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Suggestions on connecting my double lofts??

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Location: Ozarks

posted 2 years ago

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I'm finishing out a 10 x 24 shed for us to move into, and know what I want to do for the most part. It's double lofted, both of which will be my kids' rooms. I'm looking for suggestions and thoughts on an efficient means of either connecting them via a narrow, enclosed catwalk or will need 2 sets of stairs, which would both kill floor space and also be an extra expense. At the very least, I'd need a ladder on my 13 yo son's side. My daughter has physical conditions that require stairs.
Okay, so I'm wondering if any of you guys with experience in construction or at least construction in your own tiny homes, can advise as to the most practical approach. For the staircase I'm planning to build a narrow set of storage stairs. I'm planning to use as much recycled material as possible in every bit of this project and on an extremely tight budget.
I've considered different options for a catwalk, but those seem to me to be limited. Obviously, I want it as structurally sound as possible, and space saving as well. I've even gone so far outside the box as to wonder if some sort of suspension bridge, enclosed, might work, and even be cheaper or more expensive, as stable potentially, or not. I'm not a carpenter... ever... but am fixing to start and do all I can myself, single older mom and power tool- challenged or not.
Thanks in advance.

Anne Miller

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posted 2 years ago

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The way we did the loaf in our tiny house was to use the ladder as you stated in your post.

We made the ladder flat against the wall and fashioned it to pull out when someone wanted to go to the loaf.

Seem like a catwalk would present a lot of problems due to safety for the weight aspect.

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John C Daley

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With a total length of 24 ft over the whole building I expect any catwalk would be no longer than 8 feet.
The loadings for such a span would not be great and in my opinion would be vastly lower in cost over a set of stairs.
Will your daughter be able to use storage stairs?

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Glenn Herbert

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Adding to John's comment, what is the actual span needed for the catwalk? That makes a big difference in what will be needed for structure. Also, the loft height above the floor and the clearance to the ceiling both at the ridge and the eaves. Is the roof structure still accessible? It might be sensible to run hangers down from that to stiffen the catwalk and its railings.

John F Dean

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When I built the initial part of my home in MN, we started with a ladder. Later I replaced it with a spiral staircase. The spiral took up less room than a conventional stairway. Once I thought the project through, it was easier to build than a conventional stairway.

You don’t give your location or if you want to be able to move your tiny house. To give an out of the box solution, consider an exterior stairway. It will not take up interior space. It can be enclosed at some point if desired.

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Ted Abbey

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posted 2 years ago

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How about a rope swing?

Anne Miller

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Ted Abbey wrote:How about a rope swing?

I bet a kid would love this idea!

Glenn brings up so good points.

Will your son be able to stand to walk the catwalk or will he have to crawl?

My concern is still with safety.

What will be under the catwalk? A stove? The heating system?

Is there space to put bracing to handle the weight of the catwalk and a growing boy?

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Everyone learns what works by learning what doesn't work. Stephen Herrod Buhner

Anne Miller

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Here are some pictures of different catwalks that I found on Pinterest so these pictures makes this look totally doable:

source

Invasive plants are Earth's way of insisting we notice her medicines. Stephen Herrod Buhner
Everyone learns what works by learning what doesn't work. Stephen Herrod Buhner

Amy Gardener

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There are some beautiful images here so maybe the problem is solved. If you are still open to other alternatives, save your indoor space and consider connecting the double lofts outside your building using a prefabricated catwalk fire escape with balcony such as this fully walkable kit
As an amateur carpenter, I find that outdoor solutions can be more forgiving than indoor projects. When learning something new, I enjoy purchasing low cost kits to expand my skills. This solution looks to be very low cost and offers safety benefits that might be helpful to you and your kids.

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John F Dean

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Amy’s suggestion can be had on the cheap. I have seen such exterior stairs and landings attached to oil storage tanks, grain bins, and used as fire escapes. Back about 1989 I purchased a used one for about $100.00.

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Jeremy VanGelder

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Amy Gardener wrote:There are some beautiful images here so maybe the problem is solved. If you are still open to other alternatives, save your indoor space and consider connecting the double lofts outside your building using a prefabricated catwalk fire escape with balcony such as this fully walkable kit

If you do buy that kit from Second Life, realize that you will receive a digital model intended for use in a computer game. But there are used ones out there, as John Dean mentioned.

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Robert Ray

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With a catwalk you open up all kinds of possibilities with the underside....Lighting. sound system/speakers, hinged storage flat screen monitor mount. whatever you end up using think double duty.

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Roberto pokachinni

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Another option might be to employ a cargo net of the type that a trucker might use to put over more random goods on a deck or truck box to ensure that they are strapped down strongly. These nets are very strong, and would simply need to be fastened strongly to the lofts for safety. The cargo net, or a retired salmon fish net for that matter, would be strong enough for sure, and kids would love it. They would probably also like to hang out on the net. A hammock could be strung above the cargo net to add another fixture for seating/reading/hanging out in the tiny home. Additional strong ropes could be woven into the net and up to eyebolts screwed into the ceiling, to provide a type of side protection, if necessary.

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R Scott

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I have seen trampolines, nets tightened as hammocks, rails on top of a row of cabinets, culverts as tunnels.

Talk it over with your kids. A teenager might want his own space.

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John C Daley

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I think that stair system that needs the floor lifted to use is a very clver use of limited floor spqace.

Debra Rains

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Location: Ozarks

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I am absolutely blown away by your suggestions and ideas. I will address in more detail shortly, but in the meantime,I'm in the Ozarks of northern Arkansas,and will be staying put, barring unforeseen events..
Thanks so much!!

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