In most private homes, an attic or other roofed space is assumed, so a staircase to the attic is necessary. The structure for climbing upstairs should be not only safe, but also aesthetic, matching the design and type of frame with other stairs. An exception is a hidden or folding structure, which is used periodically so as not to clutter up the living space. How to do it yourself - we suggest using examples and tips from the article.
The zealous owners try to use every meter of their personal space rationally. With a small living space, a massive building is inappropriate wooden ladder to the attic with your own hands, it is better to give preference to light construction, regardless of the material. Ascent to attic floor everyone equips it to their taste. Even light is possible rope-ladder that can be folded into a net or on a shelf next to the hatch. But this option is only suitable as a temporary one, and even then for an adult single person. For children and the elderly, something more reliable is needed, for example, a staircase to the attic - photo:
There are also ready-made telescopic and folding ladders and high ladders on sale, but not all of them are suitable for permanent use. And it is important to fix the finished ladder correctly or make a device for it so that it can be removed when not needed, for example, in winter. And with a large area of the house, where there are several stairs, it is advisable to make all the flights in the same style. All parts of the structure must be reliable in order to walk on floors without risk.
The construction of a private house involves stairs of different functionality:
When choosing the type of stairs, it is important to be guided not only by your own preferences, but also by considerations of expediency. The operational requirements are higher for stationary ladders, and the folding structure must be compact and reliable so as not to be injured during the next descent or ascent.
Tip: Make your attic staircase as lightweight as possible to save materials and space. It should withstand no more than 1 person with a small load, since furniture and heavy household appliances... Before you make a ladder to the attic, think about how it will be attached at the top and what to rest against at the bottom.
Suspended and folding ladders are more suitable for a small suburban building, and massive stationary ladders are more suitable for a large country house... The type of stairs depends on the location of the attic hatch. If the entrance to the room under the roof is located in a narrow space, then set spiral staircase... It is not very comfortable, and large things cannot be lifted on it. But this is the only thing Possible Solution where there is nowhere to put the classic staircase. For example, a spiral staircase to the attic, photo:
By type of construction, the most common:
More recently, attic and mansard stairs allocated in a separate row, and they are classified into subspecies:
There is no difficulty in using or installing each variety. The simplest metal staircase to the attic in several additions can be made from 2-3 ladders. The cost of each structure depends on the materials and the type of the staircase itself.
Folding models are made from pipes and a corner of light alloys, mainly aluminum and stainless steel. But this requires a tool (metal cutting) and reliable fittings. It is much easier to work with wood in a domestic environment, so most stairs are made of wood, in a classic design:
The attic staircase is an accessory for lifting under the roof, so there is no point in making it wide. The optimal width is no more than 60-70 cm, depending on the build of the people using it. But the step between the steps should be classic, about 20 cm, so as not to experience difficulties when going up or down the stairs.
But the most important thing is the angle of inclination, if it is flight of stairs... Any staircase to the attic, folding or spiral, should be inclined so that it is convenient to use - within 75 °. A very steep descent is impossible without handrails, otherwise it will be difficult to return from the attic, especially if there are narrow steps. Yes, you can also make a vertical ladder (attached, in the old fashioned way), but this is not very convenient, and it will be problematic to take things out of the attic.
Note: Some narrow metal steps are very slippery, especially when condensation forms on them in cold weather. This is counteracted by special rubber pads that minimize the risk of falling and injury.
The maximum weight that a self-made attic staircase must withstand is in the range of 120-150 kg, if larger people will not use it. In the finished product, which remains only to be fixed at the attic hatch, all parameters should be shown in technical description... There are models where folding ladder is attached directly to the hatch, which is equipped with a compact transformation method.
Stairs to the attic or attic lead both from the outside of the house and from the inside. A street staircase, not an attic, is most often made capital - metal with handrails. The inner product should take up little space, be lightweight and compact. They give preference to screw stationary structures and to be removed from the room after use:
1. A stationary attic staircase of one-piece design is the most convenient and safe, but it requires a lot of space. The most compact are the screw models, which are much more difficult to make because of the calculations of the wedge-shaped degrees, fixed at equal intervals to the pillar support. In addition, they are necessarily equipped with spiral handrails or made in the form of a glass capsule. A straight or marching staircase should also be equipped with some kind of support - railings or handrails. The width of the rectangular steps is made, if not for the full width of the foot, then at least by 3 \ 4, so that it is convenient to step, especially when descending.
