Currently, every developer is trying to make maximum use of the entire available area of his home. However, getting into the attic without a ladder is almost impossible. Do-it-yourself attic staircase - best option for safe access to the attic.
Attic stairs can be located both indoors and outdoors. Of course, when the staircase is located inside, it is much more convenient to use - you don’t need to go out into the cold in winter or get wet in the rain in autumn.
There are several types of attic stairs, namely:
- folding;
- stationary;
- portable.
Stationary stairs with railings and wide flights are the most convenient, but their use is limited due to the impossibility of operation in small areas.
Portable ladders are mainly used as temporary option and serve for access to premises that are rarely used. The main disadvantage of such a ladder is low safety.
Folding attic ladders are the middle link between stationary and portable ones. In terms of convenience, they are almost as good as stationary ones, but they take up significantly less space. In terms of safety, they are significantly superior to portable structures.
The choice in favor of one type or another depends on several factors:
- the area of the room where the staircase will be located;
- purpose of the attic space;
- possible angle of inclination.
Standard sizes
Exists whole line standards that the attic ladder must comply with:
- the optimal width of the march should be about 65-110 cm;
- the height should not exceed 3.5 m. This is due not only to the fact that the rigidity of the structure is significantly reduced, but also to the fact that a fall from such a height can lead to serious injuries;
- the number of steps should usually not exceed 15;
- It is customary to make a distance of about 19 cm between steps;
- the thickness of the steps is usually 18-22 mm;
- The standard tilt angle is 60-75 degrees. A small corner requires a lot of space, and a large one is dangerous to use;
- the folding ladder must withstand a load of 150 kg;
- The steps should be installed parallel to the floor and they should not be slippery.
Manufacturing process
Making attic stairs with your own hands is not at all as difficult as it might seem at first glance. Of course such beauty as they have industrial models You won't succeed, but it's worth a try. Do-it-yourself drawings of attic stairs that you can make can simply be found on our website.
The hatch is the basis of any attic staircase
You can make a hatch with your own hands using the following materials:
- bars 50×50 mm;
- plywood.
The work order is as follows:
- we determine the location and dimensions of the future hatch;
Note!
TO overall dimensions 7-8 mm should be added to the hatch so that the lid closes easily and without squeaking.
- cut the timber into 4 pieces of the required size;
- we cut grooves at the ends of the beams;
- lubricate the grooves with glue and connect the beams, strengthening the joint with self-tapping screws;
- so that the diagonal does not go away, we screw the gussets;
- fix the plywood;
- we try on the hatch in the opening;
- To close the hatch well, we will cut a latch into the lid;
- To open the hatch, we will use a handle that is inserted into the hole and presses the latch.
Required tools and materials
For self-made Do it yourself stairs to the attic, you must have the entire list:
- wood hacksaw;
- gun with polyurethane foam;
- a set of screwdrivers or a screwdriver with a set of bits;
- various screws, anchors;
- roulette;
- card loops;
- bars 20-30 mm thick.
These are only the basic tools that will be needed for self-production if you already have a ready-made wooden extension ladder 30 cm longer than necessary to the level of the opening.
Simple design
As an example, let's look at how to make an attic ladder with your own hands.
The instructions will help you understand the principle of operation:
- On the finished solid wooden staircase we attach 2 bars along the width, on the lower and upper parts. Moreover, we fasten the upper bar on the hinges, and fasten the lower one rigidly;
- We cut the stairs into 2 parts. measuring 2/3 of the length. The upper part will be longer, the lower part will be short;
- to add rigidity, we fix 2 slats diagonally;
- we connect both parts of the ladder with loops;
- using anchors we secure the top bar under the hatch;
- so that the lower part does not open, it is secured with a hook. The loop is located on the stringer above the cutting site.
- The finished attic ladder is pressed against the wall surface and fixed.
The main disadvantage that it has this design attic staircase is her appearance and the fact that all the fasteners and bars are visible. However, even such a DIY staircase to the attic will significantly simplify the difficulties of getting up and down from the attic space.
