Long gone are the days when home owners had to climb a cumbersome ladder to get to the attic. Modern options for the attic they are good because they take up a minimum of space both when folded and unfolded, and it is difficult even for an attentive person to guess the presence of such a structure behind a beautifully finished attic hatch.
And such a wonderful alternative is definitely pleasing to the eye. screw structures and stepladders, like a folding attic ladder - you can make it with your own hands with correct fastenings, with a strong spring mechanism and no worse than modern expensive market products. And even better!
Advantages and disadvantages of folding stairs
A folding attic ladder should be easy to hide and fold under the ceiling, and therefore it is customary to make it shorter, with a small number of sections. After all, every extra step in this regard means additional weight and volume.
Such stairs are good primarily because they allow you to significantly save space. At the same time, they do not spoil the ceiling of the living space at all. After all, the entrance to the attic is often located in one of the habitable rooms of the house. At the same time, such stairs are quite functional, durable and compact. And using them is as easy as shelling pears: just pick up a special rod with a hook at the end and hook onto the ring.
Next, with your left hand you easily reach the bottom step of the outermost section, reach the floor and straighten all the other components of the ladder. In the same way, by doing everything in reverse order, you can easily fold the ladder back and put it into the ceiling. Moreover, many modern attic ladders also fold and unfold using an electric drive, which is generally incredibly convenient:
Another advantage is safety. Going up and down such a ladder is much safer than using an extension ladder: it will not break under your feet and your legs will not unexpectedly “leave away.”
And finally, lightness. The lightest folding attic ladders are made from of stainless steel and aluminum, thanks to which attic floor there are no serious loads. As you understand, due to the design features, such a staircase can only be made of metal.
Why is it better to make the stairs yourself?
Ready-made industrial stairs, which the market is actively offering today, are quite convenient, as far as can be judged from the available reviews on them. But we do not recommend placing them in attics that you often have to climb into (for example, our workshop or mini-library is located there).
Why? Because such stairs often turn out to be quite flimsy in practice - this is not a hand-made production, but mass production, and no manufacturer needs to make them too strong. For any product, the maximum limit load is always calculated, which often does not take into account many factors and force majeure. And this is the same case when you, in a calm state and with almost no additional weight in your hands, carefully descend or ascend. If you slip, fall, or a fairly overweight relative decides to lift a heavy box into the attic, expect trouble.
And such stairs are often quite steep, and it is inconvenient to go down them with something in your hands - you need to stick to one. And go down only backwards. Therefore, it is quite natural that many home craftsmen who built their own house or bathhouse do not see any point in buying fragile and expensive folding stairs to the attic. Why, if you can make them yourself, and excellent quality and much more reliability?
Moreover, in this case you have much more choice both in terms of the material for making the stairs and the fasteners themselves. The main thing is to calculate the dimensions correctly future design so that later it can be easily and compactly folded over the hatch, nothing will touch the opening and create a problem.
Another common reason that many people undertake to build such stairs on their own is that most industrial options usually have very thin and fragile steps - they literally creak underfoot.
So, in order to make such a ladder for the roof with your own hands, you will need wooden scraps. First decide on the dimensions of the future attic opening, and the second step is to make the hatch cover and frame. You will then attach the ladder to it. It is advisable to leave gaps of 7-8 millimeters on each side. Technical specifications here they are:
So, now let’s figure out what types of attic folding stairs there are.
Design #1 – sliding stairs
Sliding ladders usually consist of two sections, one of which is attached directly to the hatch cover, and the second is extended vertically using special guides. When you fold such a ladder, one section seems to creep onto the other, which is quite convenient. The only negative is the bulkiness of the entire structure, which requires a wide opening in the attic floor.
Design #2 – folding with a spring mechanism
The most popular today - folding stairs, otherwise called sectional. These consist of three or four sections that can easily be straightened into a flight of stairs. They are connected to each other by a special spring mechanism.
Folding structures are considered the most complex in their design, since they have many fasteners and must be correctly attached to the hatch opening. Such stairs are made of both wood and metal.
