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Why Wilsonart® Compact Laminate is the Ultimate Choice for High-Traffic Elevators

April 30, 2026
Wilsonart Compact Laminate elevator interiors are durable, moisture-resistant and come in a variety of premium looks and designs. A quality example of Wilsonart laminates shown here, with SnapCab’s Radiant elevator interior model.

With its durability and moisture resistance, Wilsonart® Compact Laminate is the premier choice for high-traffic elevator interiors.

Insights

Why Wilsonart® Compact Laminate is the Ultimate Choice for High-Traffic Elevators

With its durability and moisture resistance, Wilsonart® Compact Laminate is the premier choice for high-traffic elevator interiors.

April 30, 2026

Wilsonart Compact Laminate elevator interiors are durable, moisture-resistant and come in a variety of premium looks and designs. A quality example of Wilsonart laminates shown here, with SnapCab’s Radiant elevator interior model.
Wilsonart Compact Laminate elevator interiors are durable, moisture-resistant and come in a variety of premium looks and designs. A quality example of Wilsonart laminates shown here, with SnapCab’s Radiant elevator interior model.
Elevators are the unsung workhorses of any building, but they are also one of the most frequently abused spaces. From daily foot traffic and heavy luggage to cleaning equipment and constant impacts, elevator interiors must endure a lot while still serving as a reflection of your building’s quality.

At SnapCab, we believe you shouldn’t have to choose between a stunning aesthetic and “can-it-survive-a-moving-cart” durability. That’s why we are proud to highlight Wilsonart® Compact Laminate—a trusted, high-performance solution designed to thrive in the toughest environments.

The Unique Challenges of the Elevator Cab

Unlike a standard lobby or office corridor, the elevator cab is a small, enclosed space that faces a specific set of architectural challenges:

  • High-Impact Activity: Constant contact from carts, bikes, and delivery equipment.
  • Chemical Exposure: Frequent sanitization with industrial cleaners.
  • Environmental Shifts: Exposure to moisture and humidity, particularly in hospitality or coastal regions.
  • Weight Constraints: The need for materials that are rugged but don’t exceed strict elevator weight capacities.

While traditional plastic laminates are great for moderate use, they often fall short when moisture or heavy impact becomes a daily reality.

Wilsonart Compact Laminate elevator interiors come in a variety of beautiful looks and finishes and are built to withstand high humidity environments.

What Makes Wilsonart® Compact Laminate Different?

Wilsonart® Compact Laminate is a solid phenolic, high-pressure laminate engineered for extreme resilience. At 3/8″ thick, it is unique because it serves as both the decorative finish and the panel substrate.

By eliminating the need for a separate core (like MDF or particle board), Compact Laminate removes the “weak link” that often leads to swelling or warping.

“When we look at the SnapCab material catalog, Wilsonart® Compact Laminate stands out as the most durable, scratch-resistant, and abrasion-resistant option we offer. It’s built for those who need their interiors to go the distance.”

— The SnapCab Team

Superior Moisture Resistance: A Coastal Essential

Moisture is a silent killer for many interior panels. In humid climates or buildings with high-moisture areas like pools and gyms, airborne water can penetrate traditional substrates, causing them to degrade from the inside out.

Wilsonart® Compact Laminate is a fully waterproof composite. It doesn’t just resist moisture; it ignores it.

In fact, this material is so effective in humid conditions that nearly every SnapCab project shipped to Hawaii utilizes Compact Laminate to ensure long-term performance.

Wilsonart Compact Laminate elevator interiors aren’t bothered by high moisture environments. They are designed to withstand water and humidity, without warpage or buckling.

A Smart Investment for Heavy-Traffic Elevator Cabs

While the initial investment for Compact Laminate is approximately 50% higher than standard laminate on flakeboard, the lifecycle value is where it truly shines. For building owners and property managers, this material translates to:

✓         Reduced Repair Cycles: Less downtime and fewer service interruptions.

✓         Extended Aesthetic Life: A “like-new” appearance that lasts for years, not months.

✓         Lower Maintenance Costs: Resilience against vandalism and harsh cleaning protocols.

Design Freedom Without Compromise

Choosing durability doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your vision. Wilsonart® Compact Laminate is available in over 600 colors and patterns, including:

✓         Sophisticated Abstracts: Perfect for a modern, architectural feel.

✓         Rich Woodgrains: To bring warmth to corporate or residential towers.

✓         Stone-Inspired Finishes: Achieve a natural look with a matte, high-performance finish.

Because the material is self-supporting, it allows for incredibly clean, refined edges that complement the sleek lines of modern elevator design.

Wilsonart Compact Laminate elevator interiors are perfect for water-prone environments and offer premium finishes that mimic the natural look of wood or stone.

Ideal Applications

If your project falls into one of these categories, Compact Laminate is likely your best path forward:

  • High-Rise Residential & Hospitality (where luggage and humidity are constant).
  • Healthcare Facilities (where carts and heavy cleaning are the norm).
  • Education & Schools (where vandalism resistance is key).
  • Service & Freight Elevators (where maximum durability is non-negotiable).

