We need to build a code approved ladder to get to a loft area ?

How cool is that! Here is a link for you. I would choose a design, gather sample materials, make or have a plan and have approved by your local authorities before you purchase everything and build. Save yourself some angst. Good luck and have fun!

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/238479742743593842/

You'll need to find out what the building codes entail. There will be requirements as far as head room, railing height and distance between spikes, step height requirements and tread size. Every municipality can have its own building codes so a "kit" from one area may not be approved for use in your own.

Go to a lumber company, and ask for their help. They will truly help you, all the way. Best wishes, J.

flip it upside down and see if there is a furniture manufacturers stamp on it, that might help identify it

The building codes are different in every state. You can usually find them online.

if you have the room why not see if a hoist able staircase will work. It would be more comfortable then ladder rungs going up and down. When not needed just pull it up out of the way.

I am not sure about codes in your state. I have a pull down ladder in my hallway. It is nice since it is not in the way and out of sight. However, if you are going to be used the stairs daily, I would not recommend this type of stairs. I would build stairs that are easy and safe to go and down with rails.

The easiest and best way would be...

either place sideways wheels on ladder- like

U would find in an old time study...OR.,

CREATE a removable ladder that could

potentially have multiple other users! 🤗

Good luck!!😜

My concern would be fire codes. It would be darn difficult going down a nine foot ladder into an area below that might be burning. A wooden ladder could burn and then there would be no escaped and an iron/metallic ladder could become so hot, one might not be able to hold onto it to escape. My suggestion would be to run a set of stairs up the side of the barn to the apartment. You would need to make a good landing at the door to the apartment to give room to maneuver coming out the door. You could even make a nice balcony for relaxation. You also will need a second egress out of the apartment. Once again, it shouldn't be down into an area that could be burning like mad. You could put an escape ladder out another window. My next door neighbor's barn burned. It was gone in short order. If you want easy access inside the barn besides outside exits, I would suggest the same kind of pull down stairs used for attics. You could have one created the length you need. Remember too that these should be able to be used by most anyone. JMHO

Yep, access and egress. Even if your code does not require. My man made a MANcave at the back of the woodshop and even that comfortable room makes me nervous with no window or door. Most multistory homes have no official exit on the outside, but they MUST have a window large enough for a person to get out as the potential egress. Stationary porthole windows are not enough. As for wood, most homes have timber construction. If a fire breaks out, metal and wood are what they are, either in flames or too hot to handle. Maybe you are worried about budget and maybe the loss of square footage is an issue. Pre-made circular staircases are an option for inside or out. They make them tight enough in footprint that it can be an issue just carrying a file box or the groceries, but they take up very little room. I knew a young co-ed who had a loft sleeping area in Manhattan, fell during the night in a botched attempt to get to a bathroom , and brought any possibilities of further education to an abrupt end. You are talking about an apartment in a stable. I'd put in a fireman pole for an escape route, but I use codes as a guideline for safety and good sense, as I live where no permits are necessary. Substantial interior stairs can provide great under-stair storage if loss of space is the issue.

We built a movable librarians ladder on a pipe rail. In place , 2 hooks held it from moving. We slid it on its wheels to the side when not in use. It went to an opening in the ceiling and had a cover. When upstairs we covered so no one fell thru. A second egress would be a window from the apt and we kept rolled up ladder for fire in the closet. Just hang over the window sill or railing. I had a bnb. Good luck!

If you need to get to a loft area and don't have a ladder that is up to code, you will need to purchase or build a new ladder. Some codes require that the ladder be made of certain materials, such as aluminum or steel. Others require that the ladder have certain safety features, such as nonslip surfaces. Be sure to check your local building codes before purchasing or building a ladder.