2. Mobile or portable ladders and stepladders, for all their compactness, create more conditions for falling. Due to the increased danger and instability, they are not so in demand. And it is important to do everything to increase the stability and reliability of the stairs (non-slip flat floor, support stops). Their main advantage is the ability to bring and easily spread, and then remove. It is not recommended to use such devices for lifting under the roof:
3. Folding. The most compact is a folding ladder to the attic, which is attached at the top and folds under the ceiling. The main requirement is that it should not literally fall on its head, that is, a phased and slow transformation is important when using a structure of several blocks. If all the joints between the sections of the folding structure are reliable, then it is as reliable as one-piece. If it is made of metal from a hollow steel tube or aluminum profile, then it is very lightweight and comfortable. Among other modern devices for climbing the attic or attic, they are most in demand. The best option is if the folding ladder transforms along the wall, on which there is something like a handrail. Many craftsmen do this type with their own hands.
4. Retractable ladder - a kind of folding, only its structural elements do not fold back, but slide out along the guide to the stops on both sides. The transformation mechanism is somewhat similar to a telescope. Such a structure is made on hinges, and not only from a profile, but also from wood, but the guides are also from a metal corner.
5. An external staircase to the attic leads from the street, and from it design features the safety of the owners of the house climbing along it depends. Non-slip steps and non-freezing handrails are required. Usually they are built of metal from several marches along the walls of the house.
Making a folding ladder to the attic with your own hands is not as difficult as it seems. For example, it is easiest to construct from fragments finished stairs or stepladders. It is important to make the correct articulation at the folds by choosing the right fittings. It is advisable to fix it directly on the hatch or under it in a special mount. Rigid fixation at the entrance to the attic is a basic requirement.
All fragments of the folding attic staircase are folded like an accordion. On the longest segment, the rest of the transformation should be attached, there should not be too many of them. Ideally, there should be no more than 3-5 folding modules, depending on the height of the ceiling or the distance to the hatch.
Attention: Pay attention to how the structural elements are attached so as not to disturb the "accordion". But even if an error occurs, don't be discouraged, just dismantle the wrong joint. The modules are assembled on the floor, periodically checking the work.
To minimize the work of assembling the stairs to the attic, the dimensions of each element should be indicated in the drawings, taking into account the slope - for ease of lifting. When everything is calculated and sketched, there is all necessary fittings, then the assembly process will not take much time and effort. The most difficult thing is the choice of fittings for transformation, which will ensure the ease of use of the stairs.
Tip: It is best if the structure will be attached at the top of the entrance, and the first fragment is equal to the length of the hatch. The rest of the parts can be equal, shorter or longer, but all proportions must be harmoniously combined.
Build Algorithm:
An improved version is a "clamshell" with a remote control panel, but not every master can install the electric drive independently. Typically, this “smart” function is only available on finished products.
Ease of use of the ladder also depends on the hinge mechanism on springs and stops, which ensures smooth opening of the modules. And it's better to spend money on a more perfect layout mechanism than to experience inconvenience every time.
Attention: In any variant of joining parts of the ladder, bringing it into working condition, it is important to stand to the side of the path of a possible transformation! And periodically check the reliability of the fastening to the hatch or ceiling at the exit to the attic so that the stairs do not accidentally collapse on anyone's head!
For a beginner, unsure of his abilities, it is better to limit himself to a simple structure - to fix a regular single-flight ladder made of light metal along the wall.
A great option for the young and energetic is to make a folding rope ladder with wooden steps and holes on the sides on each tread. They should be strung between knots of rope or thick twine. For convenience, the steps are not made rectangular, but triangular with rounded edges.
The wide sides of the triangles are attached to the sides, the narrow ones - alternately towards. Then you get a ladder "duck step", that is, steps under the right and left legs. The lift involves a wide waddle position, which is why this is the name. The only inconvenience is to go down and go up facing the rope (wall) holding on to its sidewalls.
If there is no room for a full-fledged staircase, then a ready-made spiral staircase is also used, which should coincide with the height of the ceiling in the height of the support. Parts (wedge steps, support and handrails) can be ordered from the carpentry shop. It remains to assemble the structure and securely fasten it below and at the entrance to the attic.
When constructing any staircase, it is important to provide for:
An external metal staircase cannot be made without the help of a professional welder. However, some of the work can be done by hand:
Leave the assembly and fastening of the external metal ladder to specialists.
Tip: If the gentle flight of a fixed staircase leading to the attic or attic takes up a lot of space, consider how to use that part of the room. Shelves and shelves for books, souvenirs and collections are made in a niche. Or a "living corner" with an aquarium, cages for rodents and parrots, they will have to provide additional lighting under the stairs.
