Through-Floor Lifts in Norfolk & Suffolk
Discreet home lifts that travel vertically between floors – ideal for wheelchair users
✓ Free Home Surveys
✓ Professional Installation
✓ British Manufactured
✓ Wheelchair Accessible
What is a Through-Floor Lift?
A through-floor lift (also called a home lift or vertical platform lift) is a small domestic lift that travels vertically through an opening in your floor or ceiling to connect two levels of your home. Unlike a stairlift that follows your staircase, a through-floor lift moves straight up and down – much like a small lift you’d find in a public building.
These lifts are particularly popular with wheelchair users, as you can simply roll straight on and off without needing to transfer to a seat. They’re also an excellent choice for anyone who finds transferring difficult, or simply prefers a more discreet solution than a stairlift rail running up their stairs.
At NBR Mobility, we supply and install through-floor lifts from Terry Lifts – a British manufacturer based in Cheshire with decades of experience designing and building home lifts to the highest standards.
Who Are Through-Floor Lifts For?
Through-floor lifts are ideal for:
Wheelchair Users
Roll straight on and off without transferring. Most lifts accommodate manual and powered wheelchairs, with some allowing a carer to travel alongside.
Those Who Can’t Transfer
If transferring from a wheelchair to a stairlift seat is difficult or impossible, a through-floor lift removes this barrier entirely.
Future-Proofing
Planning ahead? A home lift accommodates changing mobility needs over time, whether you’re standing, seated, or using a wheelchair.
Types of Home Lifts
Lifestyle Home Lift
An elegant, space-efficient enclosed cabin lift that occupies roughly the same floor space as an armchair. The smart corner design maximises space while providing smooth, quiet travel between floors.
- Travel: Up to 3.6 metres
- Capacity: 250kg (39 stone)
- Suitable for: Standing or seated users (up to 2 people)
- Features: One-touch controls, Bluetooth remote, dimmable LED lighting, battery backup
- Safety: 30-minute fire and smoke integrity, emergency lowering system
- Installation: Typically 2 days with minimal building work
Fully customisable with over 2,500 RAL colours, multiple upholstery options, and flooring to match your home.
Harmony Through-Floor Lifts
Purpose-built through-floor lifts designed specifically for wheelchair users. Available in two versions:
- Harmony: Unenclosed platform lift – open design for easy wheelchair access
- Harmony FE: Fully enclosed version for added privacy and a more traditional lift feel
- Suitable for: Wheelchair users, wheelchair with attendant, seated users
- Features: Generous platform size, easy-to-use controls, safety edges
- Independence: Enables wheelchair users to access their whole home without assistance
The Harmony range is designed from the ground up for wheelchair accessibility, with wide platforms that accommodate virtually any manual or powered wheelchair.
Melody Platform Lifts
Versatile vertical platform lifts for indoor and outdoor use. Available in two travel heights:
- Melody 1: Up to 1 metre travel, 250kg capacity – ideal for split-level homes or external steps
- Melody 3: Up to 3 metres travel, 440-500kg capacity – full floor-to-floor access
- Platform size: 900mm x 1400mm (standard) or 1100mm x 1400mm (wider option)
- Installation: Indoor or outdoor, no support mast required on one side
- Safety: Battery backup for emergency lowering (up to 30 cycles), interlocking gates
Quick installation with integral ramp – often no pit required. The Melody 3 can accommodate a wheelchair user plus attendant.
Through-Floor Lift vs Stairlift
Both solutions help you access different floors, but they work differently:
Choose a Stairlift if:
- You can transfer to and from a seat
- You want the most affordable option
- You prefer minimal building work
- Your staircase layout is straightforward
Choose a Through-Floor Lift if:
- You use a wheelchair and can’t transfer
- You want a more discreet solution
- You prefer not to have a rail on your stairs
- You’re planning for future mobility needs
Not sure which is right for you? We can discuss both options during a free home survey and help you decide based on your home, your needs, and your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a through-floor lift cost?
Through-floor lifts are a significant investment, typically starting from around £12,000-£15,000 for basic platform lifts, with enclosed cabin lifts costing more. The exact price depends on the model, travel distance, and any building work required. We provide detailed, no-obligation quotes after a home survey.
Will I need to cut a hole in my floor?
Yes, through-floor lifts require an opening to be created in the floor/ceiling between levels. This is done professionally as part of the installation and is carefully planned during the survey to minimise disruption. The opening is typically around 1-1.5 square metres depending on the lift model.
How long does installation take?
Most through-floor lifts can be installed in 2-3 days once the building work is complete. The total project time depends on the complexity of the installation and any structural work required. We’ll give you a clear timeline during the planning stage.
Do I need planning permission?
Usually not for internal lifts in residential properties, but you will need Building Regulations approval. Terry Lifts products comply with relevant British Standards and we handle the building control process as part of the installation.
What happens in a power cut?
All Terry Lifts products include battery backup systems that allow emergency lowering to the ground floor if the power fails. The Melody platform lifts provide up to 30 emergency lowering cycles on battery power.
Are grants available for home lifts?
Yes, the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) can help with the cost of home lifts if you meet the eligibility criteria. Grants of up to £30,000 are available in England for essential home adaptations. Contact your local council to apply – the process can take several months.
How much space do I need?
Space requirements vary by model. The Lifestyle cabin lift has a compact footprint of around 1.1m x 0.75m – similar to an armchair. Platform lifts need more space for the platform itself (typically 0.9m x 1.4m) plus access clearance. We’ll assess your available space during the home survey.
Proudly British Made
We supply and install through-floor lifts from Terry Lifts, a British manufacturer based in Cheshire. All their products are designed and built in the UK to exacting standards, with full compliance to British and European safety regulations.
Terry Lifts are members of LEIA (Lift and Escalator Industry Association) and hold Trustmark, CHAS, and Constructionline accreditations. Every lift comes with a 12-month parts and labour warranty, with extended warranty options available.
You May Also Be Interested In
Explore our other mobility solutions:
Stairlifts – Rail-mounted stair access
Powerchairs – Electric wheelchairs
Wheelchairs – Manual wheelchairs
Bathroom Aids – Accessible bathing
Book Your Free Home Survey
We’ll assess your home, discuss your needs, and provide a detailed, no-obligation quote.
142-144 Victoria Road, Diss, Norfolk IP22 4JN
Open Mon-Fri 9:30am-5pm, Sat 9:30am-2pm