Ready to Elevate Your Interior?

Your elevator should be as resilient as the building it serves. Whether you are looking for a Tier 2 or Tier 3 model, our team is ready to help you specify the perfect material for your environment.

Lightweight Strength: Design Freedom with Compact Laminate Elevator Interiors

April 10, 2026
Compact Laminate Elevator Interiors that perform in extreme humidity benefit from Wilsonart® Compact Laminate materials. They are a high-performance upgrade that SnapCab uses to meet strict weight limits and rigorous durability codes.

Explore how SnapCab utilizes Wilsonart® Compact Laminate as a high-performance upgrade to meet strict weight limits and rigorous durability codes.

Insights

Lightweight Strength: Design Freedom with Compact Laminate Elevator Interiors

Explore how SnapCab utilizes Wilsonart® Compact Laminate as a high-performance upgrade to meet strict weight limits and rigorous durability codes.

April 10, 2026

Compact Laminate Elevator Interiors that perform in extreme humidity benefit from Wilsonart® Compact Laminate materials. They are a high-performance upgrade that SnapCab uses to meet strict weight limits and rigorous durability codes.
Compact Laminate Elevator Interiors that perform in extreme humidity benefit from Wilsonart® Compact Laminate materials. They are a high-performance upgrade that SnapCab uses to meet strict weight limits and rigorous durability codes.
Designing an elevator interior is a balancing act. Aesthetics, durability, weight limits, codes, and long-term performance all having to work together—inside one of the smallest, most heavily used spaces in a building.
At SnapCab, that balance starts with our Interlocking Panel System (ILP)—the backbone of every SnapCab interior. Within that system, Wilsonart® Compact Laminate is thoughtfully used as a material upgrade. It’s not a one size fits all solution, rather, compact laminates are recommended for specific conditions where extra durability or moisture resistance is required.

The Foundation of Durability: Our Interlocking Panel System (ILP)

The Interlocking Panel design we use in our elevator interiors is a system that provides structural integrity, fast installation, and long-term reliability. SnapCab interiors are built around this low-profile arrangement, which has been solving elevator remodeling challenges since the nineties. Common obstacles like uneven or out of square cab shells, tight weight allowances and limited installation time are easily overcome. Additionally, the simplicity of the system allows for long term serviceability.

The ILP allows horizontal panels to lock together securely, stay aligned over time, and install quickly—often in a single day. This system is consistent across SnapCab models, whether the finish is laminate, metal, glass, or Compact.

Compact Laminate Elevator Interiors utlize SnapCab’s ILP (Interlocking Panel) system for a simple-to-install, long-lasting solution.

When to Choose Compact Laminate Elevator Interiors

Wilsonart® Compact Laminate is a solid phenolic panel, thick enough to serve as both the decorative surface and the panel itself. SnapCab was the first company to fabricate elevator wall panels using Compact Laminate, integrating it seamlessly into the ILP framework.

Compact is typically recommended for special conditions, such as:

✓         High humidity environments

✓         Buildings with pools or spas

✓         Heavy traffic or vandal prone locations

✓         Service elevators and demanding use cases

In standard office or residential environments, SnapCab often specifies traditional laminates, wood veneers, or metal finishes. Compact becomes the strategic upgrade when added performance is required.

Design Versatility Across SnapCab’s Models

Compact Laminate can be specified across Tier 2 and Tier 3 SnapCab models, allowing durability upgrades without changing the overall design.

Horizontal ILP Models

Compact works particularly well in SnapCab’s horizontal layouts, where panels can act as both the finish and the structure of the cab interior:

Classic I & Classic II
Contemporary I & II
Modern I 

In these models, Compact Laminate can be used selectively, such as below the handrail or across full wall sections, while maintaining the clean shadow lines and proportions that define each design.

Compact Laminate Elevator Interiors can give you the aesthetic look of stone or other natural materials, without the weight-cost of alternative panel materials.

Tier 2 and Tier 3 Design Forward Models

For more architectural interiors that require elevated design flexibility, Compact Laminate can be integrated into models like:

Apex I & II
Summit I & II
Modern II
Radiant
Resilient

These designs often combine Compact Laminate with other finishes—such as patterned stainless steel, Gorilla® Glass, to balance durability, weight, and visual interest.

High-End Aesthetics with a Weight Advantage

One of the biggest challenges with elevator interiors is ensuring the design maintains the proper weight. Heavy materials like stone, thick metal, or glass can quickly push a cab beyond its allowable limits, triggering costly rebalancing.

Compact Laminates weigh less than many known durable surfaces, yet they can also deliver the look of stone, wood or abstract materials. This solution, which integrates cleanly into SnapCab’s engineered paneling system, offers aesthetic flexibility without the weight-cost.

Because SnapCab evaluates total interior weight during quoting, Compact can often be substituted in targeted areas to meet performance needs without exceeding limits.

Durability Built for Extremes

SnapCab does not over spec materials. Instead, Compact Laminate is recommended where data and experience show it will make the biggest impact.