In most cases, the attic is used for storing unused and old things. In times past, few could dare to use it for living space. Today, in pursuit of every square meter, many are rebuilding the attic, making a living room. Accordingly, the attic staircase plays a key role in this case. In this article, we will look at the manufacture of this piece of furniture from different angles, and find out what types of stairs to the attic exist.
Ladders are installed both outside and inside the house. The latter option has much greater advantages. You don't have to walk across the courtyard to get to the attic. Several types of staircase structures should be distinguished:
Monolithic.
Folding attic stairs.
Portable.
As for the latter option, such stairs are often used as temporary structures. For example, they are applicable in cases where the attic has to be used less often. Portable ladders are not as reliable.
If we talk about reliability, then, of course, one should note monolithic stairs, which have a wide march and reliable railings. But if you have a small room, then it will be almost impossible to accommodate it. In similar circumstances perfect option stairs - retractable. It is characterized by ease of use, safety and ergonomics.
Mostly, a transforming staircase is made of metal or wood. If these two materials are combined, the result will be very decent. For example, a flight of stairs is made of wood, and important components are made of metal: fasteners, mechanism and springs. Wood will lighten the entire structure, while metal will add strength. For the manufacture of wooden elements, it is better to use hard woods.
In some situations, plastic fittings can be used. In the process of transformation, the plastic reduces friction. According to the opening method, folding ladders are manual and automatic. For easy manual opening, a load is attached to the ladder.
The main requirements for folding loft ladders are compact dimensions and durability. Aesthetic plays an equally important role. appearance structures.
Scissor ladders are very popular. Its production is carried out only from metal parts. In another way, it is called "accordion". But they have a number of negative qualities. For example, after a while, a flight of stairs will emit an unpleasant creak, as some parts will wear out. But this can be prevented by timely lubrication of each working joint.
This type of structure consists of sections that are retractable. When folded, it takes up little space, since the parts are assembled into one another. They are made mainly of aluminum. The telescopic ladder is highly durable.
It can have 1-4 sections. The first is fixed on the lid. Subsequent sections are interconnected and form a uniform flight of stairs. They are equipped with hinges and special hinges.
If you don't have free space, the folding ladder has clear advantages. In most cases, it is folded in the wall. It can be pulled out if necessary. Using card loops, the steps are fixed to the string. When folded, it hides against the wall.
Mention should be made of the standard sizes of such structures:
Separately, the size of the hatch should be noted. Standard size consider 120 × 70 cm. If the opening is smaller, it will be inconvenient to rise. With a large hatch, there will be large heat losses. If your attic will not be heated, then the hatch must be steam and heat insulated.
The staircase should not interfere with living in the house. For this reason, installing a staircase in the kitchen or bedroom will be impractical. Therefore, it can be located, for example, in the corridor, hall. The selected room must be of an appropriate size. In some cases, such stairs are used as an interior detail, so in some cases it may not be hidden. It is recommended that you make a preliminary drawing to represent the staircase in your interior.
If you want to make a simple ladder without complicated mechanisms, then a two-section ladder is ideal. To make it you will need:
With the help of a loop, a short bar is fixed to the upper end of the ladder. The second, similar segment of the bar, on the bottom. They must be fixed obliquely, otherwise they will interfere with movement. This design will be quite rigid. After that, measure out 2/3 of the ladder and make a neat cut. Using metal hinges, connect the two parts.
The hinges must be properly secured, otherwise the ladder will open in the wrong direction.
Now mount the top bar on the wall under the hatch. To prevent the ladder from opening when folded, you can use a hook. To do this, screw the loop next to the cut, and the hook at the appropriate distance into the wall. The attic two-section staircase is ready!
One of the disadvantages of this design is that it is always visible. But if you make a little more effort, then you can build a ladder with your own hands, which will be hidden in the hatch.
This type of ladder has three sections, but in this case it will be conveniently located in the hatch. First of all, decide on its location. For example, the opening has dimensions of 120 × 65 cm. Then, to prevent heat loss, the hatch should be cut 7–8 mm wider on each side. To work, you will need the following material:
At the end of each bar, make a drank halfway through its thickness. After these places, coat with glue and connect everything in the groove to each other in a rectangle. For strength, you can additionally twist with self-tapping screws. To get the exact diagonal of 4 mm plywood, cut out a scarf.
When the glue is dry, dismantle the kerchiefs and screw on a sheet of plywood with 10 mm self-tapping screws. Now try on the structure in the opening. If all goes well, then measurements were taken accurately.
For an aesthetic look, cut the door latch into the cover. Using the screwed handle, it will be possible to open the latch hatch.
