Many people want to live in a cozy country house with an attic room or an attic. When designing and building such housing, the question arises of a convenient and safe rise to the second floor. Therefore, it is worth considering in more detail the nuances of making stairs for the attic.
An attic staircase is necessary not only in a house with an attic, it will be required even if the attic is not used for living - to access the roof, repair work, laying of communications. There are many types and designs of it, but the main thing is that it provides a convenient descent and ascent and is safe.
One of the simplest options is an attic staircase located outside the house. It is elementary to make it, but in cold weather it will not be very comfortable to climb into the attic, and the attic opening facing the street will allow cold air to pass through, which will generally increase heat loss inside the residential building. Therefore, it is better to immediately choose a project of stairs to the attic from the inside.
The space in the attic can be used in different ways. It can serve as a full-fledged living room, a workshop, a storage room. Depending on its purpose, it is worth choosing the type of attic staircase. If access to the attic is required several times per season, then you can get by with the simplest folding model made of wood or aluminum, and if there is a bedroom or a nursery at the top, then you should definitely make a solid and comfortable structure with a hatch and railings.
The task is to make a ladder for the attic with your own hands for experienced master not too complicated, the main thing is to pre-select its type, shape, location and pre-create drawings with dimensions. The simplest folding versions are made in one day, more complex models with handrails and two spans can be built in 2-3 days. Most often, the entrance to the attic is made in the hallway, on the veranda, but it can be built in any other living space.
All types of attic stairs can be roughly divided into portable and stationary. Portable options are ordinary stepladders that are attached to the attic hatch and are used for their intended purpose. Constantly going down and up them will not bring much convenience, especially for children or the elderly, and they are also unsafe. Their advantage lies in the fact that they are easy to manufacture, do not take up much space in the room, if they are not in demand, then they can simply be removed to any free space.
Portable ladders are most often used as temporary (during construction or renovation), in the future it is best to build a more reliable and convenient option.
The foldable structure is usually made of aluminum, as it is durable and lightweight. At the bottom there are support beams for stability, the width can reach 65 cm. The step of steps is usually 10–20 cm, there can be one or several sections. The longest is the 4-section model, but this height is usually not required, for a floor height of 2.5–3 m, two sections are enough.
A folding attic staircase, according to the mechanism of its disassembly, can be:
The sliding aluminum attic staircase is good because it can be easily expanded to the desired length and securely fixed, and when folded takes up very little space, it can be leaned against the wall or put in the attic. All such designs can be easily found in hardware stores, so you don't even have to do anything yourself.
Another option is to mount a homemade ladder with a folding part. It can be mounted on a ceiling door or hatch, then it can be easily folded back and unfolded. There can be 2-3 sections, in the unfolded state it turns out to be rigid and stationary. Hard wood is used for the installation of its frame and steps, and metal parts are used for the fastening and folding mechanism. With a competent design and careful work, such a structure can be automatic, very convenient and completely safe.
An interesting option compact structures that are attached from the inside to the attic hatch are scissor ladders. They are most often made entirely of metal, and when the flaps are opened in the attic, they are laid out like an accordion or a tram current collector. The frame is very lightweight, easily bolted to the wooden hatch. The disadvantage is that after some time of intensive use, metal parts begin to creak. Therefore, one must remember to lubricate them periodically.
A telescopic attic staircase is a retractable type. It consists of many aluminum tubes that add up one to one. When folded, it takes up little space and can be easily attached to the attic hatch. In order to expand it, a special handle is provided. But such models are not very popular.
A very common option is monolithic stairs, that is, they are not folding and not portable. Such lifting structures although they take up more space, they are sturdy, do not need moving parts, and can last for more than a decade. They can be made of quality wood, equipped with railings, and the space under the stairs can be used to the maximum advantage.
Single-span monolithic staircase - the easiest to manufacture but it may climb too steeply, which will be inconvenient with regular use. The most convenient design may be with two spans located perpendicular or parallel to each other. The only problem is that it will take up the maximum space. To save space, many craftsmen erect a spiral staircase in a small room.
Monolithic stairs to the attic or attic with one or two flights are made of wood, but there are also models with a metal frame with wooden steps. Most often they are made in a secluded, most unclaimed place in the room. A good solution would be to place them against the wall or in the corner of the room.
The attic staircase can be metal or wooden. For sliding and folding structures, it is better to use metal, which will wear less with constant friction of parts.
The most common choice is aluminum, which is lightweight, durable and non-corrosive.
Staircase fittings include hinges, bolts, springs, which can be made of stainless steel.
A stationary and monolithic staircase to the attic is best made of wood. It is easy to process and fasten. Hardwoods are usually chosen: oak, beech, pine. The material must be well dried, treated with varnish and antiseptic. For the frame and steps, bars with a thickness of at least 2 cm are taken.
When installing a wooden monolithic staircase, you only need ordinary nails to fasten the parts. For sliding or reclining ceiling options, more sophisticated accessories are required. To open the attic hatch, you need metal corners and strips, hinges, hinges, bolts or screws. The number of parts is selected depending on the length of the ladder and the number of sections.
As an example of making a comfortable and safe staircase to the attic, consider the device of a folding model of three sections, which folds upwards onto the ceiling hatch. It can be built independently in almost any country house with wooden ceilings with a height of up to 280 cm.
It is made step by step in several stages.
Another example of an attic staircase in wooden house, which you can make yourself - it is a stationary monolithic structure with one span. The place for it should be chosen in the corner of the room, so that one side of the flight of stairs rests on the wall. Since the climb will be quite steep, it is best to equip the staircase with a wooden railing. For the frame and steps, one-inch boards with a width of 10 cm are selected.
Steps are cut with a width of 650 cm, the step between them should be 10-15 cm, the length will depend on the height of the ceiling. For the railing, you can take polished beams 5x5 cm. Installation takes place on anchors or screws. If necessary, a hatch is mounted on the attic opening, which opens using hinges with hinges.
