Elevator Boutique

Elevator Shafts

Elevator Shafts – Complete Guide to Design, Construction & Specifications

When it comes to installing a home elevator, the shaft is where it all begins. It’s the structural core that defines performance, safety, and long-term reliability, the foundation for a smooth, quiet, and compliant elevator system.

At Elevator Boutique, most clients’ builders construct the shaft in accordance with our engineering drawings and specifications. This ensures every project meets the required tolerances, load capacity, and building code compliance.

For projects where a complete frame is preferred, we can supply the “Bones Only Shaft by Elevator Boutique”, a certified internal steel structure that your builder can clad and finish.

Elevator Shafts – Complete Guide to Design, Construction & Specifications

For projects where a complete frame is preferred, we can supply the “Bones Only Shaft by Elevator Boutique”, a certified internal steel structure that your builder can clad and finish.

Building an Elevator Shaft Now, Installing the Elevator Later

Increasingly, clients are choosing to build the elevator shaft during construction, even if the elevator will be installed later. This approach offers flexibility and long-term value.

Benefits of Building Early

Reduces future building works and associated costs
Future-proofs the home for accessibility and resale
Minimizes the need for later engineering work, but one load-bearing wall must still be certified

Elevator Boutique provides shaft drawings and specifications so your builder can construct a compliant,
future-ready shaft now, ensuring a seamless installation when you decide to proceed with your elevator.

Who Builds the Shaft?

In most cases, your builder constructs the shaft following Elevator Boutique’s engineering drawings and requirements. This method keeps the process efficient and cost-effective while ensuring compliance with all elevator standards.Elevator Boutique supports your builder with coordination packs, structural load data, and direct technical assistance. A qualified structural engineer must confirm load capacity before installation.

Elevator Boutique Specifications for Builder-Constructed Shafts

Wall & Load Requirements

Solid load-bearing wall — concrete, concrete block (CMU), solid brick, or structural steel
No hollow or cavity walls in load-bearing zones
Maximum deflection: approx. 1/32–1/16 in on structural members
All four sides must be solid and impenetrable

Cladding & Finishes

Internal cladding to be smooth and rigid (min. 18-gauge steel, ≈1.2 mm, or equivalent)
No cladding over steel fasteners
Glass (if used) to be 7/16 in laminated safety glass

General Tolerances

Internal dimensions within 0 to +3/4 in of Elevator Boutique drawings
Walls and door openings plumb within ±3/16 in

Shaft Fixing & Lateral Restraint

The builder is responsible for ensuring the elevator shaft is laterally restrained to the building structure
Fixing is required at maximum 11 ft 6 in vertical intervals on a minimum of three (3) sides of the shaft

Horizontal Steel Sizes

	A/E Series	A/E Series with Standoff Bracket
HSS Cross Member Size	4 x 4 x 3/16 in	8 x 4 x 3/16 in

Spacing between horizontal cross members will be in the signed final drawing.

Vertical Steel Sizes

For all lift types with or without stand off brackets the vertical posts are to be 6 × 6 × 3/16 in

Self-Supporting Shaft Structure

For homes where a traditional load-bearing shaft is impractical, Elevator Boutique can supply a self-supporting steel shaft structure, the same framework referred to as our “Bones Only Shaft”.

This pre-engineered structure forms the elevator’s complete internal skeleton, eliminating the need for the builder to create a load-bearing shaft from scratch.

Features

Supplied without cladding, ready for builder finishing
Builder must enclose all four sides for safety (non-removable & non-penetrable)

Speak to Us About Self-Supporting Shafts →

Glass Shafts by Builders

Whether it’s a stunning coastal view or a lively living space, many clients love the experience of travelling in a lift surrounded by glass, bringing light and visibility into the journey.

While Elevator Boutique offers a full range of glass shaft options (steel and aluminum framed),
many builders choose to design and construct their own glass enclosures for a fully customized architectural finish.

Glass shafts are constructed by qualified builders to Elevator Boutique specifications. We integrate our elevator systems seamlessly within your chosen glass shaft design.

The results are remarkable, bespoke glass shafts that integrate seamlessly with the home’s design while maintaining Elevator Boutique’s mechanical precision and safety standards.

Elevator Shaft Materials & Design Options

Masonry or Concrete: durable, fire-resistant, and ideal for new builds.
Steel Frame: slim-profile strength for renovations or multi-level homes.
Timber Frame: suitable for light-construction homes with internal steel or sheeting reinforcement.

Construction & Coordination

Design Coordination: Elevator Boutique provides drawings and data for your builder and engineer.
Pit Formation: Builder forms and waterproofs the pit to the required depth.
Shaft Construction: Builder constructs according to approved materials and tolerances.
Cladding & Finishing: Smooth, non-removable internal lining applied after structure complete.
Engineering Sign-Off: Certified load and deflection compliance required prior to installation.
Elevator Installation: Performed by Elevator Boutique once shaft approved and ready.

Builder’s Quick Reference
Requirement	A Series	E Series
Pit Depth	7½ in	12 in
Headroom	105 in	108 in
Load-Bearing Wall	Yes, drive side	Yes, drive side
External Cladding	1/8 in builder’s plywood	1/8 in builder’s plywood
Internal Walls	Non-penetrable, or wood-framed with 3/4 in plywood	Non-penetrable, or wood-framed with 3/4 in plywood
Drainage	Not required	Not required

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I build the shaft now and install the elevator later?

Yes. Elevator Boutique regularly assists homeowners who want to build the shaft during construction and add the elevator later. A cost-effective and future-proof solution.

What is a self-supporting shaft?

It’s a galvanized steel structure supplied by Elevator Boutique that supports the elevator without a load-bearing wall. Your builder then encloses it for safety.

Can Elevator Boutique provide a glass shaft?

Yes. We offer glass shaft solutions or can work alongside your builder to integrate a custom glass design.

Who is responsible for the shaft build?

Your builder, following Elevator Boutique’s engineering drawings and requirements. We provide full support during construction.

Why Choose Elevator Boutique

12+ years of luxury residential elevator experience
12,000 installations across California and Australia
End-to-end builder coordination and compliance documentation
Option for self-supporting or Bones Only Shaft structures
Exceptional customer service and aftercare

Build It Right from the Start

The elevator shaft defines your elevator’s safety, comfort, and visual integration.
Whether constructed by your builder or supplied as a self-supporting Bones Only Shaft,
Elevator Boutique ensures compliance, precision, and effortless coordination from start to finish.

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