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Post by motdaugrnds on Jun 12, 2016 17:58:45 GMT
I have two large (3'x 4') steps that go up into the loft of the barn. Not too many years ago I realized some of the animals were enjoying the area(s) under those steps during the summer months. So to keep water from setting in there I covered the steps with some treated plywood.
What I've recently discovered is that, as I climb into the loft via those steps, they are slick. And as old as I am I don't need to be slipping around as I'm climbing.
I have no idea how to eliminate this slippery aspect; and that is why I'm posting about it, i.e. hoping for some suggestions. So if you're willing to share, please do.
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Post by Bear Foot Farm on Jun 12, 2016 18:22:48 GMT
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Post by oxankle on Jun 12, 2016 21:22:10 GMT
I would vote for the bed liner, the rubberized, textured coating. I see that it is sold in quarts and reasonably priced now. It should be waterproof and long lasting. Even if pricey it is much cheaper than a broken hip---no one past 30 should ignore the dangers of a broken hip. My question is "How does one get into a loft with only two steps?  " |
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Post by motdaugrnds on Jun 12, 2016 22:42:59 GMT
Thank you both for the quick responses.
Bear Foot Farm I'm looking over those strips the URL you gave has shown. I'm wondering if they would actual adhere to the slick plywood or if I would need to rough that plywood up first.... I like the idea of spraying on something. I take it that spray is called "truck bed liner"? Do I need to rough up the plywood first or will that spray actually stick to the slick surface?
Oxankle I do like the idea of having a rubberized, textured coating on those steps. Is that the spray BFF is talking about? You stated it is sold in quart sizes. If this isn't what BFF suggested, what is it called and do I paint it on or spray it?
As for your question as to how I get into a loft with only 2 steps...well it is a bit complicated as I was about 20 yrs younger when I built those, placing some handles in strategic places. After a few years I discovered I needed steps to get to each step...ROFL Soooooooo listen carefully. First I step onto the bottom of an iron gate adjacent to the lower step, then I climb that gate while holding onto the stud that connects the lower step to the roof of the adjacent processing center. Then I step from the top of the gate onto the first step. Then I have a 2" piece of wood I step onto next to a 4" piece of wood that permits me to step onto the "plate" that holds the girders of the second step. From there I can use one of the handles I had set and step up onto that second step to the loft. That is the one that is the slickest and it is the one I need to walk on to open the loft door. Now on that step I have a piece of metal that has 2 metal bars across with each permitting me to step up with my last step ending on top of that roof (mentioned above). While standing on that roof I can reach inside the loft door and grab hold of another handle and pull myself up another 6" to the floor of the loft. ROFL I know! I know! It is not that wise to climb like that; yet I don't have any other way to get into the loft at this time. (I've been wanting to built some "small" regular steps to get onto each of those large steps. I just don't know how to build them.) I know I'm not as agile as I use to be; however, I am careful and move very, very slowly. I just need to make sure those large steps are not slick.
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Post by Bear Foot Farm on Jun 13, 2016 1:38:24 GMT
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Post by oxankle on Jun 13, 2016 1:42:41 GMT
MDG: The bed liner I used was put on with a roller--a paint brush will do if the area is not too large. Be careful in your purchase to be certain you get something both waterproof and rough-textured, non slip.
And yes, that sounds like a dangerous climb for anyone past 29. Were I to do this I'd put the non-slip on everything I had to step on.
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Post by motdaugrnds on Jun 13, 2016 10:54:37 GMT
Thanks. Next time I'm in town I will check on what they have...probably at Lowe's or Home Depot. And yes, I think I will put that textured stuff on everything I step on.  Oh Neither of you told me if I needed to rough up the existing plywood first. Do I? |
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Post by Skandi on Jun 13, 2016 12:03:36 GMT
I had a plywood boat, you can buy deck paint which works well, though I do suspect it is just paint mixed with some sort of sand. it is most certainly waterproof and hardwearing!
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Post by motdaugrnds on Jun 13, 2016 17:23:37 GMT
Goodness, I have several cans of spray paint I'll never use. My place has a lot of sandy loam; so I'm wondering if it would work just to throw up some of that and then use this spray paint. No it wouldn't look nice; but that wouldn't bother me...much. LOL
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Post by graywolf on Jun 13, 2016 17:32:21 GMT
For barn or chicken house steps that are slippery when wet, I get 'hardware cloth' mesh and staple it over the steps. You probably di it with smaller mesh chicken wire too. When it wears out, just pull a few staples and do it again.
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Post by oxankle on Jun 13, 2016 19:25:57 GMT
MDG; On old weathered wood I think all you need to do is wire brush and sweep to make sure there is not a layer of dirt on it, then put on your surfacing materiel, whatever it is. If you intend to climb those things for several years I would not use spray paint. Spend a dollar or two and get something that will last as long as you feel like climbing.
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Post by motdaugrnds on Jun 13, 2016 22:57:37 GMT
Thanks very much. Yes, I will definately take a wire brush to it and sweep it good. I, also, like the idea of placing hardware cloth over those steps (and everything I step on during the climb). I have some left from other projects too; so that sounds like something I could do right away in special places, adding more when I can. You are all such gems. Thanks for helping. |
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Oh Neither of you told me if I needed to rough up the existing plywood first. Do I?
