There are several different types of steel sidewalk and basement hatch doors to choose from — and the right style depends on your building type, access requirements, and site conditions. Below is a guide to the most common types of steel cellar doors Steel Masters NYC fabricates and installs for commercial and residential properties throughout New York City.
Standard sidewalk cellar door
The standard flat sidewalk cellar door is the most common type in New York City — installed flush with the pavement to provide street-level access to a building’s basement. These doors sit in the midst of heavy foot traffic and must bear the weight of pedestrians, deliveries, and equipment daily. When properly fabricated and maintained, they are extremely sturdy and completely safe for public walkways.
Steel basement door with lockable slide bolt
This type of door can be opened from the exterior without having to go down into the basement to unlock it first. With a welded frame construction and exterior slide bolt lock, it provides an added layer of security — no one can break in from the outside. Extremely durable and suitable for both commercial and residential properties.
Cellar door with steel mesh
Steel mesh cellar doors allow you to open the hatch and still maintain secure protection against unauthorized entry from the outside. The expanded metal mesh allows fresh air and light into the basement while preventing access — ideal for buildings that need ventilation without sacrificing security. Provides an extra layer of protection against trespassers while allowing for greater airflow.
Diamond plate solid steel hatch doors
Diamond plate cellar doors are the gold standard for NYC sidewalk installations. These doors feature welded angle frames for extra durability, concealed hinges, and a distinctive raised diamond surface that provides unmatched traction for pedestrians. Constructed as a single custom unit, they can be fabricated to fit any size sidewalk opening. Available in single or double door configurations. Learn more about diamond plate cellar doors.
Sloped diamond plate steel door (bulkhead door)
Unlike flat sidewalk doors, sloped bulkhead doors are set at approximately a 45-degree angle against the exterior foundation wall — making them ideal for rear-yard, side-yard, and non-sidewalk installations. Welded hinges and custom side plates make them a practical and attractive solution for residential buildings, brownstones, and commercial properties where a flat sidewalk door isn’t possible. Learn more about waterproof bulkhead cellar doors.
Hydraulic-powered Ez Lift cellar door
The hydraulic-powered Ez Lift cellar door system is the most advanced option available — engineered specifically for the demands of New York City commercial properties. Combining heavy-duty steel construction with a hydraulic assist mechanism, the door opens smoothly and effortlessly in a single motion, eliminating the strain and injury risk of traditional manual lifting. Custom-fabricated to precise site dimensions with hydraulics calibrated to the exact weight of each door. Ideal for storefronts, restaurants, mixed-use buildings, and multi-tenant facilities. As seen in Google News and Bloomberg.
Which type of cellar door is right for your building?
The right cellar door depends on your building type, the location of the opening, how frequently it will be used, and your budget. Steel Masters NYC has been helping property owners and managers select and install the right door for their specific situation since 1972. Call us at (888) 577-8335 for a free consultation and site visit — we’ll assess your opening and recommend the best solution.
For more guidance see our guide to choosing the best cellar door and our overview of the benefits of steel cellar doors.
We fabricate and install all types of cellar doors throughout Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island, Long Island, and Westchester.
