to be taken into consideration. The size and weight of the wheelchair should be taken into consideration. The stair lift chair will also be considered as users of all age range might be using the lifts. User issues such as stiff knee can be addressed by have a handicap lift that leans forward and wider stair chairs. Fear of heights can be reduced by installing handrails for users to hold on while on the handicap stair lift. Guardrails have the ability to provide additional assurance and safety to the users, hence, lessening their fear and anxiety.

As handicap lift users may have different disabilities, there are a variety of controls that suit different users comfortably. For example, users with bad eyesight can respond the the audio signals given out by the stair lift when it is moving or terminating. There are handicap stair lifts which have sensors built in across its platform. These stair lift sensors pick out obstacles in the path of the handicap stair lift and stop moving upon detecting danger. These sensors should be found in old stairlifts too. Sensors can also double as speed delimiters to check the speed of the moving handicap stair lift. A safe travel speed is around 0.15 meters per second for straight rails handicap stairlifts and much slower for curved rails stairlifts.

Tag : stair lifts,handicap stair lifts,acorn stair lift,stair design

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All About Stair Lift Pricing

Stair lift is perhaps one of the greatest inventions of modern technology. These stair-lifts have given back the freedom of movement to people who could not move about freely either due to some injury or old age. These sorts of stairs can be installed in almost any kind of stair cases and provides the facility to move about stairs without making an effort.

These sorts of stairs generally work like monorails and are installed either inside or outside the railing of the stair case depending on the conditions. Pricing of these sorts of stairs mainly depends on their construction, type, and conditions in which they have to be installed. There is a wide variety of stair lifts available in the market, and each provides some advantages over the others.

The main reason for so many types of stair lifts in the market is that different houses have different types of stair cases with different construction design and space allowed in which the lift has to be installed. Similarly, different consumers need different types of aids to move about the stairs, and thus different stair lifts had to be designed to satisfy the needs of wide variety of customers.

Some of the common types of stair lifts include straight rail stair lift, curved rail stair lift, wheelchair platform stair lift, outdoor stair lift, and standing platform stair lift. Thus, the price of these types of stairs also differs due to various features. For example, some outdoor stair lifts are very expensive because they are made up of a non-corrosive material and are also properly shielded to defend against changing weather conditions.

Similarly, some indoor stair lifts don't include much gadgetry and need not have powerful electric motors to support a huge weight, and are thus less expensive compared to other types of stairs which need a powerful motor to support a huge weight. Thus, the price generally depends on the type of stair lift.

Some people are only temporarily disabled, and thus don't need permanent types of stairs in their house. For such people, there are different rental types of stairs also available in the markets. These types of stairs can be rented and installed for a temporary period, and after the required period is over the stair lift is returned to the company. This is a feasible solution for people who do not need the stair lift for a long period of time.

Another option available to customers is to buy used stair lifts. With the right amount of effort you can easily find the right stair lift in a very reasonable price in the used products market. However, one downside to purchasing used types of stairs is that there is no customer support along with it, and the buyer is totally independent in deciding which stair lift to buy.

This can become problematic as the buyer might not be able to fully understand which type of stair lift would fit in his situation, and thus might end up buying something useless. However, some engineers can also be hired or the company can also be requested to make suggestions as to which stair lift should be installed, and then a similar used stair lift can be purchased.

Tag : stair lifts,stair lift pricing,stair,pricing

Fixings Squeaking Stairs in Older Homes

Oh yes the common problem of squeaking stairs in an older house. This could become very frustrating and annoying as you walk up and down the stairs. There seems to be one or two stair treads that are always squeaking. That annoying sound as you walk as softly as you can on your way down to the kitchen in the middle of the night to grab a quick snack.

The number one cause of squeaking stairs is when the nails used to fasten the stair tread to the stair strainers has worked its way loose. Over time as the lumber shrinks in the stair treads and the stairs stringers. You will start to develop a separation or a gap between the stair tread and the stair strainer.