Design #3 – telescopic ladders
The next type is a telescopic design. It performs remarkably well in cases where the attic is visited quite often. For example, when it was specially insulated to make it residential, although up to full attic It hasn't arrived yet. That is, we are talking about a technical attic, like a dressing room or a workshop, but in this case, a residential attic is better to install a spiral staircase made of wood or metal and always with railings.
In a telescopic design, the blocks are pulled out one by one, taking up as much space as possible. less space. And such stairs are especially good because they can be extended to almost any length, which is especially valuable for high ceilings. But such devices are not suitable for children and the older generation in the house, for whom it is quite difficult to reach the lower section and generally cope with the entire structure.
Design #4 – simplified folding stairs
These types of folding ladders do not hide behind an attic hatch, but they can easily be tucked into a corner or behind interior decoration. For example, this rarer species, which is usually made independently, also has the right to life:
And these options for folding stairs are quite popular abroad:
But both of these options have considerable disadvantages, some of which can bring discomfort to the interior of the living space, from where there is access to the attic, and after a month or two, such designs already bore the owners with their stupidity to the point of setting their teeth on edge. And therefore, we still suggest that you take a closer look at the more practical folding ladders, which can be easily folded and hidden behind a hatch cover.
How to determine the parameters of the future staircase?
So, we'll give you some tips for choosing attic stairs.
- Tip #1.
- When you choose the parameters for a future staircase, consider the mechanism of the hatch: when it is opened and closed, it can move slightly forward and backward.
- Tip #2. If the ceiling in the room is high enough, and exceeds 3.5 meters, it is better to install a marching or attached structure, or a spiral staircase, which will be safer in this case. Tip #3.
- Please note when making a hatch that the larger the opening, the
- more heat will go into the attic. Tip #4.
Another point you should pay attention to is how the hatch will open. For example, in ready-made market versions, most often it opens slowly, thanks to special springs, and certainly does not fall on anyone’s head. Be sure to work on this point, especially since special parts are not difficult to purchase today.
Tip #5.
The steepness of a staircase is always determined only by its angle. The larger the step protrusion, the more quantity these steps and the lower their height. But this does not mean at all that it will be convenient for you to climb and descend such stairs. Therefore, the most convenient step height is 20 centimeters, which is most suitable for a standard human foot.
Here is a very useful video that will help you avoid many mistakes when installing such a staircase: What fasteners and materials are needed? and depreciation. The shock absorption, in turn, makes it easier to close and open the stairs. And you can buy all the necessary hinge elements at any store. But simple metal strips drilled in several places are quite suitable for constructing such a staircase, and the most expensive thing for arranging a staircase is an aluminum sliding system.
Simple and practical fastening:
More a complex system:
But what are the requirements for fastening the entire staircase? The first is the ability to withstand the weight of the entire structure, as well as the weight of the person who will climb and descend along it. And not only the static loads of a person standing on it with his certain weight, but also dynamic ones, which are much greater than static ones. For example, a person stumbled and suddenly stood on a lower step, or staggered and leaned on the stairs with all his weight, but abruptly and suddenly.
And finally, we note the ability to easily control the structure. As you understand, such a ladder weighs a fair amount and it is important that you then make sure it is easy to open. And when closing, you will have to lift all the weight at once, so provide special springs that will make the whole process easier for you over time - you will be grateful for this trick.
Instructions for making a folding ladder
So, let's figure out step by step how to make a folding ladder for your attic. You will need the following tools: a hacksaw, a ladder, hinges, two timbers, bolts, self-tapping screws, a screwdriver and a metal hook.
The process itself can be divided into several steps:
- Step 1: Secure top beam to the opening using hinges, and the bottom one using self-tapping screws. The fastener itself should be on the back side of the stairs.
- Step 2. Now we connect everything using the most ordinary bolts, with a diameter of 6 or 8 millimeters. A smaller diameter may not withstand the load, a larger one is simply not needed. Remember that self-tapping screws cannot be used here at all - they will not withstand the load and on a certain day they will simply tear out the entire fastening of the system.
- Step 3. Now we divide the stairs into three parts, measure 2/3 and make a cut, just between the steps.
