LADDER FEATURES & OPTIONS
Once you've selected the ladder OPERATION that you would like (leaning, rolling, or hooked , here are some of the options available for you with the MWE ladders.
ROUND vs SQUARE PROFILES
MWE builds their ladders using two different profiles for the side rails, sometimes called the stringers.
ROUND RAILS (or Klassik as MWE calls them, KL)
This is a standard 30mm diameter stainless steel tube.
SQUARE RAILS (or Akzent as MWE calls them, AK)
This is a standard 20x30mm rectangular stainless steel tube.
If you choose safety rails, they will also be made using the same profile material.
RUNGS vs STEPS
MWE ladders can be built with either rungs that match the round or square profile you choose or with treads in stainless steel or wood.
The rungs are welded to the side rails at a distance of about 10" from one to the other.
Rungs are great for keeping your ladder lighter if you plan to use a hook ladder and be moving it around from rail to rail.
The steps are built in stainless steel or wood and are considered to be a safer way to go, especially for taller ladders.
The projection of the steps should be considered for projects like kitchens where the ladder is needing to clear countertops.
STAINLESS STEEL vs WOOD STEPS
MWE offers the widest range of materials for their steps.
Stainless steel steps can be finished in brushed stainless or powder-coated (any RAL tone) for a splash of brilliant color. Note the different details for powder-coating depending on whether you are specifying round or square profile side rails.
Wood Steps : MWE offers steps in nine different species (see below).
They will deliver them either in a water-based (eco-friendly) matte lacquer, or unfinished so you can have them finished to match existing millwork in your project.
You also have the option to have your millworker make wood steps for your ladder. This option is open for customers who are trying to match a specific wood species not offered by MWE. Ask us for the milling drawings for this option.
RAILS and RAIL MOUNTS
Rails for the ladders are made from 20mm diameter solid stainless steel for all ladders except for the Vario (25mm). For situations where rails require splicing together to achieve the required length a connector is included and the result looks like this (barely visible):
The rails are drilled at regular intervals of no more than 36" on center, unless otherwise specified. If your rail butts up to a wall, you can forgoe the last mount and use an end mount.
Custom mount spacing is available, for instance, in situations where you would like the mounts to line up with the rhythm of vertical details in your millwork. This option would require a shop drawing review.
Sometimes the centerline of the rail needs to sit a little further away from the wall or cabinets than the standard 31mm. MWE has two other standoff options (41mm and 51mm). We have also worked in many situations where custom brackets were required to provide a stable mount for the rail. These custom applications are possible on demand and require engineering and testing by MWE and a shop drawing process.
Rails cannot be attached to faces of adjustable shelves.
FEET vs. AUTO-BRAKING CASTERS
Where the ladder meets the floor you have a couple of options. The standard round swivel foot is just fine for most situations. The larger foot would be used when there is a concern that a softer flooring would be impacted by a heavier weights. The bottoms are felted to protect your flooring.
With the standard feet, moving your rolling ladder requires you to lift the bottom of the ladder off the floor slightly and then roll it on the rail above. However, MWE offers another way.
Like many of the best vintage solutions, MWE ladders offer an auto-brake caster option that provides additional stability for their rolling ladders (casters are not available for hooked or leaning ladders).
When you step onto the ladder, your weight pushes down the brake and keeps the ladder from rolling further. Step off and the ladder's ready to roll again.
MWE has engineered a casters that integrate with both round (KL) and square (AK) profile ladders.
SAFETY RAILS
Ladders can definitely get you high. MWE offers the option of safety rails on all their ladders, but requires them on any ladder over 10-feet. They provide a more secure hold for when you are reaching for those old Russian novels, ripe Bordeaux, or grandma's jello mold. Plus, they do provide stiffening for extra tall ladders.
The safety rails match the round or square profile of your ladder and stand 4.75" off the ladder side rails.
FINISHES
MWE's standard satin stainless steel is a jewelry-quality 600-grit finish.
The mirror polished stainless finish is superb as well. It is labor-intensive to achieve and the upcharge for this finish adds about 35% to the cost of the ladder system. Polished Stainless does require a longer lead time but it's worth the wait.
Powder-coating is also an option and can be done in almost any RAL Color.
MWE can also produce these ladders in Series 316 stainless on request.
For a review of all the features :
DOWNLOAD the MWE SLIDING LADDER BROCHURE
