Full-Height vs. Half-Height Doors: What Homeowners Should Know Before Choosing a Residential Elevator
November 25, 2025
When you’re choosing a residential elevator, door style might not be the first thing you think about—but it has one of the biggest impacts on safety, comfort, code compliance, and the overall feel of your home lift.
Some companies manufacture elevators or “home lifts” with half-height doors, while others (including Pollock) design elevators with full-height doors that look, feel, and function like a fully enclosed lift.
If you’re planning for accessibility, aging in place, or simply adding convenience to your home, understanding the difference is essential.
What Is a Full-Height Door?
A full-height elevator door is a complete landing door—just like a traditional commercial-style elevator—that fully encloses the cab during travel.
Key Benefits:
- Maximum safety (no exposed cab gate or gaps)
- Fully enclosed, private cabin
- Quiet, smooth ride
- Modern aesthetic that blends with your home
- Meets strict safety guidelines in the U.S.
Pollock’s residential elevators use premium full-height doors designed for safety, comfort, and seamless integration into American homes.
What Is a Half-Height Door?
A half-height door looks more like a swinging half-door or saloon-style panel. These are commonly found on some compact home lifts—including several Stiltz models.
When the lift travels, the user still has a cab gate (mesh, curtain, or folding panel), meaning the interior mechanisms are not fully enclosed.
Why Some Companies Use Them:
- Lower manufacturing cost
- Lighter cab weight
- Simpler installation
- Ability to fit into tight spaces
- Classification as a “lift” instead of a full residential elevator
But these advantages come with trade-offs for homeowners prioritizing long-term safety and comfort.
Full-Height vs. Half-Height Doors: Side-by-Side Comparison
1. Safety
Full-height door:
- Fully enclosed
- No exposed moving parts
- Reduces risk for children and pets
- Meets stricter U.S. safety standards
Half-height door:
- Exposes cab gate
- More gap potential
- Less protection during travel
- Not ideal for families with small children or pets
Winner: Full-height doors—by a wide margin.
2. Noise and Comfort
Full-height door:
- Quieter ride
- Reduced airflow and cab noise
- Feels stable, secure, and private
Half-height door:
- More noise from drive system
- More airflow and vibration
- Travel feels less contained
3. Aesthetic Appeal
Full-height door:
- Clean, finished appearance
- Blends seamlessly into the home
- Premium, luxury feel
Half-height door:
- More “appliance-like”
- Exposed upper section of cab
- Not as integrated or architectural
4. Code Compliance & Long-Term Viability
Full-height door:
- Closely aligns with ASME A17.1/A18.1 safety expectations
- Stronger long-term compliance for U.S. installations
- Future-proof as safety standards evolve
Half-height door:
- Often classified as a “lift,” not a full residential elevator
- May face more scrutiny as safety regulations tighten
5. Price & Installation
Full-height door:
- High value, premium engineering
- Typically higher upfront cost
- Requires proper framing and interlocks
Half-height door:
- Lower price
- Fits into tight spaces
- Less robust safety and engineering
Why Pollock Uses Full-Height Doors
Pollock’s residential elevators are built for maximum safety, comfort, and longevity. That means no shortcuts—and no half-height doors.
With full-height landing doors, smooth winding drum drive systems, and elegant enclosed cabins, Pollock elevators offer:
- A quieter, more private ride
- Safer entry and exit
- Protection for children and pets
- Sleek, architectural design
It’s the difference between a lift and a true residential elevator.
Which Door Is Right for Your Home?
If you’re looking for the safest, quietest, most comfortable long-term solution for mobility and aging in place, a full-height door is the gold standard.
Compact lifts with half-height doors may fit niche situations, but for most homeowners—especially families, older adults, and those with mobility concerns—a fully enclosed residential elevator delivers far better value, performance, and peace of mind.
Experience the Pollock Difference
Pollock Residential Elevators is committed to engineering beautiful, reliable, and safe residential elevators designed to fit seamlessly into your home. With full-height doors and refined British engineering, Pollock elevators elevate both accessibility and elegance.
Ready to explore options for your home?
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