What is a basement door installation (Bilco/bulkhead)?

A basement door installation adds an exterior access point to your below-grade space through the foundation wall or alongside the house. These doors are commonly called Bilco doors, bulkhead doors, cellar doors, or hatchway doors, and they provide direct outdoor access to the basement without entering the home.

Bilco is the leading manufacturer of prefabricated steel cellar entrance systems in the United States, and the Bilco name is often used generically to refer to any exterior basement hatch door. These units consist of a steel frame set into a concrete collar at grade level, with slanted steel door panels that open to a staircase descending into the basement.

Scaldino Basement Solutions installs the full range of Bilco door configurations, including standard angled, flat, corner, and along-side styles, as well as custom sizes and galvanized steel or diamond plate finishes. A new installation involves cutting through the foundation wall, installing the concrete collar, setting the Bilco frame, and ensuring proper drainage around the well. Contact Scaldino Basement Solutions for a free assessment.