According to SnapCab guidance, Compact is:

✓         The most durable and moisture resistant material offered

✓         Highly resistant to scratches, abrasion, and odors

✓         Ideal for environments where MDF or particle board substrates are at risk 

This is why Compact is commonly specified for:

✓         Coastal and island installations

✓         High humidity regions

✓         Buildings with frequent cleaning or water exposure

Nearly all SnapCab projects shipped to Hawaii use Compact Laminate, reflecting its performance in extreme conditions.

Compact Laminate Elevator Interiors can give you the aesthetic look of wood or other natural materials, without the weight-cost of alternative panel materials.

Reliability by Design: The System-First Philosophy

What sets SnapCab apart is not a single material—it’s the system first approach. Using the ILP means your elevator interiors have structural consistency across models and faster installation. What’s more, cab interiors installed using an ILP system maintain cleaner alignment over time and offer easier replacements, should you need to switch out a panel in the future.

Within that system, materials like Compact Laminate are deployed intentionally, based on real world performance requirements—not trends alone.

Choosing the Right Material for Lasting Solutions

Compact Laminate is a powerful tool in elevator design—but it works best when paired with the right system. By combining the SnapCab Interlocking Panel System with strategic use of Compact Laminate, elevator interiors can achieve long term durability, controlled weight, design flexibility and a predictable performance.

It’s how SnapCab delivers interiors that look great, from day one and continue to perform for years.

Custom vs. Standard Elevator Interiors: Which SnapCab Solution Fits Your Project Best?

March 11, 2026
Bostock Custom Cab vs SnapCab Standard Cab

Discover SnapCab’s custom and standard elevator interior solutions. Our Design Sessions offer solutions that fit your project and budget.

Insights

Custom vs. Standard Elevator Interiors: Which SnapCab Solution Fits Your Project Best?

Discover SnapCab’s custom and standard elevator interior solutions. Our Design Sessions offer solutions that fit your project and budget.

March 11, 2026

Bostock Custom Cab vs SnapCab Standard Cab
Bostock Custom Cab vs SnapCab Standard Cab

Designing or upgrading an elevator cab interior is more than a functional decision; it’s a statement about your building’s identity. Whether you’re a facility manager, architect, or building owner, choosing between SnapCab’s Standard and Bostock Custom interiors can feel daunting. How do you balance aesthetics, durability, budget, and code compliance? Thankfully, SnapCab’s free Design Sessions are an excellent guide in understanding the design of elevator interiors. This article explores both interior options through a customer-centric lens, highlighting how SnapCab’s collaborative process delivers engineered solutions tailored to your needs.

Why Elevator Interiors Matter

When stepping into a building, the elevator is often the first enclosed space a visitor experiences. It sets the tone for the rest of the journey — whether it’s a luxury hotel, a corporate office, or a residential high-rise. The elevator cab interior is more than just a box that moves people; it’s a reflection of the building’s identity, values, and attention to detail. That’s why choosing between a standard and custom elevator interior is a decision that deserves thoughtful consideration.

SnapCab understands that every building has a story to tell. Regardless of whether you’re working on a modernization project or a new build, the elevator cab should align with your design goals, budget, and functional needs. Because of this, our standard and custom options are designed to meet a wide range of requirements, offering flexibility without compromising quality.

SnapCab Standard Elevator Interiors: Reliable, Fast, and Budget-Friendly

Let SnapCab be your Elevator Interior Design Guide by showing you our selection of elevator interior models.

SnapCab’s Standard Elevator Interiors are ideal for projects that require a quick turnaround, cost efficiency, and proven durability. These pre-designed models — such as Classic I, Contemporary II, and Modern I — offer a streamlined solution without sacrificing quality or style.

Key Benefits of Standard Interiors:

  • Hundreds of laminate finishes to match any building aesthetic
  • All interiors include a durable 2″ flat satin stainless steel handrail with customization options
  • Industry-leading 3-year warranty for peace of mind
  • Quick Turnaround: Standard options are ideal for projects with tight timelines.
  • Design Sessions: Personalized design support that reviews materials options and other needs with our cab interior specialists
  • Express Models: Models that are designed for speed and simplicity. Easy to order and delivered fast. Clients might choose their preferred laminate color, and the cab will arrive within four weeks.

Standard interiors are perfect for modernization projects, budget-conscious upgrades, or buildings with multiple elevators requiring uniformity. Clients can select finishes and layouts during a SnapCab Design Session, ensuring the final product meets both functional and aesthetic goals. 

Bostock Custom Interiors: Tailored Elegance with Unlimited Possibilities

Bostock Custom Cabs

For clients seeking a truly unique elevator cab interior, SnapCab’s Bostock Custom line offers complete design freedom. From premium materials to bespoke layouts, every element is customizable to reflect the building’s brand, purpose, and personality.