The advantages of this design are that it is easy to assemble and install, has a pleasant appearance, and can be easily dismantled during repair.
It is not recommended to mount a wooden staircase with one section longer than 3.5 m, as this suffers from its rigidity, the structure has a risk of collapse. In a private house with high ceilings, it is better to use a monolithic version with 2-3 spans. If the height of the floor is large, and there is little space, then there is a good option for a spiral staircase. But such structures are not very convenient, there is a high risk of falling.
The stairs to the attic from the street can also be made stationary, adjacent to the wall of a wooden house. But this option is good only for warm climates, or if it is used irregularly. Often such projects are used in houses with an attic for an additional entrance to the upper room. If the possibilities to build a solid and beautiful internal structure do not allow, and you need to use the attic regularly, then you can create the simplest temporary street version.
For ease of use, the steps should have a step of no more than 20 cm, but they should not be placed too often. Optimal height is 19.3 cm.
If they are made of wood, then their thickness should be 18-22 mm, otherwise the staircase has a risk of collapse. In a building up to 280 cm high, the number of single-span staircase steps will be 14-15.
The optimal angle of inclination of a folding or single-span staircase is 60-75 degrees. If it is less, then the steepness of the rise is too great, it becomes inconvenient and dangerous to use. If the slope is greater, then the structure will take up a lot of space in the room. In general, it is calculated that for a comfortable ascent, the total span length in such a model should be 35 cm more than the height from floor to ceiling.
Calculation shows that optimal length steps should be at least 65 cm, then you can move freely along it. But if space permits, you can increase this value. Foldable or single-span wooden ladder must support a weight of 150 kg. The steps should be at least 20 cm in width, then it will be convenient to step on them.
It is possible to buy ready-made folding mechanisms for attic stairs. But at the same time, it is necessary to correctly take into account their dimensions so that they fit in folded form into the ceiling opening, securely attached to the hatch, and when unfolded they are just at the height of the room.
If it is decided to do such a rise to the attic completely independently, then it is worth creating detailed drawing with dimensions, calculation of the possible load, make an estimate, including building materials for the frame, steps and railings, accessories and fasteners, insulation for the hatch.
Unlike railings, it is better not to make steps from smooth polished wood. In this case, the surface will be very slippery and there is a high risk of falling, especially with a high steepness or a screw version. If the wood is still too smooth, it is best to provide the steps with anti-slip stickers.
The scissor ladder to the attic is easy to install and relatively cheap. But it is not so comfortable when lifting, and the view is not very attractive.
A folding wooden ladder attached to the hatch looks beautiful. As you can see, the mechanism is equipped with a special handle, so no stepladders or stools are required.
Beautiful option a monolithic structure made of wood with original steps can be made and assembled with your own hands.
This article provides step-by-step instruction to create a folding attic staircase. You will learn how to properly assemble the main hinge element, from which to make ladder sections and how to securely fix the structure in the installation position. The article contains diagrams and drawings.
Inventory factory stairs to the attic are a fairly common product that can be purchased at many hardware stores. but budget options not always reliable, and strong branded products cost accordingly. Making the necessary item or device with your own hands from scrap materials is very popular among home craftsmen. The attic staircase is no exception.
To assemble an analogue of a factory product, you will need high-quality materials that may be available, especially during construction:
Tool:
First of all, you need to choose a place for the stairs and make an opening. If necessary, cut and install intermediate beams in the floor - 6-7 mm larger than the size of the intended cover. Further, according to the dimensions of the hatch, you need to assemble the cover itself - from a bar and plywood. The design can be arbitrary, but it must be reliable (it is better to glue the connections). The bar on one of the short sides should be rounded so as not to interfere with the opening of the lid.
This is the most critical structural element. To make it you will need: a steel corner, a plate and strips with a thickness of at least 3 mm. The shape of the parts is clear from the diagram, but the dimensions of the drilling site should be determined individually, based on the situation in place. The manufactured parts must be of high quality, they must be cleaned and the edges processed.
1 - thrust plate; 2 - corner, top view; 3 - short curtain; 4 - long curtain
The key point is determining the opening angle. This angle is very important and figures in the manufacture of the plate. In order to set it correctly, project the future march on the ground - stretch the thread and experimentally (by choosing the best position) set the desired angle. Fasten it securely to the protractor - it will be needed when making steps.
The resulting angle must be transferred to the part, namely to the plate. To do this, set the mechanism to its original position, apply a protractor and move until the angles of the angle shelf and protractor coincide. Then mark the plate along the resulting trajectory and cut out the path of the part.
Pre-drilled holes in the plate for mounting to the beam. We assemble the mechanism on bolts through washers.
After a rough assembly, you need to try on the assembly in place, make money and exactly reproduce the procedure for opening and closing the hatch. If you find flaws in the move, fix them.
Then you need to make a response mechanism. He should completely repeat the first, but in mirrored... Use clamps and a workbench - clamping the parts together, you will achieve complete identical dimensions.
Make adjustments and final assembly empirically. When open, the cover should follow the angle projected by the cord exactly.
Calculation of the length of each section:
Let's assume that the march length is 2500 mm. Based on the length of the opening 1200 mm:
We mark out the whole boards according to the calculation and transfer the march angle to the bowstrings.
Attention! Bowstrings must be installed mirrored! Consider this when marking and drilling.
At the joints of the sections we drill Ø 25 holes - mirrored through one.
All parts must be properly processed with sanding tape, chamfers must be rounded in order to bring the quality as close as possible to the factory one.
Then we cut the grooves for the steps along the markings. We select the wood with a chisel.
The structure of individual sections is assembled on self-tapping screws 65 mm with a press washer through D-3 wood glue.
Knee loops can be made from the same strip as the opening mechanism. To do this, we cut 4 strips of 160 mm and 4 strips of 120 mm, round off the ends. To four of them we weld on legs up to a length of 160 mm with an 8 mm hole. You should get 8 parts of the same length, but 4 of them with a step.