The stair stringer can shrink as much as 3/8 of an inch in just a few years. I was building a home and went to measure the stair stringer that was 11 1/2 inches wide originally. Then I measured it after two months outside in the summer sun it now measured 11 1/16". I was amazed that the lumber could shrink that much in such a short period of time.

As the stair stringer shrinks it starts to pull away from the plywood or hardwood stair tread. As it starts to separate from the stair tread the nail will stay in its original position until the stair tread starts to put pressure on the nail eventually lifting it up a little bit higher than its original position.

As you step on the stair tread the squeaking sound you hear is the nail rubbing against the stair tread. There are a few ways to fix a squeaking stair tread. If you have access to under the stairway you can apply some adhesive along with a 10 inch 2 x 4 under the stair tread and attach it to the stair stringer.

First apply adhesive to two sides of the 2 x 4. The adhesive will be used to glue the stair tread to the stair stringer. You can use screws to screw the new 2 x 4 onto the side of the stair stringer.

If you cannot access the underside of the stairs and you have carpeting you can actually locate the stair stringer and drive a 2 inch screw through the carpeting in to the stair stringer. This will pull the stair tread down and will not allow it to rub up against the nail making that awful sound of a squeaking stair case.

If you have a finished wood stair tread you will not be able to screw through it into the stair stringer without damaging the finish on tread itself. It will be easier to access the stair stringer from below somehow and apply the 2 x 4 with the adhesive to stop the stair squeak.

You can apply these methods to as many stair treads that are squeaking without taking apart the entire staircase and rebuilding it.

Fixings Squeaking Stairs in Older Homes

Oh yes the common problem of squeaking stairs in an older house. This could become very frustrating and annoying as you walk up and down the stairs. There seems to be one or two stair treads that are always squeaking. That annoying sound as you walk as softly as you can on your way down to the kitchen in the middle of the night to grab a quick snack.

The number one cause of squeaking stairs is when the nails used to fasten the stair tread to the stair strainers has worked its way loose. Over time as the lumber shrinks in the stair treads and the stairs stringers. You will start to develop a separation or a gap between the stair tread and the stair strainer.

The stair stringer can shrink as much as 3/8 of an inch in just a few years. I was building a home and went to measure the stair stringer that was 11 1/2 inches wide originally. Then I measured it after two months outside in the summer sun it now measured 11 1/16". I was amazed that the lumber could shrink that much in such a short period of time.

As the stair stringer shrinks it starts to pull away from the plywood or hardwood stair tread. As it starts to separate from the stair tread the nail will stay in its original position until the stair tread starts to put pressure on the nail eventually lifting it up a little bit higher than its original position.

As you step on the stair tread the squeaking sound you hear is the nail rubbing against the stair tread. There are a few ways to fix a squeaking stair tread. If you have access to under the stairway you can apply some adhesive along with a 10 inch 2 x 4 under the stair tread and attach it to the stair stringer.

First apply adhesive to two sides of the 2 x 4. The adhesive will be used to glue the stair tread to the stair stringer. You can use screws to screw the new 2 x 4 onto the side of the stair stringer.

If you cannot access the underside of the stairs and you have carpeting you can actually locate the stair stringer and drive a 2 inch screw through the carpeting in to the stair stringer. This will pull the stair tread down and will not allow it to rub up against the nail making that awful sound of a squeaking stair case.

If you have a finished wood stair tread you will not be able to screw through it into the stair stringer without damaging the finish on tread itself. It will be easier to access the stair stringer from below somehow and apply the 2 x 4 with the adhesive to stop the stair squeak.

You can apply these methods to as many stair treads that are squeaking without taking apart the entire staircase and rebuilding it.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Greg_Vandenberge

Buying ThyssenKrupp Access Stair-Glide Stair Lift? Review the Advantages and Disadvantages First

There are a lot factors for and against ThyssenKrupp Access Stair-Glide stair lift. It is important that you understand them prior to purchasing the stair lift. The Stair-Glide is associated with both benefits and drawbacks that you need to know about. This article explains them. To be able to make the decision what is the best solution for you, you will need to know these benefits.

