How to Design a Rolling Library Ladder for Commercial Bars

Cabaret Design Group

How do you design a rolling library ladder for a commercial bar? Learn the secret to implementing a rolling library ladder for rum bars and whiskey bars.

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HOW TO DESIGN A ROLLING LIBRARY LADDER FOR A COMMERCIAL BAR

 

Many specialty bars, such as rum bars and whiskey bars, need to display 300 or more bottles of expensive alcohol. Because many of these bars also serve other types of liquor, it’s virtually impossible to feature this quantity of bottles on most back bar walls – without making full use of every square inch of the back bar wall. High-volume storage such as this results in storing numerous bottles above 72” (1.83m); according to ergonomic bar design standards, this is the highest recommended reachable shelf (reference our “Standard Universal Bar Clearances,” available in the downloadable section).

IMAGE OF BARTENDER WITH ROLLING LADDER
Specialty bars often need high-density liquor storage

STEP STOOLS & STEP LADDERS ARE DANGEROUS FOR BARS

To clarify, effective bar design requires that all back bar bottle displays be stored above the back bar countertop. Given all the above, what are one’s options for accessing the upper bottles? Certainly, some bar owners employ step stools or step ladders, but both are a risky way of operating. Beyond that, neither of these options are fashionable. After all, if you’re going to build a specialty bar, the only viable option, is to incorporate a rolling library ladder. This is the safest, most practical and most fashionable design solution. I’ve spent a fair amount of time researching the rolling ladder and the one I like best is manufactured by CSH. As you’ll see in the downloadable brochure, the CSH rolling library ladders are available in numerous finishes and mounting options.

Architectural side view of a rolling library ladder for an upscale bar
SIDE VIEW OF ROLLING LADDER FOR AN UPSCALE BAR
The CSH Rolling Library Ladder Can Be Laterally Adjusted

HOW TO PLAN A ROLLING LIBRARY LADDER

When planning a rolling library ladder in a commercial bar design, there are four critical factors:

  • Horizontal projection from the support wall to the floor wheels.
  • The bearing surface at the upper end of the ladder.
  • An adequate quantity of rail supports.
  • Adequate clearance between the ladder and the bar.

 

CLEARANCES ARE CRITICAL

Photo of bar with CSH library ladder
PHOTO OF BAR WITH LIBRARY LADDER

The drawing (above right) is a side view of the actual ladder we designed for a recent project. Here are the highlights:

  • The CSH ladder requires the maximum horizontal projection not to exceed 31” (.790m). Closer examination at the top end of the ladder shows that the horizontal projection is referenced from the bearing point (the soffit) – not the wall below it!
  • For this bar, I designed a built-up beam for the bearing surface. The subject beam consists of three LVL beams. This enabled me to gain proper clearance for the upper end of the ladder, while ensuring that the lateral forces from the ladder itself would not be imposed on the shelving system.
  • Lastly, the rail supports are placed not greater than 32” (.81m) on center. As for the clearance between the ladder and the bar, I recommend at least 12” (.30m) when the ladder is in its maximum extended position. However, for space-challenged conditions, a nice feature of the CSH ladder is that it’s capable of lateral adjustment, for operating in narrow spaces.

HOW MUCH DO LIBRARY LADDERS COST?

The library ladder we used for this particular project (129.5,” in red oak) cost US$1,712 and is shipped unassembled. CSH rolling library ladders are manufactured in Wisconsin and can be purchased directly or through Home Depot.


DOWNLOADS FOR THIS POST:

STANDARD_UNIVERSAL_BAR_CLEARANCES.pdf

2016-CSH-Std-Ladder-Inst.pdf


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RICK UZUBELL

President of Cabaret Design Group, Rick holds a degree in mechanical engineering from Purdue University, and is a F&B consultant and well-known bar design expert with years of experience serving hotels, restaurants, sports bars and destination bars. He has developed a command of bar design solutions involving ergonomics, equipment, systems and finishes that bridges the "Gray Zone" between interior designers and architects. He's also a champion of ADA design in commercial bar applications. Through his unique architectural engineering approach he calls "Integrated Bar Design," Rick solves complex bar design challenges beyond the expertise of typical design professionals. His proudest achievements include curved bar design solutions using the modular bar die system and steel as a core design element. As a commercial bar design specialist, Rick has cutting-edge knowledge of draft beer systems, liquor systems, keg room design and batch cocktail systems. He will add significant value to any commercial bar design project. Rick is a proud member of the F&B consortium known as the "Magnificent 7".
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