Assemble the individual plates into hinges using bolts.
Lay out on a flat surface and install the finished section hinges so that the mounting bolts fall into the holes in the tree. Install the hinges on the M8-10 bolts.
After assembling the first elbow, check the system for functionality. Correct the misalignment if necessary.
Then attach the lower short elbow and test the system.
Now the ladder remains to be mounted in the design position - on the hatch cover. Use screws for installation (self-tapping screws are not reliable). If, after installation and testing, everything works without distortions, the structure can be dismantled for painting. Use varnishes and metal spray paint.
Subsequently, the design can be complicated and made more convenient by adding to it:
Finished staircase view:
The issue of finishing and insulation is decided locally, based on the needs. You can trim the lid with any material that fits into the ceiling. Basically it is plastic - light, inexpensive and with an additional layer of air. The difference in price between the "home" and "store" folding ladder is about 90% ($ 80-150). The work required only a few new boards, a covering for them and hardware.
In almost all country houses there are attics. To organize a comfortable and safe ascent there, it is necessary to equip a ladder.
It can be made of various materials, but wooden stairs are the most common and convenient. Let's consider in detail their types, and tell you how it can be made of wood.
Structures for lifting to the attic can be permanent and removable. Their type depends on the available installation space, ceiling height and frequency of use.
After all, the attic is often used as a utility room, and there is no need to install a complex architectural structure. However, even among simple designs there are those that will harmoniously fit into the interior, and will not take up much space.
When choosing a type, you do not need to think about the possibility of moving large-sized objects along it or finding two people at the same time, since both of these situations are unlikely to arise.
All structures by the type of attachment to the bearing base are divided into the following types:
Such designs are two supporting bowstrings, straight or curved, between which steps are located in the grooves.
They are a bit like systems on bowstrings, but the difference is that stringers serve as a support beam. The steps are fastened to them from above, in such a way that they seem to lie on the supports. One or two stringers are usually used.
In this case, the steps with one side are fixed with pins to the wall, or to the load-bearing beam mounted in the wall. This step system looks very stylish.
This design has found application in a screw type device. One, tapered end of the step is fixed on a vertical bearing support, and when correct location, all steps form a helical flight. A big plus in such a system is that it does not take up much space.
Such structures can be manufactured using all of the above types of fasteners.
Stationary types are the most outwardly attractive, convenient and safe to use. However, for the installation of capital loft systems, it is not always possible to find a suitable free space.
They are rather inconvenient to use for interfloor movements:
Most often, portable options are used when access to the attic is from the street.
Manufacturers offer a large selection. They consist of 3-4 spans and can be easily adjusted to any ceiling height. However, the price of these designs is pretty decent.
If the question arose about manufacturing, wood is the most suitable material for these purposes. There is no need to buy a ready-made structure, as it is quite easy to make it yourself.
The production process of the attic staircase, you can watch the video in this article:
Do-it-yourself capital construction: stages of work. In the manufacture of the structure, you will need bars for the manufacture of bowstrings, boards for steps, a set of screws and anchors for fastening, varnish or paint for finishing.
Tools required for work:
Manufacturing instruction:
The result is a simple yet reliable and secure system.
Requirements for folding structures:
Consider how to make with your own hands:
Important! During the production of the structure, and especially during its installation, you will definitely need an assistant.
Important! Before attaching the system to the hatch, check if all elements are functioning properly.
The result is a structure that will provide safe access to the attic, and will not take up space in the house.
We examined what kind of wooden attic stairs are, their types, options for use. They gave advice on how to make a comfortable and functional staircase with your own hands. Now it's up to you!
The attic is a traditional space in almost every country house. Its functionality is unusually wide. For example, this room is used as a storage room or workshop, some homeowners even design the attic as a living room or bedroom. In fact, the functional purpose of such a room depends solely on your own imagination, as well as financial capabilities. However, despite the wide variety of design options for the attic space, it is worth knowing that the attic staircase with a hatch is an integral part of it. If you do not build this structure, then you simply cannot get into this room. Creating an attic staircase is a fairly simple matter, in connection with which you do not even have to contact the professionals in the construction industry.
The attic staircase must be functional
Actually, the most time-consuming process in organizing the attic space is the construction of the stair segment. Before creating a project for a specific staircase for your home, you must first determine the category of construction. There are such options:
An approximate diagram of a folding ladder with a hatch
Experts in the construction industry call the wide marching structure the most reliable in the corresponding segment. It should be noted that its durability, reliability and safety cannot be compared with the constructive counterparts on the market. Meanwhile, despite the large number of advantages of this option, the choice in its favor is sometimes impossible due to the banal lack of the necessary free space. Thus, if you do not have a large area for stairs, then a stationary model will not suit you. However, do not despair, because you can always build a folding ladder. Its design has the best characteristics from stationary and portable analogs. For example, it is not as reliable and safe as a stationary marching model, however, to organize such a structure, it is necessary to have a very small amount of free space. In addition, it is the folding models that are easiest to implement without the help of experienced professionals.
Simple two-piece staircase
Portable models will be allocated in a separate category, however, it is quite extensive. The variety of portable products is incredible. Meanwhile, do not forget that the daily use of such a product can never become safe or comfortable enough, and the ladder itself is not able to compete with stationary and folding models in terms of operational and technical characteristics.
The ladder should be comfortable and functional
In the process of creating an attic staircase with your own hands, namely, its preliminary drawing, you should pay attention to what building materials are usually used in this case. Despite all the variety of products in the segment of building materials, any experienced builder will tell you that there are certain types of goods that show themselves in the best way during operation. As a rule, all the main structural parts are made mainly of wood, while fasteners and fixing elements are made of metals. Thanks to the competent selection of materials, the attic staircase with your own hands, the drawing of which was made by a non-professional, will be an order of magnitude stronger and more reliable.
