A household elevator is an excellent solution for maintaining independence and comfort at home, regardless of age or mobility. For many, the thought of leaving a cherished home due to accessibility challenges can be difficult, but modern technology and home design advancements now provide innovative ways to stay in the home you love without compromise.
Whether you’re looking to future-proof your home or need a safe, effortless way to move between floors, a household elevator can enhance mobility while blending seamlessly into your living space. In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of household elevators, help you find the best fit for your needs, and answer common questions.
What is a Household Elevator?
A household elevator, also known as a residential or domestic elevator, is designed for private homes to provide seamless access between floors. Unlike traditional stair lifts, which transport a single passenger along a mechanical rail on the staircase, household elevators move vertically between levels. They can accommodate multiple passengers and even fit a wheelchair, offering enhanced accessibility.
While stair lifts can sometimes appear outdated and take up space around the staircase, household elevators are designed to integrate seamlessly into your home. With modern designs, neutral color options, and compact structures, they provide a contemporary and practical mobility solution.
Today’s household elevators operate quietly and smoothly, making them a smart choice for improving mobility while maintaining the ambiance and style of your living space.
Stiltz Household Elevator
What Are the Benefits of Household Elevators?
There are various mobility aid options available, but installing a household elevator in your home offers numerous advantages:
- Maximizes Accessibility – Most importantly, household elevators allow individuals who may struggle with stairs to continue enjoying every part of their home. By eliminating mobility barriers, they ensure the home remains a place of comfort and independence.
- Increases Independence – A household elevator provides a safe, efficient way to move between floors, reducing reliance on others for assistance and promoting greater self-sufficiency.
- Removes Barriers – Stairs can be challenging for individuals with mobility issues and are a common cause of falls and serious injuries. A household elevator eliminates these risks, offering a smooth and secure alternative to navigating stairs. Passengers don’t have to worry about losing grip on a handrail or tripping on a step.
- Adds Value to a Property – With their modern design and practical benefits, household elevators can enhance a home’s appeal and potentially increase its market value.
- Future-Proofs Your Home – Installing a household elevator is a smart investment in long-term accessibility. It ensures your home remains functional and adaptable as mobility needs change, eliminating the need for disruptive renovations later on.
- More Affordable Than a Care Home – Without a household elevator, individuals may feel the need to move into assisted living or a care home due to accessibility challenges. With annual care home costs averaging between $2,000 and $3,000 USD or more—especially in urban areas—installing a household elevator can be a more cost-effective solution, allowing you to remain comfortably in your own home.
Types of Household Elevators
Cabin Elevator
Cabin elevators transport passengers in a fully enclosed lift car that moves within a shaft frame, offering a traditional “elevator” experience. Similar to the lifts found in hotels or retail stores, cabin elevators provide a secure and private ride between floors.
Platform Elevator
Platform elevators also operate within a shaft frame, but instead of a fully enclosed lift car, they feature an open platform that moves between floors. Designed to handle heavy loads, platform elevators are particularly beneficial for wheelchair users and those requiring a spacious mobility solution.
Through-Floor Elevator
Through-floor elevators are an innovative solution for moving between floors without requiring a shaft or extensive structural modifications. These elevators feature a partially or fully enclosed lift car that moves vertically through a specially designed floor aperture. Their sleek and space-efficient design makes them a stylish alternative to bulkier cabin or platform elevators.
At Stiltz Household Elevators, all our models use a unique dual-rail technology, eliminating the need for wall attachments. Thanks to their self-supporting structure, no additional weight is placed on the home’s infrastructure, allowing installation in spaces where other types of household elevators may not fit.
Stiltz through-floor household elevator
Household Elevator
Household elevators resemble the smaller versions of commercial lifts found in shopping centers or multi-story car parks, but they are specifically designed for private residences. These high-end mobility solutions feature an enclosed lift car within a shaft frame, offering a balance of luxury, convenience, and seamless integration into home interiors.
Stiltz Household Elevators
At Stiltz Household Elevators, our unique design makes our elevators an excellent choice for anyone experiencing mobility challenges at home while seeking a space-efficient, comfortable, and stylish solution.
Here’s an overview of our available household elevator ranges:
Our Duo Household Elevators are a fantastic alternative to stair lifts for anyone looking to future-proof their home with a sleek, space-saving mobility solution. Designed for comfort and convenience, the Duo model smoothly carries two passengers between floors in under 30 seconds.
The Duo household elevator is available in two models:
- Classic Model – Features a half-height door with a single-entry point for a streamlined, minimalist design.