  • Key Features of Bostock Custom Interiors:
  • Material options include wood veneer, glass, textured metals, leather, fabric, resin, and 3Form
  • Advanced design elements like metal mesh, engraving, perforations, and image printing
  • Integrated backlit panels and TV displays for ambiance and functionality
  • Custom panel configurations for unique layouts
  • Code-compliant designs with upfront guidance on regulatory challenges
  • Sustainable materials and practices for eco-conscious projects
  • Legacy craftsmanship backed by SnapCab’s history since 1983
  • Design Sessions with our custom interior specialists are also available for the Bostock Custom clients.

Bostock Custom is ideal for high-profile buildings, luxury developments, or projects where design integrity is of paramount importance. Clients can collaborate with SnapCab’s Interior Specialists to bring their vision to life, balancing creativity with compliance and performance.

Designing for Durability and Aesthetics

Elevator interiors endure significant wear and tear. From rolling carts and luggage to daily foot traffic, the materials used must be resilient. Knowing this, SnapCab has engineered it’s standard cabs with high-traffic environments in mind. Laminates are scratch-resistant, handrails are built for safety and durability, and the overall construction is designed for longevity.

Custom interiors, on the other hand, allow for elevated design without sacrificing performance. Clients can choose from materials like textured metals, glass, and wood veneer—all tested for durability. Our design team ensures that even the most luxurious finishes meet code compliance and performance standards.

SnapCab Design Sessions: Your Vision, Engineered

A SnapCab Design Session is a big value-add that is configured to guide clients through elevator cab interior options in a visual format.

When choosing a standard or custom interior, SnapCab’s free Design Sessions are the cornerstone of our customer experience. These one-on-one virtual consultations guide clients through every decision: from material selection to layout configuration—using dynamic rendering tools and expert insights.

Design Session Highlights:
  • Visual confirmation of finishes, lighting, and layout
  • Three-tier pricing models to align with budget expectations
  • Material comparisons for durability and aesthetics
  • Code compliance checks to avoid costly redesigns
  • Stakeholder alignment through collaborative decision-making
Visual Confirmation and Streamlined Decisions

One of the most powerful tools SnapCab offers is visual confirmation. During a free Design Session, clients can see their ideas come to life through dynamic renderings. These visualizations help stakeholders make informed decisions, reducing the risk of change orders and ensuring alignment across teams.

As a result, clients can explore multiple design tiers, each representing different price points. This tiered approach allows for flexibility and ensures that the final design fits both the aesthetic vision and the budget. Whether you’re aiming for a minimalist look or a bold statement, SnapCab helps you visualize the outcome before construction begins.

Code Compliance and Safety

Safety is non-negotiable in elevator design. SnapCab’s interiors are built to meet all relevant codes and regulations. From fire-rated materials to ADA-compliant handrails, every detail is considered. Our team works closely with elevator service companies to ensure seamless integration and approval.

Custom designs are reviewed for compliance early in the process, allowing for adjustments that maintain design integrity while meeting safety standards. This proactive approach minimizes delays and ensures a smooth installation.

Sustainability and Responsible Design

SnapCab is committed to sustainability. Our materials are selected with environmental impact in mind, and our manufacturing processes prioritize efficiency and waste reduction. This allows clients to choose eco-friendly options without compromising style or durability.

Whether selecting a standard laminate or a custom resin panel, SnapCab provides transparency about sourcing and sustainability. This empowers clients to make responsible choices that align with their values and project goals.

Which Elevator Interior Is Right for You?

Choosing between SnapCab’s Standard and Bostock Custom interiors depends on your project’s goals, timeline, and budget. Standard interiors offer speed, elegance, and simplicity, while Custom interiors provide unmatched personalization and design impact. Regardless of the path you choose, SnapCab’s Design Sessions ensure your elevator cab interior is engineered for success.

Craftsmanship and Legacy

With a legacy dating back to 1983, SnapCab has built a reputation for quality craftsmanship. Our team takes pride in every cab interior we produce, whether it’s a standard model or a bespoke design. Attention to detail, precision engineering, and customer satisfaction are at the heart of everything we do.

Bostock Custom, our high-end sub-brand, exemplifies this commitment. Each project is treated as a unique opportunity to showcase innovation and excellence. From concept to completion, clients receive personalized service and expert guidance.

Craftsmanship since 1983 - Glenn Bostock at the Shop

Ready to Elevate Your Elevator Interior?

Schedule your free SnapCab Design Session today. Bring your inspiration, requirements, and budget — we’ll provide the rest.

Book A FREE DESIGN SESSION

Ways to Maintain Code Compliance on Each Job

August 21, 2024
Not only are SnapCab Elevator Cab interiors beautiful, they also adhere to fire codes, ASME A17.1 and are ADA compliant.

Code compliance; it’s an integral part of the design and installation processes of elevator interiors. When an interior does not meet applicable regulations, it grounds the entire project. How can you assure customers that their elevators will be installed on time and fully functional? Just use this “cheat sheet” to help you keep the project compliant.

Insights

Ways to Maintain Code Compliance on Each Job

Code compliance; it’s an integral part of the design and installation processes of elevator interiors. When an interior does not meet applicable regulations, it grounds the entire cab modernization. How can you assure customers that you can install their elevators on-time and have them fully functional? Just use this “cheat sheet” to help you keep the project compliant.

