builderbill

Graphical Construction Glossary >> Doors. >> Door types >> Trap Door

Trap Door
A door set flat into a floor or ceiling. Hinged to open downwards .



a trap door

A common term for any door set into a floor and hinged to open downwards under it's own weight.

I guess the term came about in the days press gangs and other criminal activity. It is said that Sweeny Todd had one for disposing of his victims. So the trap part comes from the fact that the door opens downwards and so anyone or anything on it will fall down below.

I doubt that any set of building regulations would allow one these days. So, just in case you are wondering what the door in the photograph is. It is the gallows door at Her Majesty's Gaol and Labour Prison in Fannie Bay, Darwin. Commonly known as Fannie Bay Gaol. It was used twice in 1952 for executions. The gaol remained operative until 1979,

So, if you are contemplating a door to your cellar of loft space, hinge it opening upwards! It's safer :-)



If you didn't find exactly what you are looking for try this search tool that will search the site and the web.


"What can be added to the happiness of a man who is in health, out of debt, and has a clear conscience?
Adam Smith 1723-1790


"When we build, let us think that we build for ever."John Ruskin 1819-1900


coates hire
Hire Equipment
hafele
Furniture Fittings - Architectural Hardware - Electronic Locking Systems - Technical Hardware
BuilderBill sponsorship

BuilderBill Books


building maths
Building Maths

Stair Design
asbestos ebook
Asbestos Book

Calculator Pages.

Concrete yardage calculator

Reader's Questions.

Questions and answers.


 

 



Please Note! The information on this site is offered as a guide only!  When we are talking about areas where building regulations or safety regulations could exist,the information here could be wrong for your area.  It could be out of date!  Regulations breed faster than rabbits!
You must check your own local conditions.
Copyright © Bill Bradley 2007-2012. All rights reserved.
Page copy protected against web site content infringement by Copyscape