"Doug Miller" wrote in message
...
In article , "Eigenvector"
wrote:
What's the typical method for working on the ceiling of a stairwell? The
only reason why I ask is that even with an 8 foot ladder, it's simply not
possible to reach the ceiling safely, especially when the staircase
effectively lowers the floor by 6 feet and turns that 8 foot ceiling into
a
14 foot ceiling.

I'm thinking the easiest solution would be to build an L shaped platform
to
lay on the stairs but wasn't sure if there's a simpler solution that
doesn't
involve creaky underdesigned platforms that give way right as I climb up
on
the ladder I set down on the platform.

Well, that's exactly what I did in a similar situation: built an L-shaped
platform from 2x3 angle iron bolted together, with more of the same as
diagonal bracing (probably over-engineered, but the previous owners left a
huge pile of the stuff in the garage -- it was there, it was free, might
as
well use it) and a cut-down sheet of 3/4" plywood across the top as a
platform. Very, very sturdy.

--
Regards,
Doug Miller (alphageek at milmac dot com)

Well I guess I do have all that flooring that I'm tearing out of the
basement. Plenty of 1/4 rotten 2x4s and 3/4" tongue and groove plywood.

The worst that can happen is that the stairs collapse under my 280 lbs and I
fall and break my spine and arms. Why not?

It's time to throw all their damned tea in the harbor again.