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 a room is being furnished. In any case, there must be access to it, and for this purpose stairs are made to the attic. They can be made from wood and metal - in this case, you can make them yourself. Or they can be beautiful forged - such designs are usually created to order.

Basic Requirements

Before building an attic staircase, you need to consider several of its features. Firstly, it must be convenient and safe to use. Moreover, these two indicators depend on the design principle of the stairs and the attic itself. An important role is played by taking into account the type of staircase, 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 dimensions when folded.

The steps should be of such size that it is comfortable and safe for anyone to climb them. 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 flight of stairs to the attic must be at least 0.8 m. It is important that the angle of inclination is maintained: this needs to be thought through at the stage of designing the structure.

Types of stairs: folding or stationary?

The choice between these two types of structures depends on how large the area of ​​the attic is. Of course, a stationary staircase is more reliable and safe, but it is also solid, that is, it requires a lot of space. This is why many people prefer folding attic ladders: 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 overlap each other, thereby saving space. Moreover, they can always be adjusted depending on the required size.

Or retractable?

These designs are becoming increasingly popular, due to their advantages:

• are cheap;
• easy to install;
• take up little space thanks to the accordion-shaped design;
• reliable;
• mask the structure with an attic hatch.

All these advantages make retractable stairs so popular. How to make it yourself?

Self-installation of a retractable ladder: main steps

The very first step should be a thorough analysis and check of the dimensions of the hatch opening. This is necessary to ensure that the parameters you choose coincide with 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 better fix the structure. When it is laid, the spacers can be removed.

Or outside?

If space does not allow you to install retractable stairs, 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. During installation external staircase it is important to choose the right material: it must be resistant to sunlight, have increased abrasive wear, reliable and wear-resistant.

Wooden staircase

Wooden stairs to the attic are the simplest option, which you can create with your own hands. There are several ways to do this. Let's look at the simplest and most practical ones.

Method 1

To make an attic staircase, you first need to take measurements: we need parameters for the height of the room, the expected 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 from a design point of view, you need to think through and draw up the drawings correctly. The simplest wooden stairs are created on the basis of bars for stringers, bars corresponding to the width of the stairs for fastening, overhead hinges and boards from which we will make the steps. Yes, and don’t forget about the folding hangers - the hatch cover will be fixed on them. The installation process itself is as follows:

1. Steps are installed and securely fastened between the stringers. This is done either using a tongue-and-groove type of fastening, or with self-tapping screws, or with glue. It is better to treat the steps with anti-slip pads - they will increase the safety of the structure.
2. The staircase is first secured under the ceiling opening using two bars that are equal to the width of the staircase. Their connection is made with loops.
3. We check how efficient the hinges are, and then finally tighten the fasteners.

This is the easiest way to create a staircase to the attic.

Method two

This is a more labor-intensive method of making a staircase, which can easily be installed 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 will need:

• two boards of length corresponding to the height of the ceiling and the angle of inclination;
• boards for creating steps at least 0.5 m wide and about 3 cm thick;
• bolts, self-tapping screws as fasteners;
• card loops that will attach the steps.

It is important to arm yourself with a drawing - it will allow you to complete all the work efficiently and accurately. After determining the angle of inclination, you need to saw off the bars at the top and bottom so that they rest firmly on the floor. The boards along their entire length are divided into equal sections - here the steps will be located at the distance you need. The steps are fastened with card loops, and after the structure is completed, you can make it elegant by varnishing or painting it.

Metal stairs

Attic stairs made of aluminum look very beautiful, especially if your country house is decorated in the style of “minimalism” or “high-tech”. What's good about metal? Firstly, it is more reliable. Secondly, such structures are processed special compounds, which protect the surface from mechanical stress or corrosion. Thirdly, metal structures can withstand heavy loads.

Metal stairs are considered the most popular among buyers. retractable type, which take up little space. They are relevant for premises that have small sizes, that is, where required rational use space.

How to do it yourself?

Despite all the difficulty technological process, you can make a metal staircase yourself. Moreover, it can be made of either metal or a combination of materials. To make the simplest metal staircase we will need to prepare:

• welding machine;
• mechanical saw;
• an emery wheel, which we will use to remove burrs on the metal;
• a circular saw and a clamp for joining parts if the staircase has wooden parts;
• pipes;
• steel sheets.

Please note that the quantity of materials is calculated based on the drawing. We will use a welding machine to make strong seams, so the staircase will be a monolithic and durable structure.