August 21, 2024

Not only are SnapCab Elevator Cab interiors beautiful, they also adhere to fire codes, ASME A17.1 and are ADA compliant.
Not only are SnapCab Elevator Cab interiors beautiful, they also adhere to fire codes, ASME A17.1 and are ADA compliant.

Code Compliance: Top Red Flags To Look For

Trained elevator mechanics know what to look for and can spot red flags that can keep customers’ interiors from passing elevator safety inspections. The checklist below includes the top elevator code compliance issues you should be on the lookout for.

Adherence to Fire Codes

While some states and jurisdictions (e.g. Nevada, California, and NYC) have stricter elevator codes than others, most cities and states use ASME A17.1 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators.

One of the requirements is that inspectors must test all combustible materials for their end-use configuration. For instance, it is not sufficient to test a piece of laminate, particle board, and adhesive individually. You must assemble and test the entire panel, as a unit, before it complies with code.

Use of Glass

Mount laminated and tempered properly to withstand required elevator tests without damage. In addition, manufacturers must mark each piece with the applicable glazing standard.

ADA Standards

Elevator interiors must comply with American with Disabilities Act requirements if the building is more than three stories tall or larger than 3,000 square feet per story.

A few of ADA’s regulations include:

  • Mounting buttons 42 inches above the floor.
  • Handrails are not required by the ADA. However, your specific jurisdiction may require them. Installers typically mount them 32 inches above the floor.
  • Cabs must be large enough to allow a wheelchair to make a 360 degree turn.

Ventilation

ASME A17.1 requires elevators to have natural ventilation that equals 3.5% of the floor area. For example, in a typical 2,500 pound-capacity elevator, that would be 142 square inches. Divide the ventilation equally between floor and ceiling (for example, a ceiling fan opening and toe kick ventilation).

Tamper-Resistant Installation

Common tools should not be able to remove the elevator panels. Ensure that any panels covering openings greater than 0.5 inches, with straight-through passages, cannot be removed from the inside of the cab.

Lighting

Elevator interiors must have at least two bulbs and passenger elevators need a minimum illumination of 50 lux, or five foot candles. Proper mounting is essential to avoid accidental breakage. Lights must be sturdy enough to go through the required elevator tests without them being damaged or jarred loose.

Weight Restrictions

When you remove the interior of an elevator, it has to weigh the same as the old interior or be within 5%. Staying within that slim margin is critical.

Music

All passenger elevators are required to play the soothing sounds of elevator music.

Okay, you got us. Elevator cabs don’t need music to be code compliant. We just wanted to make sure you were paying attention!

SnapCab Elevator Cab interiors check all the boxes to ensure customer’s projects are Code Compliant every time.

Because of these regulations, which can and do fill volumes, it’s vital that a certified elevator mechanic – not a maintenance person – completes every installation. It requires an entirely different set of skills and know-how. If the interior fails to comply with regulations, the project shuts down, and this can impact the entire building’s functionality. Not to mention the budget and timeline.

Elevator and building code compliance is complex, but non-negotiable. Partnering with an experienced interior company ensures that your customers’ elevators meet all applicable standards – which to them means completing projects safely, on-time, and on-budget. Fortunately, with the right partner, getting that compliant “elevator certificate” can be simple. If they’ll do the heavy lifting, you can get back to focusing on the rest of your project and rest assured that the final results will be up to code.

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How to Accurately Order Your Elevator Interior System

July 22, 2024
Knowing how to accurately measure and order your elevator interior is essential for ensuring the customer’s project is completed on time.

Complete every detail on your order form to avoid delays. Missing information, even minor, can stall projects for weeks. Accurate measurements and proactive planning ensure timely delivery, keeping your project on track and customers satisfied.

Insights

How to Accurately Order Your Elevator Interior System

Complete every detail on your order form to avoid delays. Missing information, even minor, can stall projects for weeks. Accurate measurements and proactive planning ensure timely delivery, keeping your project on track and customers satisfied.

July 22, 2024

Knowing how to accurately measure and order your elevator interior is essential for ensuring the customer’s project is completed on time.
Knowing how to accurately measure and order your elevator interior is essential for ensuring the customer’s project is completed on time.

When filling out your order form, remember to complete every space. Omissions on the form can prevent your customers from receiving their products on time. So, even if you think your elevator interior partner doesn’t need to know your existing ceiling details or front wall information, these details are critical. Without them, a project can stall for days, or even weeks, while an additional field visit is necessary to gather the pertinent information.

A proactive approach, and a small amount of time now, ensures your customers get their elevator interiors on time and that your project can proceed as scheduled.

Measure Twice, Cut Once

Accurate measurements ensure optimal results, so it’s worth taking the time to measure twice. It’s important that your elevator interior provider knows everything about your cab. Some tips to help you get started:

  1. Always measure from the cab itself – not the drawings.
  2. Measure to the nearest 1/16th of an inch. Some manufacturers have a built-in safety margin, so if you’re slightly off, it won’t show up on the wall.
  3. For accurate wall measurements, measure from one corner to the middle and make a mark. Measure from the other corner to the mark then add those two figures.
  4. If you’re not sure how to accurately measure a feature (e.g. a radius), snap a picture and email it to your interior provider for more information. A technician will be able to walk you through it.