- Step 4. We connect the sawn parts again, but with loops.
- Step 5. Nail longer bars on the back side so that they turn out diagonally for strength.
- Step 6. Now the ladder itself is delivered under the hatch and is pressed against the wall with the top bar. Secure this block with bolts.
Believe me, in practice everything will be much easier!
A folding ladder to the attic is a type of compact auxiliary devices for climbing into utility rooms country house. Often 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 structure 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
Telescopic system, taking into account 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.
- In order to 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 the 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- 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.
- We check the dimensions of the opening, which should be 2 cm larger than the box.
- 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).
- Then, using prepared wooden wedges, align the level of the ceiling and the mechanism box.
- Open the ladder and check the serviceability of all elements.
- After this, lift the device to its original position and begin installing the box.
- Before starting installation, check that the lengths of the diagonals between the opposite corners of the box match.
- 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.
- Screw the frame to the base of the opening with screws (8x80).
- The gap between the box and the opening must be filled with foam.
- Open the device and check the correct operation of all mechanisms, and adjust them if necessary.
- The unfolded structure should form a straight line, and Bottom part the bowstring should fit snugly to the floor.
A folding attic ladder can have the most various 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.
The drawings of the attic staircase are not particularly complex. But a number of features for calculation and design should be taken into account. Then the resulting design will meet the basic requirements for safety and ease of movement between levels.
Name of elements of folding stairs to the attic
Before choosing a ladder, you should pay attention to a number of important points:
All these points will help you quickly navigate the choice of design type. There are the following classifications of attic stairs:
More common, aluminum structures. Metal and wood can be combined.
Technical requirements. Data and formulas for calculation
Attic stairs must meet the following characteristics:
The stairs to the attic are easy to make. You should start with calculations of parameters and a drawing. To draw up a diagram not “by eye”, you will need the following data:
Schemes of folding stairs
Such designs do not require more space for arrangement; they can be organically integrated into the interior or hidden in the attic. The suggested options will help you arrange your home ergonomically.
Drawing No. 1
This type is a device of two folding sections.
This option is suitable for attic openings located near the wall.
When developing a drawing, take into account the following points:
This staircase is not particularly aesthetically pleasing, but when assembled it takes up virtually no space.
Drawing No. 2
This option, like the first, is attached to the wall, but through one bowstring. The requirements for it are slightly different:
This staircase is a little more complicated than the previous version. But the following type of device has gained great popularity.
Drawing No. 3
This type of design is retracted into the hatch when folding and closing. Most convenient option, since it does not take up space in the residential part of the house. If the width for the previous design could be arbitrary, then for this type of staircase this parameter is related to the dimensions of the opening.
Main subtleties during design and assembly:
A do-it-yourself attic ladder, the drawings of which are presented, is easy to make. Some craftsmen even make hinge mechanisms for the hatch themselves. Or a cottage there is no need to explain what an attic is. Often the layout internal space does not allow to equip to ascend to the named room. This circumstance is due to rare visits, theft of square footage and cluttering of the interior. Of course, many will say that they do a good job with a stepladder, but regular trips to get this device, as well as its unsteadiness, make many owners think about building a compact staircase structure. To solve the problem, it is necessary to understand the variety of types of the named element and find out how to make a staircase to the attic, without resorting to the help of specialists and without hassling great amount funds.
General rules for the construction of attic stairs
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:
- staircase width no more than 65 cm;
- height no more than 3 m;
- optimal number of steps – up to 15 pcs.;
- the distance between steps is no more than 19 cm;
- step thickness from 2 to 2.2 cm;
- classic tilt angle from 60 to 75°;
- the design is made with a margin for greater weight;
- the position of the steps at the moment of opening must be strictly parallel to the floor;
- standard hatch dimensions are 120×60 or 120×70 cm.
Compliance with all of the listed requirements for the arrangement of stairs to the attic will allow the work to be completed with proper quality and emphasis on durability, and will also eliminate excessive heat loss in winter periods time.