Such an aluminum or steel staircase will be constructed 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 steps that will protect against falling. The fences are made of angle steel, and the supports for the treads are made of reinforcement. First, support devices are installed and welded onto the beam, then brackets for fastening are welded.

Metal attic stairs can have wooden treads, but first you need to think about where the additional fasteners will be located. On metal steps The holes for the 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 with mounting adhesive, which after hardening retains its shape.

Finished aluminum staircase

Very often, many people prefer to buy ready-made structures rather than install them themselves. But even in this case you will have to work hard, since they are delivered disassembled. How to assemble? General scheme the work is approximately as follows:

1. First, a sketch of the future staircase is created.
2. From metal profile or pipes are cut into 4 identical sections.
3. The pipe is secured in a vice and thoroughly cleaned of rust.
4. From metal sheet steps are cut out - they must be the same length.
5. The steps are tried on a flat surface and adjusted to size.
6. The steps are attached to the supports by welding - this is more reliable option than angles and bolts.
7. The bottom of the staircase is finished with rubber heels.

Forged structures: beautiful and modern

Very often in country houses The rooms are connected with the attic or attic by wrought-iron stairs. Moreover, they can be simple screw ones, or they can have ornate designs, which allows them to fit into any room stylistically. All spiral staircases can be divided into several types:

• in the first version, the staircase is supported by a central pillar and walls;
• in the second, the spiral staircase is removed from the walls and mounted on a support pillar with steps;
• in the third case, the staircase with a turn does not have a central pillar, but rests on spirally curved strings;
• the fourth option is a reliable metal staircase, which rests on a monolith pillar based on a steel pipe.

The most convenient are stairs, the span width of which is up to 900 mm with a diameter of the entire staircase structure of up to 2200 mm.

What if you buy it?

If you don’t want to do the installation yourself, you can always buy the same forged stairs, which are quite difficult to install yourself, much less come up with and make. Many brands offer a large selection of attic stairs, not only in Russia, but also in other countries of the world. Let's look at the most popular:

1. STANDART ISO PLUS (MINKA, Austria). This folding wooden ladder is made of quality MDF and is designed for a maximum load of 150 kg. There are special protective attachments on the legs, and the metal handrail ensures maximum safety. This is a compact staircase, the price of which is on average 8,200 rubles.
2. The Danish company VELTA offers economy-class structures that can be installed in the attic or attic. For 6000 rubles you get simple stairs, which is compact: it consists of three sections that are conveniently assembled and retracted into the ceiling.
3. FAKRO stairs are made from winter-harvested pine, therefore they are reliable and durable in use. This company offers a wide range of products that are compact and have a wide price range. The insulated hatch cover is the most important advantage that this ladder has. The price of models starts from 8,000 rubles. It is also important that all connections of the structure are reliable and durable, the steps are supplemented with anti-slip grooves, making operation safe and comfortable.

Conclusions

Now you know how to make a staircase to the attic with your own hands. Having the most at hand simple materials, you will create a laconic but comfortable wooden or aluminum structure.

For personal needs. Can be used for lifting indoors various types stairs: monolithic - marching or spiral, folding or attached. Folding attic ladders are installed indoors or with outside buildings. To get into the attic from outside at home, 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 lift.

Using stationary gangways is convenient and safe, but free space is required for their installation. For rare visits to the attic, it is enough to put a stepladder and remove it as unnecessary. The disadvantage of this method is the unreliability of portable devices. Combine safety requirements and limited area will allow the use of a folding ladder, which you can make yourself. This is an affordable and economical way.

Folding attic ladders must meet certain strength requirements, which is why metal and wood are used for their manufacture. There are several types of folding structures:

• Scissor - a compact model that folds like an accordion. Lightweight and durable metal, such as aluminum, is used for manufacturing. This difficult option for installation, it requires skills in working with metal and numerous fasteners.
• Telescopic - the model is made on the principle of folding segments in side tubes. During manufacturing, you will need to bore the metal yourself.
• Sectional - compactly placed on the attic hatch. The individual sections are connected by a hinge; when pulled out, they are securely fixed.

