Opinions on Attic Stairs, Bessler Sliding vs Memphis Folding

[Jerry Fountain]

We're doing a 2nd floor addition to a bungalow. Since we're doing a tearoff
and full new roof with a decent peak height, we will have a fairly good size
attic to use for storage. We will be putting an air handler in the attic as
well.

Having been up a few creaky budget folding stairs before I wanted to put
something "better" in for ours. Total rise will be approximately 10 feet (9
ft ceiling + ceiling joist). Recommendations (mostly in these groups via
google) seem to run on getting one of the "better" wide folding stairs such
as the Memphis 30" Folding stair (Imperial model, 30"x60" rough opening,
www.memphisfoldingstairs.com) or the Model 70 Sliding stair from Bessler
(www.bessler.com) which has a (approx) 32"x74" rough opening.

The sliding stair is a bit more expensive, but has a less steep slope. It's
hard to tell from the literature which has a shorter rise-per-step, and
neither is very clear about exactly how wide the tread is (Bessler cites 18
7/8" "ladder width" which could be tread, or tread+stringers, both seemingly
narrow with a 32" rough opening). I'd like something that makes it easy for
myself and my wife to be able to make going to the attic for storage
something not to be avoided :)

Has anyone used these (or better still, used/seen BOTH) and have any
insights they'd like to share?

Thanks!

Jerry
--
Jerry Fountain | Laboratory for Fluid Mechanics, Chaos, and Mixing
g...@chem-eng.nwu.edu | Northwestern University

[Lazenby]

Not familiar with the specific product, but very familiar
with Bessler. A fine manufacturer, been around for a long
time with quality, reasonably priced product. Their
products are used in institutional and commercial and
industrial work and are likely better known in those fields
than in single-family residential.
Jim
"Jerry Fountain" <g...@chem-eng.northwestern.edu> wrote in
message
news:apua0l$j5k$1...@mixing.chem-eng.northwestern.edu...

Recommendations (mostly in these groups via
> google) seem to run on getting one of the "better" wide
folding stairs such
> as the Memphis 30" Folding stair (Imperial model, 30"x60"
rough opening,
> www.memphisfoldingstairs.com) or the Model 70 Sliding
stair from Bessler
> (www.bessler.com) which has a (approx) 32"x74" rough
opening.
>

[J curious]

On Fri, 1 Nov 2002 16:27:01 +0000 (UTC), g...@chem-eng.northwestern.edu
(Jerry Fountain) wrote:

<snip>

>Having been up a few creaky budget folding stairs before I wanted to put
>something "better" in for ours. Total rise will be approximately 10 feet (9
>ft ceiling + ceiling joist). Recommendations (mostly in these groups via
>google) seem to run on getting one of the "better" wide folding stairs such
>as the Memphis 30" Folding stair (Imperial model, 30"x60" rough opening,
>www.memphisfoldingstairs.com) or the Model 70 Sliding stair from Bessler
>(www.bessler.com) which has a (approx) 32"x74" rough opening.
>

The biggest difference between the two is that you don't need landing
space in the attic for the fold up type.
The model 70 Bessler will need 6' for the opening and another 6'6"
for it to go in the attic when closed.
Both are better than the flimsy narrow ones but the bessler is more
of a stair and the Imperial is more of a ladder.
If it was me and i was planing on using it on a regular basis (and
had 12' of attic space that was 6'6"H) i would get the Bessler.

JC

I sell both types, Wholesale sorry.

[noel]

Sorry, i don't have anything to add in your search. I need one too. Mine
still works ok, but it is a real air leaker. The return air vent sits
right below the attic door. It sucks down hot air in the summer, and
cold air in winter. I want a door that seals when shut. So, I hope you
don't mind if I tag along here and maybe someone will point out a door
we can both use.
Thanks

[Don Linsenbach]

"noel"> wrote

I still have a *hole in the ceiling* of my garage (22" x 54"), waiting to do
some more research before I buy or build something.

[Rico dJour]

>From: "Don Linsenbach" creative...@cognisurf.com

>
>I still have a *hole in the ceiling* of my garage (22" x 54"), waiting to do
>some more research before I buy or build something.

Did you put an enclosure around it...? :)

R

[Don Linsenbach]

"Rico dJour"> wrote
> >From: "Don Linsenbach"

> >
> >I still have a *hole in the ceiling* of my garage (22" x 54"), waiting to
do
> >some more research before I buy or build something.
>
> Did you put an enclosure around it...? :)

It's wide open.
Hope a neigbors kid doesn't fall out of it ! ;-)

[Greg O]

I needed an attic stair earlier this year, looked at them all, finally built
my own, more or less copied Bessler's slider. I used 1x8 pine for the
stringers, and dadoed in 1x10 pine for the treads, 9" run and rise. If
Bessler's stair is as good as mine it should be a good stair. The fold ups
were all to steep and rickety for my liking. Even Bessler's was too steep
for what I had in mind. A friend that tips the scale some where over 300 lbs
has used mine!
I would have bought the Bessler, but for $500+ and freight I though I would
build my own. I have about $150 in mine!
(Plus MANY hours re-engineering it!)
Greg