Cellar Doors | Bulkhead Doors

Cellar doors, also known as bulkhead doors, provide external access to basements or cellars. Typically angled and found at the side or back of a house, they allow bulky items to be moved in or out without navigating internal stairs. These doors also serve as emergency exits. Constructed from durable materials like steel, wood, or fiberglass, they are designed to withstand the elements and maintain home security. Some models are designed to improve insulation and energy efficiency. Bulkhead doors often open upward, often hinged at the top or side, and may have a sloping shape to shed rain and snow.

Cellar doors or bulkhead doors have been around for centuries, providing access to subterranean storage areas. Originally made of wood, these doors protected cellars storing food, wine, or coal. In the 19th century, metal doors became popular for their durability. Modern advancements brought more resilient materials, such as fiberglass and steel, along with improved design for insulation and security, reflecting the evolving needs and technology of home construction.

How do you seal a bulkhead door?

Sealing a bulkhead door involves applying a weatherstripping material around the door's edges, and using a durable, waterproof sealant or caulk on any visible gaps or cracks. Additionally, any rust or damage should be repaired and the door should be regularly maintained to ensure a tight seal against moisture and air leaks.

How long do bulkhead doors last?

The lifespan of bulkhead doors depends on the material used and the level of maintenance. Steel doors can last over 25 years if properly maintained. Wood, although less durable, can last up to 20 years with regular care. Fiberglass and composite doors may last even longer due to their resistance to environmental wear.

Why are the words 'cellar door' considered beautiful?

The phrase 'cellar door' is often cited as a beautiful example of phonetics in the English language, not for its meaning, but for its euphonic qualities. The flowing, rhythmic sound and the transition between the liquid consonant 'l' and the dental 'd' are considered aesthetically pleasing to the ear.

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Cellar Doors Guides
Browse through our curated Cellar Doors Guides for additional categorizations, tips, details, variations, styles, and histories of Cellar Doors. Guides provide additional insights into the unique properties and shared relationships between elements.
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1” | 2.5 cm
45”, 55”, 63” | 114, 140, 160 cm
65”, 74” | 165, 188 cm
Cellar Door - Flat
2.500
160.000
188.000
5
https://p3d.in/e/H7ahz
GUIDE
3D
Cellar Door - FlatPerspective view of a 3D model of a Flat Cellar DoorPerspective view of a 3D model of a Flat Cellar Door
17”, 19.25” | 43, 49 cm
45”, 55”, 63” | 114, 140, 160 cm
62.5”, 71.5” | 159, 182 cm
Cellar Door - Flat, Angled
49.000
160.000
182.000
5
https://p3d.in/e/i3BGK
GUIDE
3D
Cellar Door - Flat, AngledView of a Angled Flat Cellar Door in 3D available for downloadView of a Angled Flat Cellar Door in 3D available for download
19.5” | 49.5 cm
55” | 140 cm
120” | 305 cm
Cellar Door - Sided, Along-Side
49.500
140.000
305.000
10
https://p3d.in/e/XZCPu
GUIDE
3D
Cellar Door - Sided, Along-Side3D model of a Along-Side Sided Cellar Door viewed in perspective3D model of a Along-Side Sided Cellar Door viewed in perspective
52” | 132 cm
51” | 129.5 cm
43.25” | 110 cm
Cellar Door - Sided, Angled, High
132.000
129.500
110.000
10
https://p3d.in/e/xAfwP
GUIDE
3D
Cellar Door - Sided, Angled, HighPerspective view of a 3D model of a High Angled Sided Cellar DoorPerspective view of a 3D model of a High Angled Sided Cellar Door
19.5”, 22”, 30” | 49.5, 56, 76 cm
47”, 51”, 55” | 119, 129.5, 140 cm
58”, 64”, 72” | 147, 162.5, 183 cm
Cellar Door - Sided, Angled, Low
76.000
140.000
183.000
10
https://p3d.in/e/jEowq
GUIDE
3D
Cellar Door - Sided, Angled, LowView of a Low Angled Sided Cellar Door in 3D available for downloadView of a Low Angled Sided Cellar Door in 3D available for download
19.5” | 49.5 cm
55” | 140 cm
78”, 84”, 90”, 96” | 198, 213, 229, 244 cm
Cellar Door - Sided, Extension
49.500
140.000
244.000
10
https://p3d.in/e/GsFa8
GUIDE
3D
Cellar Door - Sided, Extension3D model of a Extension Sided Cellar Door viewed in perspective3D model of a Extension Sided Cellar Door viewed in perspective
Cellar Door - Sided, Along-Side
Comparison drawing of the Along-Side Sided Cellar Door compared to similar cellar door designs

Along-side sided cellar doors are parallel to the building, a design maximizing spatial efficiency. Their layout leads to a covered landing at the stair bottom, providing a protective shelter during entry and exit. Constructed with steel sides, these doors offer enhanced strength and security. This design emphasizes functional accessibility, weather resistance, and aesthetic cohesiveness with the building's exterior. The strategic positioning also facilitates easy movement of goods and people into the cellar without interfering with the property's outdoor activities.

