Library Ladder Ideas?

[TTA89]

I have this room that was built above the workshop in my garage that currently has a small HVAC system to heat the workshop area. I want to turn this into a sort of man cave living room and I'm looking for creative ideas for a ladder...

I was thinking some kind of library ladder that I could take off and store away when not in use? The doors below need to be able to open and close which makes it complicated....

Any ideas?

**Update with attachment. Looks like imgur blocked hotlinking to GJ.

 

[Ray-CA]

Quick search found this: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/how-to/how-to-build-rolling-library-ladder

and the accompanying video

Ray

 

[Kaizen]

don't see pics
man room+drinking+ladder=

 

[bad_idea]

Working in Ship Repair, ladders are second nature for me. Very functional and good use of space. BUT, most everyone else prefers a set of stairs. Also, Kaizen is right, drinking and ladders don't mix well. I saw a set of stairs that retracted into the rafters on this forum I was really impressed with a few years back. I'll see if I can track it down.

 

[wssix99]

How about an old fire escape ladder that has a counterweight and railings? It would just lift up and out of the way when not needed:

You can also get library ladders with platforms at the top and/or railings. They would just be harder/heavier to lift off the rails and put aside.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Click on the search button at the top of the page, then go to advanced search, and do a search here in this forum on 'library ladder'. You'll get about four pages of hits, most of which are not about library ladders, but there have been a few discussions about them here in the past that may be helpful.

 

[southalabama]

Not sure how old you are but ladders become work the older you get. I'd build a set of stairs if you intend to use it. I lived in a two story town house before I got married. I'd often forget something and just say f-it rather than climb the stairs again. Cold day forgot jacket,etc. I'd only use a ladder for occasional use and storage.

 

[Kaizen]

Working in Ship Repair, ladders are second nature for me. Very functional and good use of space. BUT, most everyone else prefers a set of stairs. Also, Kaizen is right, drinking and ladders don't mix well. I saw a set of stairs that retracted into the rafters on this forum I was really impressed with a few years back. I'll see if I can track it down.

That might be the one I was thinking of. Arts and craft outside. Cali I believe. He posted a great write up about his counterweight. Hopefully someone knows it and can quote it here


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[rlitman]

Quick search found this: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/how-to/how-to-build-rolling-library-ladder

and the accompanying video

Ray

That ladder looks like the kit ladder that Rockler sells. They have a few versions. I recently purchased the metal treads for a library ladder from them to make a ladder for the loft bed I made for my son.

Metal treads make the ladder making process much simpler than wood treads. First, because the metal treads do not require dados to be cut on each side, and second, because they also do not require the third hole for the cross rod that keeps the sides together. They also look real spiffy, and you end up with a stronger ladder.

You can purchase pre-made wood rails for these ladders, but I chose to make my own because I had different dimensions in mind (they call for a 12 degree angle, I wanted 14, etc.). One note on that. If you choose to make your own rails, keep in mind that the ladders are engineered around a 1x (3/4" thick) hardwood rail. I chose to use 5/4 (1-1/8" thick) radiata pine rails, but that required careful forstner countersinking for the bolts, because the supplied bolts are sized for 3/4" thick rails.

As for the suggestions of a ladder that flips up, I would point out that a rolling ladder (even without the bottom wheels) can easily be adapted to flip up. Or, you could forgo the rolling portion of the hardware kit (that stuff is EXPENSIVE), and just put gate hinges at the top of the ladder rails.

 

[bad_idea]

Fast forward to 50 seconds.

Another version.

And the Cadillac.

 

[orangeblood]

don't see pics
man room+drinking+ladder=

Kaizen = wise man

 

[rlitman]

Fast forward to 50 seconds.

Another version.

And the Cadillac.

I've got some experience with the HF winches (and their problems). With that behind me, I'd try hard to come up with an alternative way of doing this. I think I'd probably use a garage door opener instead. With proper limit safety built in, and one button press control, it just seems like a better way to go.

 

[Kaizen]

I've got some experience with the HF winches (and their problems). With that behind me, I'd try hard to come up with an alternative way of doing this. I think I'd probably use a garage door opener instead. With proper limit safety built in, and one button press control, it just seems like a better way to go.

The build I referred to earlier here on gj had only a counterweight. It fed up through the ceiling up and over and down. The weights I think were on the first floor wall. No motors


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[TTA89]

It looks like my host has blocked hotlinking to GJ. I just added a couple pics to the first post.

I don't want anything that needs to be stored on the floor... It will really only be used by the guys and right now we just use a step ladder to get up there.

I really like the idea of the drop down stairs with the winch! I wonder if I can find a hinge so I could bring it up the ceiling.. It would look a little strange just hanging out in mid air I think.

It looks like these guys have some pretty cool kits for easy stair building. https://www.fast-stairs.com/

 

[rsanter]

Build a set of stairs that pivot down into place.
Use a HF winch to raise and lower.
Install a firemans pole for coming down fast

Bob

 

[CraigStu]

Build a set of stairs that pivot down into place.
Use a HF winch to raise and lower.
Bob

I think this is your best idea. And put railings on both sides.

 

[TTA89]

Any ideas for a hinge that would support the weight of the stairs? I think this is probably the way to go as well.

 

[cdestuck]

I would build regular steps with stingers and handrails up to there. Hinge them at the top and get a 110v winch at harbor freight to lift it up and down at will. Up can cut the wires to control and make them longer. I did this on a 2nd floor trapdoor I made in my garage for

 

[C_F]

The build I referred to earlier here on gj had only a counterweight. It fed up through the ceiling up and over and down. The weights I think were on the first floor wall. No motors

I believe this is the one you're thinking of... LINK

 

[Kaizen]

I believe this is the one you're thinking of... LINK

Yup that is it thanks!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[johnnyradiant]

I was painting atop a 34' ladder a couple weeks ago. I haven't had that joy for nearly 20 years. I had forgotten what a pain in the **** it is to be going up and down and moving the beasts or I'm just 20 years older. Something about that height made me wonder why I was doing the job (the up and down part, not the don't look down part), and something about the height kept me from sending any of my 20 something year olds up it (3 to choose from and I wasn't willing to give either of them the short straw. The height and thoughts of splat were the reason in this case. That and the fear of facing my wife if one did have an accident.).

All that to say get something more comfortable than a ladder so in another 10 years if I happen by I might be inclined to look in your man cave.