Benefits: Points In Favor Of ThyssenKrupp Access Stair-Glide

1. It is the only outdoor stair lift, worldwide, that can be installed on curved or even spiral staircases.

This is an amazing feat of weatherproof engineering and design.

2. The Stair-Glide will be comfortable indoors and outdoors, with its deep-contoured, swivel chair.

One other good cause for this stair-glide is that the stair-glide will be comfortable indoors and outdoors, with its deep-contoured, swivel chair. This provides the added advantage of being safe during the ride, and when getting on and off the chair. This can eliminate the problem of losing balance when getting on or off the chair, which, for a mobility challenged person, can be dangerous, or even fatal.

3. Multiple safety sensors

Next there are multiple safety sensors. That's important because while riding you will encounter obstacles, and perhaps damage them, or damage the chair lift. When you take that under consideration, then it's wise for a stair-glide, especially a curved, outdoor stair glide to include all the safety sensors it can.

The points above show the positive aspects of purchasing a ThyssenKrupp Access Stair-Glide. There is a downside of TK Access Stair Glide as well. Let's look at a number of the downsides.

Negatives: Arguments Against ThyssenKrupp Access Stair-Glide

1. Install Stair-Glide as a straight stairs

Should you install ThyssenKrupp Access Stair-Glide on straight stairs, you may be overpaying for it. That's definitely not a good thing. It could be a valid reason to prevent yourself from using the Stair-Glide on straight stairs.

2. Aesthetics

The Stair-Glide is not the most fashionably looking stair lift. There are others you need to look into if the looks are most important for you.

3. Temporary need for a stair lift

The last valid reason in avoiding ThyssenKrupp Access Stair-Glide stair lift purchase is if you only have a temporary need for a stair lift or a chair lift. Everyone ought to think about this point with great care, since it may lead right to overpaying if you choose to buy the stair-glide instead of renting it.

So that is that. There are the benefits and drawbacks of ThyssenKrupp Access Stair-Glide stair lift. It's not universal, not for everyone, but it surely will, no doubt appeal to quite a few people. You need to take into account the info presented to make your personal choice, for or against. Hopefully your choice process will be aided greatly because of the pro and con info presented here.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Stark

Residential Stair Lifts

Many Americans whether due to age or disability are not able to use large portions of their homes because they can not safely navigate the stairs. This can be very hard on the individual and their family. A stair lift, using a remote control or set of mounted buttons, carries an individual up and down the stairs. Most stair lifts work by mounting an aluminum track to the stair case and then sending an attached chair up and down the distance of the stairs. For individuals that have trouble sitting, there are models available with small platforms as well. For most though the stair chair is going to provide the most comfort and stability.

When you are in the market for a stair lift there are several things to consider. As long as you have a straight stair case the installation is fairly easy and inexpensive. A curved stair case will usually require a completely custom made track and is a good deal more expensive and needs to be professionally installed. If your stair case is not straight there may still be a way to use a standard stair lift and save money. A common design for stair cases is an L shaped curve. These L shaped staircases are really just 2 straight stair cases with a landing in between. In these instances it is usually considerably less expensive to purchase 2 traditional stair lifts and install them on each stair case. Incredibly narrow stair cases can also prevent problems because if it is too narrow than the stair lift must be mounted to the wall instead of the steps. Wall mounted stair lifts are more expensive and harder to install, so it may be necessary to get it professionally installed. There are a good many low profile stair lifts that do not take up much stair space, though, unless your stair case is very narrow you should not have any problems finding one that will fit perfectly.

Whether you plan on buying a new stair lift or a used stair lift it is never a good idea to buy one second hand from a private individual. When you purchase a used stair lift from a private individual, there is no way to tell if the unit has been completely abused or is unsafe. Stair lifts are made using incredibly reliable and high quality materials, such as high test aircraft cable, but like anything if you misuse it there is no way to guarantee the safeguards will hold up. Instead of taking this incredible risk with yourself or someone you loves life, you should purchase the stair lift from a reputable dealer. A reputable dealer will fully inspect, refurbish, and then test any stair lift they sell you. When you purchase a used stair lift from a reputable dealer it is in complete factory working condition and compliance. In addition they will offer a minimum 6 month warranty. You get not such guarantees from a private individual and could be very well inheriting a headache or an extreme safety hazard.

Brad Brubaker has is a technical writer and has had experience with most types of home medical equipment. For more information on stair lifts visit or call the friendly folks at http://www.a1-medical-supplies.net

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brad_Brubaker

Why Installing a Stair Nosing on the Edge of Any Kind of Stair Step Edge Is a Must

The durability and the safe use of stairs have always been a concern for architects and constructors.

The stair nosing has been around since the early 20th century.

For instance if you visit the gorgeous Plaza de España in the historic city of Sevilla in Spain please pay attention to the step edges of the stairs that direct you to the upper floor from where you get a spectacular view of the palace's square. You will notice superb step edgings that most properly inspired today's stair nosing designers. This superb palace was constructed in the late 1920s.

There is no doubt that you will notice diverse step edgings in several old buildings with stone, ceramic, marble or parquet overlaid stairs.

The stair nosings that are installed on the step edge of ceramic tile, marble or wood covered stairs in contemporary buildings and particularly in public ones such as shopping malls, schools, governmental institutions are subject to heavy pedestrian traffic.

Installed on the edge of the ceramic or similar stair steps the aluminium stair nosing trim is designed to provide protection to the stone, marble or ceramic tile edge on the stairs by preventing chipping and fractures. The use of the stairs is safeguarded as stair steps may become hazardous particularly when wet or worn out.

A great deal of accidents occur going down on stairs when the proper attention is not paid. Many of these accidents may result in serious injuries.

Presently several models of aluminium stair nosings are suggested for the protection and secure use of the concrete, ceramic tile, marble, stone or wood covered stairs:

Stair nosings which are installed directly over the concrete stair step edge.

Tile-in stair nosings with or without replaceable pvc insert, designed to accommodate ceramic tiles in various thicknesses. These stair nosings may only be fitted during the tile, marble or stone installation process; as the bottom of the frontal edge of the nosing should get under the ceramic tile to ensure a firm grip.

The incorporated and durable ribbed PVC strips which come in a variety of colors (i.e. black, grey, brown or cream) achieve perfect compatibility with the ceramic tile colorations and furnish improved slip resistance.

Retro fit step edges, with or without replaceable vinyl insert that are fitted after tile, stone or marble installation.

There are no other major distinctions between the two stair nosings, both serve the same purposes. Worn out stair steps not only portray an unpleasant look, but on top of that the secure use of the stairs is endangered. As a consequence this form of anti skid stair nose is a perfect choice for upgrading and renovating existing stairs in poor condition and in need of repair. The worn out stair edges would be covered up and masked.

The grooves on the upper surface of the stair nosing will add an anti slip feature assuring the safe use the stairs. The utilization of non slip stair nosing is highly recommended to protect tiles on stairs from chipping and to prevent costly and unnecessary ceramic tile installation expenses afterwards.

An aluminum stair nosing fitted at the edge of the wooden stair would prove to be highly beneficial as well. The parquet and laminate flooring stair step edges will be protected from wear and the unsightly appearance of fractured and damaged stair step edges will be avoided. Subsequently damage to stair edges and its disagreeable appearance are averted as well as high-priced renovations.

Diverse stair tread nosing profiles that can withstand extensive influx secure the use of the wood stairs, and their anti-slip ribbed top surface and the grooves create slip resistance and enable the safe use of the stairs.

Slip and fall accident risks are reduced, injuries no longer become a concern and a decorative feature perfectly fitting the stairs is provided.

