Replies

1. 
   Jim_Walters | Jan 28, 2001 02:01pm | #1

   *
   I'd say to custom build something, especially if there's a cabinet involved. This is something that can be created into a nice focal point, but needs to blend into the surroundings. There's a code and mechanical (creating something that will work) problem to deal with first. Sounds like a fun project, good luck.
   http://www.jjwalters.com

1. 
   Jerry | Jan 28, 2001 03:19pm | #2

   *Richard,I also remember seeing something in a magazine within the last year or so. It slid out of a closet sort of like a library ladder. Maybe JLC?Good Luck,Jerry

1. 
   Ralph_Wicklund | Jan 28, 2001 06:52pm | #3

   *A rolling ladder, modeled after the type used to reach upper shelves in stores such as Home Depot might work, if you had the closet space to push one into when not in use. It would have to be a rather deep waste of space.Another thought: Perhaps using the Bessler sliding stair hardware, with some wheels on the bottom to aid in pulling it out of a shallow cabinet,along with some permanent weight at the bottom to keep it down on the floor and a tether to limit the horizontal run out from the closet. Use just enough ladder length so that when the unit is pulled out, the top of the ladder is in the correct position at the upper finished floor. The cabinet door might have to be from first floor to above second floor height to conceal the ladder and maybe be the same height as the loft railing or safety wall to conceal or otherwise mask the opening too.

1. 
   CaseyR_ | Jan 31, 2001 03:50am | #4

   *I am starting to design a small cabin and have been toying with the idea of using alternating tread stairs to access a loft that I assume will be seldom used. This type of stair would certainly require less space than the circular stair that you mentioned or most other types of permanent stairs. Of course, one needs a certain level of agility to use them. To even better utilize the space, I am thinking about having doors as the risers of the stairs so that the unit would serve as a storage cabinet also. Would want self-closing doors so they were (hopefully) out of the way when descending the stairs. Anyone done anything or seen anything like this? I know that alternating tread stairs can meet OSHA regs, but don't know about when they have cabinet doors on the risers - of course in a cabin one doesn't need to meet OSHA rules, but trying to think about potential liability issues...

1. 
   gstringe_ | Feb 01, 2001 04:06am | #5

   *Instead of door in the stairs, how about hinging the treads to lift up, they will never be left open to trip on and ruin your life.

2. 
   CaseyR_ | Feb 01, 2001 04:35am | #6

   *Hmmm, interesting idea. Let's see, flip the tread up dump something in, if the tread stays up then I step into a hole when descending and ... Ok, fasten the riser to the tread so they flip up together, then if I leave something sticking out of the storage area then the tread/riser unit is askew or the riser breaks off... Perhaps I had better think about accessing the storage areas from the other side of the wall...

2. 
   Richard_McConkey | Feb 01, 2001 04:35am | #7

   *
   Hi first timer . What i'm looking for is a ladder hidden in a cabinet that is used to access aloft The home owner is not interested in circular stairs because of the area and room restrictions.I thought i read a articul in the magazine about one .Thanks for any help RICK