Through-Floor Lifts vs Stairlifts: Which Is Right for You?

For ambulant users who can walk and transfer to a seat, a stairlift is almost always the better choice — it is cheaper, faster to install, and requires no structural work. For full-time wheelchair users who cannot transfer, a through-floor lift is the appropriate solution. The two products serve different user needs; choosing the right one depends primarily on the user's mobility, not on the staircase.

Key Takeaways

• A stairlift costs from £995 installed (reconditioned) or £1,950 (new). A through-floor lift costs £11,000–£16,000 installed.
• A stairlift installs in 1.5–3 hours with no structural work. A through-floor lift takes 2–4 days including floor joist modification.
• Through-floor lifts are designed for wheelchair users who cannot transfer to a seat. Stairlifts are for ambulant users who can.
• Both are eligible for a Disabled Facilities Grant (up to £30,000 in England, £36,000 in Wales).
• Both qualify for VAT relief (0%) when supplied to a person with a long-term illness or disability.
• Through-floor lifts require a floor opening of approximately 0.9m × 1.2m at each level — space planning is critical.
• If you are unsure which is appropriate, ask your GP for an occupational therapy referral — OT assessment is free and will determine the right solution.

What is a through-floor lift, and how does it work?

A through-floor lift (also called a home lift or domestic vertical platform lift) is a self-contained lifting platform housed in an enclosed column or shaft that passes through a hole cut in the floor between two levels of a home. The user — seated or in a wheelchair — presses a control panel, the platform rises through the floor opening, and a gate or door closes above and below for safety.

Unlike stairlifts (which follow the staircase), through-floor lifts travel in a vertical straight line and do not require a staircase at all. They are installed against a wall, typically in a corner of the room, with the platform footprint at each level of approximately 0.9m × 1.2m for a basic single-user model.

How do the two products compare directly?

Which stairlift options exist for wheelchair users?

For a full-time wheelchair user who cannot safely transfer from their wheelchair to a stairlift seat, a through-floor lift is the appropriate solution. The user remains in their wheelchair on the platform for the entire journey — no transfer, no standing, no physical effort required.

A wheelchair platform stairlift (a stairlift rail with a flat platform instead of a seat) is a less common alternative for wheelchair users on staircases — but it requires a staircase width of at least 900mm and can be less convenient than a vertical lift for daily use. It is typically specified when space constraints prevent a through-floor lift.

For an ambulant user who uses a wheelchair part-time or as a secondary aid but is able to transfer, a standard straight stairlift with a powered swivel seat is usually the simpler, faster, and significantly cheaper solution.

When is a stairlift the better choice over a through-floor lift?

A stairlift is almost always the right choice when the user is ambulant — meaning they can walk, even with difficulty, and can transfer from a walking frame or standing position to a seat. Stairlifts are:

• Much cheaper (from £995 installed versus £11,000+ for a through-floor lift)
• Faster to install (1.5–3 hours versus 2–4 days)
• Less disruptive (no structural work, no building alterations)
• Available with same-week fitting in most cases
• Eligible for the same Disabled Facilities Grant as a through-floor lift

A through-floor lift is the correct choice only when the user cannot transfer to a stairlift seat — typically full-time wheelchair users or those with severe upper-body limitations. If you are unsure, an occupational therapist assessment will establish which product is clinically appropriate.

What structural work does a through-floor lift require?

Installing a through-floor lift requires cutting a hole through the floor joists between the two levels. This weakens the structural floor, so the cut joists must be supported and sistered (doubled up with new timber) to maintain floor integrity. In addition:

• A structural engineer may need to assess the floor before work begins.
• Plumbing and gas pipes running beneath the floor must be rerouted if they fall within the lift footprint.
• Electrical supply for the lift motor must be installed (typically a 13A or 16A spur).
• After installation, the floor, wall, and ceiling around the lift shaft typically need redecoration.

The total disruption is typically 2–4 working days, compared to the 1.5–3 hours for a straight stairlift installation with no structural work at all.

Not sure which is right for you? An occupational therapist (OT) can assess your specific needs and recommend the appropriate adaptation — the assessment is free through your local council's social care team. Manchester Stairlifts works with OT recommendations directly; contact us with your OT report and we can advise on the right product and funding route.

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Frequently asked questions about through-floor lifts vs stairlifts

What is a through-floor lift?

A through-floor lift is a self-contained vertical platform that travels through a hole cut in the floor between two levels of a home. The user (seated or in a wheelchair) stands or sits on the platform and travels vertically between floors without needing to use the stairs at all.

How much does a through-floor lift cost?

A domestic through-floor lift costs £11,000–£16,000 installed in the UK as of 2026. This is substantially more than a stairlift (from £995 installed), reflecting the structural modification and building work required.

Which is better for a wheelchair user — a stairlift or through-floor lift?

A through-floor lift is almost always better for full-time wheelchair users who cannot transfer to a seat. The user remains in their wheelchair throughout. A stairlift requires the user to transfer to a seat at the bottom and back to their wheelchair or chair at the top.

How long does it take to install a through-floor lift?

Installation takes 2–4 days, including floor joist cutting, sistering, electrical connection, and any replastering. This compares to 1.5–3 hours for a straight stairlift with no structural modification.

Can I get a Disabled Facilities Grant for a through-floor lift?

Yes. Disabled Facilities Grants (up to £30,000 in England, £36,000 in Wales) apply to through-floor lifts as well as stairlifts. An OT assessment is required to confirm which adaptation is recommended.

Does a through-floor lift require planning permission?

Most domestic through-floor lifts are permitted development and do not require planning permission. Listed buildings and conservation areas may require consent — confirm with your local planning authority before starting work.

What is a wheelchair platform stairlift?

A wheelchair platform stairlift replaces the seat with a flat platform, allowing a wheelchair user to travel up the staircase without transferring. It requires a staircase at least 900mm wide and costs £4,000–£8,000 installed. It is specified when a through-floor lift cannot be accommodated due to space constraints.