Folding hinged ladder
Due to the fact that building materials for folding stairs to the attic are presented in a variety of price segments, source materials and characteristics, it is quite easy to drown in the sea of information about them. To minimize the time spent on searching and choosing the best options, you should be guided by a number of rules:
Another one typical scheme attic stairs
Any specialist who has the necessary level of qualifications and experience in working with these types of objects will tell you that the final result of construction work on erecting stairs to the attic with his own hands largely depends on the competent determination of the functional purpose of the product. This parameter allows you to calculate the indicator permissible load for each step of the product. The standard value of this indicator for a metal product reads about 250 kgf, but wooden models are designed only for 150 kgf. In addition, it should be borne in mind that the above indicators are valid for products made by professionals, while homemade objects have slightly lower parameters. In general, the indicator allowable pressure on a step does not mean that it will not bear more stress. However, if you overload the structure too often, then it will become unusable in a fairly short time.
You don't have to make a lot of effort when opening the hatch.
So, the main criteria by which the choice is made the best option are:
Drawing creation must be carried out in accordance with the regulations
Actually, experts say that there is nothing particularly difficult in creating a staircase with a hatch with your own hands. It is enough to adhere to certain rules, proven over the years. For example, when drawing up design drawings, it is worth being guided by the normative and technical documentation, which, in addition to general conditions, also contains specific parameters of standard products. In addition, on the Internet, a lot of ready-made schemes for every taste are offered in the public domain. You can take ready-made version and start bringing the project to life, or slightly modify it in accordance with individual characteristics at home.
Toolkit recommended by experts
Most General requirements regulatory and technical documentation can be reduced to a number of simple and understandable conditions:
Having decided on the independent implementation of construction work, it is very important to stock up on a certain set of inventory, so that in the process of implementing a product project, you do not stop due to the banal absence of a screwdriver or tape measure. So, the standard set of tools consists of the following items:
Staircase construction is not difficult
All the nuances of the location of the object in the room will become visible during the construction process. This is especially true if you are engaged in the creation and subsequent implementation of the project yourself. Remember that the product in no way can reduce the comfort of the room. That is why staircases with a hatch are not located in bedrooms, living rooms and kitchens. However, if necessary, you can diversify your staircase project with an interesting design. Thanks to this, the product will be able to harmoniously fit into the overall interior of the room.
By following a certain technology, you can quickly and efficiently implement even a complex project. So, if you chose metal as the main material, then remember that the following stages are carried out:
Install a temporary ladder before starting work
As you can see, the technology of work on the implementation of the staircase project with your own hand is quite simple. It applies not only to metal objects, but also to wooden products.
In order for the appearance of the attic staircase to be as attractive as possible, do not be too lazy to carry out preparatory work on the surface building material... This is, for example, the application of a special primer before coating the surface with a coloring agent.
Do not be afraid of difficulties, because the technology for the construction of stairs only at first glance may seem problematic to you and require experience in the construction industry. Applying the optimal amount of effort will help you achieve maximum results.
There is an attic in any country house. Very often this is an unused room, but in some cases some unnecessary things are stored here or even some room is equipped. In any case, there must be access to it, and for this, stairs are made to the attic. They can be created from wood and metal - in this case, you can start making them yourself. Or they can be beautiful forged - such designs are usually created to order.
Before erecting an attic staircase, you need to think over several of its features. First, it must be comfortable and safe to use. Moreover, these two indicators depend on the constructive principle of the staircase and attic itself. An important role is played by taking into account the type of stairs, the width of its steps, and the height of the rise. The height of the stairs is calculated depending on what its design will be. If it is a folding type, then you need to carefully consider its size when folded.
The steps must be of such a size that it is convenient and safe for anyone to climb. The correctness of the design also depends on the location of the steps: the distance between them should not be too small or large. Failure to comply with these requirements will violate safety regulations.
The width of the span of the stairs to the attic should be at least 0.8 m. It is important that the angle of inclination is observed: this must be thought out even at the design stage of the structure.
The choice between these two types of structures depends on how much big square at the attic. Of course, a stationary ladder is more reliable and safe, but it is also solid, that is, a lot of space is required for it. That is why many people prefer folding attic stairs: they are convenient, take up little space, due to the fact that they can be folded. Most often, such structures consist of several sections that are superimposed on each other, thereby saving space. Moreover, they can always be adjusted depending on the required size.
These designs are becoming more and more popular due to their advantages:
All these advantages make retractable ladders so much in demand. How to make it yourself?
The very first step should be a thorough analysis and verification of the dimensions of the hatch opening. This is necessary so that the parameters you have selected match the dimensions of the stairs. Then the location of the bars is thought out - first at the bottom, then at the top. Special spacers are located between the opening and the staircase - they will help to better fix the structure. Once it is in place, the spacers can be removed.
If space does not allow the installation of retractable ladders, you can replace them with an external structure. It will provide a connection between the outside world and the inside of your home. The main thing is to remember the safety rules, since the operation of such a structure has its own characteristics. When installing an outdoor staircase, it is important to choose the right material: it must be resistant to sunlight, exhibit increased abrasive wear, reliable and durable.
Wooden stairs to the attic are the easiest option, which you can create with your own hands. This can be done in several ways. Consider the simplest and most feasible ones.
To make an attic staircase, you first need to take measurements: we need the parameters of the height of the room, the estimated angle of inclination, which most often reaches 30 degrees, while the height is about 2.5 m.In order for the staircase to be reliable and correct in terms of design, you need to think over and draw up drawings correctly. The simplest wooden stairs are created on the basis of bars for kosour, bars corresponding to the width of the stairs, for fastening, overhead hinges and boards, from which we will make steps. Yes, and do not forget about the folding hangers - the hatch cover will be fixed on them. The installation process itself is as follows:
This is the easiest way to create an attic staircase.
