If you have agreed to go ahead with a stairlift and you are wondering how long the fitting will take, the honest answer for a straight staircase is: around one hour. Here is a full breakdown of what happens on installation day — from when we arrive to when you take your first ride.

The reconditioned Brooks Acorn Slimline Straight that we install is designed specifically for straight staircases, which are by far the most common type in UK homes. Because the rail runs in a single uninterrupted line from bottom to top, there is no complex fabrication needed on the day.

The rail arrives pre-cut to the correct length based on the measurements we took during the survey. That means the bulk of the installation is straightforward mechanical work — fixing the rail, fitting the carriage, connecting the power, and testing everything thoroughly before we leave.

Before any fitting begins, we take a few minutes to review the staircase carefully. Even on a standard straight flight, every home is slightly different. We check the angle of the stairs, the width of the treads, the position of any doors at the top or bottom, and whether there are any access challenges that need to be addressed.

If there is a doorway at the top or bottom of the stairs, we may need to fit a hinge section to the rail. This allows the end of the track to fold up out of the way so the door can open and close freely. It adds a small amount of time to the installation but is a clean, reliable solution.

If access is particularly tight — for example, a very narrow staircase or an awkward turn at the top — a split track may be the right approach. This involves joining two sections of rail so the lift can navigate the space without obstructing the landing or hallway. We will always discuss this with you before we start if it looks like it may be needed.

Getting this review right at the start means the rest of the installation goes smoothly and there are no surprises.

We will have already visited to measure up, so there should be no surprises. When we arrive, we do a quick final check — confirming the power socket location, checking the staircase is clear, and reviewing any specific requirements noted during the survey.

The rail is the track that runs along the staircase. We fix it to the treads of the stairs — not the wall — so there is no drilling into plasterwork and no damage to your skirting boards or paintwork.

If a hinge section is required for a doorway, this is fitted as part of the rail installation. Securing the rail correctly and at the right angle is the most important part of the job, and we take care to get it right.

Once the rail is in place, we fit the carriage — the motorised unit that travels up and down — and attach the seat, armrests, and footrest. We check that everything folds and unfolds smoothly and that the safety sensors are working correctly.

The stairlift plugs into a standard 13-amp socket. We connect the power and run the lift up and down the full length of the rail several times, checking the speed, the stopping points at top and bottom, and the behaviour of the safety sensors.

Remote controls are available on request — if you would like one, just let us know when you book and we will make sure it is included on the day.

Before we leave, we walk you through everything — how to sit down safely, how to use the controls, how to fold the seat and footrest when the lift is not in use, and what to do if the lift stops unexpectedly.

We also explain the charging system. The stairlift charges automatically whenever it is parked at the top or bottom of the stairs, so you do not need to do anything special to keep the battery topped up.

We always ask the person who will be using the lift to take a ride before we pack up. If anything feels wrong, or if the stopping points need adjusting slightly for comfort, we sort it on the spot.

To give you a rough idea of the timing:

• Arrival and staircase review: 5–10 minutes
• Fitting the rail (including hinge section if required): 20–25 minutes
• Fitting the carriage and seat: 10–15 minutes
• Power connection and testing: 10 minutes
• Demonstration and first ride: 5–10 minutes

Total: typically around one hour for a standard straight staircase. If a hinge section or split track is required, allow a little extra time — but it is rarely more than 30 minutes additional.

This is important. To complete the installation safely and efficiently, we need full, uninterrupted access to the staircase for the duration of the fitting.

Please make sure that builders, tradespeople, or children are not in the vicinity while we are working. The staircase will be out of use during installation, and having other people moving around the area creates both a safety risk and delays.

If you have work being carried out in the home on the same day, it is worth rescheduling one or the other. It is a short job — one hour — and having the space clear makes everything quicker and safer for everyone.

Very little. A few things that help:

Keep the staircase clear. Remove anything stored on the stairs — shoes, bags, laundry — so we can work without interruption.

Make sure the power socket is accessible. We need a standard 13-amp socket within reach of the top or bottom of the stairs. If there is furniture in the way, it helps to move it beforehand.

Have someone home who can use the lift. Ideally the person who will be using the stairlift should be present for the demonstration at the end. If that is not possible, make sure whoever is home can pass on the instructions.

Let us know in advance about any doorways or access issues. If there is a door at the top or bottom of the stairs, or if the staircase is particularly narrow, mention it when you book. We will already have noted it from the survey, but it is always helpful to confirm.

Very little. We fix the rail to the stair treads, which involves drilling a small number of fixing holes. We clean up as we go and take all packaging and waste away with us. Most customers are surprised by how tidy the job is.

If you find that the stopping point at the top or bottom feels slightly off, or if you have any questions after we have left, just give us a call. We are a small family-run business and we are easy to reach. Adjustments are straightforward and we are happy to come back if needed.

If you would like to arrange an installation — or if you still need a survey first — call us on 01446 710722 (landline) or 07779 544439 (mobile). We cover South Wales, Bristol, Somerset, and Gloucestershire, and we can usually fit within a few days of the survey.

The whole process, from first phone call to first ride, is designed to be as simple and stress-free as possible.