The Ultimate Guide to Modernizing Elevator Cab Interiors

Put your best foot forward by learning how elevator cab modernization can make a big difference to your passengers and tenants. Our ultimate guide will help you choose what to update, how long it can take, and how it can improve your property.

The Ultimate Guide to Modernizing Elevator Cab Interiors

An elevator’s mechanical parts can last up to twenty years. The inside of your elevators, however, see a lot more physical wear and tear than you may realize. After thousands of trips, worn-out floor tiles and dirty panels can only get so clean. And even a well-kept interior that may have seemed trendy ten years ago is likely an eyesore today.

 

In our guide, we’ll go over when you should think about modernizing an elevator cab, the things you can upgrade, and some of the packages we offer at K-Elevator.

Everything You Need to Know About Modernizing Elevator Cab Interiors

When Should You Think About Modernizing Elevator Cab Interiors?

Unlike mechanical updates, there’s no specific timeline for updating elevator cab interiors. That means it’s up to you and your property managers to decide the best time to call in a specialist. That being said, we’ve found there are some key indicators that an elevator cab needs some attention.

Constant Repairs

The downtime to fix a broken handrail or loose ceiling tile adds up fast. Getting a handyman to mend your old interior could be better spent investing in a new look.

Smells and Stains

Old vinyl floor tiles and cloth wall panels, over a decade or more, can carry a foul aroma that’s impossible to erase. The only real option is to replace the tiles with something more modern and clean.

Safety Concerns

Cracked or chipped floor tiles can pose a trip hazard, especially in elevators with lots of daily traffic. Also, some older elevator railings are too high or lack structural support, which is an accessibility issue for disabled guests and residents.

Age of Cab

If your property was built in the 2000s or before, then it’s most likely ready for at least a partial modernization. Updating even a few things can completely alter a guest’s experience of your elevator cab.

The Benefits of Modernizing Elevator Cab Interiors

While most safety regulations focus on what’s happening above and below the cab, it’s the interior that your passengers notice first. Damaged doors, unsightly wall panels, and worn-out cladding tell your guests and residents that you’re not keeping good care of your elevators.

 

This means the biggest advantage of updating cab interiors is your passenger’s peace of mind. They’ll stop thinking about the potential dangers of their ride, and probably bug you a lot less, too.

 

How Long Does An Elevator Interior Modernization Take?

It’s true, you’ll need to take elevators offline while we modernize their interiors. A typical modernization takes less than a week. And for small updates, K-Elevators can be in and out in a few days. We’ll also work on one cab at a time, so your passengers will still be able to ride the lifts.

What Is Included In An Elevator Interior Modernization?

One of the best things about modernizing cab interiors is that you can choose what stays and what changes. Some of our clients decide to only change the floor tiles because they’re dirty and cracked. At other times, building management agrees to overhaul the entire cab.

 

Below, we explain the types of modernization that are at your disposal.

Types of Elevator Interior Modernization

Partial Modernization

With this option, property managers get to decide which parts of the cab they would like to modernize. You can keep the mirrors, for example, but change the ceiling tiles and floors. There are many different types of materials to choose from, too.

Here’s a complete list of the cab items for partial modernization:

      • Door and Frame Stainless Steel Cladding
      • Panels and Buttons
      • Walls
      • Floors 
      • Handrails
      • Ceilings 
      • Lighting

Some of the quality materials used in our cab modernization projects are: 

 

      • Woodgrain Laminates
      • Stone Laminates
      • Pattern Stainless Steel
      • Brushed Stainless Steel
      • Mirror Finishes
      • Porcelain
      • Vinyl Sheet
      • Vinyl Tile

Full Modernization

With a full modernization, you update the entire elevator cab. This includes everything listed in the partial modernization options above. K-Elevator offers two types of full interior upgrades, Standard and Custom.

elevator-modernization-brochure

Make sure to review our standard elevator interiors brochure for more insight on our packages. 

How Much Does An Elevator Interior Modernization Cost?

Keeping you on budget is one of our primary goals. Because each elevator cab is different, it’s best to call us for a quote. We can meet at your location and together we’ll come up with a partial or full modernization plan that meets the needs of your building.

With Elevator Interior Modernization, the Choice Is Yours

Modernizing elevator cab interiors may seem like a big task, but it doesn’t have to be. Our design experts at K-Elevator work with you to choose the updates that matter most to your residents. We have over thirty years of experience serving Canada, so your interiors are in good hands.

 

Go ahead and check out our previous work, then send us a message and we’ll do our best to make your elevator cab project a reality.

Ready to lift up
your elevator journeys?

Elevator Cab Interior Remodeling: A Complete Guide

Elevator Cab Interior Remodeling: A Complete Guide

When most people are in an elevator, they’re usually on autopilot, drifting off into space or thinking about their next meal. You can use this time to your advantage and impress your visitors with a beautifully remodeled elevator cab interior. A few signs that it’s time for an upgrade is if your elevator cab is damaged, has outdated features and needs a technology update. 