This is a more time-consuming method of making a staircase, which can be easily mounted even in a country house. It looks more aesthetically pleasing and has more reliable design, which is important in conditions of heavy load on it. The structure itself will be movable on one side, and the other half will be attached to the wall. To create such a staircase to the attic, we need:
It is important to arm yourself with a drawing - it will allow you to perform all the work with high quality and accuracy. After determining the angle of inclination, you need to saw off the bars from above and below so that they firmly rest against the floor. Boards along the entire length are divided into equal segments - here the steps will be located at the distance that you need. The fastening of the steps is carried out with card loops, and after the completion of the structure, you can make it exquisite by treating it with varnish or painting it.
Attic stairs made of aluminum look very nice, especially if your country house is decorated in the style of “minimalism” or “high-tech”. What is metal good for? First, it is more reliable. Secondly, such structures are treated with special compounds that protect the surface from mechanical stress or corrosion. Thirdly, metal structures are able to withstand heavy loads.
The most popular among buyers are sliding-type metal stairs, which take up little space. They are relevant for rooms that are small, that is, where required rational use space.
Despite all the complexity technological process, you can make a metal staircase yourself. Moreover, it can be made both from metal and from a combination of materials. To make the simplest metal staircase, we need to prepare:
Note that the amount of materials is calculated based on the drawing. With a welding machine, we will make strong seams, so the staircase will be a monolithic and solid structure.
Such an aluminum or steel staircase will be built on the basis of a channel (size 8-10). The steps are made of sheet steel, if they are without additional finishing, you will need a grating on the step, which will protect against falling. The railings are made of angle steel, and the tread supports are made of reinforcement. First, the supporting devices are installed and welded onto the beam, then the brackets are welded for fastening.
Metal attic stairs may have wooden treads, but first you need to think about where the additional fasteners will be located. On metal steps, holes for self-tapping screws should be located at a distance of 15 cm from each other. A plywood backing is mounted to the metal treads - it is attached to mounting glue, which, after hardening, retains its shape.
Very often, many people prefer to buy ready-made structures, rather than mount them on their own. But in this case, you will have to work hard, since they are delivered disassembled. How to assemble? General scheme works like this:
Very often, in country houses, wrought-iron stairs are connected with the attic or attic. Moreover, they can be simple screw, or they can have ornate patterns, which allows them to fit into any room in terms of stylistic orientation. All spiral staircases can be divided into several types:
The most convenient are the stairs, the span in which is up to 900 mm with the diameter of the entire staircase up to 2200 mm.
If you do not want to do your own installation, you can always buy the same forged stairs, which are quite difficult to assemble on your own, and even more so to invent and make. Big choice attic stairs are offered by many brands, not only in Russia, but also in other countries of the world. Let's consider the most popular ones:
Now you know how you can make a staircase to the attic with your own hands. With the simplest materials at hand, you will create a concise yet comfortable wood or aluminum structure.
The staircase to the attic is a simple structure that you can easily create yourself. It can be solid - made of wood or metal, or it can have a light and convenient folding shape. What options are suitable for your attic and how well the attic staircase with a hatch is made and assembled with your own hands, read our material.
The exit to the attic is almost always located in one of the living rooms of the upper floor of the house. Therefore, you have to either sacrifice space and spoil the interior, or use a portable stepladder. The last option is not only troublesome, but also quite risky, since unstable steps can break off, and in order to hold the ladder itself, you often need to invite your family to help.
We invite you to make a choice in favor of a more reliable option - the design and implementation of a new modern attic staircase. The types and recommendations for creating a solid staircase to the attic with your own hands, which we give below, will help you make the right choice.
The main elements of the ladder are the bowstring and kosour (side parts); tread (steps) and riser (for stationary stairs).
If there is enough space in your house, then we advise you to build a stationary staircase to access the attic or attic. This option is reliable, practical and durable. Capital steps can be performed based on metal frame or quality wood.
Monolithic stairs can be marching, with one or more bends, and spiral (spiral). Marching options have steps in the form of rectangular plates (boards), which evenly tend upward with the same distance. Spiral staircase folded around the central base, has steps narrowed towards the inner edge and is located in a spiral. The latter option is more compact and can be built even in small spaces, without sacrificing space.
The "pluses" of the capital option include durability, reliability and comfort in use.
Capital stairs, in most cases, do not provide for a hatch for access to the attic, therefore it is more suitable for houses with warm roof... For cold roof the exit to the attic must be closed with a sealed hatch. Standard sizes the hatch - 120x70 cm. It makes no sense to make a smaller passage, as it will make it difficult to get into the attic and the installation of steps.
The material for the hatch is wood, metal or plastic. You can order a blank for the hatch at the factory of metal-plastic structures with installation or self-assembly... The hatch can be automatic or manual opening. With the latter option, a special pole is used that opens the latch (lock) and lowers the door with a ladder.
Portable steps - the closest analogue of "good old" ladders. Such a ladder will be reliable only if you make a folding version with a platform. However, it is difficult to call such a construction convenient. You will have to make extra efforts to get into the opening of the attic, and the issue of storing such a staircase will cause a lot of trouble.
A very convenient and easy-to-implement type of attic staircase - folding steps connected to the hatch. Due to the convenience of design, this type of steps has become the most popular among professional craftsmen.
Today there are many types of folding ladders, among which you can choose the most suitable option (telescopic, scissor, folding, etc.).
The folding mechanism is suitable for any attic spaces with a hatch on which the ladder structure can be fixed.
In general, most ladders schematically look like this:
Before we start designing an attic staircase, consider some standard specifications constructions:
The choice of material for a flight of stairs should be determined by the frequency of operation of the structure. Wood wears out faster than metal. So, if you go up to the attic every day, it is better to design the stairs from metal. In other cases, wood, as a material, lightweight, environmentally friendly and easy to install, is very popular.
So, let's get started and create a modern attic staircase with a hatch with our own hands according to the drawings that our specialists have prepared for you.
