A safer way to keep every floor of your home usable—without remodeling your staircase
A well-installed stair lift can turn “the stairs are a problem” into “the whole house is still home.” For many Meridian homeowners, stair lift installation is part of aging in place, post-surgery recovery, or simply reducing fall risk during Idaho’s icy months. This guide walks through how a stair lift should be sized, installed, tested, and maintained—so you can make a confident, safety-first decision with clear expectations from day one.
Quick note on standards: Stairway chairlifts and platform lifts fall under established safety standards (such as ASME A18.1 for platform lifts and stairway chairlifts) and accessibility guidance where applicable. For public-facing accessibility routes, ADA guidance also discusses lift types and limitations. (asme.org)
1) Start with the right question: chair lift or platform lift?
“Stair lift” often means a seated chairlift that rides along a rail mounted to the stairs. This is typically ideal when the rider can transfer into a seat safely. If a wheelchair user needs to stay in their chair, you may need an inclined platform lift or a vertical platform lift instead.
| Option | Best for | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Seated stair lift (chairlift) | People who can sit and stand with support | Requires safe transfers; footrest clearance and stair width matter |
| Inclined platform lift | Wheelchair users who need to stay in the chair | More space needed; accessibility rules may apply in commercial/public settings (access-board.gov) |
| Vertical platform lift | Short vertical rises (porch/garage split-levels) | Often treated like a “conveyance” requiring proper installation, inspection, and maintenance (dopl.idaho.gov) |
Idaho Custom Lifts & Elevators helps homeowners compare options based on mobility needs, staircase layout, and long-term plans for the home—so you’re not boxed into a solution that works “for now” but becomes limiting later.
2) What a high-quality stair lift installation includes (beyond “mount the rail”)
A safe stair lift installation is a small project with big consequences. The best installs are methodical: measured precisely, mounted securely, powered correctly, and tested under real-life conditions.
Key parts of a professional installation checklist
The rail is cut and positioned to match your stair run and landings. Fit planning also considers doorways, hallway pinch points, and whether the chair should park out of the walking path.
Most modern stair lifts use a battery system that charges at specific points (often top, bottom, or both). The installer verifies a safe electrical plan so the unit charges reliably without creating tripping hazards.
Your lift should be tested for consistent starts/stops, controlled speed, and functioning sensors. For platform lifts and chairlifts, industry safety standards address design and safety expectations. (asme.org)
A good installer will walk the household through seat belt use, swivel/lock behavior at the landing, how to use call/send controls, and what to do if something feels “off.”
If you’re comparing bids, ask each contractor to describe their test process and what they verify before they consider the job complete. Quality shows up in the details.
3) Steps to take before you schedule stair lift installation
Step-by-step: how to prepare your home and household
Height, weight, balance, and confidence on stairs change the best seat height, armrest positioning, and whether a power swivel seat is appropriate.
Most risk happens when getting on/off. Plan where the rider will stand, hold on, and turn. If transfers are questionable, consider a wheelchair platform lift instead of a seated chairlift.
A parked chair in the wrong spot can narrow a hallway or interfere with a door swing. Parking strategy is a simple decision that prevents daily annoyances.
Like any lift device, a stair lift benefits from regular inspection and service. If you want one predictable plan, schedule maintenance at installation so it doesn’t get forgotten.
Idaho regulates elevators and many conveyances through the Idaho Elevator Program (including platform lifts/material lifts/dumbwaiters under its fee schedule). For certain equipment types, registration and inspections may apply. (dopl.idaho.gov)
Plain-English tip: A seated stair lift is often simpler than a platform lift, but “simpler” shouldn’t mean “rushed.” The safest installs are the ones that feel boring—quiet operation, smooth travel, no surprises, and clear instructions.
Did you know? Quick facts that influence stair lift choices
Platform lifts and chairlifts have dedicated safety standards. ASME A18.1 is the core safety standard referenced for platform lifts and stairway chairlifts. (asme.org)
ADA guidance treats platform lifts differently than typical chair stair lifts. For public accessibility routes, ADA standards reference platform lifts under specific conditions and note limitations (for example, chairlifts that require transfer to a seat are not permitted for an accessible route). (ada.gov)
Idaho defines “platform lift” in statute. Idaho’s definitions include “platform lift” and other related terms used in elevator/conveyance regulation. (law.justia.com)
Meridian, Idaho angle: weather, home layouts, and resale practicality
In Meridian and across the Treasure Valley, stairs become a bigger safety concern during winter (slick shoes, bulky layers, and reduced traction). Stair lifts can reduce fall exposure on interior staircases when going up and down multiple times a day.
Many local homes also feature split-level entries, bonus rooms, and daylight basements—layouts that make “just live on one floor” less practical. A stair lift can keep bedrooms, laundry, and storage accessible without sacrificing how your home functions.
If you’re thinking about resale, focus on reversible, clean installs: neatly routed power, thoughtful parking, and a rail layout that keeps the staircase usable for everyone else in the home.
Ready to plan your stair lift installation?
Idaho Custom Lifts & Elevators provides stair lift sales, installation, and long-term service support for homeowners in Meridian and the greater Treasure Valley. If you want help comparing configurations (straight vs. curved stairs, parking options, transfer safety), we’ll walk the space with you and recommend a solution that fits your home and mobility needs.
FAQ: Stair lift installation in Meridian
How long does stair lift installation usually take?
For many straight staircases, installation can often be completed in a single visit once equipment is ready. Curved stairs or special parking configurations can add time due to customization and fitting.
Will a stair lift damage my stairs?
Rails are typically mounted to the stair treads (not the wall). With proper installation, the footprint is controlled and can often be removed later with standard tread repairs if needed.
Do stair lifts work during a power outage?
Many stair lifts rely on batteries that charge when parked at charging points, which helps them continue operating for a period of time during outages. Your installer should explain battery capacity expectations and best parking practices.
What’s the difference between a stair lift and an ADA platform lift?
A typical seated stair lift (chairlift) requires transferring to a seat. For ADA accessibility routes in public settings, guidance references platform lifts and notes that chairlifts requiring transfer are not permitted as an accessible route in new construction. (ada.gov)
Does Idaho regulate lifts like platform lifts or dumbwaiters?
Idaho has an Elevator Program with registrations, fees, and inspection-related information for conveyances (including platform lifts/material lifts/dumbwaiters in its fee schedule). For commercial projects and certain equipment types, it’s smart to confirm what applies before installation. (dopl.idaho.gov)