The optimal solution for arranging the structure under study, which allows taking into account all everyday aspects, is the manufacture of a folding staircase. This type can be built both externally and internally. The only fundamental difference is that the latter option is more comfortable to use, since the need to go outside, which is acutely noticeable during the cold season, is eliminated. In addition to this, in internal version it is protected from external influences external factors and is a kind of gasket between cold flows air masses attic and adjoining room.
The assortments of modern stores offer many staircase options, but it is more advisable to highlight the most common types:
- scissor - is a ladder made of metal and, when folded, is a kind of accordion;
- folding (retractable) - includes several retractable sections, which, as they open, fold into a solid structure thanks to hinge mechanisms and hinges;
- telescopic - consists of several flights of stairs, which are stacked one on top of the other at the time of assembly (aluminum is usually used as the basis for such a design).
Making a folding staircase to the attic with your own hands is a simple undertaking 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 tools and acquire materials. The set of tools does not require the presence of expensive equipment and includes a list of available tools familiar to every person:
- saw or jigsaw;
- drill or screwdriver with a set of bits;
- roulette;
- wood screws;
- anchors, corners and hanging hooks;
- one-piece staircase design with a reserve length of the side bases of 20–25 cm;
- 4–6 card type loops;
- timber with a thickness of 3–4 cm.
The diversity of this element allows the home owner not to become too attached to traditional ways and choose the optimal type for yourself depending on the available square footage, interior and other important characteristics. However, with little construction experience, you can make your own staircase structure for the attic it is more advisable to carry out simple accessible ways, which are represented by hinged and folding types.
Hinged view
This type of staircase can easily be 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. We attach one of the beams to the wall, directly under the equipped hatch using dowel-nails or self-tapping screws, and the second - on the lower points of the staircase supports. Next, measure 2/3 from the top edge of the prepared wooden staircase and make a cut. Then these components and the top with the top support beam fasten with loops. The structure is ready, all that remains is to install a hook in the wall where the lower section is folded so that the ladder is securely fixed to the wall.
It would be a good idea to reinforce the upper support partition with steel angles or anchors, since most of the load will fall on this element.
When arranging a folding staircase, you can choose a classic one as a base. wooden stairs, sawn into several components. To do this, you will need to take 2 bars with a length that provides passage into attic hatch, and secure them to the upper and lower edges of the prepared structure, respectively, using loops and nails. Next, you need to measure 1/3 of the total length from top to bottom and make cuts. The components are also held together using card loops.
In order to avoid spontaneous opening of the resulting staircase, you should equip the block located on the upper edge of the structure with a hook.
Before fixing the hinge devices, additionally check that all components are correctly opened. It would be a good idea to install a sheet of plywood on the back side of the staircase, so that when closed, the staircase folds completely into the gap between the hatch and the general surface of the ceiling.
Photo of a folding wooden structure
The photographs show the sequence of manufacturing a folding ladder for the attic:
In conclusion, I would like to note that independent arrangement auxiliary structures from time immemorial it has been the subject of attention of most owners of private houses. Sticking to general rules construction and following the presented simple recommendations, you can easily create an excellent staircase to the attic without spending a lot of money on it.
Video
The provided video, consisting of two parts, describes in detail the manufacture of an attic ladder:
Photo
The photographs show various options attic stairs:
Scheme
If you decide to make a staircase yourself, then below is a number of diagrams that you can use as the basis for your design:
This article provides step-by-step instruction on creating a folding attic ladder. You will learn how to correctly assemble the main hinge element, what to make the staircase sections from, and how to securely fasten the structure in its installation position. The article contains diagrams and drawings.
An inventory factory staircase to the attic is a fairly common product that can be purchased in many construction stores. However budget options They are not always reliable, but strong branded products cost accordingly. Making a necessary item or device with your own hands from scrap materials is very popular among home craftsmen. The attic staircase is no exception.
Material for work
To assemble an analogue of a factory product, you will need quality materials, which may be available, especially during construction:
- Bar 50x50 (pine) 1st grade - 20 linear. m. The frame of the lid and opening will be made from it.
- Plywood 8-10 mm - 2 sq. m. Needed for covering the lid.
- Board 100x25-30 mm - 15 linear. m. Will go on steps and bowstrings.