Along-Side Sided Cellar Doors is manufactured with a typical width of 55” (140 cm), lengths of 120” (305 cm), and height of 19.5” (49.5 cm). The angle of the Along-Side Sided Cellar Door is 15 degrees.

Scaled set of dimensioned drawings of the Along-Side Sided Cellar Door in elevations and plan views
Along-side sided cellar doors are parallel to the building, a design maximizing spatial efficiency. Their layout leads to a covered landing at the stair bottom, providing a protective shelter during entry and exit. Constructed with steel sides, these doors offer enhanced strength and security.

Along-Side Sided Cellar Doors is manufactured with a typical width of 55” (140 cm), lengths of 120” (305 cm), and height of 19.5” (49.5 cm). The angle of the Along-Side Sided Cellar Door is 15 degrees.

Scaled set of dimensioned drawings of the Along-Side Sided Cellar Door in elevations and plan views
Cellar Door - Sided, Along-Side
Height:
19.5” | 49.5 cm
Width:
55” | 140 cm
Length:
120” | 305 cm
Depth:
Weight:
Area:

Angle: 15 degrees

Materials
Steel

Drawings include:

Along-Side Sided Cellar Door front elevation, side, plan view

Details & Downloads

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Cellar Door - Sided, Angled, Low
Scale illustration of the Low Angled Sided Cellar Door compared to other cellar doors

Low angled sided cellar doors utilize a modest rise, less than 30 degrees, in their design. Outfitted with steel sides, these doors offer durable access to underground spaces. The low incline enhances user-friendliness, simplifying the transit of goods and people. Despite their understated angle, these doors deliver substantial weather resistance and security. Their design integrates functionality with an unobtrusive aesthetic, standing resilient under diverse conditions, and ensuring a secure entrance to the cellar, blending seamlessly with the property's landscape.

Low Angled Sided Cellar Doors can be manufactured with different typical sizes including widths of 47”, 51”, 55” (119, 129.5, 140 cm), lengths of 58”, 64”, 72” (147, 162.5, 183 cm), and heights of 19.5”, 22”, 30” (49.5, 56, 76 cm). The angle of the Low Angled Sided Cellar Door is between 15-30 degrees.

Pair of dimensioned illustrations of the Low Angled Sided Cellar Door seen in elevation and plan views
Low angled sided cellar doors utilize a modest rise, less than 30 degrees, in their design. Outfitted with steel sides, these doors offer durable access to underground spaces. The low incline enhances user-friendliness, simplifying the transit of goods and people.

Low Angled Sided Cellar Doors can be manufactured with different typical sizes including widths of 47”, 51”, 55” (119, 129.5, 140 cm), lengths of 58”, 64”, 72” (147, 162.5, 183 cm), and heights of 19.5”, 22”, 30” (49.5, 56, 76 cm). The angle of the Low Angled Sided Cellar Door is between 15-30 degrees.

Pair of dimensioned illustrations of the Low Angled Sided Cellar Door seen in elevation and plan views
Cellar Door - Sided, Angled, Low
Height:
19.5”, 22”, 30” | 49.5, 56, 76 cm
Width:
47”, 51”, 55” | 119, 129.5, 140 cm
Length:
58”, 64”, 72” | 147, 162.5, 183 cm
Depth:
Weight:
Area:

Angle: 15-30 degrees

Materials
Steel

Drawings include:

Low Angled Sided Cellar Door front elevation, side, plan view

Details & Downloads

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Cellar Door - Sided, Angled, High
Style and size comparison drawing of the High Angled Sided Cellar Door compared to other cellar doors

High angled sided cellar doors incorporate a steep rise, nearly 45 degrees, in their design. Steel-sided for extra durability, these doors provide robust access to the cellar. The high angle aids in weather resistance, shedding rain and snow efficiently. Despite the steep angle, these doors ensure easy accessibility and security, blending functionality with an unique aesthetic. They are engineered to withstand weight and force, making them reliable under various weather conditions, and providing a secure barrier to the cellar below.

High Angled Sided Cellar Doors is manufactured with a typical width of 51” (129.5 cm), length of 43.25” (110 cm), and height of 52” (132 cm). The angle of the High Angled Sided Cellar Door is 45 degrees.