Folding design on bowstrings
To manufacture the structure, several steps must be completed:
- let's divide full height into 3 parts. The first part will correspond to the dimensions of the hatch, the second is slightly smaller, and the third will cover the remaining distance to the floor;
- measure the angle of the hatch using a small tool;
- we transfer the angle to the boards, thereby marking the steps;
- drill holes at the site of the future hinge between the sections;
- polish all edges;
- we cut the boards in the places where the hinges will be installed;
- we cut and grind the steps;
- under the steps we make small notches in the bowstrings;
- we insert the steps into the recesses, placing them on glue and fastening them with self-tapping screws;
- We connect the sections with special loops. To do this, be sure to place the sections on flat surface;
Note!
It is recommended to work at heights with a partner.
This will not only help avoid injury, but will also significantly speed up the entire process!
The price of a staircase made by yourself is significantly lower than the price of a factory design, so if the financial issue is acute, be sure to try to do everything yourself.
Conclusion
Purchasing a ready-made staircase to the attic is the most simple option, however, if available necessary tools and basic skills it’s not at all difficult to do it yourself. In the video presented in this article you will find Additional information on this topic.
Many owners of private houses in order to get into attic space, use an extension or stationary ladder installed on the street. Of course, for safety reasons, such a ladder is completely justified and will never become superfluous. However, for use in winter period, and especially in cases where there is a utility room or even a full-fledged living space in the attic, it will be much more convenient to provide the possibility of entry directly from the house.
But it often happens that the stationary design of an internal staircase requires a very significant area, and therefore cannot be implemented in practice in conditions small house. And even if there is enough space, it hardly makes sense to “waste” it if the attic is not used constantly, but only from time to time. What to do? But there is a way out - this is a “transformer” structure, which is removed when not needed into the attic floor. So, the topic of this publication: do-it-yourself folding staircase to the attic - most optimal option for both large and small private houses.
General information about folding stairs to the attic
What do they say about the advantages and disadvantages of such structures?
Folding ladders, if their design is thought out, are safe and easy to use, are very convenient. However, they also have their own disadvantages, which you also need to know in advance when starting similar reconstruction of one of the rooms of the house.
So to advantages of folding staircase design include following points, which will greatly facilitate the operation of the attic space:
- Ability to safely enter the attic at any time, regardless of the season or current weather conditions.
- The compactness and ease of use of a high-quality design allows all residents of the house to cope with unfolding and folding the stairs, since no great physical effort is expected.
- The folded structure does not take up any useful space either in the living room or in the attic. If there is no need, the ladder is most often retracted into the opening of the attic floor, saving free space.
- A hatch in the ceiling, which is necessary to accommodate the staircase structure, when high-quality finishing from below does not spoil the appearance of the ceiling surface at all.
- When purchasing a ready-made structure, it is quite possible to choose a model with an electric drive. This is, of course, extremely convenient, since if necessary, you won’t have to make any effort to put the ladder into working condition or remove it. However, to install this staircase option, you will have to invite a specialist. And such kits cost quite a lot.
The disadvantages of installing this structure in the attic floor include the following:
- Be that as it may, folding stairs, unlike, do not always meet the criteria for maximum convenience in terms of the steepness of the climb, the number and size of steps.
- Based on the first point, the second suggests itself - ascent and descent along such staircase structures still requires care and special precautions. This will be especially true for children, older people or those with some physical limitations.
- No matter how tightly the hatch fits into the opening cut out for the stairs, it will still deprive the ceiling of its tightness. Therefore, in order to prevent getting into living rooms cold air from above (or, conversely, hot air during the summer heat), the attic room will have to be insulated. This, of course, leads to additional costs. True, we can look at this problem from a different angle. If it is planned to arrange a utility or residential space in the attic, then, one way or another, it is necessary to carry out thermal insulation work on the roof slopes and install flooring with
Criteria that a folding ladder must meet
In order for a ladder to be used for a long time and be safe for its owners, it must meet certain criteria, regardless of its design and material of manufacture.
Prices for folding stairs
folding ladder
These product qualities include:
- The strength of the manufacturing material, all fasteners and connecting nodes.
- Lightweight design in terms of weight. This is important not only for ease of use of the ladder, but also so that when folded it does not cause excessive additional load on the attic floor.
- Ease of operation - any adult family member should be able to handle the process of putting the ladder into combat readiness and folding it.
