Choosing a stairlift for your Michigan home starts with one fundamental question: what kind of staircase do you have? The answer determines which type of stairlift you need, what it will cost, how long installation takes, and which brands are even available to you.
Most homeowners assume this decision is complicated. It really is not — once you understand the key differences between a straight stairlift and a curved stairlift, the right choice usually becomes clear quickly.
What Is a Straight Stairlift?
A straight stairlift is designed for staircases that travel in a single uninterrupted line from one floor to the next — no turns, no landings where direction changes, no curves. These are by far the most common type of residential staircase in Metro Detroit and across Michigan, found in the majority of ranches, colonials, and bi-levels built in the region.
Because straight stairlift tracks come in standardized lengths that are cut down to fit during installation, the process is fast — typically completed in two to four hours. That standardization also keeps costs down. Most straight stairlift installations in Michigan run between $3,000 and $5,500, fully installed.
Leading straight stairlift brands include Bruno, Harmar, AmeriGlide, and Acorn. All offer models with varying weight capacities, seat styles, and features. We help Michigan families compare options based on their specific staircase dimensions, user needs, and budget — not based on what has the highest margin for us.
What Is a Curved Stairlift?
A curved stairlift — also commonly called a stairlift for curved stairs — is engineered for staircases that do not travel in a straight line. This includes staircases that:
- Make a 90-degree turn at a landing
- Make a 180-degree switchback turn
- Curve or arc gradually as they climb
- Spiral around a central column
- Include a winder section where steps are pie-shaped
Because no two curved staircases are exactly alike, the track for a curved stairlift must be custom-fabricated to match the precise geometry of your specific staircase. A technician measures your stairs in detail, those measurements are sent to the manufacturer, and the track is built to order. This process takes two to four weeks from measurement to delivery.
Curved stairlift pricing reflects this custom work. In Michigan, expect to pay between $8,000 and $15,000 or more for a curved stairlift, fully installed. The significant price difference compared to a straight stairlift is entirely attributable to the custom track — the mechanical components are similar between the two types.
How to Tell Which Type of Staircase You Have
Stand at the bottom of your staircase and look up. Work through these questions:
Does the staircase go straight to the top without any change in direction? If yes, you have a straight staircase and are a candidate for a straight stairlift.
Is there a landing partway up where the direction of the stairs changes? If yes, you have a staircase with a turn. You may need a curved stairlift — or potentially two straight stairlifts connected by a transfer at the landing.
Does the staircase arc, curve, or spiral as it climbs? If yes, you have a curved staircase and will need a custom curved stairlift track.
Are any of the steps triangular or pie-shaped (winder steps)? Winder steps require a curved stairlift track even if the staircase visually looks relatively straight.
If you are unsure, do not guess — a free in-home measurement costs you nothing and eliminates any ambiguity.
Two Straight Stairlifts vs. One Curved Stairlift
This is a question many Michigan families never think to ask, but it is worth understanding. For staircases with a 90- or 180-degree landing, installing two separate straight stairlifts — one on each flight — is often significantly more cost-effective than a single curved stairlift.
The tradeoff is a brief transfer at the landing between units. The user rides the first lift to the landing, stands and takes a step or two to the second lift, and rides the remainder of the way up. If the user has enough mobility to manage those few steps safely, a two-unit straight configuration can save $3,000–$7,000 compared to a curved stairlift.
The two-unit approach also has a practical advantage: if one unit needs service, the other is still operational, and the user can manage the one-flight section more easily than being stranded with a fully inoperable curved stairlift.
We will always present both options when a landing is involved so you can make an informed decision. There is no wrong answer — it depends on the user’s mobility level, the width of the landing, and budget.
Important Staircase Measurements to Know
Regardless of staircase type, a few measurements help determine whether a stairlift is feasible and which specific model fits:
Width. Most stairlifts require a minimum of 28–30 inches of staircase width. Narrower staircases may still be accommodable with slim-rail models, but it requires careful selection.
Rise and run. The total height of the staircase and the depth of each tread determine track length and whether any custom fabrication is needed even on a straight staircase.
Headroom. Low ceilings at the top of the staircase can affect the stairlift’s ability to travel all the way to the upper landing. Our installers check this during every site visit.
Doorway clearance. On many Michigan homes, a door sits at the top or bottom of the staircase. Fold-flat rail options ensure the stairlift does not block doorway access when parked.
Which Brands Do We Recommend?
For straight stairlifts, Bruno and Harmar are our most-recommended brands for Michigan homeowners based on reliability, parts availability, and warranty support. Both offer models across a range of price points and weight capacities.
For curved stairlifts, Bruno’s Elite Curved is a strong choice for Michigan homes. The track fabrication quality is excellent, the ride is smooth, and Bruno’s service network across Michigan is well-established.
We are not brand-exclusive — we will tell you honestly if a different model serves your situation better.
Get a Free Stairlift Assessment in Michigan
At Senior Home Solutions, we do every staircase assessment in person. We measure carefully, review the full staircase configuration, and present every viable option — straight stairlift, curved stairlift, or two-unit configuration — with transparent, installed pricing. No pressure, no obligation.
We serve Metro Detroit and communities across Michigan. Call us at (586) 997-0750 to schedule your free assessment. The right stairlift depends on your stairs, your needs, and your budget — and we will help you find it.