The retrofit stair tread nosing may be fitted with glue, adhesive tape or rather screwed to the tile, stone, parquet or similar flooring to allow a long lasting tight grip. When supplied predrilled and with countersink holes the installation with screws will turn out to be faster and smoother.

Tag : stair,stair nosing,installing,edge

How to Build Basement Stairs on a Budget

Basement stairs come in all shapes and sizes from the very simple utility/access stairs to the more elaborate decorative stairs in which the basement is expanded to be a major part of the living area. One of the major issues facing the stair builder is the unpredictable overall stair height that often occurs with basement stairs. Whether new or existing construction the basement slab height nearly always seems to vary up or down making pre-built stairs problematic. For this reason basement stairs are usually built to customized heights.

The normal procedure in the industry is to call out a stair specialist to custom build the stair using 2 x12 cut stringers as framing for constructing the stair. This can be a difficult and costly process requiring a high degree of skill. However, there is an easier solution available that will save you time as well as money. The system consists of self-adjusting, stair building brackets, used to form an "engineered stair". Adjustable stair building brackets provide a custom, tailored approach to stair building that is much faster, easier and stronger than conventional construction. They're an easy, low cost and simple solution for any custom basement stair building.

This bracket system can quickly form a basic utility stair or an elaborate, fully finished hardwood stair. The adjustable stair building brackets basically do the work for you, making the stair building process simple and streamlined. The brackets are approved as adjustable joist hangers which automatically adjust to form any rise or run required while at the same time, allowing the risers to be structurally attached between the stringers, carrying the load across the stair like stepping floor joists.

Only two outside stringers are required because they are full depth, without notching (unlike conventional cut stringers) and they're engineered to carry much greater loads than conventional cut stringers. Additionally, only three to four end cuts are required per stringer which eliminate approximately seventy saw cuts when compared to conventional cut stringers for basement stairs.

The adjustable stair building brackets may be used with many different materials including pine, MDF treads, hardwoods etc. The adjustable stair building brackets allow for customized rise and tread configurations which can be adjusted to meet all building codes for both interior and exterior applications.

The first thing you need to do is to determine the material you are going to use, the exact number of steps and the stair width. A fully interactive stair calculator is available online which further simplifies the process.

For materials, you will need (2) 2 x6's per stringer member for both sides. The stringers should be straight without any twist. The 2x6's should be at least 12" longer than the total length of your stair.

Adjustable brackets will allow stairs to be built up to nine feet in width, using only the two outside stringers. Use 2x8's for risers with heights up to 7-1/4" and 2 x10's for risers over 7-1/4". Treads may be 2x12's, 5/4 pine, 5/4 hardwood, sturdy floor ripped to size or MDF etc. Pre-cut risers and treads exactly to length once you figure out how many steps you need and their width- this will save time.

You start by setting the brackets on two 2x6 stringer members using the reusable spacers and pivot screws. Once set, remove spacers and rotate the brackets to adjust stair rise and run. Fix the brackets in position and attach the risers and treads. 3D demos will explain the process clearly- see link below.

Tools and other materials needed will be: Power drill, saw (preferably power saw),# 8 1-1/4" Phillips head, star or square drive screws for the stair building brackets, #8 2-1/2" screws for every 9 " of tread and riser connections and spacers to customize the rise and tread configurations.

ICC-ES approved, this" Engineered Stair Building System" eliminates the need to cut stringers and has been tested to be faster and much stronger than conventionally constructed stairs. Savings of $500 per flight of stairs and more are not uncommon with adjustable stair building brackets. Using this system, both professionals and do-it-yourselfers will build cost efficient basement stairs, without sacrificing quality, accuracy, strength or appearance.

Tag : stair lifts,stair,stair building,acorn stair lifts

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Truckner

Choosing the Right Handicap Stair Lifts

Stair lifts are really a blessing for the aged and the handicapped people. Handicap stair lifts help people with accessibility problems, to maintain an active lifestyle. Special care should be taken to purchase the right handicap stair lifts. Selecting a wrong stair lift can be uncomfortable and dangerous for the person using it.

