Attic Ladder for Access?

[lowcountrygamecock]

I'm building a shop and plan on trusses above the main room for storage. Since it's only a 6/12 pitch we're not planning on using full room trusses. Based on that I don't want to build a set of stairs and take up room downstairs since it won't be a full room, just storage. My walls are 14' high though. Does anybody know of an attic access ladder that will work with 14' walls? We access our storage above our garage with a 12' ladder but that's the tallest I have seen.

 

[Stinger]

I can't answer your ladder question but I'd suggest you also add a larger access panel for getting larger items up there. Carrying things up the ladder is quite difficult and the attic ladder opening is very narrow so even medium sized boxes won't fit.

 

[ForceFed70]

What I decided to do was to put a man door on the gabel end, then have the stairs outside of the building.

This way I could build a nice strong, wide set of permanent stairs without taking up room in the shop.

Not a viable solution for everyone, but something to consider.

 

[go_n_low88]

I have only seen 12' like you mentioned at http://www.industrialladder.com/productDetails.do?productID=6334

Possibly make a 2 ft base that you could store away when you don't need attic access.

 

[lowcountrygamecock]

I like the stowable base idea and the outside stairs idea. If cost difference isn't much for true room truss' vs a storage truss I may do that anyway and will definitely wants better access then. So many decisions. This is almost as bad as building the house was.

 

[ForceFed70]

Good idea on the base. With 14' ceilings He could also build a mezzanine and have the attic access stairs go down to the mezzanine.

 

[srmofo]

I have seen them but I didnt save the link, sorry. They were not cheap. IIRC several thousand dollars but they were more of a sliding staircase that was sturdy as hell. Not a cheap flimsy ladder at all.

I needed about 10'3" and the only ladders I could find at the time stopped at 10' . I just made a small box to put under the ladder.

 

[go_n_low88]

I have seen those attic lifts as well.. Just buy an ATV winch with the controller, mount some rails with platform and you have yourself an inexpensive lift to attic.

 

[6768rogues]

If your trusses are designed for a bottom chord live load adequate for your storage intentions, go for it. If you use standard trusses not intended for a bottom chord live load, you are taking chances using it for storage.