ROLLING LIBRARY LADDERS

Rail Support

When planning your ladder installation, you’ll need to make sure you have adequate support for rail installation. If you’re installing the ladder to existing cabinetry, you will not need extra support as the cabinet is already anchored to the wall. However, if you plan to affix the rail to a wall with no wood to mount to, extra support is likely needed. Remember, the rail supports not only itself and the ladder, but the person standing on the ladder and the torque created by movement. When stationary or with someone standing on it, the force of the ladder is absorbed by the floor. The extra force created when the ladder is pulled out from the wall or pushed/pulled side to side requires that the ladder mounts are attached to something solid.

Even Surface

Before ordering your ladder, make sure the floor in the room of your planned installation is even. If the rail isn't parallel to the floor, the ladder will get stuck due to raised or sagging stretches of floor. Also keep in mind that the ladder will roll best on hardwood or tile surfaces (and will not damage them due to the non-marring wheels), but will also roll fine on most carpeting.

Adequate Clearance

Storing a standard ladder upright will require seven inches of clearance from the track to the ceiling. If this is not possible, it is possible for you to modify the top of the ladder and gain a little more clearance.

Height

The ladder height you need will be determined by the location you want to mount the rail. When deciding which ladder height to order, keep in mind that you will need to install the rail at a height of 5.5" less than the total height of your ladder.

Also remember the taller the ladder is, the farther the foot of the ladder will be from the base of the wall, so be sure you have enough space for your ladder application. When not in use though, the QuietGlide ladder features the ability to be stowed flat against the wall to save space.

For more information, see the chart on page 5 of the installation instructions (PDF download available on this page). And keep in mind that if the three standard heights don’t work for you, we can also do custom heights! Please call us at 262-375-7960.

Hardware Kits

One of the basic decisions to make is whether or not you want a rolling or a non-rolling ladder. Library ladder wheels provide easy lateral movement over just about any flat home surface. Hardwood or tile is ideal. Wheels are available with and without brakes, and in a few different styles to suit your desired look. The non-rolling library ladder uses no wheels or top rolling hardware. These ladders use non-skid feet and hooks that connect to the rail and allows for removability.

Ladders

Our ladders are available in two styles — the normal/classic kind, and the ladders with built-in handrails for added security. Stocked ladder species are: Red Oak, Maple, Cherry, and Walnut (normal ladders only). If you wish to purchase ladders in other wood species, you may place a custom-order with us.

All ladders are pre-drilled and include cut dados for steps, and arrive unassembled/unfinished (sanded to 120-grit).

Rails

Rails are typically sold in 4-foot, 6-foot, and 8-foot sections to accommodate a variety of spans. Curved rails that allow ladders to navigate corners are typically sold with either 90-degree curves or more open 135-degree curves to fit different corner angles. If you are purchasing curved rails, you will need to use top swivel rollers, as they will allow the ladder to follow the rail bends with ease.

Rails must be capped with rail stops to prevent the ladder rollers from coming off the rail. End stops are usually sold in pairs and are available in a variety of styles from simple to more decorative.