Basics of Home Stair Lift System


By Ramir Sarmiento

Are you having problems going up and down the stairs because of disability? This would be very hard especially if you are always alone and your family goes out for groceries. You can ask help from someone for you to be able to access up and down the stairs but we must remember that their presence will not always be there or they may not always have the patience in helping you.

Well now you don't have to worry about it. Stair lift systems are built to fix your problem. A home stair lifts system is a kind of motorized elevation machine that is attached to the staircase. They are installed on railing system to direct the home stair lift itself to go up and down the stairs.

Home stair lift includes built-in seating systems with rubberized feet support. It may vary from different designs depending on your taste. Home stair lift systems can be loaded for up to three hundred kilograms and they work slowly for the convenience of the patient.

These systems can be installed by yourself (depending on the company's instructions) but it would be better if you let the company to install the said home stair lift systems, besides they are more knowledgeable and trained to do so when it comes to stair lift installations.

In America, the demand for on-line stair lift products have increased for up to eighty five to ninety percent of the total range. This is because on-line transactions are much cheaper than the actual negotiations to the home stair lift company dealers.

This brought some technical stair lift problems to the customers because they did not see the actual features of the home stair lift. They just based their stair lift qualifications on the posted on-line advertisements. In the first place, visiting the company dealer will guarantee you about what home stair lift systems is right for you.

Now you and your family can live life more fully. With the right home stair lift at hand, you don't have to think about their situation.

Ramir is an IT professional and a web marketer as well. He writes and publish information on various topics covering home stair lifts and many more. Check out his articles on http://www.topicarea.com for more comprehensive and related home stair lift topics.

Build Deck Stairs


By Chris Denny

Deck stairs are built just like the rest of the deck. When adding deck stairs, you simply fasten deck boards (steps or treads) to the tops of stair stringers and attach the stairs to your deck. You can make the stair stringers yourself or you may be able to find pre-made stair stringers but even the pre-made stringers will need some customizing based on the height of your deck.

Calculating the Number of Steps

The easiest way to figure out how many steps your stair stringers will need is to use the very simple rule of dividing the height of your deck by the riser height of your steps (and round to the nearest number). Risers are usually 6 to 8 inches high. The height of your deck is measured from the ground to the top of the deck board where you will step onto the deck.

So, if you want 7 inch risers and the height of your deck is 48 inches then 48/7 = 6.86 steps. After rounding, you will build 7 steps.

Materials Required to Build Deck Stairs

The two main components required to build deck stairs are stair treads and stair stringers.

The treads are usually made using 2x6, 2x8, or 2x10 while the stair stringers are almost always made from 2×12's, which are actually 1.53x11.253. You might want to use pre-cut stair stringers to save yourself some time on measuring, layout, and cutting.

Building and Attaching Deck Stairs - Build from the Ground Up

It is easier to build deck stairs on the ground before attaching them to the deck but they get heavy once all of the stair treads are attached to the stair stringers, which makes them difficult to properly and safely maneuver into position at the deck. The best compromise is to attach your stringers together first and put only a few stairs treads on before attaching the stairs to the deck. Make sure to use strong hardware such as lag screws or hex bolts when attaching your deck stairs as the consequences of failing steps can be disastrous (hopefully this is obvious).

You can find more information, images, and links at LumberTalk.com.

Chris Denny has been working with construction professionals since 2001 and started http://www.LumberTalk.com as a resource for professionals and DIYers alike. You can learn more about building deck stairs at LumberTalk.com.

Why Rent a Stair lift Instead of New One?


By Ramir Sarmiento

In certain circumstances it may be more appropriate to rent a stair lift rather than to buy new or reconditioned stair lift. Stair lift rentals are essential for every person doesn't have sufficient cash to buy. Stair lift rental is not for lifetime application.

There are specific situation were the stair lift rentals would be appropriate:

1. Someone in the family, relative or love one are suffered from mild injury like broken legs, that will take a few month to recover or healed.

2. If sometimes, sadly the case, you physically ill and like to be able to spend a few months in your own house rather than going out and have some relaxation.

3. Every body can't afford to buy for a new wheel chair stair lift.

4. Good option if you will only need the lift for less than three months application.

However, rental stair lift is only available for straight staircases and for curved staircases due to the cost of a curved stair lift track is too much expensive.

