Savaria Concord Stair Lifts

Savaria Concord, which is the second largest stair lift manufacturer in North America, has introduced stair lifts as well as other accessibility products in the world market. Many of the aged and physically disabled people use Savaria Concord stair lifts for maximum comfort and long lasting use. B.07 Straight Stair Chair and Step Saver Straight Stair Chair are the two stair lift models of Savaria Concord.

B.07 Straight Stair Chair which is meant for straight stairways can be used for residential and commercial applications. This equipment can be used both indoors and outdoors, and operated with AC as well as DC power. The lifting capacity of this device can be upgraded to 400 lbs.

An advantage of the B.07 Straight Stair Chair is that the height of the seat and footrest can be adjusted for convenient use. Safety brake is provided on the carriage. Obstruction sensors are other utility features which detect objects on the path of the lift and stop the device, thus preventing injury to the user and damages to the Savaria Concord stair lift. The padded armrests can be flipped up, economizing the use of space. Vinyl seat upholstery is an optional choice in this straight stair lift. Beige colored carriage and upholstery, and beige or grey colored rail finish are characteristic features of standard B.07 stair lifts.

Step Saver Straight Stair Chair from Savaria Concord can be installed on either side of the staircase. It features:

• Two remote controls
• Skid-free foot rest
• Two obstruction sensors
• Electronic controller with soft start and stop

This lift has the option of battery powered operation, which allows usage even during power failure. Cloth and vinyl seat covering choices are available. This stair lift has a lifting capacity of 300 lb or 136 kg. A flip-up swivel seat that locks in position and continuous pressure buttons are other features of this straight stair lift. The Step Saver Straight Stair Chair is available in the same standard colors as the B.07 Straight Stair Chair.

Savaria Concord provides 36 months limited warranty for repairing and replacing the defective parts of stair lifts. Savaria Concord has nationwide dealers. People can purchase Savaria Concord's stair lift from their nearest dealers. Most of the reputable dealers provide assistance for installation, maintenance, repair and replacement of stair lifts.

DAY offers superior quality Savaria Concord stair lifts for individuals suffering from mobility impairment. We also offer superior quality design and installation services for package lifts, dumbwaiters, etc observing all required safety standards.

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

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

Used Stair Lifts - A Careful Purchase

If you have trouble traversing the stairs than a stair lift may be for you. It is no longer necessary to contemplate a move, installing an incredibly expensive personal elevator, or hiring someone to help you up and down the stairs. Stair lifts provide a safe, affordable, and easy way to use the stairs again. A stair lift, using a rail that attaches to your stairs, is a device that carries you up and down the stairs. For most people a stair lift that uses a chair to carry them up and down the steps will be the best choice. If you have trouble sitting, however, than there are some models of stair lifts that use a small platform, called a perch, to traverse the steps. The chaired stair lift is really the best choice though for most people though.

Like almost everything, it has become very easy to order stair lifts from the comfort of your own home. It is even possible to do it completely online, but do to the amount of customization that is involved in completing a stair lift order, it is probably a good idea to give them a call. A quality dealer will call up and confirm all online orders anyway, but it is always a good idea to touch bases with them. Most reputable dealers have staff standing by who will answer all your questions and help you find a stair lift that will fit your stairs and your needs. It is imperative, however, that you find a reputable dealer, though. You can still save a good deal of money on a stair lift when you purchase from a reputable dealer and some even offer refurbished models that can save you a great deal of money. It can be tempting to purchase a stair lift from a stranger, either from the newspaper or from an online auction service. For a device that will be used to carry such a valuable load up and down the stairs this is an incredibly risky gamble.

You are going to be relying on the proper and safe service of your stair lift, and by buying it used from a consumer you are very likely inheriting a problem. You have no way of knowing whether the device was installed correctly, used correctly, or if it is even in good working condition. There are many safeguards built into most stair lifts, but if the stair lift has been misused the safeguards may not be enough. The other major disadvantage of buying a used stair lift from a stranger is that it will likely not fit your stairs. The stair lift tracks must be cut to fit your specific stair case and a track that is too short or too long will be incredibly safe.

