Can You Install a Stairlift Yourself? What to Know Before You Buy

Yes, you can install a straight stairlift yourself, and for the right staircase, it works well. It's not the right call for everyone, though, so here's what's actually involved before you decide.

Key Takeaways

• Self-install stairlifts work only on straight staircases with no turns or landings
• The track mounts to the stairs, not the wall, so there's no wall damage
• Most installations take about a day with two people and basic tools
• The Atlas 500 starts at $2,195, holds up to 350 lbs, and ships in 7-10 business days
• If your staircase isn't straight, or you'd rather not handle installation, professional install is available across Utah, Idaho, and Arizona

What Self-Install Actually Means

A self-install stairlift like the Atlas 500 ships to your door with everything included: the track, the seat, the wiring, and full instructions. Before it ships, our team calls to confirm every measurement for your specific staircase, so the unit that arrives is already built to fit. Most homeowners complete installation in a day with basic tools and a second person to help.

This is different from a fully installed system, where a technician measures, orders, and installs the lift for you from start to finish. The price difference between the two comes down to labor, not quality. You're not paying for a technician's time and travel, but you are still getting a USA-assembled unit, a pre-order assessment call to confirm your measurements, and wireless call stations included standard, the same features you'd get with a professional install. Self-install trades hands-off convenience for a lower price and a faster timeline, since you're not waiting on a technician's schedule, delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days.

Who Self-Install Makes Sense For

Self-install tends to be the right fit if:

• You have a straight staircase with no turns or landings
• You're comfortable with basic tools, or have someone who is
• You want to save on installation cost without giving up quality
• You'd rather not wait for a scheduled install appointment

Who Should Consider Professional Install Instead

Professional installation is usually the better choice if:

• Your staircase has a turn, landing, or curve
• You'd rather not handle any part of the physical installation
• You want a technician to test everything and walk through use and safety with you in person afterward

If you're not sure which category you fall into, that's a normal question to have. A quick call before you order can save you a headache either way.

How the Installation Actually Works

Once your Atlas 500 arrives, here's what installing it looks like, start to finish:

1. 1Unbox and lay out the components. The track sections, carriage, seat, and hardware all arrive together, along with a full instruction manual.
2. 2Attach the mounting brackets to your stair treads. Each contact point uses a single bracket that mounts directly into the tread itself, not the wall, so there's nothing to patch up afterward.
3. 3Assemble and secure the track sections. The aluminum track pieces connect end to end and lock into the brackets, running the full length of your staircase.
4. 4Mount the carriage and seat. The seat, armrests, and footrest attach to the carriage, which then locks onto the track.
5. 5Connect power and charge the battery. Plug into a standard 120V outlet near the top or bottom of the track. The battery charges automatically whenever the lift is parked at either end.
6. 6Run the safety checklist. Test the swivel seat, footrest sensor, and wireless call stations before regular use.

Most homeowners complete this with a second person to help handle the track sections and hold everything in alignment, and the whole process typically takes about a day. Our team is a phone call away if a question comes up mid-install.

What You're Actually Getting

The Atlas 500 is a straight stairlift, made for stairs with no turns or landings, starting at $2,195. It's assembled in the USA, carries up to 350 lbs, and folds down to an 11-inch footprint when parked, so the stairs stay clear for everyone else in the house. Wireless call stations are included standard at both the top and bottom of the stairs, along with a swivel seat that turns away from the steps at the top landing for a safer, easier exit.

If Your Staircase Is Longer or Shorter Than Standard

The Atlas 500 ships with a 15.5-foot track as standard, and it can be custom cut to fit shorter staircases or extended with additional sections for longer ones. If you're not sure how your staircase measures up, that's exactly what the pre-order assessment call is for.

If You're Still Deciding

Self-install is a great option when it fits your staircase and your comfort level with the process. If it doesn't, or you'd simply rather have someone else handle it, we install the Atlas 500 and other stairlifts professionally across Utah, Idaho, and Arizona as well. Either way, a quick call can help you figure out which path makes sense for your home.

If your staircase isn't a straight run, or a seated lift isn't the right fit for your situation, a self-install vertical platform lift may be a better match.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I really install a stairlift myself, or do I need a professional?

Yes, self-install stairlifts like the Atlas 500 are designed for homeowners to install themselves in about a day. If your staircase has a turn or landing, or you'd rather not handle installation, professional install is available instead.

How long does it take to install a stairlift yourself?

Most homeowners complete installation in about a day with two people and basic tools.

Will installing a stairlift myself damage my stairs or walls?

No. The track mounts directly to the stair treads using single brackets, not to the wall, so there's no wall damage.

What happens if the power goes out?

The Atlas 500 runs on battery power that charges automatically at either end of the track, so it keeps working during a power outage.

How much does a self-install stairlift cost?

The Atlas 500 starts at $2,195 and includes the track, seat, wireless call stations, and a pre-order assessment call to confirm your measurements.