Then hire a carpenter!

Haha great idea, but I can only afford the template. :) I can always frame it and keep the dream of a loft ladder alive... @@NextLevelCarpentry

Thanks for this, John 😁😎... I appreciate the time you spent commenting! As a content producer I don't expect everyone to agree with me or accept the way I do things but the frame of mind that generates some of the comments you reference escapes me completely. It makes me all the more grateful to know there's those like you who take the time to encourage instead of belittle. May your thoughtfulness continue to make your life richer. BFF, Matt

So well said John and I agree 100%. It is irritating to read comments by those who think they are so good and usually that is all they are somewhat good at, spewing out negative comments on someone who is providing good methods and techniques on how things can be done.

@@johna.9742 So you can seriously tell me that if Matt turned up at your place, and built a simple crawl space ladder that will get used once a year, which took many days and multiple trips back to the workshop, then gave you the bill for $2000 you would accept that ?, I don't think so, I love the work that Matt does but perhaps a forewarning that the job was being done as a freebie and was actually a lesson how to build yourself a fantastic ladder that will last a lifetime, because NOBODY will pay the money for the actual amount of time / effort that was spent to build this, so get off your high horse and put the project into perspective.

@@pollypocket8424 are you replying to the right person. I was all in favor of what he was doing.

@@NextLevelCarpentry Matt, your work is amazing, your commitment to doing it right ( and quickly) , not cheap/fast ( get 'er done), is a shining example of what we need more of. I really appreciate your channel and your tutorials, insights, methodologies, etc. Keep up the great work on your ever improving content production ( as in videography, comfort in front of the camera etc, not subject matter, that's been excellent since day 1). All your efforts are more appreciated than not. As John Hamilton stated "..if there is one that even comes close, I would appreciate you directing us there." I won't go so far as to say yours is the best - that would be counterproductive as you might decide your work here is done and ... stop...( *gasp*) but I will agree that yours is certainly at the top of the heap and it's clear that you intend to stay there. I for one look forward to learning more from you and applying it in my own efforts. Thank you,

Finding clients who see things as you do Freddie is key to running a successful, profitable custom design/build carpentry/woodworking business. It's a narrow niche but working for those who 'get it' like you do is quite rewarding. Thanks for watching and commenting here! Best, Matt

Yes, smart use of the piano hinges!

You're welcome Chris. You've hit on my philosophy of quality here. I often say "anyone can make the middle of a room look good so if you really want to know what the level of quality on a job is just look in the corners". I guess I think of this crawlspace access as a 'corner' of sorts and want to wow anyone who bothers to look there. 😁😎 Best, Matt

templates and jigs are key ... I had to hog out material and then fill back with blocking in a couple of old doors in my OLD house - the old morticed lock sets are gong - long gone, and the doors have been variously "adjusted" for newer lock sets over the years..and years...and when I went to replace the current existing with newer ( working) more-of-the-same, found that there really wasn't enough door left to securely mount them ( to hold back more than a old mouse with Rheumatoid Arthritis ) so.. Of course as I went to set up my small flush trim router like the one he used here died and all that I had on hand was my 2 HP monster Freud Plunge router.... With some suitable jigs I was able to route out both the door jam and the door itself, on both inside and outside faces as well as the edge ( 1.75" thick door) - with the door still hanging on the hinges ( as I really had no better place to set it up at the time this happened...the old lock had actually broken and any place big enough in the shop was completely covered since we were mid project on about 50 other things as well as a shop reorg) Bottom line is that a few pieces of melamine or similar and some forethought and you can safely rout a pocket into the thin edge of a door - on it's hinges- with a big hand held plunge router, and do it safely and repeatably. I may have gone a bit far with the jigs, there was polyurethane and such involved... I have more doors and a humid basement...but the results can't be argued with, the patches and plugs fit nearly seamlessly into a 179 (+) year old door and since they are only in there with glue, I could even go back to an original style mortised lock set if I ever find one. The time spent on the jigs was easily saved in not replacing the door or not having to go to the hospital or not having to repair the destruction done without the use of a jig.

Thanks for such a great comment Justin... knowing this whole KZfaq endeavor is meaningful to considerate and attentive people like yourself makes the sometimes onerous burden bearable and enjoyable! Best, Matt

Why thank you George... glad you liked it... I appreciate you watching and commenting here! Best, Matt

Thanks for sayin' Orville... glad to hear you like the teaching aspect... it's my main goal with each new video upload 😎 Best, Matt

Thanks Dave... you must have a unique sense of humor to notice that in the first place... and then chuckle all day! 😂😎 Best, Matt

It's a bit pricey Jim but I've never regretted the investment and believe you'll feel the same. It's a tool I rely on when precision really matters. Best, Matt

Youbetcha! Best, Matt

Thanks for sayin'... much appreciated! BTW this ladder is serving its purpose in the house I installed it in 2-1/2 years after the build...

Kudos Jason... following the method shown in this video puts your ladder in the top tier of quality/design compared to other more popular DIY versions that are common on KZfaq IMHO. 😉😎

Hope it helps Viggo... I've used this on a number of similar ladders and clients always love the result! Best, Matt

You're welcome JF. I especially appreciate your comment because I get others that criticize how long it appears to take to build a relatively simple 'ladder' precisely BECAUSE I include those 'really good tricks of the trade' so viewers can adapt/extrapolate them into projects they actually build. Thank YOU! Best, Matt

Nice. Thank you splanazza! With your gracious attitude I anticipate good things in your future too! Best, Matt

Thanks for that comment Roland... it's great to hear from (rare) viewers who know, much less appreciate, the difference even a shallow mortise makes! Best, Matt

Step up your game? Good one, Chris! 🤣🤣 Thanks for watching and commenting here... Best, Matt

Hey Brye , thanks for watching and commenting on this video! Glad to know you like it and hope you're doing well these days... Best, Matt

I've build 4 or 5 ladders in similar design and purpose and can tell you that they all were a little challenging and quite enjoyable to build and put to use...

Thanks Scott! I envy people in parts of the world where trim/furniture grade Doug Fir is available 'in the rack' while being thankful I can get it at all... even if it is in the 2x4 rack at the local big box! Best, Matt