When you purchase a used stair lift from a reputable dealer you are guaranteed that you are receiving a fully functioning, tested, and refurbished unit that has passed all the factory safety tests. Even though it, a reputable dealer will still supply you with a custom cut track that will fit your stairs. Instead of taking a chance on a used stair lift from a complete stranger, make sure you buy from a reputable dealer and enjoy many years of dependable service.

Whether you are in the market for used stair lifts or a new stair lift the folks over at http://www.a1-medical-supplies.net will take good care of you. They have staff standing by to answer your questions.

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

Where to Buy a Used Stair Lift

When you purchase a product used you often have little recourse if it does not work. This is true of many products like used cars and used power tools, which seldom come with an extended warranty. This means that if anything happens to the product than you must pay for the repairs on your own. When you are considering purchasing a piece of home medical equipment used you have the health and wellbeing of yourself or a person you love to think of as well. Buying used items can be a gamble, but when you buy a used stair lift it doesn't have to be a gamble at all.

A stair lift is a device that moves a chair or small platform along a set of tracks that is attached to the stairs. Stair lifts, or stair chairs as they are often called, can be a very big help to people who have difficulty traversing the stairs in their home. When purchased new stair lifts are incredibly reliable and will provides many years of relatively maintenance free service. There is a large potential for abuse and misuse with these kinds of devices so you want to be incredibly careful when you buy one used, but when you buy one from a reputable dealer you can save money without worrying about the condition of your stair lift.

If you decide you wish to purchase a used stair lift, then there are several things you should look for. It is possible to save a good deal of money this way, but you can't just buy them from anyone. First ensure that you are purchasing the stair lift from a reputable dealer. If you make the mistake of buying a used stair lift from an individual you have absolutely no assurance that the device was used, maintained, and assembled properly. With a device that carries the great responsibility that a stair lift does, several times a day up and down the stairs, then you do not want to take any chances. A reputable dealer that carries used stair lifts will thoroughly inspect, refurbish, and then test all products before they ever leave their door. In addition to a warranty of at least 6 months, you are guaranteed that your stair lift will be in the same condition as if it was brand new. This guarantee of course only applies to used stair lifts bought from reputable dealers.

When you purchase a used stair lift from a reputable dealer, you are getting a completely refurbished unit that is like a new model. The other great advantage of buying a used stair lift from a reputable dealer is that the dealer will custom fit your stair case with a set of rails. This will save you money and ensure that your stair lift will be a safe addition to your home. When you purchase a used stair lift from an individual there is a good chance you will need to order or cut your own track. This is because everyone's stair case is a little different, so it is very unlikely that you will find someone who had a stair case that has the same dimensions as yours.

A stair lift is a big investment that has a lot riding on it. Rather than take a chance by buying a used stair lift from a private individual, you should seek a quality distributor of used stair lifts. By finding a reputable dealer you will ensure that your used stair lift is as new as if it had just left the factory.

Brad Brubaker has years of experience in the home medical equipment field. http://www.a1-medical-supplies.net is a reputable dealer of used stair lifts and more. Visit their site or give them a call to find out more.

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

Building Deck Stairs on a Budget - By Richard Truckner / Leslie ...

As a professional, I’ve built many decks of all sizes and shapes. Stairs are often the last part of the deck to be tackled because they are usually the most difficult and expensive part of the deck to build. However, by using a method known as the ‘engineered bracket system’, not only can I save up to $500 per flight of wood stairs, but the installation is easy, with professional results.

The adjustable stair bracket system automatically adjusts to the exact rise and run needed. The customized rise and treads configurations can be adjusted to meet all building codes for any interior or exterior application. The brackets act as joist hangers which allow the stair risers to be used structurally, carrying the load across the stair like floor joists. Using only two outside stringers, the stair width can be up to nine feet wide and the stairs are strong. The need for interior stringers is eliminated. The outside stringers then require only 3 to 4 cuts each, and the risers and treads are simply attached to the brackets. If you make a mistake, you can readjust the brackets.

