Buying an elevator for your home can be a straightforward process with the right planning and information. Home elevators are available in many different types and styles, and the best place to start is by learning about the various designs. The following guide has useful information about the most common types of elevators, including hydraulic, machine room-less, winding drum, shaftless, and vacuum.
Tip: Always check with your local code authority and elevator contractor when planning an installation. Elevator codes can vary in different locations and while most are uniform some jurisdictions may have special requirements.
Hydraulic elevators are heavy-duty home elevators. They have a standard weight capacity of 750 lbs. and can even carry up to 1000 lbs. This type of elevator will require a full hoist-way enclosure on every floor, a pit at the lowest landing, and a separate machine room. Hydraulic elevators operate with a hydraulic piston to raise and lower the cab. This type of elevator offers a very smooth and quiet ride quality.
If you need an elevator that will require heavy use and carry a higher weight capacity, hydraulic is a great option. With a design that has been in use for over 50 years, the hydraulic elevator has proven its use and reliability in the residential elevator market. READ MORE >>>
Machine room-less elevators are also referred to as MRL. With an MRL elevator, the drive and controller are located in the hoistway eliminating the need for a separate machine room. This can be ideal if you don’t have the space for a machine room but still want a larger cab that can serve up to 5 landings. MRL’S are available in counterweight electric chain drive and cable drive systems. READ MORE >>>
Winding drum elevators operate with an electric motor to wind the cable on a drum that will raise and lower the elevator. This type of elevator requires a hoistway, pit, and machine room. Winding drum elevators will typically have a 500-750lb. capacity. The ride quality is standard.
This type of elevator is available in a variety of configurations with the placement of the motor assembly. Here the drive is located in a separate machine room. The machine room is always recommended for ease of service and maintenance if the space is available. READ MORE >>>
The shaft-less elevator also referred to as a through-floor elevator or lift is made to serve two floors. This type of elevator can retrofit easily into existing homes and requires the least amount of space compared to traditional elevators. Construction is also kept to a minimum without the need for a full hoist-way enclosure, pit, and separate machine room.
Shaft-less elevators are available from several different manufacturers with variations in cab styles, mechanical designs, and installation requirements. Some models can be placed almost anywhere in a home making the process of installing an elevator much easier.
This elevator is made for convenience, limited space, and simplicity. They are lifestyle lifts designed to help with mobility and are a great alternative to a stairlift or full-style traditional elevator. READ MORE >>>
Vacuum elevators are air-driven elevators that use air pressure to raise and lower the cab. They are available in three models the PVE30, PVE37, and PVE52. The number in the model represents the external size of the cylinder. The PVE30 has a 30″ cylinder and fits one person. This model has the smallest footprint of any home elevator on the market. The PVE37 is the original vacuum elevator model and can carry two riders with a 450lb capacity. The largest model the PVE52 has a cylinder diameter of 52-11/16 inches can carry three riders with a 525 lb capacity and is wheelchair accessible.
Similar to the shaft-less elevator the vacuum elevator is great for limited space applications. The construction is kept to a minimum and the lifts also don’t require a pit or machine room. Vacuum elevators can serve up to 5 landings with 50′ of max travel.
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Currently, some of the best residential elevators are built by Custom Elevator Manufacturing, Inc., SAVARIA, Symmetry, and Pneumatic Vacuum Elevators, LLC. The most suitable elevator for your home will be the one that fits your needs, budget, site conditions, and floor plan. When considering these factors there are two main categories to choose from, elevator type and manufacturer. Of course, there’s cost and we’ve written about elevator pricing here to give you a general idea of the budget and related expenses. Since we’ve been in the elevator business and have a real working knowledge of elevator systems we’ve provided this list of top elevator companies for each type of installation, manufacturer information, and brand or model.
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LinkedInIf you are finding it difficult to use the stairs at home for any reason, then Stiltz home elevators for residential houses has the answer to comfortable, safe independence for years to come. Whether you need support due to your own mobility issues, or those of someone you live with, Stiltz elevators are quick to install and easy to use. Unlike most commercial elevators which require hydraulic cables, a pre-made shaft, machine room and motor, these residential elevators are non-hydraulic, instead moving between their own supporting rails.
The home lifts do not require any heavy-duty building works and can be fitted discreetly in to your home within a day. And unlike a stair lift, a Stiltz home elevator, such as this two-person lift, can move you comfortably and smoothly between floors in less than 30 seconds with your vacuum cleaner, pet, luggage and even another person in tow!
Here we will explore which type of elevator is best for your home.
You can make a Stiltz Home Elevator fit into your home with ease
One fantastic reason for choosing a home elevator over a stair lift (or going to the expense of moving to a single story) is how customizable the options are. No matter the available space in your home, the Stiltz residential elevators can be installed in a number of different ways to suit you. It could be placed between your two most-used rooms, in the void of a turning staircase, or even from closet to closet for those who wish to keep their elevator discreet.
The unique design option of the Thru-Car also means you can enter on one side and exit on the other, or perhaps the issue you have is getting from your garage on the basement level into your home. A Stiltz home elevator could be the answer.
Even if your home has quirky angles such as sloped or cathedral ceilings, Stiltz installer partners can help you find a quick and simple way around this with easy modifications to the ceiling.
You have a wide choice of sizes and styles
Our range of home elevator options is ever increasing, with our most recent model the Stiltz Duo Alta now on the market, along with the six-metre travel option which introduces more options for homeowners with high ceilings or the need for three stops.
If you require an elevator to carry one to three people or a wheelchair/walker, then the Stiltz Trio Wheelchair Elevator can give you the freedom and independence you need to continue to enjoy your home for many years to come.
Simple and transparent pricing gives you peace of mind
Whilst you may find some seemingly great deals for home lifts online, it is important to factor in their hidden charges such as delivery costs, requirements of building a shaft, installation costs, plus the labor needed on top of that (which in the case of hydraulic lifts can take 2+ people 3-4 days).
Innovative and stress-free options
The innovative micro footprint of the Stiltz Home Elevator means that you can give up less space in your home than with a traditional hydraulic elevator. Along side this, the system runs on its own dual rails meaning it can be placed anywhere in the home that makes the most sense for you and your lifestyle, rather than being limited to a supporting wall.
With no hydraulics or separate machine room to worry about, your residential elevator will run off a regular power outlet making it economical to run and includes top-of-the-line safety features that keep you moving even during a power outage.
Make it your own with sleek designs
The incredible Duo Alta model has the smallest footprint for residential elevators on the market making it sleek, space saving and attractive. Yet, even if you require the larger designs such as the Trio Wheelchair elevator, you will soon find that due to the elegant transparent or semi-transparent design, your lift soon blends into the room and becomes ‘part of the furniture’.