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Rolling Bookcase Ladders
Traditionally associated with floor to ceiling
bookcases in libraries, rolling ladders can
be a valuable way to take advantage of storage
space at the top of a wall that would be
otherwise unreachable. Rolling ladders are
versatile, attractive, safe, and convenient.
They can be installed to accommodate all
kinds of interior situations, and they are
available in a wide variety of sizes and
styles. Ladders made from hard woods such
as cherry, oak or mahogany will look attractive
in traditionally designed rooms such as living
rooms, libraries, home offices, game rooms,
or wine cellars. A metal ladder may look
best in a sleek modern kitchen. Rolling ladders
are made by specialty manufacturers who offer
them both as standard sizes or custom made
to fit the space.
If you are thinking of buying
a rolling bookcase
ladder, consider the following:
- Rolling bookcase ladders are attached to
a track at the top of the bookcase, cabinet,
or wall by brackets. The track can be made
from a hardwood that matches the ladder,
or it can be a steel tube track. Tracks that
curve around corners, travel from wall to
wall, or move completely around the room
are available.
- The wheels at the bottom of these ladders
should be non-marking rubber cushion wheels
that can roll on carpeting or hard floors.
Wheels should be enclosed in heavy metal
castings. If your floor is uneven, look for
models that will accommodate this with an
upper roller assembly with solid steel rollers
on hidden slides.
- Most of these ladders are straight, but they
are also available in a bent design that
lets them clear cabinets, desks, bookshelves,
or other obstacles around the sides of the
room.
- Safety features include tapered side rails,
beveled steps, and mounted grab bars. Look
for ladders with plated steel braces and
an oversize bottom step for additional strength.
Rolling ladders are also handy in garages
or storage lofts. When used in these spaces,
you may want to consider models that fold
for storage or have a j hook assembly that
allows them to be removed from the track. |
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