The Canmore ladder, a reproduction of a ladder made in the 1700’s

The Canmore ladder, a reproduction of the Marsh’s ladder made in the 1700’s

The inspiration ladder from Marsh’s library in Dublin, Ireland which opened in 1707

Canmore Ladder

THE STORY

Our client has a beautiful home in Canmore with a loft space above one side of their entrance way. They wanted their ladder to compliment their antique French country doors, which are distressed and have multiple edge treatments.

When I looked at the photos of their doors I thought of a 300 year old library ladder I saw in Marsh’s library in Dublin, Ireland. This library was founded in 1707 and has a storied history that you can discover at https://marshlibrary.ie

I loved the ladder as soon as I saw it, it had old world charm and was made by craftsmen. The ladder had a groove cut on the front of the side rails that they used to measure the depth of the dados, there are saw marks on the front face from cutting the dados, the nails on each step were hidden by plugs and three of the steps had tenons through the side rails.

I knew that I wanted to make a reproduction of this ladder, but with some changes. The inspiration ladder didn’t have traction grooves on each step, but we use them on most of our ladders as they make the ladder safer to climb. Usually the grooves are wide, shallow and modern looking, but for this ladder I used narrow V grooves that look simpler and older. The screws for each step are hidden by wood plugs, keeping the sides free of hardware. Three steps have tenons that are visible on the side of the ladder as a nod of respect to the original craftsmen. To tie the Canmore ladder style to the French country doors I use two edge treatments on the front of each step. An ogee on the top edge and cove on the bottom edge, adding details and character often used on antique furniture.

Our Canmore ladder can be used in libraries, kitchens, closets, wine rooms, mud rooms, pantries and lofts. . Customization is unlimited, different wood species, a variety of hardware types and colours, different edge profiles, just let us know how you want your ladder to look.

Inspired by this ladder?

Every ladder we create is the result of a collaborative process that starts with your vision. We can build ladders of all heights and slopes with different types of hardware and wood with a choice of finishes like stains or paint. Once we’re in touch, we can discuss materials—including your preferred wood and hardware style—and provide a quote for the price of the ladder, including taxes and shipping.

Old world craftsmanship often used mortice and tenon joinery, an art.

Edge treatments include a bead on the front of the ladder and a cove and ogee on the front of each step. We custom make each ladder, tell us which edge details you prefer.

The Canmore has many or the original details of Marsh’s ladder, made in the 1700’s. On many of the steps were saw marks from cutting the dados for the steps.

 

The original craftsmen used a groove cut into the front face to mark how deep to cut the dado for the steps

  • The price of our Canmore ladder starts at $ 1595.00 CAD and varies with the wood, hardware and finish you prefer.

    Shipping isn’t included in this starting price. Contact us with your location and we will include the taxes and shipping in your quotation.

  • We use a variety of different woods and hardware for our ladders. Every ladder is completely custom and when you contact us with your vision we will design your ladder with you, then handcraft it in our Calgary workshop

    You can choose:

    Your desired wood (e.g. white oak, walnut, ash or fir).

    Hardware that fits your style and provides the functionality you require (e.g. top hooks, stationary loft mounts or rolling wheels).

    Finishes like stain, varnish or paint.

    Practical additions like handrails, easier to climb angle or a small bookshelf above the top step.

    Creative design details such as rounded over or square corner edges, routered traction grooves on each step, double bevelled step front corners.

  • Once you contact us with your vision we will design your ladder with you.

    When we send you a quotation including taxes and the shipping cost to your home or business.