- Hinged or other components and devices that fold the ladder should function easily, without even minimal difficulties.
- If the staircase will be used constantly, due to the fact that a frequently used room is supposed to be located in the attic, then it is better to make the product yourself or order it good master to be confident in its reliability, and therefore in your personal safety.
Why is it better to make the stairs yourself?
Today there are a considerable number of models on the construction market. different manufacturers. They are, as a rule, quite convenient to use, but if they are not used very intensively. If the ladder will be unfolded and folded several times a day, then a more durable mechanism will be required, since the offered products may not withstand such intensive use due to the fact that each of them is designed for a certain “motor resource”.
Ready-made stairs are almost always available small angle slope relative to the vertical. That is, the manufacturer makes them too steep, so it’s inconvenient to climb up and down them, especially while holding a certain load in one hand and securing yourself with the other. The reasons, apparently, are very significant, and that is why many home owners prefer not to buy ready-made kits, and install them yourself according to your own drawings, calculating them for their own weight and equipping them with durable mechanisms.
Main types of folding stairs to the attic
Before purchasing or making a folding ladder, you need to decide on its design, since there are several of them. So, the following types of stairs have been developed and manufactured on an industrial scale and independently: retractable, folding spring, telescopic, folding with a simplified design, simple folding compact stairs.
Retractable or sliding ladder
The retractable staircase structure can consist of two or three sections, depending on the height of the attic floor.
- First option
The upper section of the structure using a metal flange is fixed to a transverse board that forms the box of the opening being installed in attic floor. Each section, when folding the ladder, slides into the part located above, as if on a rail. The assembled sections of the stairs are transferred to a horizontal position and laid on the floors of the attic. The hatch in this design can be attached to the highest and shortest section, and in this case, when the hatch is closed, the entire staircase will be hidden. The hatch can also be closed separately, that is, first a ladder is sent to the attic, and then the hatch is closed.
1 - Attic floor beam.
2 - Screw flange.
3 - Retractable ladder sections.
4 - Rotary mechanism.
This illustration shows how a retractable ladder works. However, it is quite obvious that it can only be suitable if the attic is not used as a living space and is visited quite rarely, and not constantly.
- Second option
Another option sliding stairs, consisting of two sections - a short one, attached to the hatch cover, and a long one, which, after unfolding, will rest against the surface of the floor of the room.. This option is also suitable for an attic used as a utility room. So, if you need to get into the attic, the hatch opens, and the ladder goes down with it. Then, its lower part is pulled out from the folded structure until it touches the floor.
When unfolding the ladder, space for access to the attic is freed up. In ready-made, factory-made versions of sliding or folding stairs, the hatch is equipped with its own thermal insulation. And along the contour of the opening, a seal is installed so that warm air from the room does not escape through the gaps around the ceiling hatch. ABOUT similar methods minimizing heat losses should not be forgotten when making stairs yourself.
A folding staircase differs from a sliding staircase in that its sections do not slide into one another, but fold together. This is ensured by special hinge mechanisms installed in the span connection points. The structure is folded according to the accordion principle. Top section fixed on the hatch panel, onhim Folding handrails are also installed, which make it easier to climb to the top floor or attic.
The advantage of this design is that it does not take up more space than the opening in the ceiling, since it is completely hidden in a special box, which frames the opening hatch. Therefore, when going up to the attic, the ladder can be raised so that it is not in the way on the lower floor, and in order to avoid accidentally stepping on the hatch while at the top, you can provide an upper strong hatch or a fencing for the opening.
Prices for stairs
ladder
The diagram above shows finished design, one of those offered in specialty stores. However, focusing on it, it is quite possible to make a ladder yourself. How to do this will be discussed in detail in the instruction table below.
The diagram shows a box framing the opening. It is equipped with elastic rubber gasket, thanks to which the hatch will be pressed tightly, without gaps, to the inner walls of the box.
The hatch of the design shown is made of chipboard, but when making a similar ladder yourself, it is quite possible to replace it with boards and assemble a shield from them. For this purpose, it is recommended to choose light, porous wood, such as linden or pine.
