Something for Every Project

 

Ladders can be chosen for different projects like offices, stores, restaurants, and homes.

Each place has its own needs. Learn what to think about for each and explore the features and upgrades MWE offers.

 
Commercial
Institutional
Residential

Commercial

 

    • Knowing if the ladder is intended to be in a place where customers may have access is important, MWE has options to have ladders removed from rails when not in use to stow in a safe place or ensure proper signage is on the ladder.

    • Mounting to shelving or millwork is common. Certain dimensions must be adhered to to ensure the manufacturers specifications are met.

    • Safety Information is a useful link to find the manufacturers requirements

    • It is extremely important to review the General Safety Recommendations

    • MWE offers features and options to fit any retail style. Its modern, simple design can be customized to match any look.

    • Most restaurant ladders are found behind a bar or within a wine storage area. It is important that managers and staff are made aware of the General Safety Recommendations

    • A common consideration with restaurant projects is the ladder footprint. Designers do not want the ladder to become a trip hazard and they may be working in a tight space. For this reason, MWE ladders can be specified as telescoping which enables the ladder to be stowed in an upright position to maximize space.

    • A Bar installation is typically planned to be mounted above back bar coolers or undercounter refrigeration which can be as deep as 32”. With the ladder at 10° this requires either mounting the ladder higher or specifying a custom mount to project the rail further.

    • Generally ladders specified for an office space are more utilitarian, this usually requires wide steps with grip tape and safety side rails for any ladder height.

    • It is extremely important to review the General Safety Recommendations

  • MWE is found in hotels worldwide in many capacities mainly sliding door applications between sleeping and bath areas or in public spaces to provide a high end effect. Many of MWE’s products may be used to create these spaces including barn door hardware, shower hardware, handrail brackets, and handles

  • SL.6022.AK Industrial ladder, custom rail mount to maintain the aesthetic of this retail space provides a concealed mount. (shown in industrial standard finish micro structure black, wood steps, incl. base wheels)

  • SL.6004.KL Vario ladder, features a radius rail to accommodate 2 walls of merchandise with one elegantly designed ladder. (shown in 24k gold finish, stainless steel steps)

 

  • SL.6003.AK Sliding ladder has custom rail mount to suit the custom metal shelving of the back bar. (shown in powder coated black finish, stainless steel steps)

  • SL.6003.KL Sliding telescoping ladders, perfectly fit this space thanks to their ability to stow in an upright position. (shown in satin stainless steel finish, rungs, incl. base wheels)

 

Are there codes for ladders in a commercial space?

Code states, ladders must be in good condition, have slip-resistant feet, are set up on a level surface, are positioned at a safe angle (MWE has established 10° as a safe and ergonomic angle), and that anyone using them receives proper training. 

 
 

How do you ensure proper use of a ladder?

Specifiers may reference the content found on the Safety Information page in addition to state or county specific code.

 

  • SL.6003.AK Sliding telescoping ladder has custom projection rail mounts. (shown in custom powder coated finish, wood steps, incl. safety side rails)

  • SL.6002.KL Sliding ladder has custom rail mounts to suit the custom metal shelving. (shown in satin stainless steel, incl. rung)

  • SL.6002.KL sliding ladder is prominently showcased in this museum gift shop. The custom cover over the bottom 4 steps was created detract customers while providing a beautiful design and quick access by staff to upper shelves. (shown with flat stainless steel steps, custom safety side rails, incl. base wheels)

 

MoMa

Safe|functional

Innovation from the architects and designer on the project, combined with MWE’s ability to draft and test solutions, this ladder is a combination of all the efforts to produce a safe functional ladder with a unique customization.

  • Notorious for uber modern clean spaces, car dealerships often specify MWE Barn door hardware

  • Description text goes here

institutional

  • MWE barn door hardware is often used in hospitals, mainly to close patient rooms, white board installations or public spaces where a more upscale design is planned. Ladders are used more for aesthetic but should follow the same safety recommendations as other commercial uses.