Deciding on the sizes

Before production begins, the dimensions of the future product are determined. It is necessary to take into account the size of the structure when folded and its total length, which is allowed up to three meters. Longer ladders do not have sufficient rigidity and are unsafe to use. The width of the span should ensure convenient operation; for this it should be at least 65 cm. It is noted optimal distance between steps - 19 cm, a larger or smaller value will lead to difficulties when climbing. The thickness of the crossbars should be 2–3 cm. The installation angle of the structure is in the range of 60–75 degrees. The steps are placed strictly parallel to the floor. When using wood to make a structure, you can count on operation with a load of up to 150 kg, metal structure will support up to 260 kg.

The hatch opening is 120x70 cm in size so that an adult can use it without any problems. A larger hole size will result in significant heat loss.

Tools

To work you will need the following tools:

1. Wrenches.
2. Wood saw.
3. Screwdrivers.
4. Roulette.
5. Pencil.

Manufacturing process

The most simple option The folding design will be a device consisting of two sections. To make it you will need wooden blocks, hinges and metal strips for fastening, screws.

Take a ready-made wooden ladder, to the top of which a 2 cm thick block is attached. A similar plank is screwed onto the wall under the hatch. The beams are fastened with hinges.

Having measured 1/3 of the length from the bottom of the side boards, make a cut - it should be made between the steps. The two resulting parts are connected with loops. It is important to position the fasteners correctly 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.

Hidden folding ladder

To have a lot of free space and not spoil the interior, the device can be mounted 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 with a small tool and transferred to the boards.

The places of cuts and fastening of the loop are marked on the boards. The boards are sawn into three sections. To attach the steps, recesses 5 mm deep are made in them. The steps are fixed with glue and screws.

The elements are laid out on a flat surface and joined together; hinges are screwed into 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 is lowered behind the lower section.

Making an attic ladder is not difficult; it is important that it is durable, comfortable and compact.

Video: manufacturing process of a folding ladder to the attic

The staircase to the attic is a simple design 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 to make and install an attic ladder with a hatch with your own hands, read our material.

Stepladders for the attic? It's in the past!

The exit to the attic is almost always located in one of the living rooms on the top 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 stepladder itself, you often need to invite family members to help.

We suggest you make a choice in favor of a more reliable option - designing and implementing a new modern attic staircase. Types and recommendations for creating a good-quality staircase to the attic with your own hands, which we give below, will help you make your choice.

Attic stairs: overview of options

The main elements of the staircase are the bowstring and the stringer (side parts); tread (steps) and riser (for stationary stairs).

I. Capital steps

If there is enough space in your house, then we recommend building a stationary staircase to access the attic or attic. This option is reliable, practical and durable. Capital steps can be made on the basis of a metal frame or high-quality wood.

Monolithic stairs can be marching, with one or more bends, or spiral (spiral). Marching options have steps in the form of rectangular plates (boards), which evenly move upward at the same distance. A spiral staircase is folded around a central base, has steps narrowed towards the inner edge and is arranged in a spiral. The latter option is more compact and can be built even in small spaces, without compromising space.

To the "pros" capital option include durability, reliability and ease of use.

A capital staircase, in most cases, does not provide a hatch for access to the attic, therefore it is more suitable for houses with warm roof. For a cold roof, the exit to the attic must be closed with a sealed hatch. The standard dimensions of the hatch are 120x70 cm. It makes no sense to make the passage smaller, as this will complicate both getting into the attic and installing steps.

The material for the hatch is wood, metal or plastic. You can order a blank for the hatch at the factory metal-plastic structures with installation or self-installation. The hatch can be automatic or manual opening. With the latter option, a special pole is used to open the latch (lock) and lower the door with a ladder.

II. Portable ladders

Portable steps are the closest analogue of the “good old” stepladders. Such a ladder will only be reliable if you make a folding version with a platform. However, it is difficult to call such a design convenient. You will have to make extra efforts to fit into the attic hole, and the issue of storing such a ladder will cause a lot of trouble.

III. Folding attic ladders with hatch

A very convenient and easy to implement type of attic ladder is folding steps connected to a hatch. Thanks to its convenient design, this type of steps has become the most popular among professional craftsmen.

Today there are many types of folding stairs, from which you can choose the most suitable option(telescopic, scissor, folding, etc.).

The folding mechanism is suitable for any attic space with a hatch onto which the staircase structure can be attached.

