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willywilly2020
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# Posted: 24 Oct 2020 07:05pm
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Hi all,
Have learned so much about my ladder/stairs from the forum, and I'm pretty much ready to build.
Context: am going to be building a set of steep stairs into my loft. I would like it steep enough that my dog can't get up and that it doesn't take up too much space. BUT, would also like to have a comfortable climb. My loft is at 7'3", and I can run them out at least 4'5" across the floor.
Ask: any advice on what volume of steps or riser height?
Thanks!
Lindsey
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razmichael
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# Posted: 24 Oct 2020 07:44pm
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You might consider alternating steps (ships ladder) as an option. These can be easier to use once you get to such a step stairs option. I made them for our cabin loft and, although they need some getting used to, they are easier than steep stairs or a ladder. Couple of links but lots of simple designs. I can try to find a photo of mine if you want.
https://www.finehomebuilding.com/2000/09/01/alternating-tread-ladder-stairs
https://www.ana-white.com/blog/2015/09/loft-stairs-alternating-tread-space-saving-sta irs-loft
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razmichael
Member
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# Posted: 24 Oct 2020 07:49pm
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Not the best photos but all I have
https://photos.app.goo.gl/j8utm1hmZW1QtG5J7
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frankpaige
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# Posted: 24 Oct 2020 11:26pm
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Why not build the stairs in a normal construction? Then, obstruct the first 2/3 steps with say plywood. So they cannot use them? Something so they cannot use the steps, but you can remove as you come down.
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Bruces
Member
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# Posted: 25 Oct 2020 05:56am
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i guess training the dog is out the window ?
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Brettny
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# Posted: 25 Oct 2020 07:10am
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A 7.3ft rise with a 4.5ft run set of stairs wont allow for normal steps to be built.
Your run would be about 7in and rise about 10in. That's very steep but it's better than a ladder. I would build them with no riser board so your tread could stick under the tread above it. This gives more room for your foot but dosnt rain any floor space.
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SE Ohio
Member
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# Posted: 26 Oct 2020 02:00pm
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You may need to keep more than the dog out of the loft when heating- Heat rises, and lofts can get hot! A door may be in order...
SE Ohio
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razmichael
Member
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# Posted: 26 Oct 2020 02:59pm
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Quoting: Brettny I would build them with no riser board so your tread could stick under the tread above it. This gives more room for your foot but dosnt rain any floor space.
This is the advantage of alternating tread stairs/ladder as the rising foot does not need to clear the tread.
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Atlincabin
Member
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# Posted: 27 Oct 2020 10:13am
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You can also do something steep like the alternating-tread idea, but with narrow-depth treads. I have a ladder to a loft that is about 75 degrees (steep) that uses 2x4 steps/treads and is about 18 inches wide. I put a handrail on either side that is set up from the sides by about 5 inches. It is closer to a ladder than stairs, but the handrail makes it safe and easy to use. Drawback is that it is difficult to carry some things up and down.
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paulz
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# Posted: 27 Oct 2020 10:57am
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I need to do something too, my 2x4 treads screwed to the wall studs is difficult. Really no floor space for permanent stairs.
I've been thinking of using the business half of a folding aluminum ladder that I can somehow hinge, slide or otherwise get out of the way.
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razmichael
Member
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# Posted: 27 Oct 2020 03:50pm
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Here is the link to my alternating tread ladder
https://photos.app.goo.gl/b5NAV7C9ydkCUyDL6
102†rise 40†run. Take up very little floor space and easy to make.
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moneypitfeeder
Member
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# Posted: 15 Nov 2020 05:56pm
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I've seen some library ladders that can push up flat to the wall when not in use and then pushed/pulled out to a comfortable climbing angle when needed...
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paulz
Member
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# Posted: 15 Nov 2020 06:16pm
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Was watching a movie the other night and saw some nice looking compact stairs with hand rails.
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moneypitfeeder
Member
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# Posted: 15 Nov 2020 06:56pm
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I've seen some library ladders that can push up flat to the wall when not in use and then pushed/pulled out to a comfortable climbing angle when needed...
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