Looking for creative ideas for storage and loft access

cbc58 · January 07, 2008, 10:47:47 AM

I am designing an open 20x32 cabin and am looking to see what others might have done for storage/closets and loft access. I plan to have one small loft that needs some kind of hidden/pull-down ladder/stairs to keep it out of the living space until needed.

Need closet space for coats... just curious to see what others had come up with. Tks.

glenn kangiser · January 07, 2008, 12:21:25 PM

John has this simple access ladder posted here.

http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=1780.0

January 08, 2008, 03:58:20 PM

CBC, I too had a problem trying to decide on a way to gain access to my loft and not use up any more sq footage than necessary.
I looked into a ladder such as Glenn showed above and almost went that way. But, when it came right down to it, I went ahead and built a standard stairway shown in the pictures in my blog http://www.bobdanaslakehouse.blogspot.com/
Several reasons I went that way. First, my two young grandaughters will likely use the loft more than anyone else until I get moved in permanently after retirement. Either way I don't like the idea of them or me at that older age climbing up a ladder. Second, I built a nice
closet under the stairs that turns out to be very convenient and nice storage. There is a hidden area under the lower section of the stairway that I did not use but, could make a pretty secure storage agea if needed someday.
I won't tell you the stairs are cheap or easy to build because I'd by lieing to you for sure. But, I'm happy I went ahead with them instead of a ladder for safety sake if nothing else.
Oh and I almost forgot, my side walls are 10' and that is a big difference than normal 8' if you are climbing a ladder.
Okie Bob

cbc58 · January 08, 2008, 04:14:04 PM

Okie_Bob,

Thanks for the link. What size cabin did you build? ... i don't think i have as much room as you do.

Glenn, thanks for the ladder info.

ScottA · January 08, 2008, 05:09:47 PM

I'm planning to do something like this for my loft access but probly not quite as steep.

January 08, 2008, 07:38:47 PM

One of the reasons I don't care to put in a loft.

cbc58 · January 09, 2008, 12:10:11 PM

I found an interesting stair/ladder here:

http://www.rosschapin.com/Plans/Cottage/Hilltop/Hilltop.html

There are a couple of pictures of it in the plan photos.

FrankInWI · January 09, 2008, 02:02:55 PM

Geez Scott A I see nice detail work on your one picture. I hope anything on my place looks this good! The moldings over the doorway tell me special touches abound at your place..

(are there pictures of your place in the owner gallery?)

ScottA · January 09, 2008, 05:00:24 PM

Thats not my place Frankin it's just a picture I found on the net. I plan to build something similar to it.

January 09, 2008, 08:43:05 PM

Here's another type of Jefferson Stair from the old forum.

Redoverfarm · January 09, 2008, 10:36:43 PM

cdb58 I went to the site you had posted and couldn't find anything with a photo link unless you search an individual cabin plan and ran across it. I know I have seen a pull down ladder system simlar to the pull down stairs but only took half the opening. It would be ideal for tight places. You might just have to go shopping on the web to building material sites to locate.

cbc58 · January 10, 2008, 08:37:46 AM

the stair/ladder i was referring to is in the pictures of the "hilltop" plan on that site....

Okie_Bob · January 10, 2008, 09:04:46 AM

The Jefferson ladder that Glen shows is a good option, in my opinion. Seems to me it would be easier to get up and down. And that is the same type ladder you show in the link, CBC.
I still have a problem with all of these ladders when I know my grandkids will be playing on them and even more importantly, as I get a few years older, not sure I could make it up and down on a regular basis. Not sure the one I built is any better in that regard, maybe I should have thought about an elevator!
CBC, my plan was drawn on the back of an envelop after many days/nights thought. Guess I'll have to take
credit for it all.
Okie Bob

miman · January 14, 2008, 10:05:14 AM

look under arkestairs.com, i will be using the karina model on my cabin. they sell them on ebay, but i bought mine at lowes. i do not think they are code

January 14, 2008, 10:56:28 AM

Just googled and found these two of "telescoping" stairs that do not require the big opening. Alot of others if you have the time to look.

http://www.calvertstairs.com/id1.html
http://www.industrialladder.com/productDetails.do?productID=3018&categoryID=15

hnash53 · January 16, 2008, 09:22:36 PM

I used a 24 inch pull down loft/attic ladder. Since we don't access the loft that much, it stays up most of the time and doesn't take up much space. Depending on how much you access your loft area may or may not make this a feasible idea.

Best wishes.

Sassy · January 19, 2008, 08:01:04 PM

Here's one for you!
http://www.belowtheclouds.com/2008/01/18/trappa-av-taf-arkitektkontor/

MountainDon · January 19, 2008, 08:07:05 PM

Pretty, but it would drive the inspector up the wall.

Not sure I'd like to use it myself, though.

glenn kangiser · January 19, 2008, 08:52:57 PM

I think handrails might be in order. Looks like a variation of the Jefferson stair idea.

Sassy · January 19, 2008, 08:53:09 PM

There was another picture from the top looking down - looked pretty scary, don't think I'd like trying to walk down them without some handrails & some treaded shoes. Just thought it looked pretty cool...