1. Scissor steps. This type is made of metal. The steps themselves can be wooden. The ladder is a compressing mechanism. When folded, the design takes on a very compact shape and size, so it’s perfect for small children. attic hatch;
2. Telescopic steps. They are a system of retractable sections (similar to a folding telescope). This option is made of aluminum and also looks very compact on a small attic door;
3. Folding (folding) stairs. This type is the most popular, as it is characterized by practicality, durability, cost-effectiveness and ease of installation. Below we will describe it in more detail.

In general, most stairs schematically look like this:

Before we begin designing an attic staircase, let's consider some standard design characteristics:

• March width for attic steps should not exceed 60-65 cm;
• The height of the entire structure (taking into account the slope) is allowed up to 300 cm. Anything that exceeds this length becomes less stable and less strong. The higher the ladder, the less load it can withstand;
• Based on the recommended length of the stairs, the number of steps is selected - 13-15 pieces, with a distance between them of up to 20 cm;
• The most convenient and safe angle of inclination of the stairs is 60-700 degrees;
• Steps are a direct recipient of the load when climbing, so they must have a dense structure and a thickness of 18 mm, and be positioned strictly parallel to the floor.

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 steps from metal. In other cases, the tree is like light material, environmentally friendly and easy to install, is very popular.

So, let's get started and create a modern attic staircase with a hatch with your own hands according to the drawings that our specialists have prepared for you.

Stages of design and installation of a staircase of three sections with a hatch

Any work must begin with a project. Determine the height of your future staircase, taking into account the height of the ceiling and a slope of 60-70 degrees. It is also worthwhile to accurately measure the attic passage and draw a corresponding diagram. The drawing must contain the following information: length of the staircase, angle of inclination, height of the ceiling of the room, dimensions of the passage and attic hatch, width of the flight, number and dimensions of sections, number, distance and dimensions of steps.

I. Preparation of the drawing

At this stage, the design is calculated. The length of the stairs is easy to calculate. We use a simple mathematical formula: D = B/, where α is the selected angle of inclination, B is the height of the ceiling. So, with a ceiling height of 3 m and an inclination angle of 60 degrees, the length of the staircase will be 3/0.867 = 3.46 m. ​​Craftsmen advise adding a few centimeters to the resulting figure in order to then more accurately measure and cut the required length:

The dimensions of the hatch should be slightly smaller than the opening itself. For the calculation, 6-7 mm is left on each side of the door.

We calculate the length of the sections according to the following scheme: the first section is 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 you need to transfer the calculations to paper and start preparing necessary materials and tools.

II. Selection of materials and tools

To implement the project, you need to prepare carpentry tools: tape measure, chisel, hacksaw, screwdriver, welding machine (or capital connections for a metal frame), square, hacksaw, clamps, wood glue, masking tape, electrodes, wood glue.

The main materials that we will need: 50x50 mm bars for finishing the hatch (approximately 4-5 pieces); two boards for the bowstring 100x25 mm long, equal to the selected length of the ladder; board for steps 100x20 or 100x25 mm; plywood or material with similar characteristics (for the hatch door one is enough standard sheet); plates and angles for opening and hinges; nuts, bolts, screws, washers, etc.

III. Making a hatch door

Step I. Prepare the bars for the hatch. At the ends of the beams, make cuts and grooves to tightly connect the structure into a regular triangle using mounting adhesive and fasteners. Protect the corners of the frame with temporary plywood plates to prevent the rectangle from moving.

Step II. Attach a sheet of plywood of the appropriate size to the base of the bars. Now you need to try on the hatch to the passage to the attic. It should be 6-7 mm smaller on all sides.

Step III. Provide a lock for the attic door. This can be an automatic mechanism, or a very ordinary latch, which can be opened with a pole with a tip.

Step IV. We install hatch opening/closing mechanisms. If you don't want to buy ready-made mechanisms, you can make them yourself. There should be two fastenings - left and right. For work, purchase a 4x20 mm steel plate and a corner. The photo shows a drawing of the left fastening part. The right one is performed in a mirror image. Dimensions are given arbitrarily. For more accurate calculations, consider your parameters. Before fastening, be sure to check the mechanisms in operation:

IV. Assembling the stairs

You can always order a ready-made sectional staircase from the craftsmen, which you can fasten according to the finished scheme yourself. But if you decide to complete the work yourself, you can assemble the stairs from prepared materials.

Step 1. Mark on the strings the places where the steps will be installed. To do this, mark each part with a pencil, according to the selected angle of inclination of the stairs and the previously made calculations. Now press the ends of the boards tightly together and fasten them together masking tape. This is necessary to drill through holes at the junction of 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 the steps with inside 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 strings should be beveled according to the angle of inclination of the stairs.