A wide range of materials such as redwood, cedar, tropical wood, treated wood, untreated wood, vinyl, steel, and composites can be used. Adjustable brackets allow for customized rise and tread configurations which can be adjusted to meet all building codes for any interior or exterior application.

This is how it works: Set the brackets on the two 2×6 stringer members using the spacers and pivot screws. Remove spacers and rotate brackets to adjust stair height. Fix brackets in position, attach risers and treads. 3D video demos are available on the website below.

Before you begin, determine the material you are going to use, the exact number of steps you need and the stair width.

You will need (2) 2×6’s per stringer for each side. Make sure when you purchase your 2×6’s make sure that they are straight without any twist. The 2×6’s will need to be at least 12″ longer than the total length of your stairs. Two stringers are sufficient to span up to 7′ wide (exterior stair requirements).

For risers you will use 2×8’s for riser heights up to 7-1/4″ and 2×10’s for higher risers. For treads you can use 2×12’s (which is the easiest option). However, if you decide to use (2) 6 inch wide treads instead…wood or composite, you will need to use cleat brackets to bridge between the risers for tread support. Time saving tip: when you determine how many steps you will need and your stair width….get all your risers and treads pre-cut to exact lengths when you purchase the materials.

Tools/Materials needed will be: a power drill, saw (skill saw is preferable, but not required, #8 1 1/4″ Phillips flat head or star/square drive screws for the stair brackets, #8 2 1/2″ deck screws for every 9″ of tread and riser connection and Spacers for customized riser and tread measurements.

The “Engineered Stair Bracket System” method eliminates the need to cut stringers and is tested to be much stronger and faster than conventional construction. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a do-it-yourselfer, you will build fast, strong and accurate stairs, on a budget.

EZ Stairs is the only adjustable, engineered stair bracket system available anywhere, ICC approved. It won Pro Sales Magazine’s Editor’s 2004 Choice award for new product innovation in construction. EZ Stairs’ composite deck stairs compatibility solution was chosen for LBM Journal’s ‘Hot Products’ Award at the 2005 and 2008 International Builders Show. Easy installation, strong and professional. The system is engineered so that even someone with minimal building skills, can build stairs easily, and pros can just build faster- equaling more profit. For more information, visit the ez-stair.com website, or call 866-693-9570. See an EZ Stairs 3D demo and photos.

About the Author

Richard Truckner, holder of 12 plus patents in construction related products. Bachelor of Technology in Architecture; career spanning 40 plus years. Richard is the inventor of EZ Stairs.

http://www.articlerich.com/blog/home-improvement/building-deck-stairs-on-a-budget-by-richard-truckner-leslie-walker

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

Stair Lift Measuring - How To Take Proper Measurements To Install A Stair Chair Lift

Thinking about buying and installing your own stair lift? In today’s internet market, the trend is moving towards customer friendly products. Manufactures are developing and producing products that a typical consumer or homeowner can install with standard household tools in just a few hours.

The first step all stair lift manufactures require from the customer or homeowner before a product is made and shipped are the measurements of the staircase. It is very easy to measure for your new stair lift. All you need is a good quality tape measure to get the job done.

Before you begin to measure, take a general overview of your stairway layout and decide which side of the staircase the stair lift will be mounted on, when viewed from the bottom. Typically, stair lifts can be installed on either side of the staircase. Depending on the layout, choose the best side where it will be the easiest to get on and off the lift avoiding any obstacles at the top or bottom.

Most stair lifts mount to the staircase tread and not the wall. So no walls are necessary for most stair lift designs. Make sure you understand the manufactures design to ensure this is the case.

Now that you have decided which side of the staircase the stair lift will be mounted, follow the steps below to take proper measurements. Always measure twice. All measurements should be recorded in inches.