And remember, fill in every space! This includes transom dimensions, COP location, and more. Blank spots can delay your project and cause errors.

At SnapCab, we offer training to help better understand the surveying process for elevator interiors. This helps mechanics take accurate measurements, the foundation of a smooth ordering process.

Elevator interiors should be easy and convenient on installation day – but that’s not enough. The entire process, from start to finish, should be designed to help your team get the job done on time and on budget. The ordering process sets the tone for the entire project. Is it simple? Expedient? When it is, not only will customers be highly-satisfied with their interiors – they’ll know who to turn to for their next project.

“The videos have been extremely productive for our people. They were able to understand them and work off of them. That is rare in the elevator business. We were able to have a field person understand it without having to manage more people getting involved. I am impressed with the product and impressed with the service.”

At SnapCab, we offer training to help better understand the surveying process for elevator interiors. This helps elevator mechanics confidently take accurate measurements quickly, which is foundational for ensuring a smooth ordering process. To learn more about the Elevator Academy, sign up or watch training videos on measuring for cladding and interiors.

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Everything You Need to Know About SnapCab’s Elevator Interior System

July 20, 2024
In an industry built on innovation and problem-solving, we continue to develop creative solutions for 21st-century needs and challenges with SnapCab elevator interior systems

The elevator was the key to the modern city; it revolutionized the entire nature of buildings – and how people interact with them. In an industry built on innovation and problem-solving, SnapCab continues to develop creative solutions for 21st-century needs and challenges.

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Everything You Need to Know About SnapCab’s Elevator Interior System

The elevator was the key to the modern city; it revolutionized the entire nature of buildings – and how people interact with them. In an industry built on innovation and problem-solving, SnapCab continues to develop creative solutions for 21st-century needs and challenges.

July 20, 2024

In an industry built on innovation and problem-solving, we continue to develop creative solutions for 21st-century needs and challenges with SnapCab elevator interior systems
In an industry built on innovation and problem-solving, we continue to develop creative solutions for 21st-century needs and challenges with SnapCab elevator interior systems

We have over 25,000 installations across the country, maintain strong relationships with all major elevator maintenance companies and grow strategic partnerships with heavyweights like Corning Inc. Because of this, SnapCab has become the undisputed leader in elevator interior systems. But we’re not letting that make us complacent; continuous innovations and improvement continue to be the foundation of our high-rising company.

What is the SnapCab System?

The SnapCab elevator interior system consists of modular, interlocking panels that stack one on top of the other. Thanks to this streamlined installation method, pioneered by SnapCab Founder and CEO Glenn Bostock, workers can finish the job in a fraction of the time and at a fraction of the cost. Instead of days, you can remodel an elevator in hours. One-day installation delivers significant cost savings to customers and ensures minimal downtime for their elevators.

Back in 1996, SnapCab filed for a patent on our panel system. Our patented wall paneling system has been a ground-breaking innovation in the elevator industry. Unlike traditional methods, our panels interlock seamlessly, offering unmatched ease of installation and removal.

Effortless Assembly and Disassembly

Our interlocking panels connect securely yet can be easily dismantled for maintenance or reconfiguration, saving time and labor costs.

Versatility

Suitable for various support structures, including direct installation onto studs without the need for drywall, enhancing flexibility and reducing material costs.

Efficiency in Large Panel Installations

Specifically designed for elevators, our system allows for quick and economical assembly of large panels — a task traditionally labor-intensive and costly.

Our system makes remodeling elevator interiors a far more efficient process in two main ways:
  1. Before Installation

    SnapCab’s modular systems relieve the headache of code compliance and weight restrictions when planning and designing new elevator interiors. All SnapCab products are E84 tested in their end use-configurations, so cab interiors meet the ASME code requirements. And every quote comes with the product weights listed so there’s no guesswork.

  2. During Installation

    Our interlocking panels simple and quick to install. We streamline this process, even further, by including every single item elevator mechanics need to complete the job. (We even include the garbage bags to dispose of post-install waste!) This eliminates the downtime for trips to the hardware store or back to the shop. At the same time, we do not sacrifice aesthetics for ease and convenience. We have an enormous variety of quality materials, finishes, and styles for customers to choose from. We make it easy for clients to achieve unique design goals and create the look and feel they want.

SnapCab’s elevator interior systems, like this Contemporary II model, are simple to install and offer quality materials, finishes and styles to meet unique design goals.

Why Elevator Interiors? SnapCab: A History of Craftsmanship and Problem Solving

During his childhood, Glenn Bostock sowed the seeds for SnapCab in his parents’ workshop, where he spent hours working with wood. As a young adult, he studied Fine Wood Working at Bucks County Community College and apprenticed as an ecclesiastical furniture maker. Following this, Glenn opened his own shop specializing in high-end furniture and custom cabinetry, as well as wood repair and refinishing.