Step 3. We cut the steps according to the markings and attach them to the left bowstring. We put the steps on glue and secure them with self-tapping screws. We attach the right bowstring and also fasten it with self-tapping screws.

Step 4. Attach the loops for sliding mechanism stairs. Hinges, like hinge mechanisms, can be bought in a store, or made independently from metal tape. We need eight strips of metal (you can use leftovers from the door mechanisms). Weld small pieces of the same strip to the 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 attach the hinges so that each hinge fits into the groove (25 mm holes drilled before cutting the sections). We fasten the loops on the bowstrings:

V. Final assembly

Now the top of the finished ladder needs to be secured to the hatch, having first checked the operation of the hinge mechanisms. The staircase should also be checked after installation. After making sure that all parts are in good condition and functionality, open the steps with varnish:

And one more thing step by step guide for installation:

You can insulate and seal the hatch using foam rubber or construction wool. The edges of the hatch should be covered with rubber sealant tape.

That's it, your staircase with hatch is ready! This is exactly the option that is completely feasible “with one helmet.” We wish you fast and easy work.

In most cases, the attic is used to store unused and old things. In past times, few people could dare to use it for living space. Today, in pursuit of everyone square meter many people renovate the attic space, making 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.

Devices and types of structures

Stairs are installed both outside and inside the house. The latter option has much greater advantages. To get into the attic space, you do not need to go through the yard. Several types of staircase designs should be distinguished:

Monolithic.

• Marching.

Folding attic stairs.

• Folding.
• Scissor.
• Telescopic.
• Folding or lever.

Portable.

• Attached.
• Stepladders.

As for the last 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, it should be noted monolithic stairs, which have a wide flight and reliable railings. But if you small room, then it will be almost impossible to accommodate it. In such circumstances ideal option stairs - retractable. It is easy to use, safe and ergonomic.

Folding transforming ladder

Mostly, transforming stairs are made of metal or wood. If these two materials are combined, the result will be very worthy. For example, the flight of stairs is made of wood, and important components are made of metal: fastenings, mechanisms and springs. Wood will lighten the entire structure, and metal will add strength. For making wooden elements It is better to use hard wood.

In some situations you can use plastic fittings. During the transformation process, the plastic eliminates friction. According to the opening method, folding stairs can be manual or automatic. For easy manual opening, a weight is attached to the ladder.

The main requirements for folding attic ladders are compact size and strength. Aesthetics also play an equally important role. appearance structures.

Sliding staircase with retractable flights

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 negative qualities. For example, over time, a flight of stairs will produce an unpleasant squeak as some parts wear out. But this can be prevented by promptly lubricating each working connection.

Telescopic ladder

This type of design consists of sections that slide out. When folded, it takes up little space, since the parts are assembled into one another. They are made mainly from aluminum. The telescopic ladder is highly durable.

Sectional and hinged

It can have 1–4 sections. The first is fixed on the lid. Subsequent sections are connected to each other and form a uniform flight of stairs. They are equipped with hinges and special hinges.

Folding

If you don't have space to spare, a folding ladder has clear advantages. In most cases it is folded into the wall. It can be pulled out if necessary. Using card loops, the steps are secured to the string. When folded, it hides into the wall.

General requirements for attic stairs

It is worth mentioning the standard sizes of such structures:

• The permissible march width is 650 mm.
• It is not recommended to make stairs more than 3000 mm in height. This will result in less rigidity of the structure, which may result in an accident. Among other things, a structure that is too tall will be problematic to fold.
• Steps in the amount of 13 to 15 pieces.
• There should be a gap of no more than 19.3 cm between the steps. Otherwise, the operation of the stairs will be difficult.
• The step should have a thickness of 1.8 to 2.2 cm.
• The standard tilt angle is 60–75°.
• The entire structure must withstand a weight of up to one hundred and fifty kilograms.
• The location of the steps is only parallel to the floor. For complete safety, you can stick anti-slip pads on them.

The size of the hatch should also be noted. The standard size is considered to be 120x70 cm. If the opening is smaller, it will be inconvenient to climb. At large sizes hatch there will be large heat losses. If your attic will not be heated, then the hatch should be steam and heat insulated.

