made from extruded aluminum or steel, and they usually come in different cross-sectional shapes. Usually they weight over 30 kilograms, depending on how long they are. Usually, these straight rails are attached to the steps with metal brackets; these are most often called cleats. Sometimes, the case may be that the rail crosses a doorway at the stairs' bottom, or even there is an obstruction caused – in such a case the hinge can be fitted so that the end of the rail can be folded back out...
Stairlifts can also have curved rails – which are made from aluminum or steel, and according to the designer, they come in different cross-sectional shapes. The designs may vary, and usually the curves should have the smallest possible radius, so that they can be more convenient for use.