There are many companies even on the Internet that offers great discounts if you plan to rent a lift for one or two-year package. The cost might be lower compared to only 6 months subscription.

Whenever you decide to rent stair lifts, keep in mind that renting is just temporary. Sure you can always rent, but if you plan to invest on a stair lift for lifetime or longer use more than five years or so, then it is time to purchase a new one even though the cost is much higher. You will lessen the headache of monthly payments, etc.

Ramir is an IT professional and a web marketer as well. He writes and publish information on various topics covering stair lift rentals and many more. Check out his articles on http://www.topicarea.com/stairlifts/ for more comprehensive and related stair lift rental topics.

What to Know About Stair Lifts


By Ramir Sarmiento

When an individual is suffering from injury, pain, or disability, think of the great use of lifting device. You have seen a chair like device attached or found on the staircases or stair wall it is also known as stair lift. Stair lift comes from various types according to its application.

The stair lift is fitted as the standard with is essential safety system to eliminate any possibility of an uncontrolled at the tip or end of either ascent or descent the stair lift will come to soft due to eliminate or limit sensor, these ensure that the stair lift always stop in the correct position or location.

Moreover, the stair lift or handicapped stair lift must have a safety belt attached to secure every user. And it is the example of the latest model of stair lift product, however those people who are trying to save money and considering buying a used stair lift, they should check if the device has a safety belt, if it does not have try to look for another device.

Because it is important that stair lift has a safety features and choice control that allowing user convenience. We can decrease or limit worry about the product you are going to select when they meet the standards.

Because of modern technology there is no need for you to pay extra attention for climbing upstairs or down stairs with the use of stair lift device.

When it comes to installation, the company should provide a professional installer or technician to avoid technical problems regarding the installation of the device. That is why buying a stair lift would involve accurate measurement, time, and decision.

Few products on the market or store are defective if you do not have a lot of information about the product you were able to get the defective one. This is the reason why every costumer or user test or check the product before buying.

Moreover, the company has a warranty if you are not satisfied to stair lift product there is the possibility to change the machine.

Ramir is an IT professional and a web marketer as well. He writes and publish information on various topics covering stair lifts and many more. Check out his articles on http://www.topicarea.com/stairlifts/ for more comprehensive and related stair lift topics.

Used Stair Lift: What You Should Know Before Buying One


By Mike Jezek

Should you buy a used stair lift in lieu of buying a new one? That’s a good question. And it’s one that’ll depend upon your budget and what’s available to fit your particular situation.

For starters, you want to take into consideration whether you’ll always need that stair lift or if you’ll temporarily need one and if so, for how long. Now ideally, if you’re going to always need a stair lift, or will need one for many years, it’s probably best to purchase a brand new stair lift. The investment should be more than worth it.

It’s also important to keep in mind, that if there are issues such as large height and weight to take into consideration, a new stair lift may be best.

Taking a look at used stair lifts, there are many ways to get one. You can simply do a search on www.google.com for “used stair lifts”. You can go to www.Ebay.com to search for them there too. Also, local newspaper classified ads and of course, actual companies that supply stair lifts are ideal to talk to.

If you’ve chosen to go the used stair lift route, you want to talk with a person that’s knowledgable on the topic about what exactly you need. If you can find a dealer offering used stair lifts and get their advice in matching you with a stair lift for your appropriate situation, that might be ideal. In some cases, local dealers may not have used stair lifts available. In those situations, it would be a good idea to talk with dealers about what make and model they think you should get, and then go the route of picking a stair lift from your Google, Ebay or classified searches.

The most important thing of course to keep in mind is the condition and consequently the level of safety inherent in the used stair lift.

Written by the How to Buy a Stair Lift Team. Go to http://www.How-to-Buy-a-Stair-Lift.com to see more free articles, tips and info. Updated weekly! This is the ultimate resource on stair lifts and stair chair lifts.

Shaping Your Lower Body Using Stair Climbers


By Mike Selvon

Stair climbers have long been a mainstay piece of equipment in many home fitness centers. They are considered to be the third most popular choice in home exercise equipment that is available today.

