Buying a Lift Chair at Menards: Practical Options in a Home Improvement Store

Menards, a popular home improvement retail chain in the American Midwest, has won the favor of numerous DIY enthusiasts and household users with its affordable prices, extensive product range, and the philosophy of “Save Big Money.” When elderly family members or individuals with limited mobility need a lift chair to assist with standing, many consumers naturally wonder: Can they get everything they need in one stop at Menards? After all, being able to easily purchase reliable equipment at a familiar local store would undoubtedly save time and bring peace of mind. However, the reality requires a rational perspective—when looking for a lift chair at Menards, it is important to recognize both its convenience and its practical limitations.

Does Menards Sell True Lift Chairs?

Currently, Menards physical stores typically do not display or sell lift chairs with complete medical-grade lift assistance functions. When you walk into any Menards store, you will find a wide selection of products ranging from flooring, lighting, and bathroom fixtures to outdoor furniture, but it is difficult to find functional lift chairs designed specifically for individuals with limited mobility—chairs that can truly “lift” users into a standing position. This is closely tied to Menards’ core business positioning: it is a retailer focused on building materials, home renovation, and daily necessities, rather than a professional channel for medical assistive devices or rehabilitation products.

That said, the situation is slightly different on Menards’ official website (menards.com). The website does list some electric functional chairs labeled as “lift chairs” or “power recliners,” mostly supplied by third-party furniture brands. However, a careful review of the product details reveals that the vast majority of these chairs fall into the category of high-end electric recliners or massage leisure chairs. Their main functions include back reclining, footrest extension, and partial massage—they do not have the core lifting mechanism that can smoothly push users from a sitting position to a standing position.

This ambiguous use of terminology is not uncommon in the retail industry. The term “lift chair” is sometimes generalized in a marketing context, but for users who truly struggle to stand up, whether a chair has a genuine “seat lift” function directly relates to safety and practicality.

Why Isn’t Menards the First Choice for Lift Chairs?

A true lift chair is an assistive technology product that integrates mechanical engineering, ergonomics, and safety design. It needs to undergo strict motor performance testing and structural stability verification, and comply with standards such as those set by UL or the FDA. Mainstream brands—such as Golden Technologies, Pride Mobility, or the medical product lines of La-Z-Boy—are usually sold through professional medical equipment dealers, rehabilitation clinics, authorized furniture retailers, or online platforms specializing in assistive devices.

These professional channels not only provide products but also offer personalized assessments, on-site test sits, size-matching advice, in-home installation, after-sales support, and even assistance for users to apply for funding through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Medicare Advantage plans, or state-level senior service programs. In contrast, Menards’ service model leans more toward self-service shopping, lacking the capacity to provide clinical consulting for elderly or disabled users.

Furthermore, the selection of a lift chair is highly dependent on an individual’s physical conditions—factors such as weight, sitting height, thigh length, and balance ability all affect how well the chair fits. Without professional guidance, placing an order based solely on website parameters can easily lead to issues such as an overly deep seat, excessively high armrests, or insufficient lifting support. These problems not only affect comfort but may also pose safety risks.

If You Still Consider Exploring Options at Menards

If you wish to check out related products at Menards for reasons such as local shopping convenience, membership points, or price comparison, it is advisable to proceed with caution and pay attention to the following points:

First, carefully read the product function descriptions. A chair that truly offers lift assistance will clearly include key phrases such as “powered lift to assist standing” or “seat rises and tilts forward.” If the description only emphasizes features like “reclines,” “extends leg rest,” or “has heat and massage,” it is most likely just an electric recliner.

Second, verify the motor configuration and weight capacity. A genuine lift chair is usually equipped with at least two independent motors (one for controlling lifting, and one for the backrest/footrest), and its weight capacity is typically over 300 lbs (approximately 136 kg). If a product has only one motor or a low weight capacity, it is unlikely to provide effective support for standing.

Third, check real user reviews. Many buyers will explicitly state in their comments: “The chair is comfortable, but it can’t help me stand up.” Such feedback is extremely valuable.

Finally, keep a comparative perspective. Even if Menards’ prices seem attractive, it is recommended to consult professional assistive device suppliers simultaneously to confirm whether the selected model truly meets core needs.

More Recommended Alternative Channels

For families that truly need lift assistance functions, the following channels are usually more reliable:

Local medical equipment suppliers: Offer free on-site assessments and test sits;

Authorized lift chair retailers: Such as official partner stores of Golden or Pride;

Large furniture chains: Like La-Z-Boy, with dedicated lift chair experience areas in some locations;

Professional online assistive device platforms: Such as SpinLife and 1800Wheelchair, which provide detailed technical comparisons and remote consulting services.

These channels not only offer more professional products but also often collaborate with health insurance, veteran benefits, or in-home care programs to help reduce actual expenses.

Conclusion: Convenience Is a Bonus, but Proper Fit Is Key

Menards has indeed made contributions in the field of home improvement and accessibility modification accessories—from bathroom grab bars to non-slip floor mats, and from threshold ramps to lighting upgrades—it provides practical, cost-effective solutions for many families. However, when it comes to lift chairs—a category with extremely high requirements for safety and functionality—Menards is currently more of an “optional choice” rather than the “optimal solution.”

Choosing a lift chair for a loved one is essentially choosing a safety guarantee that will be relied on daily. Instead of pursuing the convenience of nearby shopping, it is better to prioritize ensuring that the device can truly “give a helping hand and support steady standing.” An extra professional consultation or an in-person test sit may help avoid subsequent discomfort, returns, or even health risks. Because when it comes to safeguarding independence and dignity, it is worth taking an extra step to choose the right chair that can truly support daily life.