Handicap stair lifts are available in different models - straight stair lifts and curved stair lifts - to suit straight, spiral and curved staircases. The stair lift uses a rail attached to the stairs to carry the person between floors. These lifts make use of ON and OFF buttons to move up and down the stairs. Curved stair lifts are more expensive than straight stair lifts. The handicap stair lifts come with a number of safety features such as safety sensors, seat belts with locking facility and safety breaking system.

There are some important points to be considered while buying a handicap stair lift. If you are buying a used stair lift, ensure that it has safety belt. When purchasing a handicap stair lift, the most important thing is to select a model, suiting the extent of the person’s disability. You should make sure that the persons using the lift can get themselves in or out of the seat on the lift easily. With these safety features, even aged persons can use the lift comfortably without much effort. From the different models of stair lifts available, you can choose a model fitting your budget and meeting your specific requirements.

Most models are equipped with battery backups to take on unexpected power breakdowns, thus providing reliability and safety for the person using the lift. Stair lifts come with seats that can be folded up when not in use. These lifts, if used properly following the instructions, can provide long years of safe and durable service. While buying a stair lift, take care to choose a model having a weight capacity 20 or 30 pounds more than the weight of the individual using the lift. These stair lifts are suitable only for handicapped people having some control over the upper body. Otherwise they cannot sit on the chair safely and there are greater chances of slipping or sliding from the lift as it moves.

While purchasing stair lifts, ensure that the dealer is an authorized one. One should check that the product received is fully functioning and has passed all factory tests. In order to install a stair lift, the correct measurements of the stair have to be taken. It would be better to get the service of a professional lift installer rather than installing it yourself.

Tags: Wheelchair Lifts, Lifts, Stair Lifts,Home Stair Lifts,Straight Stair Lifts, Curved Stair Lifts,Handicap Lifts

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/disabilities-articles/choosing-the-right-handicap-stair-lifts-534990.html

Stair Lift Advantages

Many times, when it becomes difficult to use the stairs, the easiest solution appears to be to avoid those areas of your home that require stair access. While this might seem like the best way, it in many instances means that the size of your home is dramatically reduced. The risk though of using the stairs if you can not do so safely are great though and so this might seem like a fair trade. In reality a stair lift can be installed easily and inexpensively in most cases, which will ensure that you are able to use all areas of your home.

Stair lifts are a special type of home mobility equipment that is used to carry an individual up and down the stairs. They usually feature a chair that is attached to an aluminum track, but there are a few models which allow the user to stand as they go up and down the lift. These standing stair lifts are often called perch lifts because of the way they are used and are usually reserved for individuals who can not sit without pain. A chaired stair lift is much more common.

Most modern stair lifts can easily and quickly be installed to a straight staircase. Quality straight stair lifts, like those made by AmeriGlide, are engineered to make the installation process as simple as possible. The installation can usually be done with normal tools in a few hours, but most dealers also have installation teams which can come to your home and install the lift if you do not feel comfortable doing it yourself. A straight stair lift will generally be installed directly to the stairs, but in some instances where space is at a premium, they can be attached to the wall. It is far more common for the rail system to be attached to the stairs, however, and the installation can usually be done in an afternoon.

While a straight stair lift can be quickly and easily installed, a stair lift for a curved stair case is very complicated to install. In cases where you must buy a curved stair lift expect to spend at least $10,000 more than you would on a straight stair case. In addition to being much more expensive, a curved stair lift also takes around 6 to 8 weeks to be built and installed, so it is not a quick or practical solution. The other major disadvantage of a curved stair lift is that they can rarely be used in another home. The rail system of a curved stair lift is custom built and so will probably not fit another stair case, unless the staircase has exactly the same measurements. If you have an 'L' shaped stair case, then it is possible to install 2 straight stair lifts, instead of one curved stair lift and this can save a considerable amount of money. Many people, who are unable to install straight stair lifts, instead invest in a residential elevator, which proves to be much more practical and is often around the same price as a curved stair lift would be.