Stair steppers are simple to use since they simulate the beneficial action of climbing up stairs. Of course, with real stairs you are done when you reach the top, but with this fitness equipment you can continue climbing as long as your legs endure.

One of the reasons that stair climbers are so popular is that they are very effective at strengthening and building the muscles in your legs, thighs and buttocks. These large muscles are responsible for a great deal of overall body strength and are also responsible for a large percentage of the calories that you burn each day. Once you build up this group of large muscles, the effects on your metabolism will be significant because a faster metabolic rate equals more calories burned.

There are many people who have the mistaken idea that the only time their body benefits from an exercise is while it is being done. But, the experts say this is not so and that once you increase your muscle mass you will also increase the amount of fat being burned. This is one of the reasons stair climbers are popular, because they are one of the best fitness machines for helping you build the large muscles of your lower body.

As wonderful as they are, it is important to use them correctly, or you can end up wasting your time and not getting the benefits you desire. With proper exercise on a stair climber, meaning correct posture and not leaning your body weight on the rails of the machine, you can reap the maximum amount of gain. Not only will a stair climber help to build and tone your lower body, but the result of using it will improve your level of energy and your sense of balance as well.

There are a number of different kinds of them on the market from which to choose. Some of the available styles include: cylinder-driven climbers, wind-driven climbers and computer controlled climber models which can include some very sophisticated programming to challenge those who have been using stair climbing equipment for some time.

Stair climbers also come in quite a wide range of prices too. The most expensive stair steppers on the market include small onboard computers that will calculate the number of calories that you burn during a workout session.

They can also track your heart rate and can keep a record of the total number of feet or stories that you climbed during your routine. Additionally, some models come with workout handles which allow you to add exercises for the upper body.

Many experts suggest that stair climbers are more suitable for some people than exercise bikes, treadmills or other at home fitness equipment. However, if you have been sedentary, a stair climber may not be the best piece of home gym exercise equipment to start out with and you should consult your physician first. It should be noted that stair steppers are not recommended to be used by people who have cardiovascular or orthopedic disorders.

Because they are so effective at targeting and building those large muscles groups in your hips, legs and thighs, stair climbers are generally considered to be a more effective choice than treadmills and ellipticals. A good stair climber can be the main part of your home fitness center and because you can also watch TV, listen to music or read at the same time, you are more likely to use it regularly.

A whole world of information about stair climbers eagerly awaits you from Mike Selvon portal. We appreciate your feedback at our home gym fitness equipment blog.

Stair Chair Lift: Factors to Consider in Buying the Right One

By Mike Jezek

So you’re ready to buy your first stair chair lift. As you might already know there are many makes, models and styles. It’s enough choices to make your head spin. But, there are also individual factors to take into consideration when buying a stair chair lift. Unfortunatlely some of these considerations are overlooked by people. Here’s what to consider when buying your stair chair lift:

· Would the user of the stair chair lift rather stand or be seated as they go up and down the stairs? For people wishing to stand as they go up and down the stairwell, a perching stair lift is right for them. If they prefer to stay seated, a seated stair lift is ideal. Now if the user of the stair lift is seated in a wheelchair, then something called a wheelchair platform is what they need.

· Size is an important consideration in what type of stair lift you will buy. Obviously a stair lift fitting an adult wouldn’t be safe for a disabled child. So the seat of the stair lift you buy must fit the user right.

· If the user of the stair lift has a stiff knee, he or she will probably needs what’s called a stair chair lift that faces forward instead of sideways like most stair chair lifts are designed. Usually a wider stair chair will be more appropriate for a person with a problem knee.

· If the user of the stair chair has a problem with heights, in addition to the chair’s seatbelt, additionally guardrails might be needed to assuage the user’s anxiety.

· There are different types of controls for stair chairs. That’s important to note, because some people because of their age or condition may not be able to work the controls of a particular chair properly. So make sure you have the stair chair lift user test out the controls and get used to them before you leave them on their own.

· In cases where the user of the stair chair lift is blind or suffers poor eyesight, an appropriate chair is required. One that sounds off with an audio signal to alert the user he or she has reached the top landing or the bottom of the stairwell.