One of the important components of a folding loft ladder is the opening mechanism. The easiest method is to buy it. But if you want to save family budget you can do it yourself.
To do this, you will need:
Manufacturing technology:
By this principle, you make all the parts of the mechanism. As a result, you will be able to make two identical parts of the mechanism.
When the mechanisms are ready, they should be attached to the hatch that was made earlier. In this case, you should try on a hatch with mechanisms for the opening.
In the open position, the hatch should not touch the walls of the opening. It can be adjusted if necessary. In order for the entire structure to be well retained, one more important detail... To do this, take two strips, the width of which is 2 cm, as well as a corner. Weld a small piece of metal to the end of one of the strips. The corner will act as a reference platform.
So, you make a hinge that flexes slightly when open, but still bears the full load. Among other things, it must fully unfold. This will distribute the load from the articulated ladder evenly.
Let's make a ladder out of wood. Take an inch board, ten centimeters wide. It is useful for making bowstrings and steps. The first section is made exactly along the length of the hatch, the second is done in the same way, and the third is slightly smaller. As for the last section, its length should be equal to the remaining distance between the floor and the two sections when unfolded. Here you will also need to use a small one. Measure the slope of the corner of the ladder in its unfolded state. Transfer these measurements to the board and mark the steps. This is done in two long sections. These lines should be applied evenly across the two boards. To do this, they can be sealed with tape. The lines drawn should be mirrored. In the places where the hinge loops will be, drill 25 holes with a feather.
The holes should be on both sides of the boards, so make holes on the inside first and then on the outside. Grind each hole with a router.
This will give the blanks an aesthetic look. Saw the boards at the joints of the segments.
Cut the required number of steps, grind them. For each rung on the string, make small 5mm holes. Assemble the entire structure with PVA glue and self-tapping screws.
To connect the sections of the march, loops should also be made. Thanks to their presence, the staircase will fold and unfold, respectively. For this purpose, you will need to take a metal strip 2.5 cm wide. There will be eight such strips. Weld a small piece of a similar strip to four of them. In each of them, make holes that will be used to attach the ladder.
Now lay the first and second segment of the ladder on flat surface... The joint between them should be tight enough. Screw on the hinge so that the pivot bolt fits into the notch in the center of the connected sections. On the other hand, the edge of the bowstring will be the reference point. After screwing on the two hinges, check the ladder to see if it is bent. If everything works fine, use the same example to connect the third segment.
Now there is only a little left. When all the parts you have made are finished and connected to each other, you can proceed to installation in the opening.
The first step is to treat all metal parts with metal primer, spray paint, and apply two coats of varnish to the wood elements.
When the entire structure is dry, it remains to secure it with anchors in the opening to the attic. After extensive work, the folding ladder is ready! You can find photo instructions at the end of the article.
You can climb to the attic or to the attic made by you using a folding ladder. To do this, you will need the following building material:
For the successful assembly of the ladder to the ceiling, the upper edge of the stationary bowstring should not reach 550 mm.
So, all the work is done in the following sequence:
So that the steps do not rub against each other when folding, an indent of one centimeter is required between them. Transfer all this markings to the second bowstring and fasten the steps in the marked places. As for the loops, they should be located on a stationary bowstring so that they ultimately raise the steps up, and the movable bowstring is lowered down. Accordingly, a hook is mounted in suitable places on the wall. This is perhaps the easiest and fastest method for making a folding attic staircase.
So, we have considered with you several options for making an attic staircase with our own hands. Of course, at first it may seem that this is an unthinkable task, but with the effort and diligence, you can do everything. Leave your comments on this article and share your impressions!
V country house the space under the roof is often useful area and is actively used, so a do-it-yourself attic staircase with a hatch would be useful.
For communication between floors, stairs have always been used, and the last, uppermost level - the attic or the attic is no exception. The ascent to the under-roof premises can be included in a single marching complex, that is, the floor located below will serve as a platform for the next flight of stairs. But access to the attic can be organized in two ways - through a door from a small platform, where you can climb the stairs from the residential floor, or through a hatch, directly to the upper floor.
Now let's talk about the very construction of the staircase. It can be stationary with steps, or it can be lowered directly into the hatch, being fixed on its cover. The second option is more compact, but more difficult to implement, the first one requires a significant area, even for. Separately, it is worth mentioning a folding ladder with rungs, which is fixed to the wall when not needed. The most practical are the mobile models: folding, telescopic, sliding and scissor.
Often in the search for information about folding models, you can find a mention of sectional, articulated, folding ladders. All this different variants of the same type - folding, since this is the principle of operation of the structure. We do not confuse sectional folding models with spans of the same type, but with bowstrings as a base. The latter are ordinary steps, fixed on hollow beams, which are called bowstrings, one of which is rigidly fixed on the wall, and the second rises on the hinges of the steps.