- Steel strip 3-4x20 mm - for movable fastening of knees.
- Angle and plate 3-4 mm - for the main mechanical element.
- Bolts, nuts, washers, bolts M12-M14.
- Self-tapping screws.
Tool:
- Plotnitsky - saw, screwdriver, protractor.
- Locksmith - welding machine, electrodes 3-4, grinder.
- Workbench and clamps.
Operating procedure
First of all, you need to choose a place for the stairs and make an opening. If necessary, trim and install intermediate beams in the ceiling - 6-7 mm larger than the size of the intended cover. Next, according to the size of the hatch, you need to assemble the cover itself - from a block and plywood. The design can be arbitrary, but it must be reliable (it is better to glue the connections). The block on one of the short sides should be rounded so as not to interfere with the lid opening.
Assembling the hinge mechanism
This is the most critical element of the design. 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 local situation. Manufactured parts must be of high quality; they must be cleaned and edges processed.
1 - thrust plate; 2 - corner, top view; 3 - short slide; 4 - long drawstring
The key point is determining the opening angle. This angle is very important and figures into the production of the plate. In order to set it correctly, project the future march on the ground - stretch the thread and set the desired angle experimentally (by selecting the best position). Securely attach it 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, attach the inclinometer and move until the corners of the corner flange and the inclinometer coincide. Then mark the plate along the resulting trajectory and cut out the area where the part moves.
Holes should be pre-drilled in the plate for mounting to the beam. We assemble the mechanism with bolts and washers.
After rough assembly, you need to try the unit in place, attach it and accurately reproduce the procedure for opening and closing the hatch. If any movement defects are found, correct them.
Then you need to make a response mechanism. It should completely repeat the first one, but in mirror image. Use clamps and a workbench - by clamping the parts together, you will achieve complete identical dimensions.
Make adjustments experimentally and final installation. The lid in the open position must exactly follow the angle projected by the cord.
Manufacturing of sections
Calculation of the length of each section:
- 1st - opening length minus 10%
- 2nd - length of the first minus 10%
- 3rd - march length minus the sum of the first two
Let's assume that the flight length is 2500 mm. Based on the opening length of 1200 mm:
- 1st - 1080 mm
- 2nd - 972 mm
- 3rd - 448 mm
We mark the entire boards according to the calculation and transfer the angle of the march to the bowstrings.
Attention! Bowstrings must be installed in a mirror manner! Take this into account when marking and drilling.
At the joints of the sections we drill holes Ø 25 - mirror through one.
All parts must be processed with high quality sanding belt, chamfers must be rounded in order to bring the quality as close as possible to the factory one.
Then we cut grooves for the steps according to the markings. We select wood with a chisel.
The design of individual sections is assembled using 65 mm self-tapping screws with a press washer using D-3 wood glue.
The hinges for the knees can be made from the same strip as the opening mechanism. To do this, cut 4 strips of 160 mm and 4 of 120 mm, rounding the ends. We weld legs to four of them to a length of 160 mm with a hole of 8 mm. You should end up with 8 pieces of equal length, but 4 of them with a step.
Assemble the individual plates into hinges using bolts.
Assembly of sections and installation of stairs
Lay it out on a flat surface and install the finished sectional hinges so that the fastening bolts fit into the holes in the wood. Install the hinges with M8-10 bolts.
After assembling the first bend, check the system for functionality. If necessary, correct any distortions.
Then attach the lower short elbow and test the system.
Now all that remains is to mount the ladder in its designed position - on the manhole cover. For installation, use bolts (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 spray paint for metal.
Subsequently, the design can be complicated and made more convenient by adding to it:
- Additional hinges to eliminate play.
- A spring to support the structure to make opening easier.
- Locking lock.
- Handrails.
- Use decorative finishing and additional insulation.
Finished view of the staircase:
The issue of finishing and insulation is decided locally, based on needs. The lid can be finished with any material that fits into the ceiling. Basically it is plastic - lightweight, inexpensive and has an additional layer of air. The difference in price between the “home” and “store” versions of a folding ladder is about 90% (80-150 USD). The work required only a few new boards, covering them and hardware.