At this stage, the design is calculated. It is not difficult to calculate the length of the stairs. We use a simple mathematical formula: D = B /, where α is the selected tilt angle, B is the ceiling height. So, with a ceiling height of 3 m and an angle of inclination of 60 degrees, the length of the staircase will be 3 / 0.867 = 3.46 m. Craftsmen are advised to add a few centimeters to the resulting figure, so that later you can more accurately measure and cut off the desired length:
The dimensions of the hatch should be slightly smaller than the opening itself. For the calculation, 6-7 mm are left on each side of the door.
We calculate the length of the sections according to the following scheme: the first section - the length of the hatch minus 10%; second section - length of the first section minus 10%; third section - the sum of the lengths of the first two sections is subtracted from the total length of the stairs.
Now the calculations need to be transferred to paper and start preparing necessary materials and tools.
To implement the project, you need to prepare carpentry tools: a tape measure, a chisel, a hacksaw, a screwdriver, a welding machine (or capital connections for a metal frame), a square, a hacksaw, clamps, wood glue, masking tape, electrodes, wood glue.
The main materials that we need: bars 50x50 mm for finishing the hatch (about 4-5 pcs.); two boards for a bowstring 100x25 mm in length equal to the selected length of the ladder; board for steps 100x20 or 100x25 mm; plywood or material with similar characteristics (one standard sheet is enough for the hatch door); plates and corners for opening and hinges; nuts, bolts, screws, washers, etc.
Step I. Prepare the bars for the hatch. Make cuts-grooves at the ends of the beams to tightly connect the structure in a regular triangle using mounting glue and fasteners. Protect the corners of the frame with temporary plywood plates so that the rectangle does not lead.
Step II. Attach a sheet of plywood of the appropriate size to the base of the blocks. Now you need to try on the hatch to the aisle to the attic. It should be 6-7 mm less on all sides.
Step III. Provide a lock for the attic door. It can be an automatic mechanism, or the most ordinary bolt, which can be opened with a pole with a tip.
Step IV. We install mechanisms for opening / closing the hatch. If you do not want to buy ready-made mechanisms, you can make them yourself. There should be two mounts - left and right. For work, purchase a 4x20 mm steel plate and a corner. The photo shows a drawing of the left attachment part. The right one is performed in a mirror image. The sizes are given by convention. For more accurate calculations, consider your parameters. Before fastening, be sure to check the mechanisms in operation:
You can always order a ready-made sectional staircase from the masters, which can be fixed by finished scheme on one's own. But if you decide to do the work with your own hands to the end, you can assemble a ladder from the prepared materials.
Step 1. We mark the place of installation of steps on the bowstrings. To do this, mark each detail with a pencil, according to the chosen angle of inclination of the stairs and the calculations made earlier. Now press the ends of the boards tightly together and secure them with masking tape. This is necessary in order to drill through holes at the joints of the sections. Drill a hole for the hinge with a diameter of about 25 mm at the junction of the first and second sections. Next, you need to remove the tape and turn the boards over, fastening them again. Now we drill a similar hole at the junction of the second and third sections:
Step 2. Cut the bowstrings along the marked lines. Next, grooves are made for steps on the inside of the bowstrings using a chisel. The depth of the grooves must be at least 5 mm (this should also be taken into account at the first design stage). The lower section of the bowstrings should be beveled according to the angle of inclination of the ladder.
Step 3. Cut the steps according to the markings and attach them to the left bowstring. We put the steps on glue and fix them with self-tapping screws. We attach the right bowstring and also fasten it with self-tapping screws.
Step 4. We attach the hinges for the sliding ladder mechanism. Hinges, like hinge mechanisms, can be bought at a store, or made yourself from a metal tape. We need eight metal strips (you can use the leftovers from the door mechanisms). Weld small pieces of the same strip to four strips. We drill two holes in each part (for fastening and hinge). We connect the hinge with the hinges. Now we join the cut sections and apply the hinges so that each hinge falls into the groove (25 mm holes drilled before cutting the sections). We fasten the loops on the bowstrings:
Now the top finished stairs must be fixed to the hatch, after checking the operation of the hinge mechanisms. The ladder should also be checked after installation. After making sure that all parts are in good condition and functional, open the steps with varnish:
And one more step-by-step installation guide:
You can insulate and seal the hatch with foam rubber or construction wool. The edges of the hatch should be sheathed with rubber sealant tape.
That's all, your ladder with a hatch is ready! This is exactly the option that is quite feasible "in one helmet". We wish you a quick and easy job.
For country cottages, private houses and simple country houses equipped with an attic, the presence of a comfortable and reliable staircase leading to the said premises is a common vital necessity.
Diy ladder to the attic
At the same time, the ladder does not have to be capital and cumbersome at all - you can assemble and install an excellent folding structure, which will in no way be inferior to stationary ladders.
Diy ladder to the attic
You can handle all the related tasks with your own hands, saving money and testing your own strength.
There are several types of stairs that can be installed to access the attic.
A staircase with wide flights and handrails is the most reliable, durable and easy-to-use design. However, the possibility of arranging such a staircase is far from everywhere - it is definitely not possible to equip it in small areas.
They are mainly used as a temporary option, as well as for access to rarely used premises. The main disadvantages of such a ladder are low safety and ease of use. Therefore, whenever possible, the use of such a design should be discarded.
They are something between portable and stationary ladders. In terms of ease of use and safety, they are practically in no way inferior to full-fledged stationary structures and have, at the same time, a significant advantage - very little space is needed for their arrangement. Therefore, when making a ladder yourself, it is recommended to give preference to a folding structure.
No less important point is the choice of materials from which the stairs to the attic will be assembled. For the main elements of folding sectional stairs, wood is usually used, and fasteners are traditionally made of metal.
Nowadays, there are many different materials, types of controls and fasteners, which makes it possible to easily assemble a folding ladder that will best suit your particular room.
When choosing materials for the manufacture of an attic staircase, a number of important factors must be taken into account. First of all, decide on the functional purpose of the structure, its type, width, as well as the optimal number of sections.