First, let's look at folding models, which are made from both metal (aluminum, stainless steel) and wood combined with steel parts. Regardless of the height of the ceiling, even if you can reach it with your hand, a folding staircase to the attic will always consist of at least 3 sections, both purchased and made with your own hands, drawings rarely differ in this regard.
The fact is that the supports of the lower section must necessarily abut against the floor, and if only 2 long knees are made, the attic hatch will have to be greatly extended in length. This, in turn, will take away some of the usable attic space. When you should take into account its inclination to the floor, it is never installed strictly vertically. Accordingly, the lid should not swing down at a right angle, but at an acute angle of about 70-75 degrees. In this case, the hinge between the two upper sections becomes the center of the arc, which is described by the folding bend, and therefore the hatch must be such that the lower part of the second section does not touch its edge.
The line between the supports resting on the floor is 20-30 centimeters further from the edge of the attic opening, which provides a fairly comfortable angle for the staircase. The latter factor also applies to telescopic or scissor structures. The uppermost section of the folding model is usually fixed directly to the hatch cover so that opening it at the same time starts feeding the folded sections down.
Therefore, the suspensions holding the sash must be strong enough; it is best to choose them based on a load of 150 kilograms. A do-it-yourself attic staircase should be made with a large margin of safety, if it is actively used with frequent visits to the attic, preferably made of metal. The exception may be steps, they can be made of wood, so as not to make the structure too heavy. The sections are connected by conventional one-piece hinge or lever hinges.
Telescopic pull-out sections are a very complex device for making at home, and many buy ready-made ones with an attic hatch. However, you can get by with the purchase of only a retractable ladder, which is often found in hardware stores next to tools. Her distinctive feature- aluminum sections and plastic elements for fastening the crossbars.
Such a staircase is mounted to the attic with your own hands on the hatch, the thinnest part above the hinges of the lid that folds down. It will not be possible to rigidly fix the last one due to the fact that the telescopic knees are rather short, and the fixation of at least one, in addition to the upper one, will prevent the ladder from moving out.
Before making and installing such an attic staircase with your own hands, you need to carefully measure the distance from the floor to the ceiling of the upper residential floor. If the fully extended knees are too long even when the structure is tilted, 1-2 upper sections can be rigidly attached to the hatch in a semi-extended or folded position. Worse, if the ladder supports do not reach the floor, in this case it will be necessary to attach it to the descending suspensions without mounting to the edge of the hatch opening, the cover of which will be held by separate levers.
At self-assembly mechanism for lowering the entire structure down, it is better to fix the suspensions on the ladder posts using steel clamps, possibly with their through bolt fixation to the support. The telescopic ladder can be kept in the lowered state both with purchased knee levers and with ordinary cables. For the hatch cover, in addition to suspensions, springs will be needed, which, in addition to holding it in a closed position, will allow it to be lifted without much effort. However, such springs can also be supplied to the upper sliding sections of the stairs (for such an operation, even blocks are used, which will be discussed later).
Many people think that a telescopic telescopic ladder to the attic is identical to a sliding model, but the difference between them is quite significant when made by hand. If in the first version, the sections with a length of a section of the rack between two crossbeams are pulled out from one another, then in the second case they consist of 5-6 steps and slide one along the other along the outer guides.
In other words, the telescopic design is more compact, but it is easier to make the sliding one yourself. After all, it is easier to assemble sections moving along a slide than to select pipe sections of different diameters, not to mention fixing these sections so that they do not fall apart when pulled out. As for the assembly of sliding ladders, they can be different. The simplest option is all sections of the same size and stacked one on top of the other, with a connection on a skid with rollers.
Another type is that the lower sections are narrower than the upper ones and are located one inside the other, according to the principle of a fire escape. In this case, the supports of the upper knee should be wider than the lower one, so that the section can easily fit over the crossbeams, the sleds are located on the inside of the racks, and the rollers are on the outside. In such a model, the uppermost knee, regardless of the type of construction, must be rigidly fixed to the hatch cover, equipped with strong suspensions and springs.
This option is perhaps the most interesting, since it makes it possible to climb into the under-roof rooms along full-fledged flat steps of sufficient width to comfortably place the sole of the foot. In this case, the ladder is folded as compactly as a telescopic one. This design has one indisputable advantage: if you attach the spring to at least one section, pulling it up into the hatch, the tensioning element will fold all the knees, which are interconnected levers.
