I am not sure how helpful this is to you, because i didn't do it and I don't know the details of how it works.

My friend had a new cover made the covers the steps down to their cellar. It is at an angle and is a really beautiful wood, and matches the wood stairs that are perpendicular to this that go from the backyard to the house. It has a handle and lifts up, kind of like how the doors to tornado shelters lift up. Does this make sense to you?

They don't have a basement though - it is a cellar and it is not living space, so they did not have rules to follow about fires or anything.

My friend's husband is a contractor and he designed it.

Has anyone covered there exterior basement stairwell to keep leaves and rain away from the basement door? I’ve seen some Bilco doors online but we have a longer staircase. I can’t seem to find anyone local to MD that does this type of work.

We’ve thought about putting a roof over the stairwell, but I don’t think it would be that effective.

Appreciate any thoughts.

Thanks.