Set of scaled dimensioned drawings of the High Angled Sided Cellar Door viewed from the front, side and top
High angled sided cellar doors incorporate a steep rise, nearly 45 degrees, in their design. Steel-sided for extra durability, these doors provide robust access to the cellar. The high angle aids in weather resistance, shedding rain and snow efficiently.

High Angled Sided Cellar Doors is manufactured with a typical width of 51” (129.5 cm), length of 43.25” (110 cm), and height of 52” (132 cm). The angle of the High Angled Sided Cellar Door is 45 degrees.

Set of scaled dimensioned drawings of the High Angled Sided Cellar Door viewed from the front, side and top
Cellar Door - Sided, Angled, High
Height:
52” | 132 cm
Width:
51” | 129.5 cm
Length:
43.25” | 110 cm
Depth:
Weight:
Area:

Angle: 45 degrees

Materials
Steel

Drawings include:

High Angled Sided Cellar Door front elevation, side, plan view

Details & Downloads

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Cellar Door - Sided, Extension
Comparison drawing of the Extension Sided Cellar Door compared to similar cellar door designs

Extension sided cellar doors integrate steel sides with an additional overhead space, enhancing the entryway's functionality and comfort. This extension allows for extra headroom, facilitating easier access and maneuverability, particularly for taller individuals or larger items. Besides providing superior security with its robust steel sides, this design also contributes to better insulation, protecting the basement from external elements. The extension sided cellar door represents a blend of ergonomic design, security, and aesthetics, enhancing the overall usability of the cellar.

Extension Sided Cellar Doors is manufactured with a typical width of 55” (140 cm), overall extended lengths of 78”, 84”, 90”, 96” (198, 213, 229, 244 cm), and height of 19.5” (49.5 cm). The angle of the Extension Sided Cellar Door is 15 degrees.

Scaled set of dimensioned drawings of the Extension Sided Cellar Door in elevations and plan views
Extension sided cellar doors integrate steel sides with an additional overhead space, enhancing the entryway's functionality and comfort. This extension allows for extra headroom, facilitating easier access and maneuverability, particularly for taller individuals or larger items.

Extension Sided Cellar Doors is manufactured with a typical width of 55” (140 cm), overall extended lengths of 78”, 84”, 90”, 96” (198, 213, 229, 244 cm), and height of 19.5” (49.5 cm). The angle of the Extension Sided Cellar Door is 15 degrees.

Scaled set of dimensioned drawings of the Extension Sided Cellar Door in elevations and plan views
Cellar Door - Sided, Extension
Height:
19.5” | 49.5 cm
Width:
55” | 140 cm
Length:
78”, 84”, 90”, 96” | 198, 213, 229, 244 cm
Depth:
Weight:
Area:

Angle: 15 degrees

Materials
Steel

Drawings include:

Extension Sided Cellar Door front elevation, side, plan view

Details & Downloads

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Cellar Door - Flat
Style and size comparison drawing of the Flat Cellar Door compared to other cellar doors

Flat cellar doors, parallel with the ground, provide unobtrusive access to subterranean spaces. Aesthetic and functional, they are designed to blend with surrounding surfaces, offering a smooth, trip-free finish. They open, usually on hinges, to reveal the cellar entrance, allowing easy movement of items and people. The flat design, while minimalist, offers weather-resistant properties and can be engineered for security, insulating the cellar from both environmental factors and unauthorized access.

Flat Cellar Doors can be manufactured with different typical sizes including widths of 45”, 55”, 63” (114, 140, 160 cm), lengths of 65”, 74” (165, 188 cm), and height of 1” (2.5 cm). The angle of the Flat Cellar Door is 0 degrees.

Set of scaled dimensioned drawings of the Flat Cellar Door viewed from the front, side and top
Flat cellar doors, parallel with the ground, provide unobtrusive access to subterranean spaces. Aesthetic and functional, they are designed to blend with surrounding surfaces, offering a smooth, trip-free finish. They open, usually on hinges, to reveal the cellar entrance.

Flat Cellar Doors can be manufactured with different typical sizes including widths of 45”, 55”, 63” (114, 140, 160 cm), lengths of 65”, 74” (165, 188 cm), and height of 1” (2.5 cm). The angle of the Flat Cellar Door is 0 degrees.

Set of scaled dimensioned drawings of the Flat Cellar Door viewed from the front, side and top
Cellar Door - Flat
Height:
1” | 2.5 cm
Width:
45”, 55”, 63” | 114, 140, 160 cm
Length:
65”, 74” | 165, 188 cm
Depth:
Weight:
Area:

Angle: 0 degrees

Materials
Steel

Drawings include:

Flat Cellar Door front elevation, side, plan view

Details & Downloads

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

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