The wooden steps are equipped with an anti-slip coating. When making your own stairs, you can use a router to cut out recesses on the steps, in the form of two or three grooves running along the entire length of their surface.
The steps are fixed in the side posts of the staircase sections using the connection " dovetail", which is more reliable than straight spikes.
Metal scissor ladders
Another option for a folding structure is the so-called scissor ladder, which is made of metal. As a rule, aluminum is used for this purpose due to its light weight. The design has proven itself quite well, especially for those cases where the attic has to be visited quite often.
The advantages of this type of stairs include its versatility. What this means is that the modules that form the steps can be stretched “to their fullest” if the room has a high ceiling, or compressed to a certain level, of course. The main thing is that the bottom step rests on the floor. Thus, the staircase is designed for a certain, and quite considerable, range of ceiling heights.
When folded, such a staircase is quite compact and does not extend beyond the boundaries of the box intended for it, installed in the thickness of the attic floor.
The disadvantage of this scissor design is that it requires some effort to install and fold it. This may pose a problem for some home occupants who do not have the required physical capabilities.
It is quite difficult to make such a staircase yourself, as precise adjustment is required metal parts, and the design itself is replete with hinged joints. Yes, this is not profitable, since the material for self-production will probably cost no less than the cost of the finished product.
When building a house, many people include an attic in the layout. Naturally, you can’t do without a ladder. In order to make the descent and ascent as comfortable as possible for all inhabitants of the house, we suggest studying all the nuances of this design and the requirements for its construction. Creating an attic staircase with your own hands is not a difficult task, all you need is to have everything necessary materials, drawings, tools and allocate some free time.
Options for folding stairs to the attic
Stationary design (flight or screw) .
Built for permanent use. Reliable, safe, convenient, but takes up enough space.
Folding with hatch. Installed at the entrance to the attic hatch. It is compact, but has less reliability and safety compared to the previous one. Depending on the type of design, it can be folding, scissor telescopic or lever.
- Scissor - most often completely metal. The folding mechanism resembles an accordion. In the process of caring for the structure, lubrication is necessary, otherwise creaking cannot be avoided over time.
- Telescopic– usually aluminum, quite light and rigid. When unfolding, the sections of the ladder slide out from one another.
- Folding (lever)– two-, three- or four-section design. The first part is attached to the hatch opening and is equal to its dimensions. The remaining sections, connected by hinges and hinges, are folded out into flight of stairs.
- Folding - when assembled it is fixed on the wall. Card loops are used to attach the steps to the string.
Attached (ladder). The least safe and extremely inconvenient for daily use.
Requirements for attic stairs
- Safety. The design must be reliable and durable. This applies to both the material used and the fasteners. In some cases, anti-slip pads for steps are recommended.
- Stair parameters. For comfortable use, steps with dimensions of 70 cm (width) x 30 cm (depth) x 20 cm (height) are considered optimal. From the point of view of safety and reliability, the total length of the entire structure should not exceed 3 m. The recommended tilt angle is 45°. Although options from 60 to 70° are possible. Classic design has 10 - 15 steps about 2 cm thick. The surface of the steps must be parallel to the floor. The structure must be able to withstand a load of at least 150 kg.
- Hatch dimensions.
The best option is 120 x 70 cm. If you make it smaller, it will be inconvenient to use; a larger opening will contribute to very significant heat loss. If there is no heating in the attic, you can provide heat and vapor barrier for the hatch.
Location of the stairs Stairs to the attic can be external or internal. The latter, of course, are much more convenient; you can go up to the attic without leaving your home. The structures are usually located in the corridor or hall. It should be placed in such a way as not to interfere with the free movement of the residents of the house. It is important to remember that the area it occupies when unfolded is in inverse relationship from the angle of inclination. The smaller it is, the required.
Manufacturing and installation of a folding ladder with a hatch to the attic
Building a folding attic ladder with your own hands is not difficult; you just need to follow the instructions below.
Let's look at ways to make different types of folding attic stairs.
Simple two-section ladder
By custom sizes We make a simple extension ladder.
Next, the finished flight of stairs is sawn into two unequal parts (1/3 and 2/3). They are fastened together with card loops, and the structure takes on a folding appearance. It is attached to the wall under the hatch wooden beam. Using hinges, the staircase structure is secured to it.