The whole structure resembles several dozen scissors, which are hinged in pairs by rings and knife tips to each other. The steps are always mounted at the intersection of the metal strips, where the screw is at the scissors. At the same time, they are rigidly fixed in relation to axes that have a rotation restriction. It is not difficult to make such attic stairs with your own hands, you just need to have 100 metal strips available for 25 steps, preferably from durable stainless steel.
Each 2 strips are bolted exactly in the center, and then the resulting X-shaped elements are movably attached to each other using short bushings. The steps are installed at the crosshairs. At the same time, so that they do not swing, you need to either hang them slightly lower at the corners, or make limiting protrusions on opposite metal strips.
Caution - When folding the scissor sections, be careful not to pinch your fingers between the planks.
There are 2 possible ways, how to make a staircase to the attic. At the very beginning, we mentioned that two-piece folding ladders are impractical if the hatch is small. However, such a model can be fixed to the wall if the opening is located at the edge of the floor. In this case, we make 2 sections, short and long, and the second is fixed under the hatch itself, with hinges on a thick bar attached to the upper point of the wall. The second knee is made longer than the remaining distance to the floor, and is screwed on hinges to the bottom of the first beams, so that in the folded position it is between the wall and the long section.
Another do-it-yourself folding attic staircase is made on inclined bowstrings with full steps instead of rungs. One board is rigidly fixed to the wall, as we mentioned above. Loops are screwed to it for mounting movable treads, to which, in turn, also on the hinges, we attach the second bowstring, it is even possible with railings on rod balusters. In the upper part, under the opening, we make an emphasis for the descending bowstring board. In order for the entire structure to be held in the tilted up position, it must be hooked to a metal loop specially attached to the wall.
Long gone are the days when house owners had to climb a bulky ladder to the attic. Modern options for the attic they are good in that they take up a minimum of space both in folded and unfolded state, and it is difficult even for an attentive person to guess the presence of such a structure behind a beautifully finished attic hatch.
And definitely pleasing to the eye is such a wonderful alternative to screw structures and stepladders, like a folding attic staircase - you can make it yourself with correct attachments, with a strong spring mechanism and is no worse than modern expensive market products. And even better!
A foldable attic staircase should be easy to hide and fold under the ceiling, and therefore it is customary to make it shorter, with a small number of sections. After all, every extra step in this regard means additional weight and volume.
Such stairs are good, first of all, because they can significantly save space. At the same time, they do not spoil the ceiling of the living room at all. After all, the entrance to the attic is often located just in one of the inhabited rooms of the house. Moreover, such ladders are quite functional, durable and compact. And using them is as easy as shelling pears: just pick up a special rod with a hook at the end and hook onto the ring.
Then, with your left hand, you can easily reach the bottom step of the extreme section, reach the floor and straighten all the other components of the ladder. Likewise, by doing everything in the reverse order, you can easily fold the ladder back and put it into the ceiling. Moreover, many modern attic stairs, in addition to everything, can be folded and folded with the help of an electric drive, which is generally incredibly convenient:
Another advantage is safety. It is much safer to descend and climb such a ladder than an attached ladder: it will not break underfoot and the legs will not suddenly "leave."
And finally, lightness. The lightest folding loft ladders are made of stainless steel and aluminum, so that attic floor do not turn out to be serious loads. As you understand, in view of the design features, such a staircase can only be made of metal.
Ready-made industrial ladders, which are actively offered by the market today, are quite convenient, as far as can be judged from the available reviews on them. But we do not recommend placing them in attics, which you often have to climb (for example, our workshop or mini-library is located there).
Why? Because such ladders often turn out to be rather flimsy in practice - this is not hand-made production, but mass production, and there is no need for any manufacturer to make them too strong. For any product, the maximum boundary load is always calculated, which often does not take into account a lot of factors and force majeure. And this is the case when you are in a calm state and with almost no additional weight in your hands, gently go down or go up. If you slip, fall, or a rather fat relative decides to lift a heavy box into the attic - expect trouble.
And such stairs are often made quite steep, and it is inconvenient to go down them with something in your hands - you need to stick to one. And go down only with your back forward. Therefore, it is quite natural that many home craftsmen who have built their own house or bathhouse themselves do not see any point in buying fragile and expensive folding stairs to the attic. Why, if you can make them yourself, and of excellent quality and much greater reliability?
And in this case, where do you have more choice both in terms of the material for the manufacture of the stairs, and the fasteners themselves. The main thing is to correctly calculate the dimensions of the future structure, so that later it easily and compactly folds over the hatch, nothing touches the opening and does not create a problem.
