Written By: John Löwbäck
Category: Uncategorized
Updated: 31 Aug, 2025

Through Floor Lift - How Does it Work?

A through floor lift—also known as a “hole-through-floor lift”—is designed to enhance accessibility for individuals with limited mobility. This type of lift through floor requires no separate shaft or machine room, making it a highly convenient and cost-effective solution for home access needs.

Advantages of Through Floor Lifts

  • Easy installation: They operate through a simple cut-out in the floor, avoiding major structural changes.
  • Ideal for homes: Compact and versatile, through floor lifts fit smoothly into limited spaces, suiting both residential and commercial settings.
  • Strong safety features: Equipped with door locks, emergency stops, automatic doors, and built to rigorous safety standards to minimize risk.
  • Lower overall cost: Through floor lift cost UK tends to be significantly lower than full shaft elevators. Energy-efficient and simple installation help keep both initial and ongoing expenses manageable.

Disadvantages of Through Floor Lifts

  • Limited travel distance: Usually designed for two-floor travel—unsuitable for multi-storey buildings.
  • Reduced available floor space: The opening can impact upper-level layout, despite protective panels.
  • Noise and vibration: Especially with hydraulic or screw-driven models, these lifts may introduce operational noise.
  • Lower weight capacity: Often limited to a single user or wheelchair; less suitable for transporting heavy loads or multiple passengers.
  • Design – Honestly they are not so good looking, and gives a strong disability look to your home

Real-world costs in the UK

Sources in the UK estimate a through floor lift cost UK range as follows:

  • Basic models: £10,000–£16,000
  • Mid-range (with customization): £16,000–£25,000
  • Premium models: £25,000–£30,000+
    These figures typically include the unit, site preparation, installation, and sometimes shipping. Additionally, standard through floor home lifts start from around £19,000, with custom or larger models going up to £29,000.

Summary

Through floor lifts offer a streamlined, space-saving lift solution that balances affordability with functionality. They are ideal for homes needing vertical access between two floors, and their lower installation and maintenance costs make them an attractive alternative to traditional elevators. If you’re planning installation or comparing quotes, be sure to review both functionality and through floor lift cost UK projections to find the right fit.

Through floor lifts