Door Preparation FAQs

• What are the most common door-prep mistakes that delay installation?

  The most frequent mistakes are incorrect door opening dimensions (too small or too large), inadequate backing support behind cladding or panels, cladding that prevents full door swing, and button box openings cut before the door is installed.

  We also see undersized framing that sags under load, wall finishes applied before the lift is fitted (which then prevents proper sealing), and electrical conduits drilled through wall thickness without engineer approval. Following our detailed door preparation guide carefully eliminates 95% of delays. We provide a final drawing for sign-off showing all critical measurements, and we recommend your builder reference this before any finishing work begins.

• What are the correct door opening dimensions for a Lift Shop lift?

  Door opening dimensions depend on your chosen lift series and door type (swing or sliding). We provide detailed engineering drawings showing the exact opening dimensions required for your specific configuration during the design phase.

  These dimensions must be accurate to within plus or minus 5 mm (+/-5 mm) to ensure the doors align properly and operate smoothly. The wall thickness must match the door thickness (typically 55 mm for standard installations). We work closely with your builder to confirm all opening dimensions before any structural work begins, and we recommend a final dimensional check on site before finishing.

• How thick can lift door cladding be?

  Cladding material applied to lift door frames must not exceed 5 mm thickness, with 3 mm being our preferred maximum. Thicker cladding can interfere with door sealing, alignment, and operation.

  Common cladding materials include timber veneer, engineered wood, laminate, or composite materials. All cladding must be applied using approved adhesive, nails, or screws without penetrating through to the other side. On the hinge side, reduce or omit cladding for adequate door swing clearance. We provide detailed guidance on how to prepare the door frame and apply cladding correctly to stay within tolerance.

• How do I prepare door openings for a flush ‘hotel-style’ finish?

  A flush hotel-style finish means the lift door frame sits level with the surrounding wall, with no gaps or offset. To achieve this, ensure the door opening is constructed with continuous, level backing on all sides (typically 190 mm solid blockwork extending 100 mm beyond the opening above and below).

  Cladding must be carefully aligned so the finished surface is flush and level. After the door is installed, your joiner can apply matching finishes (paint, veneer, or panels) over the entire wall area around the door, creating a seamless aesthetic. We provide guidance on frame preparation and recommend coordination between our team and your joiner to ensure proper alignment before any finishing work begins.

• Can my joiner/cladder wrap lift doors to match surrounding cabinetry?

  Yes. Your joiner or cladder can wrap the lift door frame with matching timber veneer, laminate, or other materials to create a seamless integration with surrounding cabinetry and finishes. This creates a bespoke, built-in appearance.

  The key requirement is that cladding thickness does not exceed 5 mm (3 mm preferred), and it must not interfere with door operation, sealing, or alignment. After the lift is installed and operational, we can advise your joiner on safe cladding techniques and material placement. We recommend involving your joiner early in the design phase so we can factor cladding into the door frame preparation and opening dimensions.

• When should the builder cut the call button opening?

  The call button opening must be cut only after the lift door is installed and the frame is fully secured. Cutting the opening before installation can create structural weakness or misalignment.

  The call button is typically positioned approximately 900 mm above the finished floor level (FFL), on the side near the door handle, for convenient reach. After the door is installed, we mark the exact button opening location and your builder cuts the opening to our specification. Maximum material thickness behind the button plate must be 3 mm. The builder then grooms and finishes the button box surrounds to match the surrounding wall.

• What floor lip/threshold is acceptable at the sill?

  The lift sill should be level with the surrounding finished floor level (FFL) to within plus or minus 5 mm (+/-5 mm). An acceptable floor lip is minimal — ideally none, or no more than 3 mm for wheelchair access compliance.

  Any lip higher than 3 mm becomes an accessibility concern and a tripping hazard for all users. If the floors on either side of the doorway are at different levels due to building structure, we work with your builder to minimise the step. We measure the surrounding FFL during site assessment and provide guidance on how to achieve level sill alignment during construction.

• Do you provide a final drawing for sign-off, and what counts as ‘finished floor level’?

  Yes. We provide a detailed final drawing showing all critical door opening dimensions, sill level, button placement, and cladding tolerances for your builder and building certifier to sign off before finishing work begins. This drawing is specific to your project and serves as the single source of truth for construction.

  Finished floor level (FFL) is the elevation of the completed floor surface after all flooring materials (tiles, timber, carpet, etc.) are installed. It does not include construction screed or substrate — only the final walking surface. We confirm FFL with your builder early in construction and reference it in all dimensional drawings to ensure consistency throughout the project.

• What finishes must be completed before lift installation?

  Before we install the lift, the following must be complete: the shaft must be constructed and certified as compliant, the door opening frame must be in place and dimensionally verified, all structural backing and wall finishes around the door must be complete, and the floor sill area must be finished to final level.

  Electrical power must be run to the lift location and tested. Any cladding or panel work around the door can proceed after installation, but the underlying structure must be solid and finished. Wall paint and final cosmetic finishes can occur after our installation, but we recommend they happen after testing to avoid damage. We work closely with your project manager to schedule installation at the optimal point in your build sequence.