Ultimate Guide: Versa Lift vs Majic Attic Lift - Which Garage Elevator Is Right For Your Home?
If you're looking to make the most of your garage space, overhead storage lifts can really help. Two popular options are the Versa Lift and Majic Attic Lift. Let's compare these garage storage elevators to help you decide which one fits your needs best. Both systems let you store items safely and easily in your attic area.
Key Takeaways
| Feature | Versa Lift | Majic Attic Lift |
|---|---|---|
| Weight Capacity | 200-250 lbs | 150 lbs |
| Warranty | 3 years | 5 years |
| Speed | 9 inches/second | 3 inches/second |
| Installation Time | Full-Day | Half-Day |
| Fire-Rated Door | 30-minute (optional) | 90-minute (standard) |
Common Features: What Both Lifts Offer
Before we look at the differences, let's see what these two lifts have in common. Both the Versa Lift and Majic Attic Lift share some great features that make them top choices for garage storage lifts. These shared features mean you'll get a reliable and efficient storage solution no matter which one you pick.
Two-Cable Design
Simple & reliable lift operation
Low Loading Height
Easy to load items when lowered
Flush with Attic Floor
Seamless transition for moving items
Quick Shipping
Usually ships within one day
- Two-Cable Design: Twin support cables are aircraft-grade. This reliable configuration ensures smooth operation and reduces the chances of misalignment.
- Low Loading Height: When lowered to the floor, both lifts are easy to load items onto, minimizing the effort required to place heavy or bulky objects onto the platform.
- Flush with Attic Floor: Both lifts come up flush with your attic floor, making it easy to move items on and off the platform.
- Fits Standard Joist Spacing: They both fit between joists or trusses spaced 24 inches apart, which is common above most garages.
- Good Support and Reputation: Both companies are known for good customer service, providing help when needed.
- Quick Shipping: You can usually get either lift shipped to you within a day.
- High Duty Cycle: Both can be used frequently without needing rest time between round trips.
- Similar Installation Prep: The steps to get your garage and attic ready for either lift are about the same.
Weight Capacity: How Much Can They Lift?
One difference between these lifts is how much weight they can handle. The Majic Attic Lift can lift up to 150 pounds, which is enough for most household storage needs. The Versa Lift is stronger, with options that can lift 200 or 250 pounds, making it good for heavier items. But remember, most people don't need to lift more than 150 pounds at a time, so think about what you'll be storing—and don't let this single decision factor carry more "weight" than necessary!
Warranty and Durability: Which Lasts Longer?
When you buy something big like a garage lift, you want to know it's going to last. The Majic Attic Lift comes with a 5-year warranty. The Versa Lift has a shorter but still robust warranty of 3 years. While a longer warranty can give you more peace of mind, both of these lifts are "over-engineered" for safety and therefore rarely have problems or need service. Both lifts are built to last, using high-quality components to ensure they keep working well for a long time.
Speed: How Fast Do They Move?
If you're in a hurry to get things up or down, speed matters. The Majic Attic Lift moves at 3 inches per second. The Versa Lift is faster, moving at 9 inches per second. This means the Versa Lift can get your stuff up or down about three times faster than the Majic Attic Lift. Nonetheless, speed of operation is rarely the main decision factor when selecting which lift to buy.
Operational Speed Comparison
Size Options: Which Fits Your Space?
The Versa Lift has a bigger option called Model 32. This model has a larger platform and can hoist more weight. The Majic Attic Lift comes in one standard size, which fits most typical garage layouts. If you have lots of big items to store, the Versa Lift Model 32 might be better for you. But for most homes, the standard size of the Versa Lift Model 24 or the Majic Attic Lift is quite sufficient.
For more ideas on garage storage solutions, check out our collection.
Remote Control Options
The Majic Attic Lift has wireless remote control as a standard feature, and lets you use multiple remote controls. This is handy if you want to control the lift from different spots in your garage. However, there is no hard-wired switch option.
