Steel Masters NYC custom fabricates and installs waterproof bulkhead cellar doors for commercial and residential properties throughout all five boroughs, Long Island, and Westchester. Whether you need a new installation or a replacement for an old rusted unit, every bulkhead door we build is custom-measured, fabricated in our Brooklyn shop, and installed by our own crew. Fully insured since 1972.
What is a bulkhead cellar door?
A bulkhead cellar door is a sloped, angled steel hatch door — typically set at a 45-degree angle against the exterior of a building — that provides direct outdoor access to a basement or cellar. Unlike flat sidewalk cellar doors that sit flush with the pavement, bulkhead doors slope outward from the foundation wall and swing open upward, making them ideal for residential buildings, backyards, loading areas, and properties where a flat sidewalk installation isn’t practical.
Bulkhead doors are especially common in older New York City buildings, brownstones, townhouses, and commercial properties with rear-yard or alley basement access. When properly fabricated and sealed, they provide a weathertight, secure entry point that stands up to the harsh New York climate year-round.
Our waterproof bulkhead cellar doors
Every bulkhead door we fabricate is built to your exact opening dimensions and site conditions. There are no standard off-the-shelf sizes — each unit is custom-made. Our bulkhead doors feature:
Who needs a bulkhead cellar door?
Bulkhead doors vs. flat sidewalk cellar doors
Both bulkhead and flat sidewalk cellar doors provide basement access — the right choice depends on your building type and location. Flat sidewalk doors sit flush with the pavement and are ideal for storefronts and buildings with street-facing basement access. Bulkhead doors are sloped and ideal for side-yard, rear-yard, or foundation-wall installations where a flat sidewalk door isn’t possible. Steel Masters fabricates both types — see our sidewalk cellar doors page for flat hatch options.
Serving all of NYC and surrounding areas
We fabricate and install waterproof bulkhead cellar doors throughout Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island, Long Island, and Westchester. Every unit is custom-built to fit your specific opening — call us at (888) 577-8335 or submit an estimate request and we’ll arrange a site visit to measure and quote your project.
