Compare home lifts and through-floor lifts
'Home lift' covers several different types of lift. Through-floor lifts pass through an opening between floors, while other domestic lifts use different designs. Start by thinking about the rooms, who will use the lift and how they need to move between floors.
Home-lift details from suppliers
On a small screen, scroll the table sideways to see every column.
| Supplier / model | Load and occupants | Space information | Entrance / warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pollock through-floor | 300kg; 200kg exceptions | Example 750 × 1100mm cabin: 896 × 1425mm footprint | Several versions; warranty not found in current information from the supplier |
| Stiltz Duo+ | Duo range: 170kg; two standing or one seated | Duo+ footprint 0.55m² | Confirm exact entrance; 12 months parts and labour |
| Stiltz Trio+ | 250kg; wheelchair-capable, fit and occupancy check needed | We couldn't find a clear current model drawing | Confirm doors / sensors; 12 months parts and labour |
| Terry Harmony / FE | Harmony 250–280kg; FE up to 325kg | External sizes differ by model; see range page | Open / enclosed ranges; 12 months parts and labour |
| Wessex VM / VE | VM one seated person; VE other versions; load not found in current information from the supplier | VM31/51 internal width 740mm; see full drawing | Manual / powered dimensions differ; warranty not found in current information from the supplier |
Don't compare a footprint in square metres with an internal width as though they were the same measurement. Load includes all occupants and equipment. A blank cell does not mean that an option is available.
Different controls and backup systems
Stiltz describes hold-to-run operation. Terry Harmony ranges advertise one-touch controls. Try the actual controls if possible and ask about alternatives. Emergency lowering does not necessarily mean normal operation continues throughout a power cut. The maintenance guide covers help-call and breakdown questions.
Wheelchair and attendant use
Check the actual chair with footplates and attached equipment, the clear entrance and room to approach at both levels. An enclosed lift that permits an attendant still needs enough space and combined load capacity. Read the wheelchair and dimensions guide before choosing a cabin.
Building work and total price
Ask who designs the floor opening and support, handles approvals and finishes the affected rooms. A fire-protection feature on the lift does not mean the whole house layout automatically meets the relevant requirements. Our building-work guide explains the scope. Published home-lift prices identify the source and how VAT has been worked out instead of assigning guessed prices to every model.
Compare other formats where appropriate
A platform lift can address a short change in level or other access need; it is not automatically the same as a two-floor domestic cabin. For three or more storeys, ask for a proposal that clearly shows which floors the lift will serve. Compare suppliers, use the quotation checklist and consider the stairlift alternative where safe transfers are practical.