An Outdoor Stair Lift - How Are They Different?

The outdoor stairlift is made to be mounted on a set of stairs which are exposed to the weather, including porches, sun decks, garden steps, shed or basements steps as well as front stoops. Should you be fortunate to live in a seaside property or your house is near to the ocean and therefore suffers from lots of salt spray, be certain the outdoor stair lift is going to be suitably protected from this super corrosive weather condition before you purchase it.

The outdoor stair lift has all the same protection attributes and advanced specs as the indoor stairlift. The primary difference is that it has been prepared in order to withstand natures elements no matter how severe they are. This offers an extended lifespan of the chair because of the more durable products that have been used during its manufacture.

Safety features on stairlifts may well vary enormously between suppliers. Because this stairlift will be carrying yourself or a loved one, you don't want to take any avoidable risks. Ensure you compare the numerous safety functions which each make of stairlift comes with as standard. Take special note whether any of the safety features are an extra charge. If they are, you may find the cheapest stairlift available is only inexpensive because it is rather basic.

On a high quality outdoor stair lift, the metal elements should be constructed from either aluminium, or must be zinc plated or oil annealed before they are powder coated. To be able to protect a stair lift from ambient heat damage as well as colour fading, plastic components should be UV and heat resistant. Prior to acquiring an outdoor stair lift, ensure it includes a sturdy plastic cover that will help to shelter it from rainwater, snow and also the sun during times when it's not used.

As with all stair lift purchases, it is important to buy the apparatus through a reliable dealer. The price of your outdoor stair lift needs to be contemplated, however, so does the after sales care and service that you will receive as a customer. You might be investing quite a bit of money into the stairlift and you must be confident that if it did happen to break down, you'd be able to get a technician to fix it and parts would be readily available if needed.

Establishments also can benefit from having a stair lift fitted within their building. If the enterprise has a high number of elderly and/or disabled patrons they can incorporate the fact that they have a stairlift as a special marketing point to attract a lot more customers. For example, if the enterprise was a stately home that was open for the public to see, there could be numerous patrons who aren't able to access the higher floors or different parts of the grounds. They could possibly choose to stop at another destination in the region due to accessability been much better. If an outdoor stair lift was fitted in the grounds, then good access would be provided to the visitors even if they had difficulties with climbing steps.

Choosing the right indoor or outdoor stair lift is very important. You can get more stairlift information at http://danclar553.blog.friendster.com/an-outdoor-stair-lift-why-are-they-different/

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Engineered Vs Glue-Laminated Stair Treads

One of the most common tread related questions is this: "Are your stair treads solid or veneered?"

Stair treads are generally sold as a solid glue-laminated product or "engineered".

The most common stair tread is the glue-laminated product. These are three, four piece laminations, typically 1" thick. Glue-lamination is defined as "the bonding of two members with an adhesive forming a tight joint with no visible delamination at the lines of application." Bar or pressure clamps are used in the process which result in joints that are usually stronger than the surrounding material. Good color match is necessary. One doesn't want the look "Neapolitan ice cream" in their stair. However, in today's market that doesn't hold true as people have begun asking for color, variations, even knots in their delivered product. The reason for the glue-lamination process is to create a product that will not twist or warp over time.

Treads are 5/4 F.A.S. or select grade materials, glue-laminated, then surfaced down to 1" thickness. Most manufacturers mill or stock 36", 42", 48", 54", 60, and 72" stair treads.

Now we come to the facts concerning engineered treads. These are an import product, most commonly entering the USA from China. Engineered treads are also known as veneered stair treads. Outside of the fact that these are imports, the upside is the fact that engineered treads are superior to the traditional USA-made glue-laminated treads. They are created as an oak butcher block then layered top and bottom with 1/8" of solid oak with an attached nose. With the laminations involved, the engineered satisfy the AWI standards for glue-lamination and then some, presenting the builder and home owner with a product that would probably out last the standard.

Me, I personally prefer the standard glue-laminated, USA-made treads. If you purchase a stair tread and the box is marked Made in the USA, odds are it was Amish-made. The Amish in Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Iowa are well known for their woodworking which includes stair treads.

http://www.westfiremfg.com/html/tread__and_staircase_accessori.html

Joseph Swallow has been with Westfire Manufacturing since 1994 and now serves as the company's CEO. Prior to Westfire, Swallow worked in Southern California and Las Vegas as the primary sales representative for Hardwood Creations, a company which he had founded in his garage in 1981. Westfire Stair Parts are available anywhere in North America and can be purchased by calling Westfire toll free 1.800.692.6996 or by visiting their website http://www.westfiremfg.com

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