Updating Your Elevator Cab Interior

The elevator cab interior is often one of the first impressions someone has when they enter a building. When I talk about a “cab interior”, I am referring to the finishes that cover the walls, ceiling and flooring. An elevator cab is a steel shell set on a platform. The cab walls, ceiling and flooring are then finished with various materials.

• Walls. Walls are often covered with applied panels finished with laminate. Other materials used can include wood, veneer, stone, stainless steel, etc. A “reveal”, made of painted or stainless steel, is placed between the panels to give a finished look. The walls can also include a handrail. In Washington, handrails are not required, but they are common. See WAC 296-96-02530.

Older, smaller elevators (less than 2000lb capacity) sometimes skipped interior panels. Because standard panels are ¾” thick, they can make a small cab feel much smaller. These elevators might have a veneer installed directly on the shell or be painted.

• Ceiling. Lighting is important in an elevator cab to comply with code. The ceiling is where the lighting system is typically housed. Older elevators (1970s or earlier) might have a cove lighting system. As elevator increased in size, they moved to a drop ceiling. You will sometimes see a fluorescent light fixture mounted directly to the shell ceiling covered by a T-bar drop ceiling with diffusers. We have since moved to a drop ceiling with LED downlights.

• Flooring. Flooring options can be carpet, luxury vinyl, stone or even diamond plate (typically in service elevators).

Does your elevator look dated? Just like home remodeling trends, styles change. Luckily, you cab interior can be updated a lot easier than your kitchen! Most standard cab remodels take one or two days to complete. Before you take a sledgehammer to your elevator cab, let’s talk about the requirements. If you’re reading this blog, you already know elevators are highly regulated by code. Here are the major considerations for cab upgrade.

Below is a cab interior installation in progress.

• Permits. Any elevator alteration requires a permit from the Seattle DCI or Washington State L&I (depending on your location). A permit for the cab alteration must be obtained by a licensed elevator contractor before starting work. The work does not need to be performed by a licensed elevator contractor. But, if you want to utilize someone other than the elevator contractor, an elevator contractor (the same one that pulled the permit) must stand by during the installation. Be sure to factor that into the cost, as elevator labor is expensive. Some companies who only do cab interiors, have a limited elevator license and may not require a licensed elevator contractor.

• Fire Ratings. Included in your permit application, you must include the fire ratings of all materials used (INCLUDING adhesives). This is straight from the City…Materials for passenger car enclosure walls must meet the following requirements: [SBC, 3011.6.3.2] Retroactive

1. Carpet may be used if rated Class I or better (flame spread of 25 or less), including all the components of assembly, other than the adhesive.

2. Slow-burning combustible materials other than carpet may be used if rated Class II or better (flame spread of 75 or less).

3. Smoke density must test to be less than 450, by ASTM E 84, UL 723, or NFPA 252.

You need to have data sheets for each product to be used that references the tests above and these details are required as part of the Seattle DCI or Washington State L&I permitting process. Here it is from ASME A17.1:

• Weight. The elevator was designed based on a certain gross weight (capacity + car weight + piston weight (for hydros)). Code allows a 5% weight variance when making changes. So if the gross weight of the car is 5000 pounds, it can be altered by 250 pounds (5000 lbs x 5%). This is calculated by subtracting the weight of material removed from the weight of the added material. An estimate must be submitted with the Seattle DCI or Washington State L&I permit application. So, if you dreamed of replacing the elevator carpet with a solid slab of Carrera marble, you might be out of luck. Because of the weight and…

• Flooring thickness. The final consideration is flooring thickness. Whatever you install needs to be the same thickness as what is removed to avoid a tripping hazard. The finish flooring will meet the elevator door sill and must be flush. Also, many elevators have swing car operating panels. Thicker material might prevent the panel from opening.

With that in mind, anything is possible. (For a cost!) The best-looking cabs I’ve seen have enlarged backlit pictures of nature on the walls. A well known, major online marketplace is know for having dry erase boards on the walls. So where do you start?

1. You can have an architect prepare a design.

2. Many manufactures offer cab interior “kits” that can be installed by your elevator service provider.

3. My personal recommendation is to work with a cab interior company. There are many companies who only do cab interiors. They have a limited elevator license and can perform the work. If you are looking for a basic cab, this is the most economical option. Google some pictures to narrow down what you like and approach them with your concept. They can prepare options for you.

Have any other questions or need a referral? Contact Sean at sean@waelevator.com.