In order not to open, the ladder is fixed to the wall using a hook, the loop of which is located at the point where the sections are connected.
The main disadvantage of such a ladder is that it cannot be hidden in a hatch. If it is important for the owners that the structure does not spoil the appearance, you can make a three-section staircase.
Staircase of three sections
The finished design will look like this.
First of all, the hatch cover is made. We cut out a blank from a plywood sheet 10 mm thick. In size it should be 8 mm larger than the hatch itself along the entire perimeter. With such an allowance, the lid will close freely, maintaining its thermal insulation properties.
To make the hatch frame, we need 4 beams, equal in size to the length and width of the lid (section 5 x 5 cm). Cuts 2.5 cm deep are made at their ends, and they are coated with glue. The bars are fastened with self-tapping screws. To ensure that the diagonals are perfectly even, you can use temporary scarves made of thin plywood sheets. When the frame is ready, the gussets are removed and the cut-out blank of the hatch cover is fixed on it using self-tapping screws.
The next stage is the manufacture of the staircase mechanism itself. This is a version with hinges without a spring. The entire set of parts for it can be purchased at the store, but we will tell you how you can make it yourself.
First, on sheets of cardboard, you should recreate the drawing of the planned staircase, taking into account the opening angle of the hatch. We try on the cut out model on site. This will help us determine the required length of the hinges.
To make one mechanism we need metal elements: rectangle, 2 stripes different sizes, corner. We drill holes for hinges for bolts No. 10. We assemble and tighten the parts. Using a small tool, we measure the angle at which the hatch will open and open the structure to the desired angle. On the rectangle, select the area overlapped by the resulting angle and cut it out with a jigsaw.
We cut off the excess from the metal strips and round them at the ends. Now the corner can be locked in the required position.
Next, we make a similar element in a mirror version. To do this, each pair of parts is secured to clamps. A hole is drilled into which the bolt is inserted. Next, a second hole is drilled. The blanks are twisted with two bolts and aligned in length. All elements are created in this way.
The resulting mechanisms are mounted to the lid. The manufactured structure is hung on the hatch.
Now let's start making the sections. Their dimensions will be: the first - 90% of the length of the hatch, the second - 90% of the length of the first, the third - the length of the flight of stairs minus the lengths of the first two.
We need 15 linear meters. m. boards (10 x 3 cm). We mark them according to the calculations, and the angle of the march is transferred to the bowstrings. Bowstrings are mounted in a mirror way, this must be taken into account when marking and drilling. Holes are made at the connecting points of the staircase parts - in a mirror image through one.
According to the calculated sizes of the sections, we cut the boards into strings. Using a file, we process the holes. Cut out the steps. All elements are polished, chamfers are rounded. Next, using a chisel, according to the marked marks, we cut out grooves for the steps.
Each part of the structure is tightened with self-tapping screws using wood glue.
We make loops from metal strips 2 cm wide. We should get four strips 16 cm long and four 12 cm long. The legs are welded to the short ones, in which a 0.8 cm hole is pre-drilled. The length of the short strips with legs should be equal to the long ones. Now we have eight elements of equal length, four of them have a step. We tighten the mechanisms with bolts.
Now we carry out general assembly flight of stairs on manufactured hinges.
We do not recommend using self-tapping screws to attach the structure to the hatch cover. For this we need bolts - they are more reliable. Having completed the assembly, we conduct a test. If everything worked out and there is no need to adjust the mechanism, remove the ladder to paint it. For processing, varnish and spray paint on metal.
But how do you get into a well-appointed attic? It is almost impossible to do this without a ladder.
The best option for a convenient and safe climb to the attic is the original attic ladder. It can be located outside the room or inside - whichever is more convenient and expedient for the owners.
But it should be noted that using the internal staircase is somewhat more convenient: to go up to the attic, you don’t have to go outside, where the weather conditions are not always excellent.
WITH 
There are many types of attic stairs, including:
A)
stationary stairs
:
- screw.
b) portable ladders:
- attached,
- stepladders
c) folding stairs:
- scissor,
- sliding or telescopic,
- lever or folding,
- folding
How to make a choice?