One day, a company contacted Glenn about remodeling its elevators to match the reception desk. As word of the successful modernization got out, he spent more time remodeling elevator interiors. This was a job few people did, as the practice of removing the entire cab to work on it was slow and arduous. In addition, traditional cab interiors used complicated clip systems that took 3 to 4 days to install.

To remedy this, Glenn developed his patented panel system and SnapCab was born. Since then, we have been helping customers save time, money, and aggravation on remodels and new builds for over 40 years now.

A craftsman at heart, Glenn and the SnapCab team devote exacting, meticulous care into all our work. The result: visually stunning interiors that meet applicable codes – and customers’ high expectations.

Less Hassle, Better Results: The Simple SnapCab Philosophy

One phrase easily sums up the SnapCab philosophy: Elevator interiors simplified. We tailor everything – from designing to ordering to installing – for ease, convenience, and superior results. The emphasis on simplicity, value, and exceptional customer service is intertwined through every facet of the business:

On Time

We deliver panels – and everything teams needs to install them – on time. This is evidenced by our better than 98% on time delivery over the last 3 years.

Ready To Go

Our team works hard to complete as many of the finishing details as possible. We provide a fully complete solution that reduces are clients’ install time and lessens the impact on the building’s occupants.

Tailored To the Customer

We respect the individual budgets and timelines of each unique project. In addition, our team works tirelessly to meet each customer’s unique needs.

360 Degree Support

Friendly, expert advice is available throughout the process from start to finish.

Safety Obsessed

Quality, Compliance, Ease, and Efficiency – these are pillars of the SnapCab system. But they all take a backseat to the most critical factor: safety.

No Fear Culture

Innovation is a way of life for the SnapCab team; we encourage our employees to solve problems with creative collaboration.

At SnapCab, our philosophy is: Elevator Interiors Simplified. We make great elevator interior systems because of our amazing people who care about providing exceptional customer service.

Ordered, Personalized, Delivered: A Look at the SnapCab Manufacturing Process

We manufacture our made to order paneling systems in Canada and the USA. The process is simple: the customers select the panel style they want and send us the cab interior’s measurements. Upon receiving the information, we get to work manufacturing them in one of our facilities.

Clients can modify the models in our catalog to meet specific aesthetic requirements. In this way, they always have the ability and flexibility to achieve their design goals. Rather than investing time and cost on a fully custom job, clients can optimize their design to fit within standard models. In other words, SnapCab elevator interior systems help you cut down on costs without cutting down on aesthetics and quality.

Additionally, with free design services, including presentation boards and 3D renderings, customers can see their design coming to life before their interior ever arrives in the building. Most recently we have built an online configurator to allow users to design their own model. Check out our design tool!

Thanks to our quality standards, we test all our catalog models for E84 end-use configuration. We do this by assembling the individual components as a unit (as they will be in the customer’s elevator interior). We then test them to ensure safety and code-compliance.

Lean and Mean: How Smarter Manufacturing Enables Better Customer Service

SnapCab values continuous improvement! The Lean Manufacturing model encourages our entire team to constantly innovate. We are constantly improving quality, reducing lead-time and decreasing waste. Thanks to this culture of improvement, we can focus on teamwork and effective communications. What does this mean for our customers? High-quality products delivered on time, at the lowest possible cost and with greater efficiency.

We employ lean methods such as 5S (Sort, Shine, Set in order, Standardize, and Sustain). Along with systems like Total Productive Maintenance, Kanbans, Value Stream Mapping, and more. These practices allow us to efficiently and quickly provide high-quality products for exceptional elevator interiors. By doing this, we pass cost and resource savings on to our customers.

Our Lean manufacturing process caught the eye of Corning Incorporated (creators of Gorilla® Glass). Together, we can leverage our respective histories of innovation to develop creative solutions for the next generation of elevator interiors.

Remodels and New Builds: Simplify Elevator Interiors

SnapCab systems work with all elevator cab shells; our versatile solutions can and will enhance the appearance and durability of our customers’ interiors. In addition to world-class elevator interior panels and ceilings, we provide thoughtful, timely, and high-quality service and support. SnapCab elevator interior systems are here to simplify modernizations – or new builds – every step of the way.

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What Custom, Modified, and Standard Means at SnapCab

June 2, 2024

Elevators rely on balance to operate safely and efficiently. Balance is equally essential to the success of your elevator interior projects: you need to evaluate timelines and budgets – without compromising aesthetics – and deliver solutions that work. Which is the best way to do that: standard, modified, or custom interiors?

Insights

What Custom, Modified, and Standard Means at SnapCab

Elevators rely on balance to operate safely and efficiently. Balance is equally essential to the success of your elevator interior projects: you need to evaluate timelines and budgets – without compromising aesthetics – and deliver solutions that work. Which is the best way to do that: standard, modified, or custom interiors?

June 2, 2024

SnapCab: Redefining “Standard” Elevator Interiors


SnapCab’s patented system of interlocking panels work with virtually any elevator cab. You simply choose a design and the features your client wants from our comprehensive catalog. It’s that easy.

