Did anyone install Batpoles?

[njboywonder]

Hey.

Haven't posted in a while until a few days ago when I saw something about which I wanted to ask a question.

But, that reminded me and I thought it would be fun to mention/ask, as I'm having contractors working on various parts of the house, if anyone ever installed Batpoles?

The first guy to give me an estimate, who saw the Batman magnets on my car, said he'd install them in a maybe 4' wide and 2' deep closet with floor to ceiling shutter doors, down to the basement. Then I'd just have to have the placards with the names made.

I don't know that the openings can be made wide enough to actually use them, which is probably why I won't do it, but if they could, I'd lean more heavily toward going forward with it. Would probably test once and never use them again--unless I get to finishing the basement, but still after spending the money (and sacrificing the closet) I'd want them functional. But it'd still be a heck of a novelty.

If anyone did, are there issues of which I should be aware?

Thanks.
Brett

[BiffPow]

Structural and safety issues will be the main thing. I wonder if an elevator operated platform with a cut out for the batpole would work?

If you proceed, maybe you just need one, with your name on the placard.

[njboywonder]

I can only afford the cutout(s) and holes in the floor and the poles. Not as Bruce Wayne-ish as I'd need to be to afford an elevator (though an innovative solution, thanks...). Not even putting cushions on the basement floor--not a far enough drop to bother. Would just be cool as heck to have them, and hidden.

[Simon Cowl]

Where is your closet? Is this just a one-storey house, not counting the basement? If so, not too big a drop.

If your closet is way up on a second floor upstairs, then sliding down a batpole all the way down into your basement might be a bit more, um, thrilling.

Beware of friction burns on your hands and legs!

[hisyouthfulward]

I'd worry about a potential building code violation maybe putting a halt as I could see some serious issues with crawiling babies exploring or even the errant curious pet taking a quick trip to the Batcave. I know you'd have a door installed to hopefully block a tragic event from happening but doors can be left open. Even if they were installed, would this put a crimp in a potential sale to a new owner? Don't get me wrong...I admire your committment but in the regulatory maze we find ourselves in today's climate, I think City Hall would be the rain on your parade. For what it's worth, growing up, we had a cold air return grate flat on the floor in our hallway and, once removed, my eight or nine year old self could take a quick trip down to my basement "Batcave". Maybe this is the solution to your problem...they have covers for basement sump wells that might be able to cover the openings when not in use. There's usually a hole in the middle of the cover and that could accommodate the pole. Just thinking out loud...good luck and let us see some pics if it all works out.

[AndyFish]

I think it would clobber your resale value.
I've not thought of a pole but I have considered a secret entrance behind a book shelf.

[hisyouthfulward]

I'm with you Andy...go to garage sales, buy old books, remove the spines and glue them to the front of a pocket door. Space out the faux books into shelves by attaching a 1 x 1 strip of molding to simulate the edge of a shelf and you have your sliding door. If you're using the space as a closet, paint the Batpoles on the back wall and it's the next best thing to the real entrance. No meddling building inspectors or real estate agents need worry.*

* The producers do not mean to impugn the reputation of any building inspectors or real estate agents who may be reading this...

[BiffPow]

You can even buy wallpaper that looks like books on the shelf already. Just adhere that to your pocket door. Or have a custom oversized poster printed.

Example of wallpaper:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/144035192276

[BiffPow]

There’s even a peel and stick bookshelf door mural:

[njboywonder]

Holy overexcitement, Batman! In my zeal over the contractor offering to do it, I never let myself consider building codes/safety/resale. Now, no one would know, there are never babies or young children here, and I hope to never sell the house, but yeah, big issues.

And Simon, I totally agree, but this would be from the first floor to the basement. No way to incorporate the second. I only even thought of it when I was faced with the remodel of the room with the closet in question. Seemed like the perfect thing to do with it... For me, anyway...

Thanks everyone for the input.

[dell]

I did think of it when building my house, but figured wifey would veto it. Plus, there was no obvious place to put it that wouldn't require substantial redesign of our floor plan. Would've been a great way to get to the basement though. The one Bat feature I would have used regularly.

[Batfanman]

It's a cool idea for sure but potential personal injury and even death would be the biggest reason to not do this. Even fire houses have stopped using them because of these reasons.

[BiffPow]

There are a lot of interesting self adhesive “bookshelf” door murals. This one is a two piece, but if it’s anything like the photo it looks good.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/154865934965

[Lou Szabo]

I just spoke to a Lieutenant in a Columbus OH fire department about their spiral staircase versus a pole. He said a pole is acceptable for one floor, but they are 3 floors up. And it’s not that safe. His home base is inside a water tower in the northwest of Columbus. Bunks, workout gear are on the 3rd floor.