Stair lifts are very important devices that can allow people to retain their mobility and independence, while utilizing all areas of their home. A straight stair lift is very inexpensive and provides a very important service for many who are mobility challenged.

Sean Noughtly is a writer and contributor for ameriglide.com. If you would like to learn more about heavy duty stair lifts or other types of stair lifts, visit AmeriGlide today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sean_Noughtly

How to Build Basement Stairs on a Budget

Basement stairs come in all shapes and sizes from the very simple utility/access stairs to the more elaborate decorative stairs in which the basement is expanded to be a major part of the living area. One of the major issues facing the stair builder is the unpredictable overall stair height that often occurs with basement stairs. Whether new or existing construction the basement slab height nearly always seems to vary up or down making pre-built stairs problematic. For this reason basement stairs are usually built to customized heights.

The normal procedure in the industry is to call out a stair specialist to custom build the stair using 2 x12 cut stringers as framing for constructing the stair. This can be a difficult and costly process requiring a high degree of skill. However, there is an easier solution available that will save you time as well as money. The system consists of self-adjusting, stair building brackets, used to form an "engineered stair". Adjustable stair building brackets provide a custom, tailored approach to stair building that is much faster, easier and stronger than conventional construction. They're an easy, low cost and simple solution for any custom basement stair building.

This bracket system can quickly form a basic utility stair or an elaborate, fully finished hardwood stair. The adjustable stair building brackets basically do the work for you, making the stair building process simple and streamlined. The brackets are approved as adjustable joist hangers which automatically adjust to form any rise or run required while at the same time, allowing the risers to be structurally attached between the stringers, carrying the load across the stair like stepping floor joists.

Only two outside stringers are required because they are full depth, without notching (unlike conventional cut stringers) and they're engineered to carry much greater loads than conventional cut stringers. Additionally, only three to four end cuts are required per stringer which eliminate approximately seventy saw cuts when compared to conventional cut stringers for basement stairs.

The adjustable stair building brackets may be used with many different materials including pine, MDF treads, hardwoods etc. The adjustable stair building brackets allow for customized rise and tread configurations which can be adjusted to meet all building codes for both interior and exterior applications.

The first thing you need to do is to determine the material you are going to use, the exact number of steps and the stair width. A fully interactive stair calculator is available online which further simplifies the process.

For materials, you will need (2) 2 x6's per stringer member for both sides. The stringers should be straight without any twist. The 2x6's should be at least 12" longer than the total length of your stair.

Adjustable brackets will allow stairs to be built up to nine feet in width, using only the two outside stringers. Use 2x8's for risers with heights up to 7-1/4" and 2 x10's for risers over 7-1/4". Treads may be 2x12's, 5/4 pine, 5/4 hardwood, sturdy floor ripped to size or MDF etc. Pre-cut risers and treads exactly to length once you figure out how many steps you need and their width- this will save time.

You start by setting the brackets on two 2x6 stringer members using the reusable spacers and pivot screws. Once set, remove spacers and rotate the brackets to adjust stair rise and run. Fix the brackets in position and attach the risers and treads. 3D demos will explain the process clearly- see link below.

Tools and other materials needed will be: Power drill, saw (preferably power saw),# 8 1-1/4" Phillips head, star or square drive screws for the stair building brackets, #8 2-1/2" screws for every 9 " of tread and riser connections and spacers to customize the rise and tread configurations.

ICC-ES approved, this" Engineered Stair Building System" eliminates the need to cut stringers and has been tested to be faster and much stronger than conventionally constructed stairs. Savings of $500 per flight of stairs and more are not uncommon with adjustable stair building brackets. Using this system, both professionals and do-it-yourselfers will build cost efficient basement stairs, without sacrificing quality, accuracy, strength or appearance.

Tag : stair lifts,stair,stair build,budget