Location of the attic staircase

The stairs should not interfere with living in the house. For this reason, installing a staircase in the kitchen or bedroom would be impractical. Therefore, it can be placed, for example, in a corridor or hall. The selected room must be of 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 to make a preliminary drawing to visualize the staircase in your interior.

Making a staircase from two sections

If you want to make a simple staircase without complex mechanisms, then a staircase made of two sections is an ideal option. To make it you will need:

• Wood saw.
• Roulette.
• Ladder.
• Card loops along the width of the stringer - 4 pieces.
• Beams - 2 pieces, 2–3 cm thick. The length should be equal to the width of the hatch.
• Loops, screws, hook and anchors.

Using a loop, a short beam is attached to the upper end of the stairs. The second, similar section of the block is on the lower part. They must be secured obliquely, otherwise they will interfere with movement. This design will be quite rigid. Afterwards, measure out 2/3 of the stairs and make a neat cut. With the help metal hinges connect the two parts.

The hinges must be secured correctly, 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 a loop near the cut point and a hook at the appropriate distance into the wall. The two-section attic ladder is ready!

One of the disadvantages of this design is that it is always visible. But if you put in a little more effort, you can build a ladder with your own hands that will be hidden in the hatch.

Hiding the ladder behind 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 120x65 cm. Then, to prevent heat loss, the hatch should be cut 7–8 mm wider on each side. For work you will need the following material:

• Bar with a cross section of 50x50 mm - 2 long and 2 short.
• Plywood, 10 mm thick.
• Plywood, 4 mm thick, for making gussets.
• PVA glue.
• Self-tapping screws.

At the end of each block, make a cut to half its thickness. Afterwards, coat these places with glue and connect everything into a rectangle into a groove. For strength, you can additionally twist them together with self-tapping screws. So that you get an exact diagonal from 4 mm plywood, cut out a gusset.

When the glue has dried, remove the gussets and screw on a sheet of plywood with 10 mm self-tapping screws. Now try on the structure in the opening. If everything fits, then the measurements were taken accurately.

For an aesthetic appearance, cut a door latch into the lid. Using a screwed handle, you can open the hatch with a latch.

Mechanism for stairs with hatch – hinged without spring

One of the important components of a folding attic ladder is the opening mechanism. The simplest method is to buy it. But if you want to save family budget you can do it yourself.

To do this you will need:

• Corner – 1 piece.
• A piece of metal sheet.
• Two strips of different lengths.
• M10 bolts.
• Drills.
• Malka.
• Jigsaw.
• Teski.
• Clamps.

Manufacturing technology:

1. The first step is to make a drawing on cardboard of the stairs. In this case, you should indicate the approximate angle of its inclination in the open state.
2. Now cut out an example design and individual parts from cardboard. This will allow you to select the correct hinge length.
3. Use metal strips to measure out the holes for the hinge. Measure distances according to preliminary measurements. A hole is made for an M10 bolt.
4. You assemble these parts together and tighten them slightly.
5. Now measure the desired angle using a measuring rod. Then move the mechanism to the desired angle.
6. On the metal, mark the area that, when opened, will be covered by a corner. Use a jigsaw to cut it out.
7. At this stage you give the stripes presentation. Round the corners and trim off any excess length. This will allow them not to cling to each other and, accordingly, not to interfere with each other.
8. After removing excess metal, the corner will rest in the required position. The first mechanism is ready!
9. To prepare the second mechanism, fasten each pair of parts together with clamps. This will allow you to make an identical part. Drill the holes.
10. Insert a bolt into the finished hole and drill a second one.
11. Having twisted the workpieces with two bolts, equalize them in length and give them the same shape.

All parts of the mechanism are made using this principle. 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 the hatch with mechanisms to the opening.

In the open position, the hatch should not touch the walls of the opening. If necessary, it can be adjusted. In order for the entire structure to be held well, another one should be made important detail. To do this, take two strips 2 cm wide, 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 supporting platform.

So, you will make a hinge that, in the open position, will bend slightly, but at the same time withstand the entire load. Among other things, it must open completely. This will evenly distribute the load created by the hinged ladder.

Staircase made of wood on bowstrings

Let's make a staircase out of wood. Take an inch board ten centimeters wide. It will be useful for making bowstrings and steps. The first section is made exactly along the length of the hatch, the second is similar, 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 spoon. Measure the slope of the angle of the staircase when it is unfolded. 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 secured with tape. The lines drawn must be mirror-like. In the places where the hinges will be, drill 25 holes with a pen.