- TruCar Model – Allows passengers to enter and exit from both sides, offering added flexibility and ease of use.
The Stiltz Trio Household Elevator range is a spacious and versatile solution, designed to accommodate up to three passengers or wheelchair users with ease. Featuring wider entry and exit points and an integrated ramp, the Trio model ensures seamless access for enhanced mobility.
The Trio household elevator is available in two configurations:
- Single-Door Model – A classic design with a single entry and exit point for simplicity and efficiency.
- Two-Door Model – Offers dual access, allowing passengers to enter and exit from both sides for added flexibility and convenience.
Key Considerations for Choosing the Best Household Elevator for Youd Elevators
1. Size
The size of a household elevator is a crucial factor as it determines both where it can be installed and how well it integrates with your home’s layout.
- Compact Models – Ideal for homes with limited space, offering a discreet and space-efficient mobility solution.
- Larger Models – Designed to accommodate wheelchairs and multiple passengers, though they require a slightly larger footprint.
Choosing the right size ensures a balance between functionality and available space, making your household elevator both practical and aesthetically seamless.
2. Capacity
The capacity of a household elevator determines how versatile and functional it is for your needs. If you plan to use it for multiple passengers, wheelchair access, or transporting heavy items, a higher-capacity model is the best choice. However, if space is limited and fewer people will use it, a compact elevator may be a more practical solution. At Stiltz, our Duo Household Elevators can carry up to 170kg, comfortably accommodating two passengers, while our Trio models support up to 250kg, making them ideal for wheelchair users or families.
3. Design
Unlike older, bulkier designs, modern household elevators are available in sleek, contemporary styles that seamlessly integrate into home interiors. Some models offer minimalist designs that blend discreetly into a room, while others allow for custom finishes and luxury enhancements to complement your décor. While customization can enhance the look and feel of your home, it’s essential to strike a balance between aesthetics and functionality, as additional features may increase costs.
4. Location
Choosing the right location for your household elevator is crucial, as it impacts the type and size of the model you can install. Common placement areas include hallways, living rooms, bedrooms, and garages, but the home’s existing structure will determine what is possible. Stiltz Household Elevators stand out because of their self-supporting dual-rail system, meaning they don’t require load-bearing walls for installation, allowing for greater flexibility in placement. Additionally, some models come with a dual-entry option, enabling users to enter and exit from either side, further expanding location possibilities.
5. Power
Different household elevators have varying power requirements. Some require dedicated electrical work and high-voltage connections, which can increase installation complexity and cost. In contrast, Stiltz Household Elevators plug directly into a standard household power socket, just like any other appliance, making them simple to install and operate without additional electrical modifications.
6. Price
The cost of a household elevator varies depending on its size, features, and installation requirements. While the initial investment may seem significant, it is a long-term solution that can be more cost-effective than alternatives like assisted living or moving to a new home. Understanding the full cost, including installation, maintenance, and electricity consumption, is key to making an informed decision.
7. Installation
Because household elevators require some level of structural modification, it’s important to consider what installation work is needed before making a purchase. The size and operational mechanics of the elevator will influence the installation process. Fortunately, Stiltz Household Elevators feature a self-supporting design, which makes them quicker and less invasive to install than many traditional models.
Our team is available to guide you through the full installation process to ensure a seamless and stress-free experience. Contact us today to learn more.
Frequently asked questions
What Is the Smallest Household Elevator Available?
Our Duo Household Elevator range features one of the smallest footprints on the market, covering just 0.55m² in surface area. Its compact design makes it an excellent choice for homes with limited space, requiring minimal room for both installation and everyday use.
Despite its small size, the Duo model comfortably accommodates two passengers, providing a seamless and efficient way to move between floors.
Which Household Elevator Is Best for My Needs?
The best household elevator for you depends on several factors, including your mobility needs, available space, and budget. If you’re looking to future-proof your home with a compact and discreet solution for one or two people, the Duo Household Elevator is an ideal option. However, if you require a wheelchair-accessible elevator or have more space to accommodate a larger model, the Trio range may be a better fit.
Both options provide smooth, quiet operation and stylish designs, ensuring comfort and convenience while blending seamlessly into your home.
Find Your Perfect Household Elevator Today
Get in touch with our friendly team at Stiltz Household Elevators to explore the best mobility solution for your home. Whether you’re looking for a compact two-person model or a spacious wheelchair-accessible elevator, we can help you find the perfect fit to enhance your comfort and independence.
Start making the most of the home you love with a stylish, space-efficient through-floor elevator today.