Follow the journey of a bespoke rolling bookcase ladder we recently completed. It’s a great example of what to expect when you commission your own. While every bespoke project is unique, there are several key stages you can expect in each one:
We were contacted by a couple looking for a statement rolling ladder for their home library. It needed to be both functional, to access a very high bookcase, and visually striking, adding a real “wow” factor to the space. This project demonstrates how we can create a bookcase ladder that is highly functional and beautifully crafted.
We held a series of Zoom calls to fully understand the couple’s requirements, preferences for materials, and how the ladder would be used within the room.
Based on these conversations, we provided an initial quote and a design outline reflecting their chosen materials and finishes.
To begin the design process, we asked the clients to share photos and video footage of their library. This helped us better understand the space and propose a tailored solution.
We then created a 3D design for their review, complete with suggested colours and materials.
The ladder design which runs at 90 degrees to the bookcase was inspired by the iconic library ladder at Trinity College Dublin, adding a touch of historic grandeur to their modern space.
The clients were delighted with the initial proposal and gave us the go-ahead to move forward to the next stage.
At this stage, we request an initial deposit. This secures your project in our schedule, allows us to carry out a site visit, finalise the design, and begin sourcing materials.
As this ladder was highly bespoke, the deposit covered a site visit to take precise room measurements.
We then used those exact dimensions to update our CAD drawings and create a comprehensive job sheet for the workshop team.
To help the clients visualise the final result, we produced custom samples of the selected materials and finishes and posted them for review. It’s important to see and feel them in person, especially in the room they’ll be used.
Once the design was approved, a second deposit was arranged to begin production.
Using the site measurements, we replicated the space in our workshop to ensure a perfect fit for the ladder and rails.
We kept the clients updated throughout the process with production photos, showing their vision come to life. Many of our clients enjoy seeing the craftsmanship in action. Some even visit our workshop to experience it first-hand!
When production was complete, the pieces were thoroughly checked by our production manager before being prepared for delivery.
With a delivery and installation date confirmed, the final payment was made ahead of completion.
Our team travelled to site and erected scaffolding to safely reach the upper sections of the library. We installed the ladder and rails with precision, then carried out final safety and performance checks to ensure everything rolled smoothly and securely.
The clients were thrilled. The finished bookcase ladder made a bold impact in the space, adding both functionality and timeless character. A beautiful centrepiece in a truly memorable room.
We follow the industry-standard “Four-in-One” rule to ensure a safe and comfortable ladder incline. This means the distance the ladder sits from the wall should equal one quarter of the height of the ladder rail from the floor. These two measurements together also determine the correct overall ladder length.
While we always aim to apply this rule, room features or existing furniture can sometimes make this difficult. In those cases, we work closely with clients to find the best solution and recommend our 3D visualisation service for more complex projects. Get in touch if you’d like to discuss your requirements. We love a challenge!
