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Lift Shop

Lift Doors

Lift Door Preparation Guide

Preparing the doorway correctly is essential for a safe, precise, and seamless lift installation. Every opening must match the signed Lift Shop 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.

swing lift door - luxury

Table of Contents

Lift Shop A Series cabin with premium finishes in Gladesville home

Door Opening Dimensions

Each door opening must be built exactly to the approved Lift Shop 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

Lift 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 100 mm beyond the door opening for secure fixing.
  • Keep framing exposed until after lift 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 55 mm).
  • Maximum cladding thickness 5 mm (3 mm preferred).
  • Maximum total door panel weight 10 kg.
  • 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.


Example of incorrect 9mm door cladding causing hinge binding
Lift door key access point and call button layout

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 3 mm 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 Lift Shop 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.

ComponentRequirementNote
Door swing clearanceDoor must open freely without obstructionCheck before final cladding
Floor-to-sill transitionNo lip or step greater than 2 mmBuilder to level to FFL
Wall alignmentConsistent wall depth and finish thicknessMatch across every floor
Between-door wallsLine and finish visible shaft surfacesVisible during lift operation
Shaft revealNo services or recessesSmooth and flush for sealing

Final Builder Sign-Off

Before Lift Shop installation, confirm all site conditions meet the approved drawings and requirements:

  • All openings framed and supported per final Lift Shop drawings.
  • Wall finishes stop flush with the shaft wall edge.
  • Floor finishes completed to final level.
  • Temporary coverings removed and work area clean.

Once installation starts, no further structural or finishing changes can be made without Lift Shop approval.

Image suggestion: Completed landing with flush door finish.

Optional Design Integration

For a premium finish, consider:

  • Wall-clad or panelled doors that blend into surrounding joinery.
  • Minimalist trims or flush finishes for a concealed look.
  • Colour-matched door frames and button plates for design continuity.

Lift Shop can guide your builder or designer on suitable materials and tolerances before work begins.