Which stair lift brand is best?

It depends on your priority. Bruno scores highest overall on build quality, weight capacity, and its dealer-installed service network. Acorn wins on speed and price with factory-direct quotes and fast installs. Stannah is a strong pick for curved staircases, and Harmar covers outdoor steps. Compare two or three against your own staircase before deciding.

How much weight can a stair lift hold?

Standard stair lift seats support up to about 300 lb. Heavy-duty models handle 400 lb or more. If weight capacity matters, ask each installer for the exact rating of the model they're quoting.

Do I need to modify my house for a stair lift?

In most homes, no. The lift mounts to the stair treads rather than the wall, so no structural changes are needed. The installer confirms this during the free home assessment.

How to Choose a Stair Lift: A Buyer's Checklist

Once you know whether you need a straight or curved lift, the brands start to separate on the things you live with for years: how sturdy the hardware is, how long it's warrantied, and who fixes it when something goes wrong. Use this checklist to compare like for like.

Compare the warranties carefully

Cover varies widely across the major brands, and the fine print matters more than the headline:

Acorn: 1 year standard.
Stannah: up to 2 years full cover.
Harmar: up to 3 years on the drivetrain.
Bruno: major components covered for life.
Ask what's covered after year one, whether it includes labor or only parts, and who performs the service locally.

Match the weight capacity and fit

Standard seats support up to about 300 lb; heavy-duty models handle 400 lb or more, and Bruno is known for higher-capacity options. Also check seat width, whether the seat, arms, and footrest fold to keep the stairs walkable for others, and that a powered swivel seat is available if getting off at the top is a concern.

Weigh the service network, not just the brand

A stair lift is a piece of machinery you'll rely on daily, so local service is as important as the hardware. Bruno sells through installing dealers with strong service networks; Acorn sells factory-direct with fast installs. Neither is automatically better — ask specifically who will answer the phone and turn up if the lift stops working, and how quickly.

Questions to ask at the home assessment

The free in-home assessment is where the real numbers appear. Arrive with these:

What's the total installed price for my exact staircase, and what's optional?
What does the warranty cover after year one — parts, labor, or both?
How much are replacement batteries, and how often are they needed?
What's the lead time, and what does removal or buy-back look like if needs change?
Do you offer reconditioned units or rentals for a shorter-term need?

When a stair lift isn't the answer

A stair lift solves one problem: the stairs. If wheelchair use is likely soon, a vertical platform lift or single-floor living may serve longer, since a stair lift requires transferring on and off the seat at both ends of every trip. A trustworthy dealer will tell you when a lift isn't the right call — treat that honesty as a good sign about the company.