Another one common reason the fact that many undertake to build such stairs on their own is that most industrial options usually have very thin and fragile steps - they literally creak underfoot.
So, in order to make such a ladder for the roof with your own hands, you will need wooden scraps. First, decide on the dimensions of the future attic opening, and in the second step, make the cover and hatch frame. Then you will attach the ladder to it. At the same time, it is advisable to leave gaps of 7-8 millimeters on each side. Technical specifications these are:
So, now let's figure out what types of attic folding stairs are.
Sliding ladders usually consist of two sections, one of which is attached directly to the hatch cover, and the second is already expanded vertically using special guides. When you fold such a ladder, one section at the same time, as it were, crawls over the other, which is quite convenient. The only drawback is the cumbersomeness of the entire structure, which requires a wide opening in the attic floor.
The most popular today are folding stairs, otherwise called sectional. They consist of three to four sections that can be easily straightened into a flight of stairs. They are interconnected by a special spring mechanism.
Folding structures are considered the most complex in their design, since they have a lot of fasteners and they must be correctly attached to the hatch hole. These stairs are made of both wood and metal.
The next type is a telescopic design. She shows herself remarkably in those cases when the attic is visited quite often. For example, when it was specially insulated to make it residential, although it has not yet reached a full-fledged attic. That is, we are talking about a technical attic, like a dressing room or a workshop, and in this case it is better to put a spiral staircase made of wood or metal and always with railings for a residential attic.
In a telescopic design, the blocks are pulled out alternately, while taking up as little space as possible. And such stairs are good especially because they can be extended to almost any length, which is especially valuable for high ceilings. But such devices are not suitable for children and the older generation in the house, for whom it is quite difficult to reach the lower section and generally cope with the entire structure.
These types of folding ladders do not hide behind a hatch in the attic, but they can be easily tucked away in a corner or behind an interior decoration. For example, this more rare species, which is usually made independently, also has the right to life:
And these options for folding ladders are quite popular abroad:
But both of these options have considerable drawbacks, some of which are capable of introducing discomfort into the interior of the living quarters, from where the exit to the attic comes, and after a month or two such structures are already bothering the owners with their stupidity to the point of soreness. And therefore, we still suggest that you understand in more detail the more practical folding ladders that easily fold and hide behind the hatch cover.
So, here are some tips for choosing an attic staircase.
Here is a very useful video that will help you avoid many mistakes when installing such a staircase:
As for the main material, the most affordable will be a wooden ladder, but here it is important to pay special attention to the strength of the fasteners. To make such a ladder, you will need two long and two short bars, as well as a piece of plywood 10 millimeters thick.
Let's take a closer look at this point. All structures that help to open the ladder with a hatch at the bottom differ only in the presence of additional mechanisms and shock absorption. The cushioning, in turn, makes it easier to close and open the stairs. And you can buy all the necessary hinge elements in any store. But simple metal strips drilled in several places are quite suitable for arranging such a ladder, and an aluminum sliding system will cost you the most for arranging a ladder.
Simple and practical fastening:
More complex system:
But what are the requirements for the fasteners of the entire staircase. The first is the ability to withstand the weight of the entire structure, as well as the weight of a person who will climb and descend along it. And not only static loads of a person standing on it with his certain weight, but also dynamic ones, which are much more static. For example, a person stumbled and abruptly stood on a step lower, or staggered and leaned on the ladder with all his weight, but abruptly and suddenly.
And finally, let's note the ability to easily manage the structure. As you can imagine, such a ladder weighs a lot and it is important that you later see how easy it is to open it. And when closing, you will have to lift all the weight at once, and therefore provide special springs that will facilitate the whole process over time - you will be grateful to such a trick.
So let's figure out step by step how to make a folding ladder for your attic. You will need the following tools: a hacksaw, a ladder, hinges, two beams, bolts, screws, a screwdriver and a metal hook.
The process itself can be divided into several steps:
Believe me, in practice everything will turn out to be much easier!
Any room in the house can and should be equipped in an optimal way for the people living in it. This also applies to the attic. A DIY attic staircase is a great example. correct use space and forces for organizing indoor space.
The ascent to the attic includes a ladder itself, a special access hatch and a system of levers for fixing the installed span. A self-made attic staircase saves money and provides excellent construction quality.
Classic view of a retractable staircase to the attic
There are plenty of options for how to make a staircase to the attic. Therefore, the choice of the optimal solution and its implementation depends on you.
Ladder manufacturing, its installation and testing are the main stages of work. But without designing and calculating the future structure, construction will be complicated, and the quality may not meet expectations.
