Outdoor Elevator Solutions for Commercial Buildings

Outdoor elevators are a practical solution for improving access to elevated spaces—especially in commercial properties where interior installation isn’t ideal. At Southern Elevator, we’ve helped building owners and property managers across the Southeast make informed elevator decisions since 1949. If you’re considering adding an outdoor elevator to your facility, this guide will help you explore available options and what to look for when choosing the right system.

What Is an Outdoor Elevator?

An outdoor elevator is a vertical lift installed on the exterior of a building. It transports people or equipment between levels without using interior space. These systems are ideal for properties with limited indoor room or where access is needed to decks, patios, raised entrances, or outdoor walkways.

Outdoor elevators are not to be confused with construction lifts, which are temporary systems used on job sites to move materials and workers during active construction projects.

Built with durable materials and sealed components, outdoor elevators are designed for long-term use in open-air environments. They perform reliably in a variety of weather conditions, including sun, wind, rain, and humidity.

Why Commercial Properties Use Outdoor Elevators

Outdoor elevators offer key advantages for commercial buildings of all sizes:

Access for All

Adding an outdoor elevator allows people with mobility challenges to navigate your property more easily. Whether the system connects a parking lot to an elevated entrance or multiple levels of a facility, these elevators provide dependable vertical access.

Outdoor lifts can also support building operations by assisting with the transport of supplies, rolling carts, or maintenance equipment.

Save Interior Space

Outdoor elevators don’t take up valuable indoor square footage. For buildings where indoor retrofits are costly or space is already limited, this is an effective solution. Models like vertical platform lifts have compact footprints and can be installed in tight outdoor locations.

Built for the Outdoors

Exterior elevators are designed to withstand exposure. Their construction typically includes sealed electrical systems, corrosion-resistant coatings, and protective features to guard against rain, wind, and debris. These design elements help maintain consistent performance through seasonal changes.

Types of Outdoor Elevators

Different properties require different solutions. Here are three main categories of outdoor elevators that Southern Elevator commonly installs and services:

Vertical Platform Lifts (VPLs)

VPLs are a common choice for short to medium travel heights. These lifts are ideal for transporting people using mobility aids like wheelchairs, walkers, or scooters. Their simple up-and-down movement makes them practical and easy to operate.

• Recommended for: Schools, offices, churches, and low-rise commercial buildings
• Typical features: Non-slip platforms, enclosed or open cabs, access gates

VPLs can be placed near building entrances, loading zones, or along decks and patios. Their compact structure makes them a smart choice for properties with limited side clearance.

Outdoor Stair Lifts

If your property has a staircase leading to an upper floor, deck, or landing, an outdoor stair lift may be the right fit. These systems follow the line of the stairs and are suitable for users who can transfer to a seat. The chair travels along a rail, providing smooth and secure movement between levels.

• Recommended for: Short outdoor stairs, entryways, and ramps
• Features: Folding chairs, seatbelts, weather-resistant coverings

Stair lifts can be used for both straight and curved staircases, depending on layout.

Enclosed Outdoor Elevators

Enclosed outdoor elevators are more substantial systems often used in larger or multi-story buildings. These elevators include a fully enclosed cab and shaft and are designed for consistent use in commercial environments.

• Recommended for: Facilities with more than one or two levels
• Features: Fully enclosed cabs, sealed doors, weather-rated controls

Their structure helps protect riders and equipment from outdoor exposure while maintaining consistent vertical access across multiple floors.

How to Choose the Right Outdoor Elevator

Selecting an outdoor elevator involves evaluating the specific needs of your building, its occupants, and the surrounding environment. Here are key considerations to guide your decision:

1. Assess Your Property’s Layout and Usage

Think about who will be using the elevator and how often. Is it intended to assist with mobility access, support staff movement, or carry equipment? Consider whether it will serve one or multiple levels and how it will connect to existing paths, parking areas, or entrances.

The building’s layout—especially available outdoor space and proximity to entry points—will influence which type of system is most practical.

2. Consider Durability in All Seasons

Outdoor elevators are exposed to sun, rain, wind, and fluctuating temperatures year-round. Prioritize systems made with weather-rated materials, such as powder-coated metals and sealed electrical components. Look for corrosion resistance, water protection, and built-in safeguards that support dependable operation throughout seasonal changes.

3. Review Installation Requirements

Each elevator type has different installation needs. Vertical platform lifts and stair lifts generally require minimal construction, while enclosed elevators may involve more extensive planning, structural support, or permitting.

Before installation, it’s important to understand how the system will be integrated into your building’s exterior and what modifications—if any—will be required.

4. Plan for Maintenance and Inspections

Outdoor systems are subject to more wear due to environmental exposure. Regular service checks, cleaning, and minor adjustments can help maintain safe and consistent performance. Be sure to choose an elevator provider that offers clear maintenance guidelines and access to trained technicians familiar with outdoor systems.

Applications for Outdoor Elevators

Southern Elevator has partnered with commercial properties throughout North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia to improve exterior access. Here are some common use cases for outdoor elevators:

Schools and Educational Facilities

Support accessible routes between modular classrooms, raised entryways, or multi-building campuses. Outdoor elevators provide safe and convenient vertical movement without the need for indoor retrofitting.

Religious Buildings

Offer better access to sanctuaries, fellowship halls, and gathering spaces—especially for elderly or mobility-impaired members of the congregation.

Multi-Tenant Residential or Mixed-Use Properties

Help residents and guests move between levels without stairs. Whether for apartments, condos, or mixed-use developments, an outdoor elevator supports better access and convenience for everyone.

Office Buildings and Clinics

Support staff, visitors, and service providers with dependable outdoor access when interior space is limited or unavailable for elevator placement.

Parking Garages and Decks

Outdoor elevators are often installed in parking garages to provide vertical transportation from ground level to upper decks. This is especially useful for facilities where stairs are the only other option and where accessible routes are required. An elevator system allows users with mobility devices, strollers, carts, or deliveries to move between levels safely and efficiently.

Why Choose Southern Elevator?

Southern Elevator has been serving the Southeast since 1949. Our team understands the specific challenges involved in selecting and installing outdoor elevator systems. We work closely with property managers, facility directors, and developers to deliver solutions that meet building codes, user needs, and operational goals.

When you work with us, you get:

• Decades of hands-on experience in commercial elevator systems
• In-house service and support for outdoor installations
• Responsive maintenance and inspection programs
• Clear, professional communication from consultation to completion

Get Started Today

If you’re considering adding an outdoor elevator to your building, Southern Elevator is here to help. From site assessment and system selection to installation and maintenance, our team is ready to support you at every step.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and find the right outdoor elevator solution for your commercial property.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best outdoor elevator for a commercial property?

That depends on the building’s layout, height, and access needs. Southern Elevator offers several options including platform lifts, stair lifts, and enclosed elevators to fit a range of buildings.

Are outdoor elevators weatherproof?

Outdoor elevators are built with materials designed to perform in open-air conditions. Features like sealed controls and weather-resistant finishes support dependable performance.

Do outdoor elevators require regular service?

Yes. Because they are exposed to the elements, outdoor elevators benefit from regular inspection and service to maintain safety and reduce downtime.

How many levels can an outdoor elevator serve?

Depending on the model and site conditions, outdoor elevators can typically serve multiple levels. Southern Elevator will assess your site to recommend the best configuration.