The following 7 measurements are required to determine if a stair lift application will work for your mobility needs.

1. Overall Length - This is the MOST IMPORTANT measurement! This determines the length of rail you will need for the lift. To obtain this measurement stand at the top of your stairs, extend your tap measure until it is laying on all the stair treads and the tip of the tape measure is touching the landing at the bottom of the steps. How many inches is it from the bottom landing to the top of the upper landing? Document this number.

2. Top Stair to Bottom Stair - Measure from the edge of the top step to the edge of the bottom step.

3. Width - Measure the width of your staircase from wall to wall or inside width of the staircase. In many cases this will be wall to wall.

4. Bottom Clearance - If there is a wall or a door at the bottom of the steps, place the beginning of the tape measure at the beginning of the door frame or wall and extend out until you reach the bottom of you step wall. Note: This should be done if you have a wall (landing) or door at the top of the steps as well and add a number eight (8) measurement and mark that as the "top clearance".
The last three measurements (5, 6, and 7) will enable the manufacturer to preset the seat angle of your lift at the factory.

5. Rise of ONE STEP - Measure the height of one stair. This is from the base of one tread to the next.

6. Tread of ONE STEP - Measure the width of one step. This is the area you walk on. Measure from the front of the step to the back of the step.

7. Diagonal of ONE STEP – Measure the length from one edge of a step to the tip of the next. Similar to step 1 but instead of the entire staircase length, only measure the length between two steps.

Great, now that you have completed the hardest part of determining if a stair lift will work in your home, the next step is to find a stair lift company to ship your product. If you would like more details on How To Measure a staircase please feel free to read more at the above link.

This article was provided by Gerald Lee Graham, Jr. of 4-Med Supplies LLC – wholesaler of Durable Medical Equipment for the disabled. For more information on stair lifts or any other medical equipment, please visit http://www.4-stair-lifts.com

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

Excel Stair Lifts - Safety, Comfort and Convenience

Excel stair lifts are designed for safety, comfort and convenience. These are engineered with multiple safety features, which include sensors that detect obstacles in their path, seat belts that enhance the security and brakes that will gently stop the system when something goes wrong with the drive system. Excel stair lifts from Access make moving around simple and enjoyable.


Excel stair lifts have outstanding features that make them different from other stair chair lifts. They have swivel seats that lock at 60° and 90°, and allow you to move up and down with confidence. The padded arm rest will give you a more comfortable ride. The folding arms make it easier to get on and off the lift, without extra help from others. These devices have operating control switches which can be placed on either side of the seat for ease of use. An optional joystick, hand held pendent, or control switch is provided for those with limited hand accessibility. These lifts also have a wireless remote control system that can be used whenever the user feels the need. Excel stair lifts come with elegant upholstery in different colors.


You can choose between Excel stair lifts that work on A/C and those that are battery operated. The A/C operated system employs a power cable that uses household current for its operation, and doesn’t work during power failure. The BOS model works on battery which automatically and continuously charges to provide uninterrupted service even when there is a power outage. Everyday advanced technologies are coming up that make riding on stair chair lifts more comfortable and easier. These advanced features include quality suspension system for removing jolts and vibrations, and lightweight frames to ensure excellent performance. These stairlifts can be customized in order to meet the special requirements of customer. The advanced models of stairway lifts have ideal center of gravity which assists the user to execute spins and difficult movements in an easier way.


Stairlifts are mounted on tracks, these tracks have rack and gear arrangement that offer a smooth ride. The optional folding track clears the track out of the landing way and hence maximizes the living space. The track is narrow, low profile and easy to clean. Excel stair lifts are designed for smooth, gentle and stable ride, providing safety, comfort and convenience. These stair chair lifts ensure easy accessibility for your dear ones who find it difficult to move around in the home.


Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/accessories-articles/excel-stair-lifts-safety-comfort-and-convenience-554180.html