Waterproof Bulkhead Cellar Doors

Waterproof Bulkhead Cellar Doors — Project Photos

Open basement access waterproof bulkhead cellar door — Bronx, NY

Open basement access waterproof bulkhead cellar door — Bronx, NY

Custom flat waterproof bulkhead cellar door from diamond plate with step up

Custom flat waterproof bulkhead cellar door from diamond plate with step up

Cellar doors over stairs, backyard

Cellar doors over stairs, backyard

Huge waterproof bulkhead door — rear of building basement access

Huge waterproof bulkhead door — rear of building basement access

Custom metal cellar door — street, waterproof

Custom metal cellar door — street, waterproof

Securely closed waterproof bulkhead cellar door — Bronx, NY

Securely closed waterproof bulkhead cellar door — Bronx, NY

Sloped sidewalk cellar door

Sloped sidewalk cellar door

Custom size fabricated sloped bulkhead basement access doors

Custom size fabricated sloped bulkhead basement access doors

Custom flat waterproof cellar door

Custom flat waterproof cellar door

Custom waterproof bulkhead doors closed

Custom waterproof bulkhead doors closed

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:

• Premium materials & construction
• Waterproof seals & weathertight fit
• Welded hinges & custom side plates
• Pad-lockable hasps & security hardware
• Primed & painted finish
• Custom sizing for any opening
• Single or double door panel configurations
• Diamond plate or smooth steel surface options

Who needs a bulkhead cellar door?

• Brownstone & townhouse owners
• Multi-family building owners
• Commercial property managers
• Restaurants with rear-yard basement access
• Retail stores needing delivery basement access
• General contractors on renovation projects

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.