Cost guides › Curved stair lift
Canada
Curved stair lift cost
A curved stair lift with a custom-made rail for 1 flight(s) typically costs $12,500 installed before GST/HST, with most quotes between $9,750 and $16,300. A simpler curve with a standard carriage comes in around $10,700, while a complex rail with several turns, a park position and a premium carriage runs about $15,200.
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Cost by region
| Location | Basic | Mid-range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quebec | $10,800 | $12,700 | $15,400 |
| Alberta | $10,700 | $12,600 | $15,300 |
| Saskatchewan | $10,700 | $12,600 | $15,300 |
| British Columbia | $10,600 | $12,500 | $15,200 |
| Manitoba | $10,700 | $12,500 | $15,200 |
| Ontario | $10,600 | $12,500 | $15,200 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $10,600 | $12,400 | $15,100 |
| Nova Scotia | $10,600 | $12,400 | $15,100 |
| New Brunswick | $10,500 | $12,300 | $15,000 |
What's included
Mid-range
- Survey of the staircase and custom rail design
- Custom-made curved rail for each flight, fitted to the treads
- Stair lift carriage with swivel seat, footrest and controls
- Installation of the rail and carriage, connection to power and commissioning
- Call-and-send remote controls
- First-year service and safety check
What affects the cost
Why a curved rail costs more
A straight rail is cut from stock; a curved rail is bent to the exact shape of your stairs after a survey, so every one is made to order. That is why a curved lift costs a multiple of a straight one, and why there is little saving from reconditioned units: the carriage can be reused, but the rail usually has to be made new.
Turns, landings and length
Each bend, change of pitch and landing adds rail work. A staircase that turns at a landing, winds around a newel post or has several turns costs more than a single gentle curve.
Park positions and overruns
The rail can extend past the bottom step and curve out of a walkway, or run on at the top so the user can get off safely onto the landing instead of the top step. These options add rail length but often make the lift safer and easier to use.
Carriage features
Swivel seats are standard on curved lifts so the user can face the landing when getting off. Powered swivel, powered footrest and higher weight capacity cost more and are worth it for people with limited strength or balance.
Power, service and batteries
Most lifts run on batteries charged from a receptacle, so they work during outages. A receptacle near the stairs is not included if none exists, and it must be added by a licensed electrician. Price an annual service contract and replacement batteries before you sign.
Lead time
Because the rail is manufactured for your stairs, there is usually a wait of several weeks between survey and installation. If the need is urgent, ask about the lead time before choosing a quote.
How to save
- Get at least two surveys; rail designs differ, and a simpler rail route can cost noticeably less.
- Ask whether a straight lift on each straight section could work, for example where a landing is wide enough to change seats safely.
- Choose park positions and features for the user's actual needs rather than taking every option.
- Compare warranty terms and annual service costs as well as the installed price.
Grants, tax and rules
Home Accessibility Tax Credit
The federal Home Accessibility Tax Credit applies to up to $20,000 of eligible expenses per year for people aged 65 or older or eligible for the disability tax credit. Keep the survey, rail and installation invoices.
Licensed trades
Electrical work needs licensed trades and usually a permit, which applies if a new receptacle has to be added near the stairs.
GST/HST
GST/HST applies to renovation work. Our figures are before GST/HST (for example 13% HST in Ontario, 5% GST in Alberta).
Frequently asked questions
How much does a curved stair lift cost in Canada?
For 1 flight(s) with a custom rail, expect about $12,500 installed before GST/HST. A simple curve with a basic carriage is closer to $10,700; a complex route with several turns and premium features about $15,200.
Why is a curved stair lift so much more than a straight one?
The rail is designed and bent to fit your exact staircase, so it is a one-off product with a survey, design and longer installation. A straight rail is cut from standard lengths.
Can I buy a used curved stair lift?
Rarely in a way that saves much. A curved rail fits only the staircase it was made for, so even when a reconditioned carriage is used, a new rail is normally needed.
How long does it take to get a curved stair lift?
After the survey, the rail is manufactured to order, which usually takes several weeks. Installation itself is often done in a day.
Can a curved stair lift go around a landing?
Yes. One continuous rail can follow the stairs around landings and turns, so the user stays seated from bottom to top.
Is a curved stair lift eligible for a tax credit?
It can be. The federal Home Accessibility Tax Credit covers up to $20,000 of eligible expenses per year for people aged 65 or older or eligible for the disability tax credit.
How this estimate is calculated
Work hours: 9 · Labour: $871 · Materials: $11,639
Sources: Job Bank wages (Employment and Social Development Canada); Regione Toscana, Prezzario dei Lavori 2026 (CC BY 4.0); ECB exchange rates.