Custom Loft Ladder

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Custom built loft ladder.

“Crafting a Custom Loft Ladder:

The O’Connor’s reached out with a challenge: a loft in their new carriage house needed a smart solution to access their storage space. They sought easy, safe access and a ladder that could be stowed away when not needed. Traditional attic ladders didn’t fit their needs, often too flimsy for heavy items. and too narrow for bulky stuff. We realized a custom ladder was what was needed.

Our collaboration began by exploring folding ladder designs, but it became clear that making it a folding ladder wouldn’t work the way it needed to, so we settled on a library ladder-style concept, allowing movement along the loft’s edge. That would allow the ladder to be moved out of the way when not needed.

Using a ship’s ladder as inspiration, I designed a ladder that bridged the gap between stairs and ladders. To mount it securely, I engineered a steel bracket highlighted in red, fashioned from quarter-inch steel plate.

With components ready, I sourced additional supplies from a home improvement store. Adamson Brothers a local sheet metal shop, and HVAC business here in town; expertly cut the steel brackets I had designed. After cleaning the parts, a little welding was needed for attaching rollers and finally finished up with some paint to protect the steel.

I used dense southern yellow pine for the ladder frame and steps, building in dado slots for secure steps. I also cut additional grooves in the bottom of the treads to accommodated all-thread reinforcements, ensuring longevity and safety.

Electrical conduit, or “EMT,” provided tracks for the ladder’s rollers along the edge of the loft. Galvanized water pipe formed a handrail, and some grip tape on the steps to help prevents slips. The installation went smoothly, providing The O’Connor’s with a practical and satisfying solution. (Featured photo above is of the ladder installed in it’s new home)

Though not my typical project, but always up for a challenge this ladder expanded my skills and it was a pleasure to build. If you’re in need a unique solution for your living or office space, reach out. I’m here to help, Thanks for reading!

About Wes

Picture of Wes Poe, Owner of Wes Wood Stuffs.

Hello there! I’m the guy who builds the stuff, and I’m really glad you’ve dropped in to share in the sawdust-filled journey! 

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