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Will there still be enough room to walk on the stairs?

A+ StairLifts of Pittsburgh is frequently asked if there will still be enough room to walk on the stairs. It’s a common concern, especially in older Pittsburgh homes where staircases are often narrower than those in newer construction. Whether you’re considering a stairlift for yourself, a spouse, or an aging parent, you want to make sure it improves safety without creating obstacles for everyone else in the home.

The good news? Most modern stairlifts take up far less space than people expect.

How Much Space Does a Stairlift Need?

Many homeowners picture a bulky chair sitting in the middle of the staircase; however, today’s stairlifts are much more compact.

Most models feature:

• Fold-up seats
• Fold-up armrests
• Fold-up footrests

For homeowners concerned about limited staircase space, A+ StairLifts installs one of the narrowest fold-up stairlifts on the market. We’ll evaluate your staircase and recommend the solution that best balances safety, accessibility, and everyday convenience.

Older Pittsburgh Homes Present Unique Challenges

Many Western Pennsylvania homes weren’t built with accessibility equipment in mind.

You may have:

• Narrow staircases
• Tight landings
• Basement steps with limited clearance
• Doorways near the bottom of the stairs
• Turns or curves in the staircase

None of these automatically rule out stairlift installation. They simply influence which model, and rail configuration may work best.

At A+ StairLifts of Pittsburgh, we’re passionate about helping homeowners age in place safely and independently. We’ve installed stairlifts in a wide variety of homes throughout the region, including many older homes with unique staircase challenges.

Will Other Family Members Still Be Able to Use the Stairs?

The short answer is yes. 

When choosing a stairlift, it is important to consider everyone who uses the stairs each day, whether they’re carrying a laundry basket, bringing in groceries, or making frequent trips between floors. Since many stairlift seats fold up when not in use, other household members can often continue using the stairs normally. The amount of available walking space depends on the width of your staircase and the stairlift model selected.

Don’t Overlook the Bottom of the Stairs

A stairlift isn’t just about the steps themselves. At A+ StairLifts of Pittsburgh, we also evaluate where the rail begins and ends to ensure it doesn’t interfere with daily traffic patterns in your home.

In some homes, the bottom of the staircase opens directly into:

• A hallway
• An entryway
• A frequently used doorway

In these situations, a folding rail may be a practical solution. A folding rail allows part of the track to fold up when the stairlift isn’t being used, helping keep walkways clear and reducing potential tripping hazards.

Not every home requires this feature, but it’s something worth discussing during your in-home consultation.

The Bottom Line

A staircase that looks too narrow at first glance may still be able to accommodate a stairlift. The key is choosing the right model and having the staircase properly evaluated.

Since 2009, A+ StairLifts of Pittsburgh has helped homeowners throughout Western Pennsylvania find solutions that fit their homes, lifestyles, and budgets. We offer new, reconditioned, and rental stairlift options for a variety of staircase configurations. If you’re wondering whether a stairlift will fit your staircase, we’d be happy to take a look and discuss your options. Give us a call!

We proudly serve Pittsburgh, Monroeville, Penn Hills, Plum, Greensburg, Irwin, North Huntingdon, and surrounding Western Pennsylvania communities.

A+ StairLifts of Pittsburgh
412-823-3222
https://aplusstairlifts.net/