The functional purpose of the attic staircase is very important in terms of determining the maximum permissible load on the steps. So, for example, factory-made wooden stairs are capable of withstanding an average load of 150 kgf, metal ones - 250 kgf. For homemade stairs, these figures are slightly reduced.
This does not mean that the steps will not be able to withstand a higher load, but it is definitely not worthwhile to load them so regularly, otherwise the structure will break down very quickly.
Attic stairs, drawing
The width of the stairs, however, should not be greater than the width of the attic opening.
When choosing the size of the attic staircase, be guided by the tested and approved standards.
Remember: the steps must be installed strictly parallel to the floor surface. In addition, the rungs of the stairs must be non-slip. To do this, you can fill overlays of any non-slip material over the base material.
Interfloor opening size
There is nothing super complicated in making an attic staircase yourself. Of course, an inexperienced craftsman is unlikely to be able to assemble a structure with the same attractive appearance as factory-made models, but it is definitely worth a try.
Attic folding ladder do it yourself
Before starting work, create a drawing of the future stairs. If you do not have the necessary skills, order the creation of a drawing from a specialist, or select a suitable scheme from the options presented in open sources.
One of the blueprints
Prepare all the necessary tools at once so as not to be distracted by the search for missing tools in the future.
Almost complete set
Marking tools
Also, before starting work, you need to buy or assemble an ordinary ladder. For a self-made assembly of such a structure, you only need to fix the transverse steps between two long vertical posts and additionally strengthen the structure.
The finished staircase should be about 30 cm longer than the distance from the attic opening to the floor.
With the manufacture of the hatch, you can also easily cope with your own hands. Of the materials, you only need sheets of plywood and wooden bar 5x5 cm.
First step. Choose a location for the hatch and determine its optimal dimensions. Add about 7-9 mm to the dimensions of the hatch on each side, so that in the future you can easily close the lid without squeaks and other noise. Make an opening according to the specified dimensions.
Second step. Cut the timber into four pieces to match the dimensions of the hatch.
A simple scheme for constructing an insulated hatch to the attic
Step three. Make grooves at the ends of the bars. Lubricate the prepared grooves and join the bars into a rectangular (square) structure. Additionally, strengthen the connections with self-tapping screws. Screw on the scarves so that the diagonal does not move.
Fourth step. Attach a plywood cover to the resulting base and try on the product through the hatch opening.
Fifth step. Cut a regular latch into the hatch cover. You will use the handle to open the latch. Attach it to the cover and finally fix the product in the pre-aligned opening. Usually hinges are used for this.
The hatch should open easily
Start making a folding ladder. It is assumed that you already have the aforementioned wooden ladder at your disposal.
First step. Attach a wide beam to the bottom of the ladder. Attach the same block to the top of the product. In this case, the lower bar must be fixed rigidly, and the upper one - on the hinges.
Second step. Saw the ladder in 2 pieces. The upper part should have a length of about 2/3 of the total length of the ladder.
Step three. Attach a pair of slats for extra diagonal stiffness.
Fourth step. Connect the parts of the structure with loops.
Fifth step. Secure the top beam under the hatch with anchors.
Sixth step. Secure the bottom of the ladder with a hook to prevent it from opening spontaneously. Place the loop on the stringer above the cutting line.
Seventh step. Press the finished structure to the wall surface and fix.
The main disadvantage of such a self-made ladder is not a very attractive appearance - all the timber and fasteners remain visible. However, with the main tasks - to ensure a comfortable and safe ascent and return descent - such a ladder copes 100%.
An improved and more attractive version of the previous design. There is nothing complicated in the manufacture of such a ladder either; it is enough to step by step follow all the provisions of the manual.
Folding attic ladder with bowstrings
First step. Divide your regular wooden ladder into 3 pieces. Make the first part according to the size of the attic hatch, make the second a little smaller than the first, and the third such that the remaining space is completely covered to the floor surface.
Second step. Take a bevel and measure the angle of the attic hatch. Transfer the corner to the boards, thus marking the location of the steps.
Step three. Drill holes at the hinge locations between the individual ladder sections.
Fourth step. Sand the edges of the structures.
Fifth step. Saw the boards at the hinge points.
Sixth step. Cut and sand the steps.
Seventh step. Prepare the indentations for the steps in the bowstrings.
Eighth step. Insert the steps into the prepared slots. Use glue and additionally reinforce the connections with self-tapping screws.
Ninth step. Connect the sections of the ladder with special hinges. To do this, the sections must be placed on a stable, level surface.
Tenth step. Check the operation of all sections. If you find defects and deviations, try to fix them immediately.
Eleventh step. Sand and varnish all wood surfaces.
Twelfth step. After the varnish has completely dried, install the structure in the opening of the attic hatch. If necessary, make final adjustments to the structural elements.
Thus, self-assembly stairs is extremely simple and affordable for almost every activity. At the same time, the cost of a self-made ladder will be much lower compared to the price of a similar factory-made design. Follow the instructions and everything will definitely work out.
Also read an article on our website - DIY stairs to the basement.
Or cottage there is no need to explain what constitutes an attic. Often planning interior space does not allow equipping a stationary ladder to climb to the named room. This circumstance is due to a rare visit, theft of the square and the clutter of the interior. Of course, many will say that they do a good job with a stepladder, but regular trips for this device, as well as its precariousness, make many owners think about building a compact staircase. To solve the problem, it is necessary to understand the variety of types of the named element and figure out how to make a staircase to the attic, without resorting to the help of specialists and without exhausting a huge amount of funds.
When arranging structures of this type, it is important to know a number of basic recommendations and advice from professionals, which will subsequently help to quickly and efficiently complete the assembly work, as well as ensure reliable operation over a significant period of operation. The main ones are:
Compliance with all of the listed requirements for arranging stairs to the attic will allow you to perform work with proper quality and focus on the durability of functioning, and also exclude excessive heat loss in winter periods time.
