It comes down to your stairs
The answer is simpler than most people expect: which stairlift you need is decided by the shape of your staircase — not by preference, and not by budget. Here’s the rule:
- Straight stairs, no turns, from top to bottom → you need a straight stairlift. We install the Bruno Elan (SRE-5000) and Bruno Elite (SRE-2010) on straight runs.
- Any turn, corner, intermediate landing, or spiral section → you need a curved stairlift. We install the Bruno Elite curved (CRE-2110).
- Straight stairs outdoors (porch steps, deck access) → the Bruno Elite outdoor (SRE-2010E), built for weather.
See our straight stairlifts and curved stairlifts pages for the full details on each.
What a straight stairlift involves
A straight stairlift uses a standard rail that’s cut to the length of your stairs. At your free evaluation, we measure the run, confirm the fit, and handle the rest. The process is quick from start to finish — most straight installations are done in a single day.
What a curved stairlift involves
A curved stairlift is a different animal. The rail is custom-built to follow every turn, angle, and landing of your exact staircase:
- We measure. At your free evaluation, we take precise measurements of every turn, angle, and landing. This isn’t guesswork — the rail is built from these numbers.
- The rail is manufactured. Your rail is built to order for your staircase. This custom work takes time, which is why curved stairlifts take longer overall and cost more — but the fit is exact.
- We install. Our own team installs the rail and the lift, tests everything, and walks you through operating it. The rail mounts to your stair treads — not the wall — and most installations are done in a day once the rail arrives.
What if my stairs have a landing in the middle?
This comes up a lot. Yes, you could put two straight lifts on a staircase with a landing — one for each run — but you’d have to get off one chair, walk across the landing, and sit on the second. For most people, that’s a bad solution. A single curved rail that carries you the whole way is almost always the right answer.
Not sure which one your stairs need?
That’s what the free in-home evaluation is for. We’ll look at your stairs, measure them, and tell you straight — including if neither option fits the way you expected. No pressure, no obligation.
Main Office: (878) 287-2877 Pittsburgh area: (724) 396-5730 Northwest & Central PA: (814) 460-7977 info@getmeupstairs.com Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM