We make an attic staircase with a hatch with our own hands. How to make a ladder to the attic with your own hands Retractable ladder to the attic with your own hands

Many owners of private houses, in order to get into the attic, use an attached or stationary ladder installed on the street. Of course, for security reasons, such a ladder is fully justified, and will never become superfluous. However, for use in winter period, and especially in those cases when a utility room or even a full-fledged living space is equipped in the attic, it will be much more convenient to provide for the possibility of entering directly from the house.

But it often happens that fixed structure an internal staircase requires a very large area, and therefore cannot be put into practice in a small house. And even if the area is sufficient, it hardly makes sense to “squander” 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 as unnecessary into the attic floor. So, the topic of this publication: do-it-yourself folding ladder to the attic - the most optimal an 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 stairs, if their design is thought out, is safe and easy to use - very convenient. However, they also have their drawbacks, which you also need to know about in advance, proceeding to similar reconstruction of one of the rooms of the house.

So to advantages of folding ladder construction include the following points that will greatly facilitate the operation of the attic:

• The ability to safely enter the attic at any time, regardless of the season or current weather conditions.
• The compactness and ease of operation of a high-quality design allows all residents of the house to cope with the unfolding and folding of the stairs, since no great physical effort is foreseen.
• The folded design does not take up usable space both in the living room and in the attic. If there is no need, the ladder is most often removed into the opening of the attic floor, saving free space.
• The hatch in the ceiling, which is necessary to accommodate the stair structure, with a quality finish from the bottom does not spoil at all appearance ceiling surface.
• When purchasing a finished design, it is quite possible to choose a model with an electric drive. This, of course, is extremely convenient, since if necessary, bring the ladder into working condition or remove it - you don’t have to make any effort at all. However, to install this version of the stairs, you will have to invite a specialist. Yes, and there are such kits - quite a lot.

The disadvantages of installing this design 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 rise, the number and size of steps.
• Based on the first point, the second suggests itself - the ascent and descent of such stair structures still requires care and special precautions. This will especially apply to children, older people or people with some physical disabilities.
• No matter how tightly the hatch enters the opening cut under the stairs, it will still deprive the ceiling of tightness. Therefore, in order to prevent cold air from entering the living rooms 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, you can consider this problem from the other side. If in the attic it is planned to equip a utility or residential premises, then in it, one way or another, it is necessary to carry out thermal insulation work on the roof slopes and perform flooring with

Criteria that a folding ladder must meet

In order for the staircase 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 features include:

• The strength of the material of manufacture, all fasteners and connecting nodes.
• Lightweight construction. This is important not only for the ease of use of the stairs, but also so that when folded it does not give excessive additional load on the attic floor.
• Ease of use - any adult family member should be able to handle the process of bringing the ladder to “combat readiness” and folding it.
• Hinged or other components and devices that fold the ladder should function easily, without even the slightest difficulty.
• If the staircase will be used constantly, due to the fact that it is supposed to place a frequently used room in the attic, then it is better to make the product yourself or order good master to be sure of its reliability, and therefore, of your personal safety.

Why is it better to make a ladder yourself?

Today, a considerable number of models from different manufacturers are presented on the construction market. They are usually quite convenient to use, but if they are not exploited very intensively. If the ladder is unfolded and folded several times a day, then a more durable mechanism will be required, since the proposed products may not withstand such intensive use due to the fact that each of them is designed for a certain “motor resource”.

Finished stairs almost always have a small angle of inclination relative to the vertical. That is, the manufacturer makes them too steep, so it is inconvenient to climb and descend on them, especially holding a certain load in one hand, and securing yourself with the other. The reasons, as you can see, are very significant, and therefore many homeowners prefer not to buy ready-made kits, but to mount them on their own according to their own drawings, calculating them for their own weight and equipping them with durable mechanisms.

The 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 ladders have been developed and manufactured on an industrial scale and on their own: retractable, folding spring, telescopic, folding with a simplified design, simple folding compact ladders.

Retractable or retractable ladder

The retractable staircase design 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 on a transverse board that forms an opening box, equipped in attic floor. Each of the sections, when the ladder is folded, slides into the part located above, as if on a rail. The sections of the stairs assembled together are transferred to a horizontal position and stacked on the floors of the attic. The hatch in this design can be fixed to the uppermost 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 sections of the stairs.

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 version of a sliding ladder, consisting of two sections - a short one, fixed on the manhole cover, and a long one, which, after unfolding, will rest against the floor surface of the room .. This option is also suitable for an attic used as a utility room. So, if you need to get to the attic, the hatch opens, and with it the stairs also fall. Then, from the folded structure, its lower part is extended until it stops on the floor.

When unfolding the stairs, the passage to the attic is freed. In ready-made, factory-made versions of sliding or folding stairs, the hatch is equipped with its own thermal insulation. And a sealant is installed along the contour of the opening so that warm air from the room does not leave through the gaps around the ceiling hatch. One should not forget about similar methods of minimizing heat losses when making stairs on their own.

Folding ladder

A folding ladder differs from a sliding one in that its sections do not slide into one another, but are folded together. This is ensured by special hinged mechanisms installed in the span junctions. The addition of the structure occurs "according to the accordion principle." Top section fixed on the hatch panelGerman 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 an opening in the ceiling, as it is completely hidden in a special box that frames the opening hatch. Therefore, having climbed to the attic, the stairs can be raised so that it does not interfere on the lower floor, and in order not to accidentally step on the hatch, being at the top, you can provide an upper solid hatch or an opening fencing.

Prices for stairs

stairs

The diagram above shows a finished design, one of those offered in specialized stores. However, focusing on it, it is quite possible to make a staircase on your own. 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 an elastic rubber gasket, thanks to which the hatch tightly, without gaps, will be pressed against the inner walls of the box.

The hatch of the shown design is made of chipboard, but by making such a ladder on your own, it is quite possible to replace it with boards, assembling a shield from them. For this purpose, it is recommended to choose a light, porous wood, such as linden or pine.

Wooden steps are equipped with an anti-slip coating. With the independent manufacture of stairs, it is possible to cut recesses on the steps with the help of a milling cutter, 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 ladder sections using a dovetail connection, which is more secure than straight spikes.

Metal scissor stairs

Another version of the 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 low weight. The design has proven itself quite well, especially for those cases when the attic has to be visited quite often.

The advantages of this type of stairs include its versatility. This means that the modules that form the steps can be stretched "to the full" if the room has a high ceiling, or compressed to a certain level, of course. The main thing is that the lower step rests on the floor. Thus, the staircase is designed for a certain, and very considerable range of ceiling heights.

In the folded state, such a ladder is quite compact and does not go beyond the box intended for it, which is installed in the thickness of the attic floor.

The disadvantage of such a scissor design can be considered that for its installation and addition it is necessary to make certain efforts. This may present a problem for some residents of the house who do not have the necessary physical data.

It is quite difficult to make such a staircase on your own, since the most precise fitting of metal parts is required, and the design itself is replete with swivel joints. Yes, this is unprofitable, since the material for self-manufacturing will probably cost no less than the cost of the finished product.

In private houses built with pitched roofs, there are always attic spaces. They can be assigned a technical role, but more often they are equipped with attic living rooms. Everyone needs usable space, but how to get into the attic if its operation was not planned when creating the house project? You can make a stationary ladder, but given task very troublesome.

Attic stairs with and without a hatch have now appeared on sale, which are easily installed in the ceiling between floors. Designs occupy a minimum amount of free space, functional and practical. Thanks to these ladder systems, you can comfortably get to the attic floor.

Selecting the type of stairs

Attic lifting structures can be installed outside or inside the house. If the attic is residential, then use the second option. But even if the premises are not residential, access to it should be as safe, convenient and inconspicuous as possible.

To access the attic, the following types of stairs are used:

• monolithic marching or screw structures;
• portable in the form of ladders or ladders;
• embedded solutions.

The choice of one or another ladder design depends on the operating conditions, strength requirements, on the amount of space in the ceiling. If a folding structure is purchased, then the dimensions of the product, the material of manufacture are taken into account.

For residential premises it is better to purchase wooden solutions. In a house with a modern interior, metal stairs are more suitable.

It is important to pay attention to the distance from the floor to the ceiling. If the stair model has great height than necessary, then the possibilities for its adjustment should be clarified - the ladder should not just hang on the ceiling, for safe use it should rest against the floor surface.

The size of the opening is also important. Very often it is limited by the distance between the floor elements or the overall dimensions of the hatch in the reinforced concrete structure. In this case, if there are no restrictions, you can purchase a model for the largest possible opening. If a design with a hatch is chosen, then the latter must be qualitatively thermally insulated.

Stationary

Stationary monolithic stairs to the attic are marching or screw structures. This is one of the most traditional types of stairs in private housing construction. Such solutions are solid, aesthetic, comfortable and safe. But these are massive and expensive products that take up a lot of free space.

Among the advantages of such solutions can be noted the presence of handrails, as well as protective fences. This is very important if the elderly or small children live in the house.

portable

These loft ladders are nothing more than ladders and ladders. They do not take up much space, are inexpensive, and after use they can be put away in the pantry. Using them is very simple, but you need to understand that using a ladder is not always convenient and safe. The ladder is used only during construction or repair, as well as in summer cottages.

Steel, aluminum portable and ladders of domestic, European and Chinese production are on sale. Products differ in price, quality, number of steps, as well as the presence of additional elements.

folding

The folding ladder combines the advantages of the first and second options, but is not without drawbacks. Such models are safe, easily and easily fit into any interior, save space, and are easy to use. The democratic price of models with a sunroof will please, and maybe even surprise.

Folding ladder can be made of aluminum alloy and wood. Often manufacturers combine these materials. From wood, mainly durable species are used. So, the attic folding system "Fakro" is made from high-quality coniferous timber. Other brands use beech, maple, oak.

A folding aluminum ladder is suitable when it will be used constantly. This ladder system differs in the increased resistance to wear, bigger durability.

Sliding

A sliding or retractable ladder is a metal or wooden structure. It may consist of two or more sections. The upper section has guide rails along which the lower part will rise and fall. A feature of the sliding / retractable model is the complete absence of spring elements - this allows you to reduce the price.

The sliding system is capable of withstanding a load of up to 200 kg. Wooden retractable model can withstand up to 150 kg. The mass of metal products and models made of wood is relatively small, the dimensions are compact, the march has an insignificant scope. Since the device is simple, the mechanism is durable.

These models are mainly used in a private house with low ceilings. In most cases, the design is built into the hatch and insulated.

Folding with spring mechanism

A folding ladder with a spring mechanism is the most common type. The principle of its work is simple. Two mechanical units for opening and closing the hatch are responsible for the quality and reliability of work. Sections of a folding ladder are interconnected by powerful hinges with a shoe or lever hinges.

The ladder can be purchased ready-made or made with your own hands from the side, it is only important to calculate the desired length of the sections. The folding ladder mechanism is designed to be smooth when the lid moves down and weightless when it closes back. A special return spring is installed along the box.

Related article: Telescopic aluminum ladder - a mobile ladder for all occasions

Scissor ladders are also available. Here the steps are interconnected by special scissor elements-brackets. When lifting, the structure is folded in such a way that each step fits very tightly to each other. When lowering the ladder, the brackets open, and the steps are held at a convenient distance for ascent / descent.

Most often, manufacturers offer metal products. Additionally, the models are equipped with comfortable handrails.

Among other important advantages, high fire safety, as well as strength. The model is able to withstand up to 200 kg of weight. These solutions are more compact - the ladder unfolds in a straight line, and additional space directly next to the hatch is not needed.

Telescopic

The telescopic system is not particularly popular in the domestic market, but in Europe such ladders are in great demand. The main material is aluminium. The ladder is assembled from separate hollow tubes; when folded, the steps can fit very tightly to one another, and when unfolded, they are securely fixed.

The sidewalls are formed by hollow pipes arranged from larger diameter to smaller one. During the folding process, the side elements are folded into each other.

The downside is that the telescopic design has a load limit - it is not designed for heavy weight, and also that the system is not equipped with handrails for easy climbing up. The staircase also does not differ in particular stability.

The folded telescopic ladder has a compact size - this model can easily be built into the ceiling. There are also wooden structures, but such products are not particularly durable, so they are used less frequently.

Simplified folding ladders

These designs are not hidden behind an attic hatch, but they are easy to hide in a corner or behind some interior decoration. This is a rare type of attic stairs. They consist of two or more sections connected by hinges, and are folded according to the principle of a book - part of the ladder leans back and leans compactly against the wall.

On the video: an overview of attic stairs and tips for choosing.

Material selection

In the manufacture of attic stairs, manufacturers use various materials. This is mainly aluminum and its alloys, natural wood and also steel. The choice of one or another material depends on the type of staircase structure, as well as on the purpose - whether the product is intended for indoors or outdoors.

Wooden

Wooden ladder - the most common and affordable option. If the attic in a private house is not used so often, then you can purchase the most inexpensive products - ladders. If the entrance is beautifully decorated or a staircase is needed for the street, then other requirements are put forward - the wood should not rot, dry out after several years of use.

A variety of wood species are used, you should choose them based on the tasks. Yes, in classic interiors you can buy products from oak, ash and other species. Of the more expensive species, stationary stairs with railings are most often made, but folding stairs are made from pine.

metal

A metal product is a guarantee that the lifting system will work for many years without wear. This is especially true for models made of aluminum or stainless steel. Steel, if the product is to be used outdoors, will require anti-corrosion treatment.

Metal is more attractive modern interiors such as hi-tech and minimalism. Telescopic and retractable systems fit in especially harmoniously.

When choosing the dimensions of the stairs, you should focus on the already tested, as well as approved standards:

• The recommended march width for easy ascent/descent is from 650 to 1100 mm.

• Height - no more than 350 cm. If you choose larger sizes, the product will lose in rigidity and safety.

• The number of steps - no more than 15 pcs. Sometimes this figure can be increased, but you will have to additionally strengthen the stairs.

• The distance between the steps is about 15-20 cm, the thickness of each step is 2 cm, but this is not hard.

• The angle of inclination of the stairs is 60-80 degrees. To install the stairs at small angles, you need free space, and a large angle reduces safety.

Dimensions of stairs with a hatch

To have a complete picture of overall dimensions of typical lifting ladder systems with hatches, we can consider the parameters using the example of one of the largest manufacturing companies.

60x60

This category includes stairs to the attic with a hatch, the dimensions of which are 60 by 60 cm. Such models are available in the catalogs of many manufacturers, but the size is non-standard. The stairs themselves are compact and do not take up much space, they can be installed in any room.

60x80

A staircase with a hatch 60 by 80 cm is a more standard solution. Such models are available from various manufacturers in in large numbers. These products are popular with customers.

Luke

The sunroof is not the simplest detail, and at the same time it is an important part in a folding or folding ladder system. There are several types of hatches:

• horizontal - typical solutions installed in ceilings;
• vertical hatches;
• attic structures;
• inspection hatch to check the condition of the attic.

First, horizontal version- This is a classic and the most commonly used design. The manufacture of such a hatch and the installation of stairs to it can be done by hand, there are drawings and everything you need on the Internet. However, there are models of stairs on sale that are already equipped with a hatch.

The mansard hatch is multifunctional. This is a hatch for access to the attic, and at the same time access to the roof. It is complex, but very functional. The downside is that you won’t be able to make such a hatch on your own - you need to order the product in the studio, the installation must be carried out by the hands of experienced professionals.

with ladder

Hatches are equipped with folding, sliding and scissor ladder structures. Such solutions are most often mounted in rooms with a shortage of free space. Among the advantages - compactness. You can choose a staircase without focusing on the interior and style of the room - the staircase itself is hidden inside the ceiling.

Some hatches are equipped with a special mechanism - lifting devices will lower the ladder down in a few seconds. If the built-in ladder is of a manual type, then one easy movement of the hand is enough to lower it.

The only drawback of the design is the difficulty in self-conducting installation work. However, if you strictly follow the manufacturer's instructions, then everything will work out.

Without stairs

Everything is much simpler here, it is a wooden or plastic hatch. There is no built-in folding ladder - you need to do it yourself. Installation of the hatch can be done by hand. You can even make your own product. Hold the structure on the ceiling of the loop. To keep the room warm, if the attic is without heating, one or more layers of insulation are laid in the hatch.

Manhole construction [DIY]

A homemade design will not seriously differ from factory models. The only caveat is the finish. The drawings are presented on the Internet, and a small amount of tools and materials will be required for manufacturing. To make a simple hatch, you need several sheets of plywood and a beam measuring 5x5 cm. You can choose another thickness. This hatch will not have insulation materials inside.

Stages of work:

1. First of all, choose the place where the hatch will be located. Then define it optimal dimensions. Approximately 9 mm should be added to the numbers on each side. This will allow you to further fold the lid without noise and squeaks.

2. Next, cut the wooden block into pieces according to the dimensions of the hatch. Then, grooves are made at each end of the bars, they are lubricated and connected into a rectangular structure. Most often, the dimensions of the hatch are such that it is a rectangle.

4. In order not to lead the diagonal, kerchiefs are screwed. After that, you can try to try on, install the hatch in the opening under it.

5. So that the hatch can be closed, a latch is cut into the top cover. The structure will open with a handle, it is fixed on the lid.

6. Then the product is fixed in the opening, for this ordinary loops are used.

More complex structure includes a beam with a thickness of 10 cm, as well as insulation materials inside and a rubber seal around the perimeter.

Having started building their own cottage, not everyone understands that such a trifle as a hatch to the attic with a ladder is a must-have element in any home. A small door will make life in the house safer, even if the attic is not used. In addition, it is important to make sure that the approach to the attic hatch is as comfortable and safe as possible.

The space under the roof of a residential building can be used for various purposes. Even if the attic is not residential, it has the function of a technical room. But more often, the owners of cottages still use the place under the roof to good use, placing living rooms or space for relaxation there.

Regardless of the purpose for which an attic or attic is used, this space must meet certain safety requirements:

1. Be sure to have a free passage to the space under the roof to extinguish the fire. Most often, a hatch is arranged for this. The materials from which the door is made must comply with fire regulations and have a fire resistance of at least EI30.
2. Roof construction materials and attic finishes are necessarily treated with flame retardants.
3. Large attic spaces are divided into compartments that can block the spread of flames.
4. It is forbidden to arrange storage facilities under the roof.

If an attic is being built, then it should have escape routes separate from the living quarters. Despite the seriousness of the requirements, it is not difficult to implement them in private construction. Usually for this it is enough to arrange a hatch with a ladder in the attic floor.

old and new

If you look closely at the houses built in the last century, you can see that they are all equipped with external attic doors. People have always understood that an entrance to the attic is necessary to make the house more secure.

Modern construction technologies and materials make it possible to arrange a comfortable and beautiful entrance to the attic from home. At the same time, the installation of this design should be approached with the utmost seriousness and pedantry. Despite the seeming insignificance, the reliability of this door is quite possible one day to save a building or a life.

On a note! Negligence in the construction of the attic door, at least, will lead to drafts.

If the absence of a vapor barrier layer is added to the incorrect design, then as a result you will get high humidity under the roof and, as a result, the reproduction of mold and fungus on the floor materials.

Hatch size

There are no regulatory restrictions on the size of the hatch. Here you should be guided by economy, comfort and common sense. First of all, the door to the attic should provide free access to the space under the roof. Empirically, some optimal criteria have been identified:

• the width of the door depends on the dimensions of the flight of stairs and usually exceeds the dimensions of the steps by 10-15 cm;
• if the staircase is mounted with a railing, then the opening must exceed the width of the march by 20 cm least;
• the length of the doorway is usually done 1.2m, this size allows you to move freely up the stairs;
• the height of the ceilings at the installation site of the hatch must be at least 2m, it is important to take into account the size of the stairs in disassembled form;
• the most convenient opening will be internal: the doors open towards themselves in the direction of the living space.

Important! A mechanism should be provided for locking the valves in the open and closed position.

Types of hatches

The door to the attic can be implemented different ways. The choice of the opening mechanism and the type of hatch device depends on the version of the stairs, as well as on the frequency of the required passage to the attic. The most common implementation options:

• Revision hatch arranged in a situation where the attic is not used as a living space. Ideal for roofs with a sharp slope. It is usually operated together with a ladder.

• attic entrance a very beautiful solution and, as a rule, combined with a door to the roof. This method not recommended for independent device because it requires certain building skills. In addition, it is necessary to correctly calculate the possible loads on such a door.

• vertical hatch built in buildings with different levels of premises. In fact, this is an underestimated door from the living room to the space under the roof. A simple method, but it is used extremely rarely, since it is created in buildings with a specific layout.

• Horizontal entrance to the attic- the most common way for private construction. It is quite possible to the device on your own.

It is the device of horizontal hatches that we will consider in more detail.

Skylight prices

Roof window

Requirements for attic stairs

Carrying out independent design and construction of attic stairs, you should know what requirements apply to such structures. Limitations on the angle of inclination and the width of the tread have been identified empirically and confirmed by the calculations of engineers. These criteria are set out in SNiPakh and in the case of mass development are mandatory. This is done in order to make the operation process as safe as possible in conditions of rare use.

Before designing a staircase to the attic or attic, you should familiarize yourself with the main safety criteria:

• the length of the ladder in disassembled form should not exceed 3m;
• span should be within 0.6-0.7 m;
• the height of the step is selected based on the height of the residents, but usually fluctuates around 0.2m;
• the number of steps, that is, steps to climb, must be odd and no more 19;
• optimal angle of inclination of the attic stairs 60-70 0 ;
• tread width 24 -30 cm.

On a note! The tread material must be fracture-resistant and at the same time have some bending play. Comfortable tread thickness of step material 18 - 20 mm.

Types of structures

Depending on which room will be under the roof and how much the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe building allows, homeowners can arrange a different passage to the attic.

All types of stairs can be divided into 3 ways of device and operation:

• Stationary.

These are marching, screw, cantilever structures. That is, the staircase, which is built together with the building, is connected to it by one reinforcement system, distributing the load on the load-bearing parts of the building. Such ladders are characterized by the following characteristics:

• thoroughness;
• significant weight;
• long service life;
• high strength.

In addition, this design always occupies the usable area of ​​the lower floor. Even with the installation of helical steps, the most economical in terms of volume, you will have to sacrifice square meters.

On a note! It is worth giving preference to a stationary staircase if the attic is residential and its daily use is planned.

• Portable (attached).

The use of portable ladders to visit the attic is quite common in cases where the space under the roof is technical and does not require frequent visits. At the same time, this is the most budget way devices and the most inconvenient and traumatic. It is not recommended to use the ladder alone without insurance from below. In addition, a ladder or ladder it is necessary to store it somewhere and, if necessary, bring it to the attic hatch area.

• Folding.

If the attic has a functional value and is used frequently, but not daily, folding stairs become the best way to pass. These structures are retracted into a hatch or wall and for this reason have obvious advantages:

• do not take up space on the ground floor area;
• when unfolded, they are a solid and stable construction;
• do not require storage space.

Folding stairs, as a rule, do not have a riser, so the width of the tread is often reduced, rightly assuming that the stop 2/3 of the foot is enough. But when designing, it should be borne in mind that too narrow a tread will make the stairs an object of increased risk, so the steps should still be about 20 cm in width.

Types of folding stairs

A folding ladder, even complete with an attic hatch, can be purchased ready-made, or you can assemble it yourself. We describe the possible most common types of mobile steps:

• Telescopic. Guides for steps are laid out according to the matryoshka system, that is, one to one. Steps are installed on guides with the help of mechanisms - clamps. Not the most reliable type of ladder, problems, as a rule, arise precisely with the latches.

• scissor. Another name for such steps is an accordion. It is on the principle of furs that the ladder is stretched with a simple downward movement. When assembled, it is quite compact. This design can be purchased in the option of automatic expansion.

• Sectional folding. The ladder segments are folded, as in the scissor version, but in rather large sections, and not in steps. For this reason, the assembled staircase is rather bulky, but it does not take up space on the lower floor, since it is retracted into the hatch. The absolute advantage of this design is the price, this is the most economical option.

• Folding. Ladders that are fixed to the nearest wall and retracted into it when assembled. In working condition, this design is very similar to the usual march design. The advantage of such a march is the normal angle of inclination, usually 45 0 . But for use you will need a free area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe lower floor. In addition, the assembled ladder on the wall will not decorate the interior.

Find out with your own hands, as well as read the drawings and videos, in a special article on our portal.

Prices for different types of attic folding stairs

Folding attic stairs

Do-it-yourself wooden attic three-section ladder

The first thing to do is to cut a hole in the ceiling in the chosen place. All further calculations will depend on the dimensions of this opening. Please note that the hatch will be attached to the floor body, so if necessary, it should be strengthened.

After the opening is ready, they begin to draft an attic hatch with a ladder. The drawing should indicate the following dimensions:

• ceiling thickness;
• hatch length and width;
• the angle of the stairs;
• the width of the flight of stairs;
• length and number of sections;
• the number of steps and the distance between them;
• tread width.

The most difficult from the point of view of calculations is the moment of determining the length of the stairs in disassembled form. For such a calculation, you will need to remember school mathematics and find Bradis tables, you will need the value of the sine of the angle:

• determine the location of the stairs on the drawing;
• measure the angle of inclination (remembering that it should not be steeper than 70 0);
• calculate the length of the stairs using the formula L=H/sin, where L is the length of the stairs, H is the height from the floor to the attic hatch, sin is the value of the sine of the angle of inclination.