The holes should be on both sides of the boards, so first make holes on the inside and then on the outside. Sand each hole with a router.

This will give the blanks an aesthetic appearance. Cut the boards where the segments join.

Slice required quantity steps, sand them. For each step on the string, make small holes of 5 mm. Assemble the entire structure using PVA glue and self-tapping screws.

Making metal loops

To connect the sections of the march, loops should also be made. Thanks to their presence, the ladder will fold and unfold accordingly. For this purpose, you will need to take a metal strip 2.5 cm wide. You will need eight such strips. Weld a small piece of a similar strip to four of them. Make holes in each of them that will be used to attach the ladder.

Now lay the first and second segment of the stairs on flat surface. The joint between them should be quite tight. Screw the hinge so that the hinge bolt fits into the recess in the center of the connected sections. On the other hand, the edge of the bowstring will be a reference point. After screwing the two hinges, check the ladder to see if it bends. If everything works properly, connect the third segment using the same example.

Installation of a folding structure in the opening

Now only a little remains. When all the parts you have made are finished and connected to each other, you can begin installation in the opening.

First, treat all metal parts with a metal primer, spray paint, and apply two coats of varnish to the wooden elements.

When the entire structure has dried, all that remains is to secure it with anchors in the opening to the attic. After much work, the folding ladder is ready! You can find photo instructions at the end of the article.

How to make a folding attic ladder?

You can climb into the attic or the attic you made using a folding ladder. To do this you will need the following building material:

• To make a bowstring, 2 boards. Thickness 30 mm, width 200 mm. The length directly depends on the angle of inclination of the stairs and the height of the ceiling.
• Boards for steps. Width 120 mm, thickness 30 mm, length 500 mm.
• There are two card loops for each step.
• Self-tapping screws.
• Anchor.
• Hook for mounting the structure on the wall.

To successfully assemble the stairs to the ceiling, the upper edge of the stationary string should not reach 550 mm.

So, all the work is done in the following sequence:

• Anchor one string to the wall. The fastening itself must be rigid, since the entire structure will be supported on it.
• Mark the steps. Mark the position of the first parallel to the floor. Draw a segment, the length is equal to the width of the step 120 mm.
• Now draw two parallel straight lines through the ends of the segment parallel to the edges of the bowstring.
• Then draw a perpendicular from the end of the first segment.
• From this line, step back 10 mm to the right and draw a line parallel to the perpendicular.
• The point of intersection of this line with the upper one, which is drawn parallel to the edge of the bowstring, determines the location of the next step. This principle is used to mark all subsequent steps.

To prevent the steps from rubbing against each other when folding, a space of one centimeter is required between them. Transfer all these markings to the second string and attach 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 lower the movable bowstring down. Accordingly, in suitable places A hook is mounted on the wall. This is perhaps the simplest and fastest method of making a folding attic ladder.

It's a small matter

So, we have looked at several options for making an attic ladder with your own hands. Of course, at first it may seem like an unthinkable task, but with effort and effort, anything can be done. Leave your comments on this article and share your impressions!

Photo

A folding ladder to the attic is a type of compact auxiliary devices for climbing into utility rooms country house. Quite often a stationary design flights of stairs For attic floors It looks simply irrational - you don’t have to use it often, or it takes up a lot of living space, which, as always, is sorely lacking.

Many people are familiar with these circumstances. Previously, they arose when it was necessary to climb into the attic, where, according to established traditions, old things were stored that were no longer needed, but it was a pity to throw them away. Of course, you can use a regular stepladder to go up and down, but for greater convenience and safety there is another solution - a folding ladder to the attic.

Significantly saves living space at home. It is located in a specially equipped ceiling opening of the interfloor ceiling.

A folding attic ladder is functional, compact and very easy to use, and the variety of models and available options for this design allows you to choose exactly the type that is ideal for the specific operating conditions of any country house.

Among the variety of folding attic systems, three main configurations are most in demand:

• lever;
• claw-shaped;
• telescopic.

Lever designs

Lever or three-knee systems consist of three folding parts. The first part (elbow) is attached to the hatch cover, and the next two, using springs and a special mechanism, are sequentially stacked on top of each other.

In order to install the ladder, you need to use a long rod with a hook to hook the ring installed on the outside of the hatch and pull it down. After the hatch opens, the structure itself, under the influence of its own weight, will unfold into the desired position.

