Ship Ladder Manufactured and Delivered Nationwide

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Types of Ship Ladders We Offer

Fixed Ship Ladders

Fixed ship ladders can have a variety of layouts and materials.

Our standard ship ladder features:

  • Stringers: 5/4x6 (1 1/16” x 5.5” after mill) Red Oak
  • Treads are 5/4x6 (1 1/16” x 5.5” after mill) Red Oak
  • Riser height custom cut per your requirements 9” – 11”
  • Tread run typically 5” but we custom make the layout to your needs as low as 1” up to 5”

Other options include:

  • 6/4” or 8/4” Stringers & treads
  • Maple, White Oak, Cherry, Mahogany, Walnut & more
  • Our standard ship ladder rails are ¾” round steel. Other options 1”, 1 ¼”, 1 ½” round or square
  • Steel powder coated nearly any color, Aluminum or Stainless steel options are also available
     

1-Directional Wall Sliding

This ship ladder features a steel extended safety rail and custom balcony rails made to work with the angled ceiling of the loft. It has 5/4 red oak stringers and treads. All steel is powder coated black. All wood was clear coated by the customer.

The options for the 1-directional wall sliding ship ladder are the same as for the fixed ship ladder, but we recommend using the 5/4” stringer and tread options to keep the weight lower for ease of rolling the ladder back to the stored position.

extended safety rail on 1-Directional ship ladder
red oak ship ladder with clear coat finish by customer

2-Directional Wall Sliding

This is the 2-Directional wall sliding ship ladder system. It features all the options of our Fixed ship ladders and 1-Directional Ship Ladders, but can be rolled to the side once in the vertical position. Most 2-Directional systems allow the ship ladder to be stored up to 6 feet to one side of the in-use position.

The stored position can be further away depending on the project requirements.

Steel Ship Ladders / Aluminum Ship Ladders / Stainless Steel Ship Ladders

We fabricate all kinds of custom metal stairs including ship ladders in steel, aluminum or stainless steel.

Our standard finish is a satin black powder coat.

Exterior stairs and rails are powder coated with a zinc-rich primer before the top coat is applied.

Other ship ladder notes:

We also fabricate Straight Ladders and Alternating Tread Ship Ladders

More bracket options:

We can custom design nearly any bracket option, or work with you to fabricate your bracket design.

This ship ladder pivots from the top to angle up & out of the way horizontally above the garage floor. It features an extended stringer with a vertical elbow and hand-hole cutouts.

This ship ladder was made to go below a floor hatch down to the basement. The top tread is set one riser down. The rails are a stock length and do not extend above the floor.

This is an example of stainless steel rails with custom brackets. We can use #304 stainless steel or #316 stainless steel. Stainless steel rails like this one typically have a #4 brushed finish.



We can make matching rails for your balconies or existing stairs as well.

Both of these stairs feature a 2-tone look.



All of our wood is provided natural and finish sanded for you to apply your own finish. Many clients will choose a clear coat polyurethane. Other clients paint their stringers and stain the treads to create their own unique look. We powder coated the railings white to match the client’s décor. 

Why Choose Our Ship Ladders?

Our ship ladders are tall, narrow steps that bring a blend of aesthetics and practicality to your space. Here's why our ship ladders stand out

  • Easy to use
  • Flexible design
  • Safe and secure
  • Wide range of finishes
  • Nationwide shipping
  • Easy assembly

Get in touch with Acadia Stairs today to learn more about the benefits of our custom ship ladder staircases.

Custom-Made Alternating Tread Staircases

Unlike the typical ship ladder design, the alternating tread stair from Acadia Stairs has a reduced riser height, longer run, and alternating steps. Alternating tread staircases save space and allow you to go down the staircase facing forward, whereas the angle and treads of traditional ship ladder stairs force you to descend the stairs backward like using a ladder.


With alternating treads, this type of staircase is not considered to be as safe as a standard ship ladder or spiral stair. You must descend the staircase according to its pattern. These stairs are only made in our shop by special request, so please call 845-765-8600 to discuss your options.

Contact Acadia Stairs Today

Ready to get your custom ship ladder? Request a call back from Acadia Stairs. We're based in Fishkill, NY, but we ship nationwide. Contact us today and let us bring your ship ladder dreams to life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • What are the main features of a ship ladder staircase?

    Our ship ladders are designed to save space while providing practical access to upper levels. They feature a tall and narrow structure, making them a perfect solution for areas where traditional staircases may not fit. A sliding bracket can also be added, allowing the ladder to slide out of the way when not in use.

  • What materials can I choose for my custom ship ladder?

    You can select from a range of materials for your ship ladder, including wood, metal, and a variety of custom finishes. These options allow you to match your ladder to the existing style and functionality of your space, ensuring it blends seamlessly with your décor.

  • Can I customize the design of my ship ladder?

    Yes, all our ship ladders are custom-made to suit your specific needs. We can adjust the size, style, and materials to fit your space. If you're looking for added flexibility, we also offer two-directional sliding brackets that allow you to move the ladder to the side when it's not in use.

  • How does a ship ladder differ from an alternating tread staircase?

    Unlike traditional ship ladders, alternating tread staircases feature alternating steps and a reduced riser height. This design allows you to descend facing forward, while ship ladders typically require backward descent. Alternating tread stairs are more space-efficient but may require extra caution when in use.

  • Are ship ladders suitable for both residential and commercial spaces?

    Yes, ship ladders are highly versatile and work well in both homes and businesses. Their compact design makes them ideal for lofts, attics, and tight office spaces, offering a practical solution without taking up too much room.

  • How easy is it to install a ship ladder?

    Our ship ladders are designed for straightforward assembly. While professional installation is recommended for safety reasons, the ladder’s structure allows for easy setup and minimal installation effort.