The beginning of work is the creation of a hatch leading to the top. A DIY attic staircase is a great approach if you have the knowledge and skills. The correct choice of the location of the hatch, its precise creation and the equipment for the stairs serve as the basis for the entire project.
You have 2 options: use a ready-made hatch or make one yourself. The size of the hole should be comfortable for lifting, so as not to touch the ceiling and lines with your head. The place should not be crossed by beams and structural elements. The hatch must be additionally insulated, because the integrity of the structure is compromised and this can lead to heat loss.
If you decide to make an attic staircase with your own hands, then you should understand that this is not just a classic path to the upper floor. The attic staircase has its own characteristics and requires a special approach.
Manufacturing a hatch for an attic staircase includes the following work:
As a result, you get an equipped hatch that can be easily closed for a while.
The hatch in the closed position practically does not stand out against the background of the ceiling
In most cases, the design of the stairs to the attic seems to be like this. The attic staircase, which can be folded freely, looks comfortable and practical, saving space without sacrificing functionality.
Self-production of this type of staircase is quite difficult and time-consuming, but with proper preparation and step by step quite feasible. Of the tools for making a folding attic staircase, you will need the following:
Before starting the production of an attic staircase, you should take care of the presence of an extension staircase, which will serve as the basis for work. A foldable ladder can be made in just 1 day, provided all materials and tools are available.
This design option is objectively the most popular, for which there are reasons:
If you manage to make a folding ladder exactly according to the planned dimensions, then you will get an effective and effective element in home improvement.
Although the attic staircase is made by hand, there are certain established dimensions that are recommended to be observed. They are selected and laid down at the design stage, and in the manufacturing process they serve as the starting point for all actions. Below is a list of sizes that can be used:
This is the accepted order of numbers. In any case, you choose the final parameters yourself, solely from personal preferences and understanding of the ease of use of the structure.
Here is a set of versatile ladders with detailed drawings for work.
When making a staircase for an attic, it is important to follow the stages of the work in order to get the best result. To do this, we offer you a universal instruction (attention: for a specific case, some changes and adjustments are allowed).
Installed frame and mounted hatch in open position
Installation of steps on the base
Metal hinges for connecting structural elements
Assembled ladder of several sections
See how you can make a staircase to the attic with a visual example
The design of the hatch opening mechanism is one of the key elements in the design of the staircase. You can purchase a ready-to-install mechanism at any department store. If you do not want to purchase such parts, you can make it yourself.
For the manufacture of simple option opening systems, you will need the following set of parts and tools: a corner, a metal sheet (a small piece), 2 strips with different blade lengths, bolts for fasteners, drills, a bevel, a jigsaw, teski and clamps.
The manufacture of the mechanism for the stairs is as follows:
Your task is to make 2 identical mechanisms. Completely ready-made opening mechanisms are installed on the hatch. Be sure to re-try the hatch with mechanisms to the opening - make sure there are no gaps and areas where the elements touch.
Adjustment of the structure in this area is possible and does not represent anything difficult, so take this carefully.
The hinge is easy to use and allows you to use the ladder with comfort.
The attic staircase can be of several types. The choice allows you to optimally equip any room, depending on your personal wishes and needs.
A fairly common format for making stairs. The project consists of 3 sections, which are connected into a single structure. This format is suitable for equipping stairs in any room. Hinges for the opening hatch can be purchased ready-made and installed as soon as possible.
Folding hinged ladder
This option is more attractive and is a definite modernization of the previous design. For manufacturing, it is enough to cut a standard ladder into 3 sections. The smallest one should be the size of the hatch, the second is larger, and the third should completely cover the remaining distance to the floor. Make grooves on and fit the steps into them. Be sure to accurately machine all corners and surfaces.
A variant of an attic staircase that is suitable for a low room height or a type of simplified design.
Folding ladder
Ladder with large retractable sections that pull out and close the distance to the hatch at the same time. Requires precise fit of elements and sufficient space.
Sliding ladder
The attic staircase can have an unlimited number of design options - below you can admire the completed projects.
Stairs from the street
Today, a large number of attic staircase designs can be found on the net. Everyone can make them with their own hands, so you should not be afraid - you just need to prepare well and do it.
Do-it-yourself stairs to the attic are a great way to make your home more comfortable, and going to the attic is a real pleasure. The design has a small set of technical difficulties - therefore, the product is often made by hand. Basic rules for someone who decided to make an attic staircase on their own:
The staircase to the attic is easy to decorate and fits perfectly into the style of any room. Comfortable handles and secure fit make the ideal climb to the top, which is an excellent alternative to the standard fixed ladder.