It is worth considering that the use stationary stairs strictly limited by the impossibility of their use in small areas.
Stationary attic stairs with wide flights, equipped with railings, however, are recognized as the most comfortable.
Folding stairs They represent a kind of transitional link between portable and stationary. They are almost as convenient as the latter, but they do not require as much space. Their security level is much higher than that of mobile devices.
The choice must be wise and depend on several important factors:
Portable structures are deservedly considered a temporary option, which is usually used to get into a rarely used room.
The main disadvantage of a portable device is the low degree of security.
Attic staircase
Dimensions and standards
When arranging it, it is important to take into account the list of standards that any attic staircase must comply with:
1). Its height should not be more than 3.5 m.
As this indicator increases, the rigidity of the entire structure decreases noticeably. In addition, falling from such a height is much more dangerous.
2). The width of a standard march should be on average from 65 to 110 cm.
3). It is advisable that there are no more than fifteen steps.
4). The distance between individual steps can be about 19 cm.
5). The steps have a thickness of 18-22 mm.
6). If the ladder is folding, then the minimum load it can withstand should be 150 kg.
7). The traditional angle of inclination of the structure is 60-75 degrees.
A larger angle becomes dangerous for operation, and a small one will require more area.
The steps should not slide.
Their location must be parallel to the floor plane.
DIY process
Build with my own hands such a device is not as complicated as it might seem.
Of course, it is unlikely that you will get an attic staircase from the official website that is beautiful and sophisticated.
But it's worth a try!
The drawings of stairs necessary for work can easily be found on the Internet. They are there for every taste.
The attic hatch is an important basis for any staircase.
It’s easy to do it with your own hands, using 50 by 50 mm bars.
What will be the procedure?
Materials and tools
To make an attic ladder yourself, you will need a whole list of necessary things:
- wood hacksaw;
- with a set or set of screwdrivers;
- with foam;
- roulette;
- different size anchors and screws;
- bars 20-30 cm thick;
- card loops.
In addition, you will need the usual ladder(already finished) with a length 30 cm greater than the height to the level of the opening.
Attic ladder of two sections
Design
Take pre-prepared wooden stairs the right size. At the bottom and top of it we fix a couple of bars along the width: the bottom one is rigid, and the top one is hinged. Having measured two-thirds of its entire length, we cut the ladder with a hacksaw. We get two parts of the structure: the lower one will be shorter, and the upper one will be longer.
We fix a pair of slats diagonally to ensure rigidity. Using loops we connect the existing parts. We secure the upper block under the hatch with anchor bolts. We fix the lower part with a hook so that it does not open on its own. There is a loop on the stringer, above the cut point. The finished folding ladder is fixed to the wall surface.
We got a pretty comfortable one. Its main disadvantage can be considered its unfinished appearance - all the bars and fasteners are visible. But our device will perform its functions properly, and will completely solve the problem of going up to the attic and coming down from there.
Installing the folding device
The folding device will be made on bowstrings.
Let's consider step-by-step production such a device:
- We divide the height we have into three parts. The very first corresponds to the size of the hatch, the second will be slightly smaller, the remaining third will be equal to the remaining distance to the floor;
- using a small tool we measure the angle of the hatch we need;
- we transfer the indicators of this angle to the boards, thereby marking the steps;
- the sections will be connected by hinges: we make holes in their place;
- We polish all edges well;
- in the places marked for hinges, we cut the boards;
- we cut the steps and sand them;
- in the bowstrings we cut out notches to fit the steps;
- we insert steps into them, fastening them with glue and reinforcing them with self-tapping screws;
- We place the sections on a flat surface and connect them together with special loops;
- we check the operation of each section separately;
- we install the assembled structure into the opening;
- if required, we make final adjustments to individual parts;
- we disassemble the resulting structure into individual elements;
- We process every detail - grind and;
- wait for it to dry completely, reassemble it, and start using it.
It is preferable to do all work that is performed at a significant height with a partner. This will speed up the work process and will also help avoid various traumatic situations.
Be that as it may, the price of an attic ladder made independently is significantly lower than the cost of a purchased factory design.
Therefore, if the financial issue of the event is quite important to you, try to do it yourself.