The optimal solution for the arrangement of the structure under study, allowing to take into account all household aspects, is the manufacture of a folding ladder. This type can be erected both in the external version and in the internal one. The only fundamental difference is that the latter option is more comfortable to operate, since the need to go outside, which is acutely felt in the cold season, is excluded. In addition to this, during internal version it is protected from influences from external factors and is a kind of gasket between the cold streams of air masses of the attic and the adjoining room.
In the assortment of modern stores, there are many options for the execution of stairs, however, it is more expedient to highlight the most common types:
Making a folding ladder to the attic with your own hands is a simple event and does not require deep knowledge in the field of construction, so you can cope with this task without much difficulty.
Before starting any activity, you should prepare the toolkit and acquire the material. The set of tools does not provide for the availability of expensive equipment and includes a list of improvised tools that are familiar to each person:
The variety of this element allows the home owner not to become too attached to traditional methods and to choose the type that is optimal for himself, depending on the available quadrature, interior and other important characteristics. However, with a little building experience, it is more expedient to make the staircase for the attic on your own with simple available ways, which are presented by mounted and folding types.
The named type of stairs can be easily made in 3-4 hours. To make it, it is enough to take two beams with a cross section of 50 × 50 and a length of 70 to 100 cm. Next, measure 2/3 from the upper edge of the prepared wooden staircase and make a cut. Then we fasten these components and the top with the upper support bar using hinges. The structure is ready, it only remains to equip a hook in the wall in the place where the lower section is folded so that the ladder is securely fixed to the wall.
A useful measure would be to reinforce the upper support partition with steel corners or anchors, since most of the load will fall on this element.
When equipping a folding ladder, as a basis, you can choose a classic wooden ladder, sawn into several component parts. To do this, you need to take 2 bars with a length that provides a passage to the attic hatch, and fix them on the upper and lower edges of the prepared structure, respectively, by means of hinges and nails. Next, it is necessary to measure from top to bottom by 1/3 of the total length and make cuts. The component parts are also held together by means of card loops.
In order to avoid spontaneous opening of the resulting ladder, you should equip the bar located on the upper edge of the structure with a crochet hook.
Before fixing the hinge devices, additionally check the correct opening of all components. It will not be superfluous to install with back side stairs a sheet of plywood, so that when closed, the staircase folds completely into the gap between the hatch and the total surface of the ceiling.
The photographs show the sequence of making a folding ladder for the attic:
In conclusion, I would like to note that the independent arrangement of auxiliary structures from time immemorial has been the subject of attention of most owners of private houses. Adhering to the general rules of construction and following the presented simple recommendations, you can easily make a beautiful staircase to the attic without spending a lot of money on it.
In the provided video clip, which consists of two parts, it is described in detail about the manufacture of an attic staircase:
The photos show different options attic stairs:
If you decide to make a staircase yourself, then below are a number of diagrams that you can take as the basis for your design:
For personal needs. To climb into the room, you can use different kinds stairs: monolithic - marching or spiral, folding or attached. Folding loft ladders are installed indoors or outside the building. To get to the attic from the outside of the house, you have to go out into the yard in any weather, and this is very inconvenient. Therefore, installing such a device indoors will provide a comfortable climb.
It is convenient and safe to use stationary gangways, but free space is required for their installation. With rare visits to the attic, it is enough to attach a stepladder and clean it up as unnecessary. The disadvantage of this method is the unreliability of portable devices. Combining safety requirements and limited space will allow the use of a folding ladder, which you can make yourself. This is an affordable and economical way.
Folding attic stairs must meet certain strength requirements, so metal and wood are used for their manufacture. There are several types of folding structures:
Before the start of manufacturing, they are determined with the dimensions of the future product. It is necessary to take into account the size of the structure when folded and its full length, which is allowed up to three meters. Longer ladders are not rigid enough and are unsafe to use. The span should provide convenient operation, for this, it should be at least 65 cm. The optimal distance between the steps is noted - 19 cm, a larger or smaller value will entail difficulty in lifting. The thickness of the crossbars should be 2-3 cm. The angle of installation of the structure is in the range of 60-75 degrees. The steps are placed strictly parallel to the floor. When using wood for the manufacture of a structure, you can count on operation with a load of up to 150 kg, the metal structure can withstand up to 260 kg.
The opening of the hatch is made in the size of 120 × 70 cm so that an adult can use it without problems. The larger hole will be the site of significant heat loss.
To work, you will need the following tools:
The most simple option a folding structure will be a device consisting of two sections. To make it you will need wooden blocks, hinges and metal strips for fastening, self-tapping screws.
A ready-made wooden staircase is taken, to the top of which a 2 cm thick bar is attached. A similar bar is screwed on the wall under the hatch. The bars are held together with loops.
Having measured 1/3 of the length from the bottom of the side boards, a cut is made - it must be made between the steps. The two resulting parts are connected with loops. It is important to correctly position the fasteners so that the ladder folds in the right direction.
To hold the structure in the folded state, a loop is screwed in at the junction of the sections, and a hook is installed at the desired height. The disadvantage of this simple design will be open placement.
To have a lot of free space and nothing to spoil the interior, the device can be fixed on the hatch cover. To make it, you will need two boards 10 cm wide. The structure will consist of three sections: the first is equal to the length of the hatch, the second is slightly shorter, the length of the third is equal to the remaining distance to the floor. The angle of inclination of the hatch is measured small and transferred to the boards.
The cuts and hinge attachment points are marked on the boards. The boards are sawn into three sections. For fixing the steps, recesses are made in them with a depth of 5 mm. The steps are fixed with glue and self-tapping screws.
The elements are laid out on a flat surface and joined, hinges are screwed at the joints. Having assembled the structure, check its ability to bend, after checking the ladder is installed on the hatch. The first section can be fixed using metal strips screwed to the hatch and the edges of the bowstring. The folded ladder descends behind the lower section.
It is not difficult to make an attic staircase, it is important that it is durable, comfortable and compact.
