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I need ideas on what to do with the stairwell on the outside of the house that goes to the basement. Functionallly speaking, I am looking for a way of stopping the well from filling in with leaves. The leaves could potentially clog the drain on the bottom of the steps and flood the basement. The drain connects to the internal drain tile and sump pump (waterproofing was retrofitted). To make things complex, I am building a 2nd floor and added a formal entrance which is 9 to 10 ft away from the stairwell and on the line of sight when looking from the street.. Whatever I do it don’t want to visually the new entrance.<!—->
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The stairs start leveled with the ground level and descend to a door that goes to the basement. The drain is located in front of that door. One option, I though was a single cellar door, the rest of the horizontal length of the well could be covered and I could add a skylight (I could then use this space as a green house in the winter). Another thought was to build something similar to a cellar door but more like a screen door (or a lattice) with a tasteful frame.<!—->
Any ideas!?
Replies
Anna,
The simplest answer would be to get a Bilco brand metal bulkhead cover. Those are the metal inclined doors many basements have. There is also a newer, more modern-looking plastic or fiberglass version.
However, since this is close to your formal entry, one made out of wood or wood and glass might be more attractive. I've made different inclined doors out of beaded boards, pressure treated plywood, and plexiglass in a wooden frame. I've seen pictures of covers made from fir boards, not on an incline, that sat flat instead of inclined, and raised with a rope-and-pulley system.
What style/material would you like? Do you want it to be watertight, or just keep the leaves out? Is ventilation a concern? How often do you need access to the basement? How much weight are you prepared to handle? Do you plan to contract this out or is it a do-it-yourself project?
Mike