Build Your Perfect Library Ladder

Our library ladder systems provide access to high bookcases, cabinets and shelving in homes and commercial interiors. Choose from rolling, hook-over and corner ladder systems in Walnut, Red Oak, European Oak or Maple.

Standard and bespoke ladder heights are available, with compatible rails, rollers, wheels and brackets. Hardware and rails are stocked in the UK, with bespoke sizing available on request.

Library ladders can be used with bookcases, kitchens, wardrobes, pantries, wine rooms, bars, hotels and other fitted furniture. Installation instructions are provided with each system.

Do you want your ladder to roll without lifting it off the floor? Choose Full Rolling hardware. If you want to move the ladder between multiple rail locations, choose Hook Rolling hardware.

Do you want your ladder to roll around a corner on a continuous rail? Choose Corner Rolling hardware. This allows the rail to incorporate a curved corner section, with rollers that enable the ladder to travel around the corner.

Are you looking for a hook-over ladder that does not roll? Choose Hook Over hardware, sometimes known as a sliding hook. This allows you to lift the ladder clear of the floor and move it along the rail without unhooking it. This makes it the safest hook option.

If you need a simpler hooked system, choose Basic Hook On hardware. Its double-hook design sits securely on the rail. The entire ladder must be lifted off the rail before it can be repositioned.

Rolling Ladder Systems

Rolling hardware allows a library ladder to move smoothly along a rail without being removed. A complete system includes rollers, brackets, wheels and an aluminium rail.

• Rollers allow the ladder to travel along the rail
  
• Brackets secure the rail to the supporting structure
  
• Wheels include built-in brakes for use when the ladder is stationary
  
• Aluminium rails can be trimmed or joined to suit the installation
  

When choosing rolling hardware, consider the required rail length and the layout of the bookcase or cabinetry. Full Rolling systems remain attached to the rail but can be stored vertically when not in use. They are best suited to installations where the ladder will operate along one continuous rail.

Sliding Hook and Detachable Options

Sliding Hook systems attach the ladder to the rail using hook hardware. The ladder can be lifted clear of the floor and moved along the rail, or removed completely for storage.

Detachable systems are useful where one ladder needs to serve several bookcases, wardrobes, pantries or separate rail sections. The ladder can be removed and repositioned as required.

Hook-over systems are suitable for spaces where ladder access is only occasionally needed. When choosing between rolling and sliding systems, consider the room layout, available storage space and how frequently the ladder will be used.

Corner Rolling Ladder Systems

Corner Rolling hardware allows a library ladder to follow a continuous rail around a 90-degree corner. A swivelling roller assembly at the top of the ladder changes direction as the ladder travels around the curved section of rail.

Corner installations require accurate measurements and compatible rails, brackets and supporting structures. Rails may be joined or trimmed on site where the installation allows.

Please contact us before ordering so that the corner dimensions, rail lengths and hardware requirements can be checked. We recommend using an experienced installer for corner ladder systems.

Can library ladders be used for kitchen, wardrobe, or commercial spaces?

Yes. Library ladder systems can be used with high shelving and fitted cabinetry in kitchens, wardrobes, dressing rooms, pantries and commercial interiors. The appropriate system will depend on the room layout, supporting structure, available clearance and frequency of use.

How does the ladder arrive?

Our timber ladders are supplied unassembled and unfinished. Allow the timber to acclimatise indoors before applying your chosen finish and assembling the ladder.

The ladder can be finished with a suitable wood oil or paint, following the finish manufacturer’s instructions. We offer Rubio Monocoat wood oils, which can be purchased separately or added to your ladder order.

Who will fit my ladder?

Your ladder will arrive unassembled and unfinished ready for you to paint or stain to your desired colour or finish. The delivery will include the side strings of the ladder which will be predrilled and notched along with a set of steps and a turned hand rung for the top of the ladder. If you are a handy person with diy experience you should be able to assemble the ladder yourself however if you are not handy with a drill we recommend using a trusted carpenter. Please download the installation instructions for more information.

Can I assemble and install the ladder myself?

The ladder is supplied unassembled and unfinished. The side strings are pre-drilled and notched, with the steps and turned hand rung supplied for assembly.

Someone with suitable DIY and woodworking experience may be able to assemble the ladder, but fitting the rail and hardware also requires an understanding of the supporting structure and appropriate fixings. Follow the installation instructions for your selected system and use an experienced joiner or installer if you are uncertain.

A second person may be needed to position and support the rail during installation.

What tools will I need?

The ladders arrive unassembled and unfinished so the first thing you should do is lightly sand the ladder if required and apply your stain or paint using a spray gun or brush.

To assemble the ladder you will need the following tools;

• Pencil
• Spirit level
• Drill and 1/4inch bit
• Screw driver
• Wood Glue
• 2 x 5mm Allen keys

How much does a library ladder system cost?

The total cost depends on the ladder height and timber, hardware system, rail length and selected finish. Current prices are shown against the individual products and through our Ladder Bundle Builder. Please contact us for a quotation if you require bespoke sizing or help specifying a complete system.

What safety features should I consider?

Safety features vary between ladder systems. Rolling systems include braking wheels where specified, while hook-on and sliding systems use different rail connections. The ladder, rail and hardware must be compatible and installed in accordance with the supplied instructions.

Check the product specification and usage guidance for the selected system before ordering. If you are uncertain about the supporting structure or installation, consult an experienced installer.

Is a rolling ladder better than a hook-over ladder?

Neither system is inherently better; the right choice depends on the installation.

A rolling ladder remains attached to the rail and is suited to frequent use along a continuous run of shelving. A hook-over ladder can be removed from the rail and stored elsewhere, making it useful where access is less frequent or floor space needs to remain clear.

No. Our timber ladders are supplied unfinished, allowing you to select a wood oil, stain or paint that suits the surrounding interior. Allow the timber to acclimatise indoors before applying the chosen finish.

Yes. We offer Rubio Monocoat wood oils in a range of colours. They are suitable for finishing solid timber ladder components while retaining the appearance of the natural grain.

Some finishes can be applied after installation, but finishing the timber before assembly may provide easier access to all surfaces. Always follow the finish manufacturer’s preparation and application instructions and protect the surrounding cabinetry, walls and flooring.

The timber used for our standard and custom-sized library ladders is sourced from FSC-certified forests.

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) sets standards for responsible forest management, taking environmental, social and economic considerations into account.

While the timber is sourced from FSC-certified forests, the finished ladders are not FSC-certified products.

Safety features vary between ladder systems. Rolling systems include braking wheels where specified, while hook-on and sliding systems use different rail connections.

Every ladder must be assembled, installed and used in accordance with the instructions supplied for the selected system. Check that all components are secure and operating correctly before use.

Eligible ladder systems are covered by a limited lifetime guarantee, subject to correct assembly, installation and use in accordance with the supplied instructions. Please see our guarantee terms for full details and exclusions.