On a note! A simpler, but less accurate way of calculating is to determine the size of the hypotenuse, in a triangle, where the legs are the height to the hatch and the estimated length from the edge of the hatch to the place where the stairs are fixed on the floor of the lower floor.

Section sizes are calculated as follows:

• the first is the longest, the size of the hatch is reduced by 10% ;
• the second is smaller than the first 10%;
• the third is the remaining length to set the entire march size.

The project has been calculated, materials have been purchased in the required quantity, you can start manufacturing a hatch with a folding ladder.

On a note! After the project is ready, count all fasteners, including connecting hinges, hinges, locks and an external handle for easy opening of the hatch.

Bar prices

Manhole door manufacturing technology - step by step instructions

Any door consists of a box (frame) and a door (cloth). The box is attached to the opening, and the canvas is fixed on the frame.

The size of the box should be somewhat smaller than the size of the hole for the hatch. Each side must be 2 - 3 cm for the formation of the assembly seam.

The manufacturing process is step by step as follows:

Step 1. The frame is knocked down from a bar or board. Corner connections performed according to 45 0 . All parts are fastened with glue or self-tapping screws. For greater strength, the corners of the box can be fixed with furniture corners.

Step 2 The skeleton for the dense is also assembled from a bar. The structure can be reinforced with a cross bar.

Step 3 From the side of the attic, wind protection material (waterproofing) is laid in the canvas. A heater is placed inside the canvas, for example, mineral wool. The inside of the door is lined with a vapor barrier membrane.

Step 4 On both outer sides, the door is sewn up with plywood, at least 8 mm thick.

The canvas should fit tightly, but freely fit into the frame. Before starting work, all wood should be treated with a fire bioprotection composition.

On a note! The hatch box is mounted flush with the bottom plane of the ceiling, this should be taken into account when choosing the size of the beam for the frame.

Prices for building boards

Building boards

Ladder assembly

First of all, it is necessary to cut the beam onto the bowstring of the flight of stairs. The result should be three pairs of bars of different lengths. It is better to cut out the lowest pair with a small margin, so that upon installation, cut off the corner at the end of the bar for a firm fixation on the floor.

The algorithm of actions is as follows:

• saw the tread boards in the required quantity;
• on the bars of the bowstring, make markings for fastening the steps;
• fasten the bars in pairs with adhesive tape and drill holes in the places where the steps are attached;
• drill holes for the installation of the hinge mechanism at the ends of the bar to connect the sections together;
• assemble the entire structure on self-tapping screws.

Video - Self-assembly of the attic stairs on metal fasteners

When marking the fastenings of the treads to the bowstring, it is better to focus on one edge and make one hole only. After the ladder is set at the desired angle, one step is set and a second hole is made so that the tread is strictly horizontal. To repeat the required angle, make a cardboard template and drill the attachment points for the remaining treads. Fasten the ladder to the door after fitting.

Mounting process

If the work is carried out by two or more people, you can mount the hatch together with the ladder to the attic assembly. The design is quite heavy, so it is almost impossible to carry out such an operation alone.

If everything is assembled and measured correctly, the installation process will not be difficult:

1. A box is mounted in the thickness of the ceiling. Everything is fixed on anchor screws. The frame is fixed in several places: at a distance 10-15 cm from the top of each corner and in increments 40-50 cm along the length of each side.
2. A door is hung on hinges to the frame. In advance, a hinge for fastening the stairs and all locking mechanisms are installed on it.
3. The upper section of the ladder is mounted to the fixed door.
4. The entire structure of the march is assembled using hinged mechanisms.

The mounting seam is foaming. After that, the inner side of the seam should be glued with metallized adhesive tape, and the upper part should be laid with PSUL waterproofing tape. After such insulation, the seam can be closed with a flashing strip or any other decorative material.

Important! The seam on the side of the PSUL tape does not require additional protection. It is absolutely impossible to plaster according to PSUL.

Video - Technology for installing an attic ladder into a finished ceiling

Conclusion

A staircase with a hatch to the attic is a must-have element in any building. Types of stairs and hatches, as well as methods of their installation, must comply with fire safety requirements. At the same time, you can assemble the entire structure with your own hands or purchase a finished product and order installation in a specialized company. The modern construction market offers a large selection of prefabricated structures, as well as various materials for self-production.

What is an attic? It is known that in our area the attic can become anything - a warehouse, a workshop or a living room.

It all depends on the possibilities of the room and your imagination, but one thing is certain - the attic space must be used. How to equip the entrance to the attic with your own hands?