Elevator Interiors Simplified.
Benefits of opting for a standard SnapCab elevator interior model include:

Major Efficiencies

Modular systems allow for maximized yields on raw materials, streamlined production practices, and utilization of standard components. Every step of the process, from quoting and approvals, to ordering and installing, is faster – and much less expensive.

Wide Array of Design Options

Often, though, when people hear “standard,” they think “boring Z clip laminate panels.” And that can be true – of other systems. SnapCab’s interiors are designed for adaptability. A modular system starts with a standard panel configuration. The composition of the layers has a myriad of color and texture choices built in that allow for flexible design combinations.

Code Compliance without the Hassle

Standard products are end-use configuration tested. For example, wall panels consist of a surface material, substrate, and adhesive. All of these are tested as a complete assembly to ensure they comply with applicable codes. Straight out of the catalog, you can be assured that these systems meet applicable fire regulations.

Innovative Materials

Through the use of innovative materials, notably Gorilla® Glass, and Gage, standard cabs can pop with color and come alive with clarity and beauty. You can achieve exact color matches and take advantage of beautiful patterns and textures. Other materials, such as Wilsonart® Laminate, Wilsonart® Compact, and Rigidized® Metals, offer the perfect blend of form and function, helping achieve the right look and feel.

SnapCab’s standard models offer versatility, variety, and results that won’t break the budget or your schedule. Not to mention, they look great.

Need Something Else? Modified Elevator Interiors


Modified elevator interiors use existing designs and layouts as a foundation and alter them to fit the cab and the client’s needs.

Bostock Custom Cabs are here to help you with your custom interior needs. Say, for instance, that you like the Prism model, but you only want the Gorilla Glass on the back wall to save some money or it better fits your building’s design. Bostock Custom Cabs will then quote you a Modified Prism with whatever material from the catalog you want on the side walls. This is one case in which a modified interior can help you achieve your project goals.

Benefits of working with a modified elevator interior include:

Greater Flexibility

If the standard model doesn’t have quite the right look, you can alter standard catalog models to create a perfect fit. We can modify layouts, material combinations, inlay styles, and other elements to accommodate your needs. 

Cost and Time-Savings

Modifying an existing model is less expensive and requires far less lead time than undertaking a full custom job. The base for the modified interior already exists: you don’t have to wait for manufacturers or suppliers to reinvent that wheel. They just need to enhance it a bit.

Code Compliance

Because you’re not building from scratch, the modified SnapCab models will still be end-use configuration tested. This ensures they’re code-compliant when you receive them.

While a great solution for any number of projects, modified interiors do have a few drawbacks:

Increased Cost

Yes, we did just say modified interiors saved you money! And they do – compared to custom jobs. Alterations, though, may push the cost higher than a standard model. Swapping finishes or switching for a higher-end material, for instance, will likely increase the price.

Slightly Longer Processes

Again, this is compared to standard models. Catalog versions, for instance, can be quoted in minutes. For a modified interior, that can slightly extend the quoting time-frame to a day or two.

Likewise, lead times can be longer and, depending on the modifications, installation may be more time-consuming.

Starting from Scratch: Custom Cabs


Custom interiors are built from the ground up, so to speak, with each detail tailored to the exact specifications of the client. This can apply to every aspect of the interior, from panel size, material, and finishes to ceilings, inlays, and toe kicks.
Now, when most people hear “custom,” they tend to think “better!” There is certainly a cache to custom models, and the results can be stunning. The benefits of customized cabs include:

Meet Client Specifications Exactly

This enables architects and designers to create interiors that complement the rest of the building without compromising on any detail.

Unlimited Freedom

While professionals still have to work within applicable guidelines and regulations, they are not limited to specific color palettes, finishes, or material choices.

Here comes the “but.” But custom does have a number of disadvantages, including:

Lost Efficiencies

The efficiencies offered by standard is lost with custom jobs. Manufacturers essentially have to start from zero and build something they’ve never built before. This means it takes longer to do everything – from quoting to ordering to installing. As we mentioned earlier, for example, a standard cab takes a few minutes to quote, while a modified interior may take an extra day. Custom quotes can take a week or longer. And this is just one piece of the process.

Increased Cost

The lengthened processes and need to custom-manufacture each element drives the cost higher.

Mandated Testing

Custom interiors are not usually covered under the end-use configuration testing that SnapCab conducts on its standard models. This means that each assembly has to be tested to ensure that it meets applicable regulations. Failure to comply can cause costly delays.

Before you set your mind to custom, though, make sure you talk to one of our design experts to see if there is a standard or modified interior that closely meets your project’s needs. Schedule a free design session and our team can walk you through all of the various options and point you towards the perfect cab interior for your building. Often, alternative materials or methods can render a custom job unnecessary. A value-engineered solution may be able to save customers money – and save you time and headaches. 

When completing an elevator interior build or remodel, you have to weigh budgets, timelines, and aesthetic concerns and help your customer install a solution that will meet their specific needs. In most cases, standard or modified can help you find the right balance.

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