For ease of disassembly and assembly, the system is equipped with special lever mechanisms that help the mobile flight to smoothly unfold and fold into the stairwell. The hatch cover is equipped with latches, which are designed to secure the entire device in the interfloor ceiling.

Claw stairs

The claw-shaped design of the march received its name from the shape of its elements. This type of device folds like an accordion, and they are also called pantograph ladders. The basis of such systems is a multi-link hinge mechanism, which is adjusted by springs.

When the hatch is open, the device stretches down and is fixed to the floor using a special spring stop. When the mechanism is removed from the stop, the structure is assembled to its original position under the action of springs.

Telescopic devices

The telescopic system, taking into account its operational properties, is made only from lightweight aluminum profile.

Therefore, attic metal folding ladders with a telescopic system are separate sections made of profile aluminum pipe, which are sequentially inserted into each other.

• The entire structure is mounted in the manhole cover, and, if necessary, easily extends into the working position.
• Stability is provided by clamps, located at the junction of sections.
• Number of parts may vary, depending on the required height and model of the selected device.
• For the purpose safe operation the mechanism is designed in such a way that it eliminates arbitrary axial displacement of sections.
• Special latches firmly fix the structure in the folded position.
• To unfold the ladder, simply pull for a special rod (rod) provided for these purposes.

How to choose a folding ladder

Before choosing and purchasing an attic ladder, you need to learn a few rules:

1. The design should be selected taking into account the prepared opening in the interfloor ceiling. And for this you need to know optimal sizes for this type of stairs.
2. The minimum recommended opening size is 500–600 mm, but according to the experience of some manufacturers, 0.6–1.20 m is better. You can consult the seller about what sizes are currently on sale and adjust your opening according to the selected template.
3. The second necessary parameter is the height and angle of inclination (“reach”) of the device in working condition. To do this, you need to know how often the stairs will be used, and its future location (length of the room, furniture, etc.). The most acceptable and convenient to use design is considered to be a design with a height of 2.80–3.5 m.

Tips: If the room height is more than 3.5 m, for safety reasons it is not recommended to install a folding attic ladder. In this case, you need to think about installing a stationary economy class staircase, which has a larger angle of inclination and is equipped with railings.

As is customary, attic systems are sold with ready-made dimensions, so you need to provide for a situation where the required size may not be available. In this case, as mentioned above, it is necessary to prepare an opening for ready sizes, or order right size individually. In the latter option, the price of the structure will be higher.

Metal folding stairs are best suited for outbuildings, and most appropriate for a country house wooden structure, which, with a certain finishing, can become an interior decoration (see video in this article).

Attic systems are unpretentious in operation, and if you have the necessary tools and instructions for assembling a specific architecture, you can easily install them yourself.

Assembling a folding wooden ladder

Before assembly finished design, you need to familiarize yourself with some basic safety rules:

• The use of these structures for plasterboard floors is not recommended;
• disassembly of the component elements of the mechanism during installation is prohibited;
• Do not unscrew or adjust the fastenings to the hatch;
• Test operation of the device is prohibited until all elements are installed.

Do-it-yourself folding stairs to the attic - instructions:

1. Installation attic system performed by two people. First, with everything necessary tool and with strong twine, rises to the second floor, and the second remains below.
2. We check the dimensions of the opening, which should be 2 cm larger than the box.

1. To support the kit, tie two safety bars to the box during installation. Moreover, the initial lower level of the box should be slightly lower than the ceiling level (see photo).
2. Then, using prepared wooden wedges, align the level of the ceiling and the mechanism box.

1. Open the ladder and check the serviceability of all elements.
2. After this, lift the device to its original position and begin installing the box.
3. Before starting installation, check that the lengths of the diagonals between the opposite corners of the box match.

1. In the gap between the structure and interfloor ceiling, in the places where the screws are installed, insert the strips to fit the box tightly to the opening.
2. Screw the frame to the base of the opening with screws (8x80).
3. The gap between the box and the opening must be filled with foam.
4. Open the device and check the correct operation of all mechanisms, and adjust them if necessary.

1. The unfolded structure should form a straight line, and bottom part the bowstring should fit snugly to the floor.

Folding attic stairs can have a wide variety of designs and improvements. It can be equipped with dust covers, railings, electric motors and a remote control remote control, which activates the automatic unfolding and folding mechanism of the system. Therefore, depending on the design chosen, the price of such improvements can vary widely.