2x4 Ladder

Introduction
I have a barn with a second floor. The ceiling is low, 6 feet 8.5 inches (2 m) high. There is limited room to install stairs or store a ladder, nor do I want to lug a ladder around. So, I thought, what would be a simple, mobile ladder to use. Traditional ladders have a minimum of 2 legs and several steps or rungs. Some start out wide at the base and narrow as they go up most are the same width bottom to top. I wanted something different, I wanted more of a tactical ladder. That is the reason for this instructable.

This 2x4 Ladder is a single 2x4x7.5 piece of pressure treated wood.

Backstory
As you have may have read, I prefer to reuse before buying new. As for this project the 2x4 is from a play set that was given to us about 10yrs ago. Before we received it, they used it for almost 10yrs. Also, if you look closely at some of the screws you will see that they are used as well. In fact, the heads are not in the best shape, but still are usable.

There has been a lot of interest, maybe excitement, read the Comments Section, regarding this 2x4 Ladder. Some in favor and some to the contrary. I have updated this instructable to include an addendum.

I had 2 objectives, 1) Proof of concept. Could it be possible to make a simple, lightweight, mobile ladder to access a 2nd floor? 2) Use 1 board; in this case a 2x4.

Let’s go create a 2x4 Ladder.

Next Material & Tools

Materials
2x4x7.5 Pressure treated wood,
12 - 2.5“ screws.

Warning: Don't forget your PPE.

Tools
Saw,
Pencil,
Tape measure,
Jig Saw,
Protractor,
Combination Square and
Drill with Phillips head and 7/64” bit.

Next Measure

Each step is 12" apart except for the bottom step which is 13 from the ground. That is because there are knots in the 2x4 to be missed.

Each step is 2" deep and 3.25" high.
Use the protractor to connect the mark at 2" and the 3.25" mark to create the arch.

Measure twice, because you can see that the first measurement was wrong.

Next Cut

After you measure twice now you can cut. I prefer hand tools, but power tools serve a purpose.

1) I cut the a starting point for the Jigsaw with the hand saw, this gave the Jigsaw somewhere to bite.
2) Then cut the horizontal line for the step.
3) Use the Jigsaw to cut the arch.

Save the cutout pieces to extend each step.

Warning: Use your PPE

Next Drill & Screw

A pilot hold is good practice, using one makes the job easier. Especially when using small pieces of old wood. Also, I could make a counter sink hole with the chuck as well.

Hint: Make the pilot hole with one drill and secure the cutout with the second drill. The use of a second Drill is optional.

After your pilot hole is made use a second drill with the Phillips bit to secure the cutout in place.

See the messed up heads, they were already that way before I tightened them.

Next Observations & Summary

Observations
This 2x4 stick/stud Ladder is simple to make and use. I can move it easily or attach it to a wall. It works perfectly to access the 2nd floor.

The benefits of this design are:
1) Simple, Lightweight, Mobile,
2) Space saving ladder.
3) Reusing items saves money.

Summary
I am satisfied with the results.

There has been a lot of interest, maybe excitement, read the Comments Section, regarding this 2x4 Ladder. Some in favor and some to the contrary.
I had 2 objectives, 1) Proof of concept. Could it be possible to make a simple, lightweight, mobile ladder to access a 2nd floor? 2) Use 1 board; in this case a 2x4.

The design is based upon a tactical ladder. There are many different types of tactical ladders. The design I chose was a single leg (pole) ladder with alternating steps. There were many conditions needed to be satisfied which led to the final build. This ladder was not built on a whim.

Safety was the biggest concern expressed. I will address some of those concerns by looking at the environment where this was to be used. The 2nd floor is only 6 feet 8.5 inches or 2 meters high. There are Webs 23" or 58.42cm apart. In the gif, you can see that I am grabbing hold of those Webs to support myself going up, from the 3rd steps, and using them down until I reach the 3rd step. The distance between the Webs is close enough that if the 2x4 Ladder were to slide, it would stop when it hit the floor joist or Web, but is a moot point because I will be holding onto the Webs.

I had to adjust my stance to center my weight to the vertical center of the ladder. Like walking on a balance beam.

I will not be carrying anything up or down this ladder. The 2nd floor being 6' 8.5" (2 m) from the ground, I can stand on my toes to place, throw or slide anything up there. As for down, I can stand on a milk crate to reach the edge and pull it off or toss it off.

In the first design, I did not use the cutouts. After reevaluating they were attached to make the step deeper.

I considered placing a notch where the ladder came in contact with the wall. A good idea, maybe will add later. I also considered adding a bracket where the ladder came in contact with the wall. Another good idea, maybe will add later. For this model I decided against those options. This is a proof of concept.

The facts of the 2x4 Ladder is that the design and build confront conventional wisdom. Because it is different some question the physics of its existence. I could liken this questioning to putting wheels on shoes. At first it had mixed acceptance. Certainly, this 2x4 Ladder is not OSHA approved.

This 2x4 Ladder works, it is within acceptable tolerances for the existing conditions. You can accept and build it or design something else.