The space between the ceiling and the roof in private houses is occupied by the attic. It is used by the owners to store things and provides the opportunity to carry out inspections and repairs. inside roofing pie. A folding ladder installed to get into the attic can be made by yourself. Portable structures such as stepladders are not always convenient and reliable. A stationary option, which can be easily pulled out when necessary, and is folded most of the time, will be the optimal model for a small space.
- At installation location:
- external - mounted outside the building, the disadvantage is the need to leave the premises in any weather;
- internal - located in the house.
- By design:
- monolithic - screw or marching;
- portable – attachments, stepladders;
- folding - sliding, folding, scissor, folding.
Monolithic structures ensure complete safety of climbing into the attic. But they occupy usable area rooms. Portable models are convenient as a temporary option, but they are not suitable for permanent use due to the increased risk of injury. Optimal choice It is considered a folding staircase that takes up minimal space. This design is often mounted on a hatch; it is compact in size, and making it yourself will save money.
Features of folding structures
Transforming models have several design options from which you can choose the one that suits your home. When designing a product, you should take into account not only the dimensions, but also the design features. Minimal amount sections of a folding ladder should be 3 pieces. A model consisting of 2 parts will require a significant increase in the size of the attic hatch. The folding ladder is lowered manually, using a weight for weighting, or automatically, using an electric drive.
Types of folding attic stairs
Telescopic model consists of parts that slide into each other. The material for it is aluminum, which is lightweight, durable, and corrosion resistant. It is compact, functional, and will last for a long time, but it is difficult to make such a product with your own hands. The option of mounting on a hatch of a finished design is possible.
Scissor model made from metal parts. It folds like an accordion. Robust design With comfortable steps has one drawback - over time, creaking appears at the joints. The problem can be prevented by timely lubrication of the mounting points.
The scissor ladder is reliable and has a beautiful appearance
Folding ladder will not take up a single extra centimeter. It is difficult to design and install. Its steps are attached to the bowstring with card loops, and in the folded position the folding model is fixed on the wall.
Retractable ladder the attic consists of several sections, top part is firmly attached to the hatch, it is equal to the size of the cover. The remaining sections are connected with special fittings and hinges. When unfolded, they form an even flight of stairs. It is not difficult to bring the product into working position due to its mobility. The difference between telescopic and sliding models is in the way the sections slide. In the first case, they are placed one inside the other, and in the second, they move using rollers from the outside along guides.
The structure for climbing into the attic should be installed in a place where it will not create interference, usually a hall or corridor. Sliding and folding staircase can be adjusted to fit standard sizes, which are designed taking into account safety requirements:
- the angle of inclination of the structure is 65-75 degrees, a larger value will make use unsafe, and a smaller value will require a lot of space for placement;
- the optimal width of the stairs is 65 cm;
- recommended number of steps – 13-15 pieces;
- the length of the structure should be about 3.5 m; as it increases, it loses rigidity and strength, and the processes of lowering and lifting become more complicated;
- convenient distance between steps for movement – 19.3 cm;
- a DIY staircase is designed for a load of up to 150 kg;
- the safe thickness of the steps is 1.8-2.2 cm;
- horizontal crossbars are mounted parallel to the floor; for safety, they are supplemented with anti-slip pads.
Attic hatch also has standard dimensions, its parameters are 120x70cm, they provide unobstructed passage and minimal heat loss.
Materials for production
The materials from which the stairs are made with your own hands are subject to strength and weight requirements. Due to rapid wear, the design for frequent use is not made of wood. Metal is the best option for such a product; it will ensure safe and durable operation.
Reduce total weight a ladder attached to the hatch will allow a combination of materials. Steps are made from lighter wood. Bars are used hard rocks wood about 2 cm thick. To connect the products, a metal or plastic fittings, the latter reduces friction of parts. In the folded position, the structure is attached to the hatch, which prevents spontaneous falling out.
Manufacturing technology of a simple folding design
If the hatch is located near the edge of the ceiling, then to climb it you can install a folding ladder of two sections with your own hands, which will rest on the wall. The basis for the design can be ready product, it will take about two hours to transform it.
A simple folding ladder that is easy to make with your own hands
Tools for work:
- screwdriver;
- roulette;
- hacksaw.
