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Commercial Elevators

When including custom commercial elevators in building planning, requirements for the size and capacity of an elevator and the amount of elevators present must be satisfied to meet the standards for commercial elevators set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and elevator code ANSI A17.1. The required numbers and sizes of commercial elevators vary depending on the building type, location, and number of people expected to use the building.

At Artisan Elevators, a nationwide leader in the home lifts industry, we can help you design one commercial lift or a dozen, whatever your needs may be, and you’ll get the same attention to detail and high-end craftsmanship that we devote to every custom elevator order.

Custom Commercial Elevator Design Options

Commercial elevators do not have to feel like one-size-fits-all additions to a building. Artisan Elevators can help design custom commercial elevators that fit the needs of your property, whether you need one elevator or several.

Design considerations may include:

  • Elevator size and capacity
  • Building type and expected use
  • Passenger, service, or accessibility needs
  • Available space within the building
  • ADA and local code requirements
  • Design details that help the elevator fit the surrounding space

Our designers can work with you through each step of the process to customize a commercial elevator that fits your building, your users, and your project goals.

What Is the Standard Size and Capacity of a Commercial Elevator?

In most municipalities, building designers are held to certain lift design and capacity standards for commercial elevators. For instance:

Different sizes and types of elevators for sale will suit different types of commercial buildings:

Commercial elevator capacity sign showing 4,500 pounds

Commercial elevator capacity example.

If you’re unclear about the required elevator capacity, a quotation from local building officials may be helpful to clarify any local code mandates.

3,500 lbs

Office, Hospital Passenger & Hotel

Office building, hospital passenger, and hotel elevators should typically be 6 feet 8 inches wide and 5 feet 5 inches deep, with a weight capacity of 3,500 pounds.

2,500 lbs

Residential Commercial

Residential commercial elevators should be 6 feet 8 inches wide and 4 feet 3 inches deep, with a weight capacity of 2,500 pounds.

4,500 lbs

Service Elevator

Service elevators should be 5 feet 4 inches wide and 8 feet 5 inches deep, with a weight capacity of 4,500 pounds.

6,000 lbs

Hospital Vehicle

Hospital vehicle elevators should be 5 feet 9 inches wide by 10 feet deep, with a weight capacity of 6,000 pounds.

What Is the Right Elevator Size for a Hotel?

The most common elevator size for hotel use is 6 feet 8 inches by 5 feet 5 inches. Commercial elevators of this size should be big enough to handle most passenger needs.

Common hotel elevator size

Width
6 ft 8 in
Depth
5 ft 5 in

How Many Elevators Are Required in a Commercial Building?

The number of elevators required in a building depends on the type of building.

Office Buildings

For example, an office building requires one commercial elevator for every 45,000 net usable square feet, and the ratio of the number of floors to the number of commercial elevators should be 2:1 or less.

Apartment Buildings

An apartment building requires one commercial elevator for every 90 units, except in urban areas, where the ratio is one commercial elevator for every 60 units.

Hotels

And a hotel must have one elevator for every 75 rooms or one elevator for a three-floor building. Both building types should have an elevator no more than 150 feet away from any unit.

General Hospitals

For a general hospital, one standard-size commercial elevator and a service elevator are needed for every 100 beds.

Health-Care Facilities

Health-care facilities located in urban areas require more elevators, and hospitals that typically have a number of visitors exceeding the number of beds also require more elevators.

Additional Hospital Areas

In addition, for operating areas, cafeterias, central supplies, and laundry areas located on upper levels, the hospital may need additional commercial elevators.

Elevator Groups

Keep in mind that a single group of commercial elevators shouldn’t number more than eight or serve more than 16 levels.

Service Elevators

And you may also need to think about one or more service elevators:

Designed Around Your Building

For a building with four to eight floors, a separate service elevator could be useful, but for office buildings with more than eight floors, you’re typically required to have at least one service elevator in addition to all required passenger elevators.

For a high-end hotel, one service elevator is needed for every two passenger elevators, while apartment buildings ten floors or higher are required to have a separate service elevator.

Passenger Elevators
Service Elevators
Accessibility
Building Capacity
Available Space
Local Requirements

Find the Perfect Commercial Elevator for Sale With Our Custom Creations

When you’re ready to purchase and design custom elevators for your commercial structure, let our expert crafters create just what you’re looking for.

For more information about our high-quality commercial elevators for sale or to inquire about a quote before you order, call 1-888-221-7475.

Commercial Elevator FAQs

How Much Does it Cost to Install a Commercial Elevator in a Building?

Since the cost to install a commercial elevator depends on the elevator’s size and type and the building in which it will provide service, the cost can fall within a wide range.

It’s best to contact us to get an accurate quote for installation.

What Is a Service Elevator?

A service elevator is a lift that’s intended to transport staff and heavy or bulky items, like furniture or equipment, in a commercial building.

Service elevators are usually reserved for staff use and can be employed for the delivery of goods or services, like moving luggage or providing room service in a hotel.

In some cases, service elevators can look strikingly similar to passenger elevators, but they are located away from guests’ quarters so as not to hinder visitors’ movements.

How Long Does it Take to Put In an Elevator?

The installation of an elevator generally takes about three days, but installation time can be influenced by the type of elevator purchased, hoistway attributes, the potential need for a machine room, additional component construction, and testing procedures.

Planning for an elevator installation can require several weeks or months. For example, the design and creation of the elevator may take up to eight weeks, and the physical preparation of your home’s structure, including potentially dismantling an existing elevator, can take a few weeks as well.

What is a commercial elevator?

A commercial elevator is an elevator that is used in a public application or in a public space.

What is the cost of a commercial elevator?

The cost of a commercial elevator ranges depending on a number of factors such as levels, the size, the capacity and the speed of the elevator.

The starting price of a commercial elevator is around $50,000.

How much does it cost to install a commercial elevator?

The starting cost of a commercial elevator is approximately $50,000–$60,000 for a LULA elevator. For a larger elevator the cost would depend on the size and the capacity.

How much does it cost to put an elevator in a commercial 2 story building?

A LULA (limited use, limited application) elevator, which is the smallest commercial elevator, would cost between $50,000 and $65,000.

For a larger commercial elevator, the cost depends on the size and classification.

Order a FREE Catalog

The options for a custom elevator are seemingly endless. Our designers will work alongside you through each step of the process to customize a luxury new elevator that fits your home or business perfectly.

Our designers will work alongside you through each step of the process.

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