  • Modern school design incorporates flexible learning environments with movable walls and furniture, abundant technology, and dedicated "makerspaces" or project labs to foster hands-on learning which requires more unique architectural hard options. MWE barn door systems are often specified as well as many ladder configurations. It is vital to adhere to the manufacturer specifications and consider all safety measures in these spaces.

residential

 

  • SL.6002.KL sliding ladder has a well placed rail on a wide bulkhead. (shown in polished stainless steel, incl rungs)

    • Kitchens and pantry’s require similar considerations. The base cabinet depth may interfere with the ladder angle of 10°. This can be overcome by adjusting the angle up to 12° or specifying a longer projection of the rail mount.

    • With several walls to accommodate each work station, multiple rails are needed. It is not always possible to connect the rails in the corner, providing a complete floor plan with the rail clearly marked will allow our design pros to provide solutions based on the different ladder models. SL.6001 Hook ladders for rails that cannot connect or multiple SL.6002 or SL.6003 sliding ladders. In cases where the rail meets at a corner, SL.6004 Vario is a beautiful option.

    • Modern kitchens feature cabinetry with full insets, reducing the space that may be occupied by a mounted rail. MWE offers a positionable/leaning solution SL.6000 that doesn’t require mounted rails. They also created an elegant step stool Alpha

    • Designing a ladder for a study is much like a closet. The millwork should be designed with adequate space to accommodate the mounted rail.

    • Consider how tall the ladder should be based on the shelving height, mounted height 2/3 of the overall shelving is recommended.

    • Many studies are outfitted with custom finish wood. MWE ladders can be ordered to receive a wood step produced by others, ensuring a perfect match.

    • When a ladder has been specified for a wine storage space, it is important to share the wine storage shelving or bracket spec to ensure the mounted rail doesn’t require a custom projection.

    • Climbing a ladder with a bottle of wine can be precarious, it is recommended to consider safety side rails at all heights. Safety side rails are required on ladders over 3000mm (118-1/8”) height.

    • A closet ladder is sometimes an after thought. It is important to provide adequate space on the cabinet front for the rail to mount. Depending on the ladder model this can vary from 4” - 8”

    • It is also important to provide solid backing throughout the full length of the mounted rail. Spacing of wall mounts is to be within 900mm (35-7/16”).

    • Selecting a flat stainless steel or wood step is recommended since these options are much more comfortable especially since most end users will be using the ladder without shoes on.

    • Loft ladders are typically hook models SL.6001 which keeps the ladder sturdy for climbing up and then off onto the loft.

    • When specifying a ladder for a loft it is recommended to have safety side rails.

    • An additional mounted handle above the mounted rail is common for a grip. MWE has beautiful handle options found at BetterStainlessHardware.com

  • SL.6002.KL sliding ladder mounted to a cabinet at the same depth as the base so no modifications were necessary to the angle or rail mount projections to allow the ladder to pass the base cabinets. (shown in polished stainless steel, incl. rung)

 

  • SL.6001.KL this hook ladder model is designed to easily move from one rail to another, this display is beautifully positioned in a hallway, having the ability to move the ladder to the smaller rail for storing keeps the walkway clear. (shown with wood steps, incl. safety side rails)

  • SL.6003.KL This is a small temperature controlled space, leaving minimal space for a person to approach the ladder from the front, it is also installed in conjunction with a peg design wine storage system. MWE telescoping ladder has been used to reduce the footprint and a custom projection is installed to enable the rail to be positioned in front of the wine without blocking access. (original design shown, new model available - shown with rung, incl. base wheels)

 

Why are rungs used over steps?

RUNGS are used mostly for positionable or hook ladders to keep the weight low since these models require a user to lift the ladder.

STEPS are more preferred for residential projects for reasons that include comfort, ability to customize to match surrounding millwork or for their aesthetic appeal. While steps can add to the ladders overall weight, most models, once installed do not require a user to lift the full weight of the ladder.

 
 

when should base wheels be specified?

Telescoping models are eligible for the substitute of the standard pivoting rubber base feet to a rolling base wheel with safety stop. The floor condition should be a hard surface or low pile carpeting.

Base wheels feature an amber color soft rubber to avoid wear or damage to the floor.

  • SL.6006.AK model has extended stringers which are ideal for taller shelving to enable a manageable rail mounting height while offering safe access to shelves above the mounted rail. (shown in satin stainless steel with rung)

  • SL.6000.EVO this positionable ladder is ideal for modern applications where a mounted rail would intrude on the minimalist style of the space. (shown in powder coated black with wood steps)