Written by the How to Buy a Stair Lift Team. Go to http://www.How-to-Buy-a-Stair-Lift.com to see more free articles, tips and info. Updated weekly! This is the ultimate resource on stair lifts and stair chair lifts.

Recycled Stair Lifts


By Ricky Lim

A stair lift is a lift that is used for lifting up the handicap chairs. While it is difficult for a disabled person to move from one place to another it is even more difficult for him to climb the stairs as well. For this purpose, a stair lift is useful. So if you have a physically challenged person in your family, stair lift is a must for you. Nevertheless, if you have an elderly person in your family, stair lifts are useful then as well. While buying a stair lift might not be convenient for your pocket you might want to go for recycled stair lifts.

Used stair lift should be chosen by you if you know that stair lifts have an occasional use. Often people have to shift their house because they of incapability to climb the two stories up. Shifting a house may be possible for few but it always is a costly affair and so in that case you can end the problem by buying recycled stair lifts.

So once you have decided to buy a stair lift you need to delve into the various options which can provide you with good quality recycled stair lifts, you should also consider the latest technology. However, you may find that latest stair lifts are not within reach but it may be might be a chance that you get to buy a latest technology recycled stair lift for yourself.

A recycled stair lift can help solve your problem nicely and is also available at modest prices. So, if you feel like you will have to change your house because your broken leg is not allowing you to climb up to your bed room at the second floor, you can easily say good bye to the idea by saying yes to a recycled stair lift.

Ricky recommends purchasing a used stair lift if you are short on cash. Visit his stair lift website today for more information on stair lift prices.

Second Hand Stair Lifts


By Christian Dunnage

Buying second hand stair lifts is a viable and cost effective alternative to purchasing a brand new stair lift. Most stair lifts can be purchased new or second hand.

Second hand stair lifts should be every bit as reliable as a brand new lift and most reputable firms will offer the same 12 month guarantee.

The life expectancy of a stair lift should be in excess of 10 years, however, anything much older than this and it is probably not worth using anymore. Stair lift suppliers generally stop making spare parts for the lifts after about 10 years.

Straight stair lifts can usually be adapted to fit another staircase because the stair lift rail can be cut to suit the length of the stair. This means that you can use a second hand rail and motor.

Curved staircases will need a new stair lift rail to be manufactured as it essential to have a rail that is made to measure. It is important that the rail is tight to the stairs and does not cause obstruction to others. A second hand motor and chair can still be used.

If you order a curved rail second hand stair lift, make sure that it is a brand new rail that you are getting. Some companies re-manufacture old pieces of rail to try and get them to fit on a new stair case. Most experts agree that this is not a safe practice. A re-manufactured rail or reconditioned rail will not conform to British Safety Standards. If you are in doubt ask to see a copy of the manufacturers drawing.

Christian Dunnage is a director of Dolphin Mobility Ltd, a UK based independent supplier of stair lifts and mobility products http://www.dolphinlifts.co.uk and author of http://www.stairlift.co.uk an impartial online guide to having a stair lift in your home and http://www.sparedolphin.blogspot.com a blog about stair lifts.

Simplifying Stair Rise and Run


By Mike Merisko

Simplifying Stair Rise And Run Calculations

When I first started my career in carpentry, building a set of stairs seemed like a complicated and daunting task. We're not talking finished oak, curved or spiral staircases. I'm talking about your normal carpet covered straight run staircases or porch and deck staircases.

My first stair building experience sort of took the mystery out of it all. I didn't have to do much figuring because it was a deck replacement job. All I did was save the old stringers from the demo of the old deck. In doing so it all started to make sense to me. How the stairs were attached, the width of the treads, and how high each step was became less of a secret to me.

Anyone with the courage to take on this job needs only patience, basic math, a framing square and the ability to stand back and look at the big picture.

The first thing I look at is how high it is to the top of the landing or deck the stairs will be rising to. A comfortable step is in the 7 to 8 inch range. With this in mind I divide the height to the landing by seven. If the height to the landing is 70" then it will take 10 rises to get to the top of the landing. I used 70" to simplify this example. Ninety-nine times out of a hundred it will be 7" and some odd fraction. For instance if the height was 73 1/2", the rise would be 7 1/2".