Materials:
- wooden blocks measuring 2x3 cm;
- card loops;
- self-tapping screws;
- hook and loop.
- Take two bars equal to the width of the stairs. One is attached with hinges to the top edge, and the second is firmly fixed at the bottom, ensuring the stability of the unfolded structure.
- The ladder used is divided into two parts - one of them is 2/3 of the length, and the second is 1/3. A neat cut of the bowstring is made along the intended line.
- Metal hinges are screwed to connect the sections. Pay attention to how the fittings are positioned. It should ensure that the lower part of the ladder folds under the upper one.
- A block is fixed to the wall under the attic opening, to which the folding structure is attached.
- To securely fix it in the folded position, a loop is screwed in near the cut point, and a hook is installed on the wall in the appropriate place.
The advantage of such a product is the ease of doing it yourself, but the disadvantage is its open location.
Making a hatch
If a folding staircase is placed on the cover of the opening, it is not visible from the room and will not become a hindrance in the interior. Simple drawings will help you determine the size of the hatch and the product. Having measured the sides of the passage into the attic, they begin to assemble the hatch with their own hands.
It is necessary to prepare the following materials:
- bars with a section of 50x50m;
- plywood sheet 10 mm;
- PVA glue;
- fasteners;
- door latch with handle.
Two parts are cut from the block equal to the length of the opening and two similar to its width (120x70 cm). Each edge of the block is cut to half the width. These areas are smeared with PVA glue and glued together into a rectangle. To maintain the exact diagonal, they are attached to the frame right triangles made of plywood, called scarves. After the glue has dried, the bars are additionally connected with self-tapping screws, and the scarves are removed. A prepared sheet of plywood is screwed to the workpiece. The design will be fitted to the opening. To keep the hatch in the closed position, they cut into it door latch. The fittings have a convenient handle with which the hatch will open.
Assembling the opening mechanism
Making a hatch opening mechanism with your own hands is a rather complex process; to make the task easier, you just need to purchase a finished product in a store.
Those who decide to assemble the entire structure themselves must prepare metal corner, two strips and a sheet of metal.
In order not to make a mistake with the size of the hinges, they are initially cut out of cardboard. After fitting, they move on to working with metal.
- The places for fastening according to the template are marked on the metal strip.
- Holes are drilled for a bolt with a diameter of 10.
- The parts are assembled and bolted. Using a small tool, the selected angle of fixation of the ladder is measured, and then the parts are moved apart to the required value.
- The area on the metal is marked which, when lowered, is covered with a corner. This area is cut off. Having removed the excess, the parts are processed to give an aesthetic appearance.
- The second mechanism must be identical to the one already manufactured. To ensure exact alignment of the holes, the parts are connected with a clamp and drilled.
- Having inserted bolts into the second mechanism, it is aligned according to the sample, cutting off excess metal.
- Ready-made opening mechanisms are installed on the hatch yourself . They will create a stop, fixing the folding structure at the desired angle.
The installation of a second hinge mechanism supporting the hatch in the middle will ensure uniform distribution of the load. You will need: two metal strips 2 cm wide, a corner and a piece of metal. The corner serves as a support for the mechanism when opening. A piece of metal is welded to one part, into which the second part rests. When the hatch is lowered, the hinge will move apart, taking part of the weight of the structure.
Wooden stairs, we do it ourselves
The easiest way is to make a structure from wood, the material will be a 2.5x10 cm board. The product consists of three sections, the first two are equal in length to the hatch, and the size of the last is the distance remaining to the floor.
The lengths of the sections are marked on the two boards used to make the bowstring. The marks should mirror each other, so before work the workpieces are connected with tape. Holes for hinges are drilled in the designated places, after which the boards are sawn. To make everything attractive wooden parts sanded and coated with two layers of varnish. Metal hinges are coated with primer and paint before installation.
For fastening the steps, holes 5 mm deep are cut from the inside of the bowstring. PVA glue is applied to them, and then fixed with self-tapping screws. The next stage is connecting the three sections into general design using loops. After checking the possibility of bending the parts, the ladder is secured to the hatch. The upper section of the product is fixed to it with anchors. The folding staircase to the attic is ready.
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