Lift Shop

How to Integrate Your Elevator Doors

Elevator Door Preparation Guide

Preparing the doorway correctly is essential for a safe, precise, and seamless elevator installation. Every opening must match the signed Elevator Boutique Final Drawing and be built to withstand structural loads, align with finished floors, and suit the final wall finishes. This guide outlines everything your builder needs to prepare before our installers arrive.

Door Opening Dimensions

Each door opening must be built exactly to the approved Elevator Boutique drawing. All openings must be square, level, and plumb from floor to ceiling.

Confirm finished floor levels match the approved design and signed Final Drawing.
Allow for internal finishes such as render, sheeting, or tiles.
Keep reveals clear of conduits, wiring, or plumbing.
Ensure full height and width as shown on your final layout drawings.
Maintain uniform openings across all floors.

Structural Support

Elevator doors are anchored directly to the building structure. Solid supports must be in place before installation.

Provide continuous masonry or timber backing above and below every doorway to support the door rack, sill, and header mechanism.
Reinforce hinge and strike sides with solid blocking.
Extend supports at least 4in beyond the door opening for secure fixing.
Keep framing exposed until after elevator installation do not sheet, tile, or render these areas prematurely.

Door Cladding and Wall Alignment

Builders can finish doors to blend seamlessly with the wall or joinery. Follow these limits to ensure smooth operation and long-term reliability.

Wall thickness must match door thickness (typically 2.2in).
Maximum cladding thickness 0.2in ( 0.1in preferred).
Maximum total door panel weight 22lb.
Fix using adhesive, nails, or screws only.
Cladding must allow full door swing and not restrict hinge movement.
On the hinge side, reduce or omit cladding to maintain clearance.
Maintain access to the emergency keyhole and call button at all times.
Avoid dense or heavy decorative materials that could cause sagging or binding.

Elevator doors can be enhanced with premium, approved finishes that harmonize seamlessly with surrounding interiors. This approach preserves smooth operation, meets all safety and code requirements, and creates a sophisticated, high-end aesthetic.

Call Button and Key Access

Each landing includes a call button plate and emergency key access point. Space and access must be left clear for these components.

Cut call button openings only after door installation for a precise fit.
Leave a maximum of 0.1in material thickness behind the button plate.
Do not conceal electrical conduits behind finished panels.
Keep emergency keyholes visible and unobstructed for service access.
Coordinate with Elevator Boutique installers before framing or cutting around button zones.

Examples of Custom Button Plates by Client

Gaps, Clearances and Finishes

Correct spacing and alignment ensure reliable performance and a clean finish.

Component	Requirement	Note
Door swing clearance	Door must open freely without obstruction	Check before final cladding
Floor-to-sill transition	No lip or step greater than 0.7 in	Builder to level to FFL
Wall alignment	Consistent wall depth and finish thickness	Match across every floor
Between-door walls	Line and finish visible shaft surfaces	Visible during elevator operation
Shaft reveal	No services or recesses	Smooth and flush for sealing