Many homeowners assume an elevator means months of construction and a large part of the house given over to a shaft. A shaftless home elevator changes that. It is designed to fit into an existing home with far less work.
What is a shaftless elevator?
A shaftless elevator, also called a through-floor elevator, travels between two floors through a single opening cut in the floor. The cab rides on rails that stand in the room. There is no enclosed hoistway, no pit dug below the lower floor and no separate machine room.
How it works
You step into the cab on one floor and hold the control. The cab rises through the opening to the floor above. When the cab is upstairs, the opening below is clear and the space under it can be used. When it is downstairs, a cover closes the opening in the upper floor so it is safe to walk on.
Why homeowners choose one
- Less construction. One floor opening instead of a full shaft.
- Small footprint. It can go in the corner of a living room, a hallway or a closet.
- Faster installation. Much quicker than a traditional elevator.
- Lower cost. Usually less than an elevator that needs a hoistway.
The limits
A shaftless elevator serves two floors only, and the cab is smaller than a traditional one. If you need to reach three levels, carry a large wheelchair with a companion, or want a fully custom cab, a traditional or pneumatic elevator may be a better fit.
Is it right for your home?
It works best in a two-story home where one room sits roughly above another. During a site visit we check the floor structure, the space on both levels and the electrical supply.
See the LUMA
Nationwide Lifts of Central New York offers the LUMA elevator, a shaft-less design made for existing homes. We install across Syracuse, Rochester, Utica and Binghamton. Call (315) 849-2952 for a free consultation.