When building stairs there is always one less tread than there is risers. In this case with 10 risers, that means there are 9 treads. When cutting my stringers, I like to make the cuts for my treads 10" long. At this dimension I can use a 2x12 for treads without ripping them to a narrower width. This gives me a nosing or overhang of 1 1/4". It also makes it easier to figure out how much room the stairs will require. In this case 9 treads X 10" = 90". The total run of the stairs is 90".

An example of how easy this works are stairs that go from the 1st floor to the 2nd floor of a house with an eight foot ceiling. This takes 14 risers at 7 and 5/8 inches (I've cut so many of these it is forever imbedded in my mind). This means there are 13 treads. Thirteen times ten is 130". I always made my stairwell opening 120". This lets 10" of the stringer (a full tread) sit on the deck or concrete floor. It also leaves plenty of headroom for the stairs below if there is a basement. The same well opening above (120") also gives you enough headroom.

This can seem like an overwhelming project. Like any other project, if you take the time and patience and a little thought you can acquire the ability.

(c) 2005 Mike Merisko www.sawkerfs.com

About the Author: Mike Merisko has been a carpenter for 26 years. Most of those years were spent in the homebuilding and remodeling industries. He was also in business as a carpentry and general contractor. While that is his forte, he also has experience in bridge building, commercial construction, and exhibit building which is how he earns his living these days. You can browse through articles by him and othersat his web site. http://www.sawkerfs.com

Straight Stair Lift


By Ricky Lim

A straight stair lift is a powered driven stair lift that travels in a straight track. It is mostly used in homes where the stairs have no curves or bends. It is also often used in the outdoors for example the garden.

Straight stair lifts are mostly installed in homes to carry the disabled and the elderly up the straight flight of stairs. It can be used for other purposes as well such as carrying heavy loads. Examples can be grocery or heavy luggage.

Most stair lifts nowadays uses remote control that will take the chair to another floor which provides more convenience.

Before installing a straight stair lift, stair lift manufacturers will have to do an assessment of your home to determine if your home can install a straight stair lift. For instance, some straight staircases have a projection at the top of the stairs and it may not be possible to install a straight stair lift. This is particularly so if you plan to install a stair lift that lifts a wheelchair instead of the turnaround seat.

Generally speaking, a straight stair lift takes the shortest time to install and is also cheaper than curved stair lifts. The other factor that determines the cost of installing a straight stair lift is the length of the track that needs to be installed.

I would recommend if you want to install a straight stair lift to get several quotes from stair lift manufacturers or dealers if deciding. You might want to consider a second hand stair lift if you do not have the budget to buy a new stair lift since it can be expensive.

Ricky Lim highly recommends getting a straight stair lift as it is cheaper to install and less expensive. Visit his site for more information on stair lift prices.

Stair Lift Prices


By Ricky Lim

Stair lifts allows aged and disabled people to live a normal life. It is a pretty new technology that has surfaced recently that allows people who have difficulty walking up and down the stairs. An electric rail is installed along the side of the stairs and the disabled can sit on the seat and with a press of a button, it will bring the person up the stairs. It’s similar to how a monorail works except on a smaller scale.

Of course, installing a stair lift is not cheap and before purchasing or renting a stair lift, there are a couple of points you need to take note.

Type of Stairs

The prices of stair lifts will depend on the type of stair lifts you plan to purchase or rent. And this will depend on the type of stairs you have in your house. Generally speaking, curved stair lifts are more expensive than straight rail stair lifts. Other types of stair lifts such as wheelchair platform stair lifts, outdoor stair lifts and goods stair lifts are also available.

What You Need

It can be difficult to determine the best type of stair lifts for your house. In this case, I would highly recommend you speak to the stair lift company first before purchasing one. Get quotations from different stair lift manufacturers before deciding which is the best. Also factor in the warranty period, cost of installation etc as it can be quite costly to repair or install a stair lift.

Stair lifts prices are dropping tremendously as more and more people start to realize the benefits of stair lifts. If you can’t afford to purchase a stair lift, most stair lift companies also provide stair lift rental service. It is much more affordable and the cost of installation and warranty is already accounted for.

Ricky Lim runs http://www.buystairlifts.net, a consumer stair lift reviews site. Visit his site for more information on stair lift prices.