I need to make some custom ladders for a access to certain areas around my house. I have been trying to find plans for making a ladder out of 2×4s but having no luck. I would think that 2×4s would be strong enough to support an average weight human. ;-) I was thinking about notching the long boards for each step to make it more secure and then adding screws. Does this plan sound doable? Would appreciate comments. Thanks.
Sillycat41
I wouldn't use a single 2×4 for everything. Either use a 4×4 or two 2×4's nailed together for the side rails and a single 2×4 for the rungs.
Your design should work and I like the idea of notching the side rails and fitting in the rungs.
My only concern would be to really be careful about the grain in the rungs. Make sure that there are no large knots to weaken the rung or grain runout that could allow the rung to split and fail. 2×4s are pretty lousy these days and it will pay off if you choose sections carefully.
My only concern would be to really be careful about the grain in the rungs. Make sure that there are no large knots to weaken the rung or grain runout that could allow the rung to split and fail. 2×4s are pretty lousy these days and it will pay off if you choose sections carefully.
The design will be more important than thickness of the material. I would half lap and cross lap it together, simplest.
I've made loft bed ladders from 2×6 (stiles) and 2×4s (rails). Stiles are notched to accommodate the 2×4 rails, and these damn things feel as though they'll carry 1,000 pounds without a problem.
On the other hand I've watched a succession of neighbors at a home across the way use a homemade POS from 1x and 2xs… ladder goes with the house it seems, and each owner has used this OSHA nightmare for holiday lights, gutters, etc. I keep offering each new owner that I'll make them a proper ladder but they've all declined. God looks after fools and children and tenured English profs (current owner).
On the other hand I've watched a succession of neighbors at a home across the way use a homemade POS from 1x and 2xs… ladder goes with the house it seems, and each owner has used this OSHA nightmare for holiday lights, gutters, etc. I keep offering each new owner that I'll make them a proper ladder but they've all declined. God looks after fools and children and tenured English profs (current owner).
@fuigb I had to check your profile to make sure you don't live in my neighborhood…. I have a 2×4 ladder that came with the house.
It's not notched or anything, just 2×4's steps butt jointed to 2×4" rails and screwed in. (maybe nailed even?) It's only 8 steps or so, I only use it to get on my 1 story detached garage to blow the leaves out of the gutter. Feels pretty solid, and I'm no stranger to working on ladders (was a roofer for a few years) but still makes me pause just a second every time I use it.
It's not notched or anything, just 2×4's steps butt jointed to 2×4" rails and screwed in. (maybe nailed even?) It's only 8 steps or so, I only use it to get on my 1 story detached garage to blow the leaves out of the gutter. Feels pretty solid, and I'm no stranger to working on ladders (was a roofer for a few years) but still makes me pause just a second every time I use it.
When I was growing up on the farm, we had a concrete "grainery" with a 30 ft tall inside vertical ladder made out of 1×4's and 2×4's with 2 rest platforms on the way up. It was permanently fastened to the structure and just nailed together. I climbed it many times as did my father. It was probably built in the 30's or 40's and the ladder was still solid when the building was torn down 10 yrs ago.
I wouldn't over think it. Plenty of wood ladders to get your ideas from.
https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=wood+ladders&FORM=HDRSC2
https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=wood+ladders&FORM=HDRSC2
Thanks for all the tips. I did read online that using Southern yellow pine would be best because of the excellent strength-to-weight ratio. Finding it might be problem. One ladder I want to make would only be 8 ft tall… not too far to fall if it breaks. ;-)
What if I used 2×4 for the rails and pipe for the steps? Any thought on that?
What if I used 2×4 for the rails and pipe for the steps? Any thought on that?
About every building I've been in that had a loft had a 2×4 ladder. I do advise doubling the sides. And use good quality screws or big nails.
Also those ladders are usually heavy so if you are intending to move them much I'd suggest buying a lightweight option.
As for your comment of 8ft isn't to far to fall…. I had a buddy whose mom was killed when she fell backwards off a 3 foot step ladder and hit her head on a table. Also know a older guy whos dad died when he fell off a 5 foot pump house….. and personally seen a older woman trip and fall face first into concrete and broke her nose and some teeth…..... all that to say the distance of the fall is mostly irrelevant but the conditions of the impact make all the difference
Also those ladders are usually heavy so if you are intending to move them much I'd suggest buying a lightweight option.
As for your comment of 8ft isn't to far to fall…. I had a buddy whose mom was killed when she fell backwards off a 3 foot step ladder and hit her head on a table. Also know a older guy whos dad died when he fell off a 5 foot pump house….. and personally seen a older woman trip and fall face first into concrete and broke her nose and some teeth…..... all that to say the distance of the fall is mostly irrelevant but the conditions of the impact make all the difference
An 8' ladder properly made of 2×4s will be incredibly overbuilt, I wouldn't worry about strength.
The racking issue is what I personally would worry about. If it happens, the entire ladder could come apart.
I think the idea of shallow dados to take the end of the 2×4 steps is good thinking, but I'd begin with some structural cross bracing at the bottom. The dados would keep the steps from twisting.
Screws into each step through the sides will secure things, but screws can easily pull out when driven into end grain. A better way would be to run all-thread underneath (or into a shallow groove on each step for a cleaner look). The all-thread would run across from/to the outside of each rail and be secured with washers/nuts with the threads buggerd to keep the nuts from loosening.
I think the idea of shallow dados to take the end of the 2×4 steps is good thinking, but I'd begin with some structural cross bracing at the bottom. The dados would keep the steps from twisting.
Screws into each step through the sides will secure things, but screws can easily pull out when driven into end grain. A better way would be to run all-thread underneath (or into a shallow groove on each step for a cleaner look). The all-thread would run across from/to the outside of each rail and be secured with washers/nuts with the threads buggerd to keep the nuts from loosening.
You could add a couple threaded rods under a couple steps to reinforce possible separation of the sides. definitely cross braces for racking.
fuigb… I wouldn't be making ladders for anyone without good insurance. You may be liable if someone falls. I will not even lend one of my ladders for the same reason. Many job built ladders, built to OSHA standards. Most have the steps face nailed to the beers, and 2×2 blocks filling the space between the steps.
That thing is sturdy enough for 300 Lb construction workers carrying supplies and tools up! I wouldn't want to carry it around much, though.
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