stairs

[Anna]

We had a foundation put under our 1 bedroom pan abode cabin. We are trying to figure out how to build the smallest staircase to access from basement to first floor. When I say small the cabin is 24 feet by 16 feet. I suggested a trap door with some kind of unfolding ladder type stairs but my husband does not like idea. Please feel free to give your opinion.

 

[tbellemare]

How about a trap door with a basement wall mounted ladder. It's common here to have something similar but inverted to get into attics.

Tom

 

[gkaiseril]

For utility uses, as mentioned a wall mounted ladder.

For ease of use, a circular stair case.

 

[tbellemare]

I forgot to mention that the rafters are on 16 inch centers

I guess you mean the joists? It's not an ideal opening but can work for a lot of access needs. For instance, if it's primarily a root cellar type thing, it could work.

Have you considered just making a Bilco door?

Tom

 

[epicxt]

It wouldn't be too hard to create a slightly larger opening if the basement ceiling is still unfinished. You'll probably want a larger opening than 16"  oc offers no matter what type of stairs you go for. Space between typical framing members is 14.5".

 

[Grasshopper]

How 'bout a fire-pole and a large egress window

 

[jmbfestool]

[attachimg=1]

 

[Grasshopper]

Sorry I couldn't resist.  Just trying to be funny (the large egress window was how you were supposed to climb out).

The fire pole idea won't work though we need to get back up... [eek]

 

[tbellemare]

[attachimg=1]

That is one of the coolest things of the sort I've seen, JMB.

Tom

 

[tjbnwi]

The basement will be fully finished with an airtight wood stove. We decided on a foundation to add room to,our cabin not another workshop [big grin].

Actually I was in charge of sanding the interior and exterior of pan abode with my festool sanders.

ehat is a Bilco door? I guess I could google that.

In the U.S. "fully finished" would change the occupancy classification. From what you describe you are now creating habitat space. Better check your code requirements before you move forward.

The egress window mentioned above would be a must here.

Tom

 

[atomicmike]

I love this last plan. Just what we need and trap door is embedded. Where can I get this?

Oddly enough, it's from Bilco: link

 

[jmbfestool]

I love this last plan. Just what we need and trap door is embedded. Where can I get this?

Oddly enough, it's from Bilco: link

Yeah that that's where I got the picture.

They just seem to do the access doors. 

It's the stairs which I was referring to the most for space saving.

The secret hatch is an expensive option which is cool but not needed.

Also they look expensive you could get a metal fabricator to make a hinged frame and casement and buy two heavy duty piston springs for less I recon than these bought ones and then tile or floor it job done.

If money is a factor then just forgot about the door and have a hand rail around the opening.

Simples

 

[Brent Taylor]

I did a stair case where we had split the treads down the middle and every other step was a tread, I know it's hard to to tell what I'm saying, but think where you place your feet on the step, 50% is unused, so if you split the tread in half using 4 stringer, 2 per tread and each pair is half the treads. You can cut the total run in half +/-. you will need a means of egress from the bedroom and will need to get it pasted by your Building Inspector. ( If it's being inspected. ) Check in boat building forums. That is were I got the idea when I did my set. ( No forums at that time, Hell, no PC either, man I'm old.) B

 

[jmbfestool]

I did a stair case where we had split the treads down the middle and every other step was a tread, I know it's hard to to tell what I'm saying, but think where you place your feet on the step, 50% is unused, so if you split the tread in half using 4 stringer, 2 per tread and each pair is half the treads. You can cut the total run in half +/-. you will need a means of egress from the bedroom and will need to get it pasted by your Building Inspector. ( If it's being inspected. ) Check in boat building forums. That is were I got the idea when I did my set. ( No forums at that time, heck, no PC either, man I'm old.) B

You are talking about space saver stairs

 

[jmbfestool]

If you type into google space saver stairs you get a lot of examples

Done a screen shot of one

[attachimg=1]

 

[Brent Taylor]

Yes, I did not know that they were made as a manufactured unit, I always built them on site and never gave it a name, I just built what was needed or wanted for the project. Thanks for the pic, it explains it much better than I stated. B