The Versa Lift only has one type of control, which can be ordered as hardwired or wireless. Standard is a wired, hand-held remote on a 15-foot cord which is cabled to the upper motor unit. To operate the lift from the lower (e.g., garage) level, you'll need a way to drop the wired remote down below, such as through the pull-down stair opening.
There are two optional Versa Lift control upgrades: (1) Dual hard-wired wall switches (+$200) with key-lock, and (2) an RF wireless control unit (+$400) to operate the lift from anywhere in the general area.
Stack Height: How High Can You Go?
Both lifts, being of the two-cable type, have overhead (attic floor-mounted) suspension frames supporting the cables.
The Versa Lift has a limit on how high you can stack items on its platform because its frame is located directly above the platform. Because the Majic Attic Lift's motor is mounted behind the frame, you can stack things higher without worrying about hitting a height limit.
But always think about how stable your stack is, no matter which lift you use. For example, a stack of three large storage totes is a reasonable amount of cargo for one trip.
For tips on making the most of your garage space, check out our blog post on optimizing space in your garage.
Ease of Assembly: Which is Easier to Set Up?
The Majic Attic Lift is easier to put together and mount. A first-time installation usually takes about half a day. The Versa Lift is a bit more complicated to install and typically takes a full day. With this in mind, if you like doing things yourself, the Majic Attic Lift might be better for you.
| Aspect | Majic Attic Lift | Versa Lift |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Assembly | EasierEasy | MediumModerate |
| Installation Time | Half a dayFast | Full dayModerate |
| DIY-Friendly | YesVery Friendly | YesGood Instructions |
Extra Features: What Else Do They Offer?
The Majic Attic Lift has some extra features that the Versa Lift doesn't:
- Matching Electric Retractable Stairway: You can get a motorized stairway that matches and works with the Majic Attic Lift.
- Built-in Cooling Fan: The Majic Attic Lift has a fan to help keep it cool during use and extend its duty cycle.
Versa Lift has some options that are unavailable with any other home cargo lift system, such as a trap door that seals off the opening between floors when the platform is in the lowered position.
This accessory is particularly welcome when the lift is installed in living space, such as in a laundry room or a closet.
Another great option from Versa Lift (that will work with other brands) is the Versa Rail 60 Safety Railing for attic steps.
Suitable for High Ceilings
The Majic Attic Lift is suitable for floor-to-floor lifting heights up to 14 feet. This is the standard configuration but there is no option to extend this operational range higher.
The base Versa Lift version fits floor-to-floor heights between 8 and 11 feet. Cable upgrades are available for 11-14 feet (+$100), 14-17 feet (+$205), and 17-20 feet (+$305). Note that this 20-foot lifting range is the highest of all commercially-available residential lifts currently on the market.
Safety Features: Keeping You and Your Stuff Safe
Both elevator brands have comprensive safety features, with certain differences:
- The Majic Attic Lift comes with a 90-minute fire-rated door as standard.
- The Versa Lift offers a 30-minute fire door, but it's an extra-cost option.
Both lifts also have other safety features like automatic sensors and limit stops.
Making Your Choice: Which Cargo Lift is Right for You?
Both the Versa Lift and Majic Attic Lift are great options for expanding your home's storage options. Your final decision should be based on what you need, how much you want to spend, and what you like. Here's a quick recap to help you decide:
- Choose the Versa Lift if you need to lift heavier items or want faster lifting speed.
- Go for the Majic Attic Lift if you want a longer warranty, easier installation, and an included fire rated door and wireless remote control.
Remember, the best choice depends on what you need. Think about what you'll be storing, how often you'll use the lift, and how much you're willing to spend.
They are both top choices for installation in your garage or inside living space (e.g., hallway or closet). Both brands are highly reliable, versatile in capacity, and quiet in operation. You can't go wrong with either choice!
If you need help deciding or have more questions, don't hesitate to contact us. Our team is here to help you find the perfect garage storage solution!
