Built in step for bed

We purchased a Rubbermaid, white, non-folding, two step, moulded plastic step stool. It is wide enough to span the width of the hallway and has large steps which can carry a lot of weight. No mistakes possible in the middle of the night.

It can be used as a seat if needed or flipped upside down on the bed in the daytime to be out of the way. In travel mode it can be upside down on the floor and filled with things.

We would rather be safe. We don't trust flimsy folders.

Peter and Martha

[rvcycleguy]

Kokilo, This the same Rubbermaid product I mentioned a few days ago. Stores in the bathtub when not in use.

We have a large dog so we were unable to find any steps that were practical and did not take up have the storage space. We bought an ottoman that matches the sofa at Kmart for about $20. At night we move it over to the bed and the dog is able to get up and down fine on his own. During the day we move to the other end ( living area). The top lifts off so there is additional storage for electronics etc.

Kokilo&Rvcycleguy:

Precisely what I am looking for. Would it be sold at one of the national chains?

Bob

[rvcycleguy]

http://www.google.com/products/catal...=0CIgBEPICMAI#

Lowes or Home Depot.

[Bill]

Originally Posted by ThePair

Bill, it would have to be removable to fold down the TM, no? I have zero clearance on top of the mattress for closing this otherwise

The ladder frame doesn't have to be any more than about an inch thick, I don't think, and you could build it to fold either under or over the mattress. But if you truly have zero clearance, then I guess the ladder frame would have to be removable, by replacing the screwed-down strap hinges at the top with flat hooks that would simply drop over the edge of the mattress box. Then you could lift off the ladder frame at will, and carry it someplace like the bathtub. Anything of this sort makes it more difficult to get into the drawers, of course.

Bill

[ThePair]

Originally Posted by Bill

The ladder frame doesn't have to be any more than about an inch thick, I don't think, and you could build it to fold either under or over the mattress. But if you truly have zero clearance, then I guess the ladder frame would have to be removable, by replacing the screwed-down strap hinges at the top with flat hooks that would simply drop over the edge of the mattress box. Then you could lift off the ladder frame at will, and carry it someplace like the bathtub. Anything of this sort makes it more difficult to get into the drawers, of course.

Bill

Of course, which is my biggest issue

I'm working on a conceptual edit to what you've posted, I think it'll work. It's in the same vein, but (in concept) allows for the works to fold flat against the wall, replacing the door under the bed. In fact, if I can find the right parts, in concept it could open like the door does... in the worse case scenario, it'll just flip up to access the space beneath. I still need to work out measurements (which I can't get until I can access my TM in the spring) and wander the halls of Lowes/HD/Menards to see if they have stock similar to what I need. I have only the most rudimentary of tools for making stuff, so I'll need to find things that can be easily adapted. That'll likely be the hardest part... but I have time.

[scrubjaysnest]

Many of us make 3 step ladders out of pvc, inch to inch and half, to climb in or out of the boat during scallop season. It just hangs over the boat sides.

[Bill]

Originally Posted by ThePair

I'm working on a conceptual edit to what you've posted, I think it'll work.

Excellent! I look forward to the result. I think you have already put more time into the thought process than I did. Keep us posted!

Bill

I am looking at something like the very rough sketch attached. It is essentially a vertically folding ladder that would fold up against the bathroom wall when not needed leaving the drawers unblocked. You could use HD velcro to hold it to the bathroom wall and to hold the ladder in the closed position. When open the structural load would be supported by the legs on the floor and tip over prevented by the over the bed edge supports. For closing, it could be stored on the floor in an unused area. There are some boat ladders that use this principle and could be modified to work.