Stair Lifts
Do Stair Lifts Damage Stairs?
Minor, repairable tread holes — not wall damage. Get removal terms in writing anyway.
- Rails mount to the stair treads with brackets, leaving bolt holes when removed.
- Walls are generally untouched on modern installs.
- Carpeted stairs hide removal marks almost completely.
- On hardwood, expect filling and refinishing of the bracket locations.
What removal actually leaves behind
Typically six to ten bolt holes down one side of the staircase, roughly a quarter inch across. A carpenter can plug and finish them in an afternoon; on carpet they disappear entirely.
Put it in the contract
Ask whether removal is included in the purchase or rental, and whether the installer repairs the tread holes. The answer varies by dealer and is easy to negotiate before you sign, and impossible after.
Keep reading
Marcus Thorne
Senior Editor, Mobility Equipment
Marcus covers stair lifts, home elevators, and platform lifts for Home Access Advisor. He spent eleven years estimating residential remodels before moving into consumer publishing, and he reads dealer quotes for a living — which is why most of his guides start with the line items other sites leave out.
Covers: Stair lifts · Residential elevators · Installation pricing · Dealer quotes
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