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?

Should I Repair or Remodel My Commercial Elevator Interior?

Should I Repair or Remodel My Commercial Elevator Interior?

Your elevator cabs are key public-facing spaces in your building that serve so many purposes beyond just taking people up and down. From defining the passenger journey to facilitating the flow of people in your building and transporting visitors safely to showcasing your aesthetic, the elevator cab interior is a reflection of your business.

 

That’s why it’s important to keep it in tip-top shape. But when something goes wrong with your elevator cab, there’s no need to panic. Whether it’s a minor bit of damage or a major component is malfunctioning, we recommend taking a step back and assessing the situation before making any major decisions.

 

No matter the type of elevator you have, here’s how you can tell if your elevator cab needs a repair or a remodel. Answer these questions to find out more!

When to Repair vs Remodel Commercial Elevator Interiors

1. First things first, how does your elevator cab interior look?

A: The floor tiles are broken and the lights are outdated and not energy efficient. 


If the elevator cab interior has some small cosmetic issues, then a cab interior professional can repair them and match your present style so that the fixes fit right in. For example, K-Elevator can switch outdated halogen lights to low-cost and energy-efficient LEDs that freshen up the entire feel of your cab interior.

 

B: The back mirror is cracked, the stainless steel is dented, and we had to take out the ceiling panels last week because they started to droop. 


When costly cab interior issues start to add up, such as worn-out cab panels, ceiling tiles, and cladding, it may be time to look into getting an elevator cab interior remodel. Why inconvenience your passengers and overspend on constant repairs when you can invest in an overhaul of your cab interior in one go? What’s more important, if you have a cracked mirror, exposed sharp edges or even a missing tile that it puts your elevator out of compliance with the B-44 Elevator code, and can be called by a TSSA inspector for non-compliance. A fresh new look tells your residents, stakeholders, and guests that the property is well cared for and keeps your elevator code-compliant.

5 SIGNS IT’S TIME TO UPGRADE YOUR ELEVATOR INTERIORS

When is it time to upgrade your elevator interior?

2. Next up, how is the exterior of your elevator holding up?

A: The door frames seem to be in good shape, but there are some visible scratches and dents in the cladding. 

 

This is most likely a repair job. Our staff are experts in elevator door recladding. Whether it’s painted or stainless steel, this is also a great opportunity to choose a finish that’s more durable and better matches your building’s aesthetic.

 

B: Passengers often remark that the elevator door and frame look banged up.

 

Your elevator doors are the first impression riders get of your elevators. No matter how new or well kept they are inside, if the door frames need an upgrade, it could tarnish their experience. We recommend talking to your elevator professionals about a quote for a new elevator door and door frame cladding for your commercial building.

3. How old is the elevator?

1: It’s definitely older than 25 years.

 

Unlike certain wines and cheese, elevator interiors don’t improve with age. What was considered modern twenty or thirty years ago often looks tired and worn out today. By remodelling your elevator, you’re also improving the impression of your business or property. This goes double for buildings that have had a foyer or lobby facelift in the past five to ten years.

 

2: It was updated recently, but…


In many situations, even commercial elevator cabs that were updated recently can use some TLC. That’s because age isn’t the only determining factor —cracked mirrors, chipped floor tiles, and scuffed cladding can occur at any time. If that’s the case, then you can focus on repairing specific components.

ELEVATOR CAB INTERIOR REMODELING: A COMPLETE GUIDE

4. Does your elevator cab interior show off your property’s style and brand?

A: Yes, we’re looking into boosting it with custom elevator interior accessories.

 

When your cab interior puts your building’s best foot forward, your passengers will feel it every time they step into your elevator. To boost your branding, we offer a set of custom-designed wall protection pads with your logo as well as mirror etching services. 

 

B: Not really. We just have a standard interior with no branded elements. 

 

Commercial buildings are always trying to leave their mark and uphold their reputation. Your elevator interior is a great place to reinforce your branding and aesthetic. From custom cab interior parts to branded accessories and features, remodelling your elevator is a great opportunity to define your brand and make sure it gets across to your passengers.

TRY OUT OUR CAB DESIGN STUDIO TO GET THOSE CREATIVE JUICES FLOWING

elevator cab ceiling design

5. Finally, is the repair expensive enough to justify a remodel?

1: Yes


If you have a few wall panels, door cladding, and mirrors to replace, then it may be time to do a full elevator cab remodel. You also have to think about your savings over time. Investing a little more into a remodel means you’ll spend less on repairs in the coming years.

 

2: No


If there’s just a noticeboard to install or halogen lights to upgrade, then a repair could be just what you need. Call us anytime to talk about your elevator interior repairs, and we’ll help you get your cab looking its best.

K-Elevator are your Commercial Elevator Interior Specialists

Are you looking for elevator interior repair or remodelling solutions? K-Elevator is your leading elevator cab interior company in Canada. No matter what type of elevator you have, we have the expertise, designs and materials to bring your vision to life.

 

Get your elevator cab interior remodelled or repaired with K-Elevator today.

Ready to lift up
your elevator journeys?