For many people, the hardest steps are not inside the house. They are the ones leading up to the front door, down to the garden or from the deck to the driveway. An outdoor stair lift makes those steps safe again.
How an outdoor stair lift is different
It works the same way as an indoor lift: a seat rides a rail fixed to the steps. The difference is in the build. Outdoor models use weather-resistant materials, sealed electronics and a protective cover, so they stand up to rain, sun and cold.
Made for four seasons
Central New York gets everything from lake-effect snow to humid summers. A few habits keep an outdoor lift working well through all of it:
- Keep the cover on whenever the lift is not in use
- Clear snow and ice from the steps and rail before riding
- Wipe the seat dry before you sit down
- Have the lift serviced regularly
Where outdoor lifts make sense
- Front steps and porch stairs
- Deck stairs
- Steps down to a garage, driveway or dock
- Sloped gardens and walkways with steps
What to look for
- A folding seat and footrest, so the steps stay clear for others
- A swivel seat for getting on and off safely at the top
- A seat belt and obstruction sensors
- A key switch, so only your household can operate it
- Battery power that keeps the lift running in a power cut
Stair lift or platform lift?
A stair lift is for people who can walk to the lift and sit down. If you use a wheelchair or scooter and need to stay in it, a vertical platform lift is the better choice for outdoor steps.
Talk to us about your steps
Every set of outdoor steps is different. Nationwide Lifts of Central New York will look at yours and tell you which options are available for them. We serve Syracuse, Rochester, Utica and Binghamton. Call (315) 849-2952 for a free consultation.