 

It’s all in the little details and it’s important that your elevator represents your building or organization in the best way possible. And a renovated elevator cab can do just that!

 

Whether you’re doing some light remodeling or a full elevator makeover, there are a few things to consider.

 

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about elevator cab interior remodeling.

Elevator interior remodeling basics

When should I consider remodeling my elevator cab interior?

Most elevator equipment lasts more than 15 years, but cabs can experience more wear and tear during their lifetime. This means it’s important to take note of when you need an upgrade.

 

There are a few key elements to look for when deciding whether to remodel your elevator cab interior:

  • Scratches and dents 
  • Old-fashioned aesthetics and finishes
  • Outdated technology and safety features

When you start noticing these, that’s a good indication that it’s time for an upgrade.

There are 3 things to keep in mind when considering a cab remodel

When you’re contemplating a cab remodel, it’s important to factor in the smaller details. The more specific you are with measurements, finishes and materials, the more cost-effective and efficient the whole process will be.

When working with an elevator specialist, take into account these things:

Elevator cladding

Cladding is a process where a layer of metal is added to the surface of elevator interiors to cover scratches and dents. This gives a brand new finish to the existing stainless steel features within your cab.

Precise measurements

Whether you are purchasing a self install kit from us or we complete the installation for you it is important that we have precise measurements to ensure the fit and finish is exact. This helps save time, money and effort and ensures your elevator remodelling goes smoothly.

Metal refinishing

There are situations where you may not need to clad over your existing finishes. Although we cannot remove dents from the existing stainless steel we can refinish and remove superficial scratches to give it that refreshed appearance, almost like brand new.

Remodeling for updated elevator code and safety

Just like any mechanical aspect of an elevator, it’s important to adhere to the current elevator safety code (B-44: Safety Code for Elevator and Escalators) when it comes to your cab interior design too. A few safety and code items you should ask about are:

Fire-rated interior features

Interior ventilation

Ceiling lights

Emergency exits

Elevator weight

Type of elevator interior upgrades

For your elevator cab, you have two options: partial remodel or a full remodel. A few things to keep in mind are your budget and what parts need to be updated. 

Partial remodel

A partial remodel is a great option if you’re working within a budget and you only need a few upgrades. If your panels are scratched or dented or your ceiling light fixtures need to be replaced, then a partial remodel is a good choice.

Full remodel

If your elevator cab interior is dated, dysfunctional and has a lot of damage, a full remodel is the way to go. A full remodel includes brand new panels, flooring, ceilings and lights, handrails and buttons.

Elevator cab interior design packages

Standard Elevators

With standard interiors, you can browse a set collection of elevator packages and choose one that fits your building and vision. Select from a wide range of high-grade materials including plastic laminates, stainless steel and finishing options. 

Make sure to review our standard elevator interiors brochure for more insight on our packages. 

Custom elevators

If you have a unique vision for your elevator interior in mind, you can work with an elevator design specialist who will walk you through all the materials you’ll need. You can create a custom elevator cab and select the floors, ceilings, handrails and panels. A custom elevator interior package gives you more creative control.

Complete guide elevator interior cab remodel

Our Cab Design Studio tool lets you choose your elevator interior configuration, apply materials and finishes and request budget pricing.

Elevator parts and materials

This is the fun part where you can pick and choose your elevator cab parts for your remodel. Before you start designing, you need to know the parts that make up your elevator, from the ground up.

Cab walls and panels

Panels in an elevator are like the paint on the walls. You can choose from different colours, finishes and materials including laminate, stainless steel and mirrors. 

Ceilings and lighting

A well-lit elevator interior and brighter ceiling can make visitors feel more comfortable and safe inside the cab. It adds to the general atmosphere and makes your elevator look cleaner. 

Flooring

Elevator flooring can be forgotten, but it ties the whole cab together. It’s important your floors are sturdy and level so your passengers can ride with ease. 

Handrails

Handrails are a key part in elevator cab design. Not only do they support visitors but they help prevent large items, including luggage, packages and backpacks, from damaging the panels. They are available in a range of sizes and are made from brushed stainless as well as coloured stainless steel.

Elevator interior remodeling cost

Planning your budget allows you to decide your needs versus your wants. It helps narrow down the available options to the most feasible ones for your project. If you are looking to cut costs, try pre-manufactured standard packages instead of custom options.

 

Done right, remodeling your elevator cab interior is a great investment that will last a long time, add value to your building and improve the atmosphere for your guests.

It’s time for an elevator cab interior remodel

When you’re considering an elevator cab interior remodel, make sure you have a clear budget and determine which parts of your cab need an upgrade. Cab remodels bring your elevators up to code compliance, can improve safety features and technology and give the interior a fresh look.

Now that you understand the remodeling process, you can take your elevator interior design to the next level. Our specialists at K-Elevator are here to bring your vision to life and elevate the passenger experience. Choose from a wide range of customization options and we’ll create your dream elevator cab interior. 

 

Ready to give your elevator interior a facelift?

Ready to lift up
your elevator journeys?