Fire escape stairs

[Ech725]

My scenario: Design is calling for a fire escape. Now if I had a working welder and area to weld, this would not be a problem. Has anyone had any success building one out of wood that looks like steel and is also structurally sound? The ones I have seen have always looked like bulky wood. Appreciate any suggestions.

 

[bobgaggle]

Never built one myself, but unless a wooden A-frame ladder is too bulky for you, I don't see why you couldn't make a fire escape out of wood. I don't see why you'd have to use anything bigger than a 2x4. This doesn't have to deploy like the first level of a fire escape does it? (hinged and counter weighted to be lowered by someone's weight)

 

[rsmentele]

Ive built stair cases like that out of wood before. Just have your scenic artist do paint treatments on it. Not that big of an issue. Cheaper too!

 

[Ech725]

Never built one myself, but unless a wooden A-frame ladder is too bulky for you, I don't see why you couldn't make a fire escape out of wood. I don't see why you'd have to use anything bigger than a 2x4. This doesn't have to deploy like the first level of a fire escape does it? (hinged and counter weighted to be lowered by someone's weight)

No it doesn't have to deploy. Yeah I was contemplating 2x4 for the stringers. The designer is slightly picky about the look. I was concerned about the thinner treads.

 

[MarshallPope]

Are 1x4s too bulky for treads? If so, maybe you could test 1/2" ply with a 1x2 on edge under the center?

 

[Ech725]

No 1x4 could work. I wouldn't want to go thinner than that. Perhaps dado for a stronger joint. I'll have to see who will be going up the stairs.

 

[kicknargel]

I would be skeptical about 1x4 treads without any additional support. If you look at wooden ladders, they a tensioned metal rod creating some kind of brace under the treads. Maybe you could run some angle iron along the bottom of the treads.

 

[AudJ]

I might try a 2x, and modify the viewable edge. Don't know how much time you have to build, but a thick piece of wood can be made to look thinner by running through a router or table saw and taking off a corner edge or two. A clever profile design and black paint can hide a large support. Most of the step will be in shadow, masked, or rear-facing anyway.

 

[Ech725]

The metal rod could work. I used that for a climbable ladder for a few wrungs. But perhaps a 2x that is modified may work. These are some great suggestions.

 

[JonCarter]

We used to find some great things for use in sets in our local wrecking yard. If you're in a larger, older city there are probably a couple of them around. You might be able to pick up a piece of fire escape stair for the price of the scrap metal.

 

[Ech725]

Yeah I've called around and no luck. I was contemplating using 2 x for the stringers and maybe making the treads out of angle iron and strap. This would be much easier if I had a welder.