I am looking for information on the best manufacturer(s) of drop down staircases.
My application is a standard 8′ ceiling height below a finished attic.
All suggestions and help are appreciated.
Edited 8/15/2003 5:28:52 PM ET by THAUMA11
I am looking for information on the best manufacturer(s) of drop down staircases.
My application is a standard 8′ ceiling height below a finished attic.
All suggestions and help are appreciated.
Understand the difference between estimating and cost planning, and don't let your sweat equity evaporate into budgeting mistakes.
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox
Fine Homebuilding
Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox
© 2024 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.
Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox
Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.
Start Your Free TrialGet complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.
Already a member? Log in
Replies
I did a fair amount of research on this topic last year. Werner seems to have a pretty good reputation so I bought their Spacemaster A2208. It is aluminum with a 300 lb load rating. I think it was something like $125 and I ordered it through my local ACE Hardware. Load rating is important as you will be hauling stuff up there. Seems nicely made and has worked wonderfully.
mike
Thanks for the recommendation on Werner.
I guess I am really looking for more of a true staircase as opposed to a ladder.
My application won't allow a conventional staircase without rebuilding the two staircases on lower floors as well. I am hoping a top quality drop down unit will be acceptable.
I am also hoping I don't have to custom build something.
Check out the "Rainbow Attic Stair". Very nice looking unit. Comes insulated (R15) with 2" styrofoam core and double weatherstripping all around. 350lb capacity. You can see it through Horner's website. http://www.hornermillwork.com
I just used the best drop down staircase I have ever seen. Unfortunately, I can't remember the name, but it is made from metal, is designed like an accordian and is manufactured in Italy. I purchased it from Horner Millwork in MA. It cost quite a bit more than the ordinary wood version, but after having it installed, I would say it was worth every penny. Brent
Gator, I believe the stair you're referring to is the Rainbow unit. While it looks great, I am seeking more of a stair than a ladder. The Rainbow unit also appears to only come in a narrow 12" tread width which will not be wide enough for my application.
Thanks folks, my search continues.
ok.... i would have recommended Roto... or the Rainbow..
but for traditional.... go with Memphis Folding Stair ( MFS ... my initials ).. i've installed them for 30 years
they have 4 grades.. and different lengths.. google on Memphis Folding StairMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
Thanks Mike / All,
I may be searching for something more than actually exists. That's probably because there is little market...
It appears so far that all "attic" stairs fall into one of three categories:
1. Folding ladders (Husky, MFS, et al) that look like a 12-16" wide step ladder. These are either pine or aluminum and require the user to fold up a section or two prior to closing the trap door.
2. Accordion style ladders. The Rainbow and Rintal models (maybe the same) fall into this category. They remind me of the portable emergency ladders people sell. Lateral stiffness would appear to be a concern. Maybe that's why the units I have seen are all narrow.
3. Sliding stairs / ladders. Bessler seems to make the best example here. The units are one piece and slide back up into the upper floor while the trap door pivots. These units come closest to what I am looking for so far.
In short I still haven't found a unit that offers risers, wide treads or substantial railings. The design criteria used would appear to focus on very occasional or very light use.
There are also intriguing examples of mini stairs (Rintal and others) that require the user to always use the same foot on each step. I'm guessing local building inspectors would have a field day with these units.
Just thought I would share the info I have gathered thus far.
A somewhat more "home made" version of the alternative step stairs, definitely less esthetic than the Rintal. I have never used one but I think I would be securely grasping the handrails during a first descent...
http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/knowhow/interiors/article/0,16417,443801,00.html
I lived in a house that had a set of roll over/pull down stairs in the garage. I can be easily made. (this was twenty years ago)
It consisted of a straight set of stairs held to the ceiling by a set of rollers at each end. When you wanted to use them, you rolled the steps to one end (other end is now free of rollers) and started to drop them down as you pulled them back. These were very stable but took a grown man to lift.
Marv
what is rollover pull down stairway? sounds intriguing, can you describe it or send a link?
Not sure if I posted the original letter, but this link may help you.
http://www.bessler.com/mod26.htmYou get out of life what you put into it......minus taxes.
Marv
As a tangent to this thread, I know I'm losing plenty of heat and AC in my drop down and was thinking of making a hinged box with insulation for it in the attic. Does anyone know of a kit for that or the best way to lower the escape of heat and cool?
Zano,
I did run across a kit called the battic door ( http://www.batticdoor.com ).
It looks like just what you want. They're charging $30 + shipping.
You could probably build the same in about 45 minutes, but the price sounds right.
Thanks for the link, but I know I can build a better one!
I made one that works really well
It probable took 2 hours two make
That was 15 yrs ago.
I could post pictures ifn your interested.
Very simple design
Did you ever find something you liked? It sounds like I'm looking for exactly what you were. I plan to carry things up and down the stairs a lot, and the ladder-style could be problematic.
Do you realize you resurrected a 9 year old thread?