Arrangement of the entrance to the attic

If you intend to equip a functional room in the attic, you need to think about choosing a place for the attic stairs. The attic staircase assumes the presence of a hatch - a ceiling door.

It is most reasonable to equip a hatch with a ladder in the corridor, hallway or passage room. In many houses there are rooms that are not used as residential, where you can easily equip a staircase to the attic.

In the old days, the entrance to the attic was equipped from the outside, but the prospect of climbing into such an attic on a frosty or rainy day will not please anyone.

The most extreme lifting mechanism to the attic can be several stools stacked together. But speaking objectively, to get there in a civilized way, you need a good attic staircase. She may be both stationary and folding the latter are in high demand.

Folding options after use are compactly stacked up, saving a lot of usable space. A beautifully decorated sunroof can become a fresh element of the interior.

Manufacturers offer wooden options for small loads (up to 150 kg) and metal for more serious loads. Prices for such stairs vary from 7,000 rubles to the limit of the consumer's wallet. Choosing the most cheap option, you should not count on its quality, so isn't it better to make a folding attic ladder with your own hands?

Let's look at some possible custom stairs options, the easiest for a beginner and more difficult for those who are confident in their abilities. At your service the description of materials, works and drawings of offered ladders.

A simple two-piece staircase with your own hands

This is the ladder that consists of two sections, one of which folds up. In the assembled version, the ladder is not hidden at the top, but remains in sight.

This may not be critical if the attic is located in a workroom, garage, etc. Even in the hallway, it can look quite appropriate, it all depends on the style of your home.

This staircase can be made in a few hours, you only need to prepare the necessary materials:

1. Wood saw.
2. Measuring instruments (tape measure).
3. Ordinary wooden stairs.
4. Card loops, the width of which is equal to the width of the stringer - 4 pcs.
5. Four bars 2–3 cm thick: two as long as the width of the hatch and two longer by 20 cm.
6. Self-tapping screws, anchors, loop and hook.

Kosour is the bearing beam of the stairs, on which the steps are laid.

Nobody needs to tell how to make a ladder, but we only note that its length should be about 30 cm more than the distance from the floor to the hatch.

We take short bars:

• We connect the first bar to the upper end of the stairs with the help of loops.
• The second bar is securely fixed on the bottom in a rigid way.

To make the design more reliable, you need to take two slats and nail them with reverse side march obliquely. Just try to do it in such a way that the design did not interfere with the movement of the stairs.

Measure from the bottom exactly 2/3 of the entire length of the ladder and saw it in this place. Next, connect these parts with card loops. Hinges are attached to the back of the ladder so that it can fold properly.

Fasten the top bar directly under the hatch. A hook and loop is needed so that the ladder does not open arbitrarily. The hook is attached to the wall, and the loop on the bottom bar.

The first attic staircase is simple, but it has the disadvantage of being a visible staircase. There are other models shown in the photo - this is retractable, folding and telescopic.

Attic stairs designs

Do-it-yourself folding ladder on hinges

This is a folding attic ladder with a hatch, consisting of three sections and an attic hatch. This option is very attractive literally for any room.

You will need to determine what the hatch opening will be, given wishes and dimensions prospective visitors to the attic. For example, the opening for the stairs will be 125 x 70 cm.

In order to cut the hatch correctly, you need to add 7 mm on each side. Ladders to the attic should close well without damaging the thermal insulation.

Necessary materials:

• bars 5 x 5 cm - 2 short and 2 long;
• plywood 1 cm thick according to the size of the hatch.

At the ends of each bar, you need to make a half-thickness drink, connecting glue and screws into a perfect rectangle. From improvised means, so that the diagonal does not move out, you can attach temporary triangles of thin plywood. After we fasten the sheet of plywood to the size of the rectangle.

Instead of locks we use door latch, any door handle or a suitable cylinder. The latch keeps the hatch closed well and just opens. To conveniently open the hatch without using ladders and stools, this handle needs to be made especially. A long cylindrical handle must be inserted into a special hole, opening the hatch while standing on the floor.

Manufacture of hinges for opening the hatch

All components for the mechanism that opens the hatch can be bought ready-made, as well as made independently.

In order to do everything yourself, you need estimate dimensions and angles using a cardboard layout. We make parts from cardboard, you can practice on them with the length of the hinges so that the hatch can open to the required angle. Based on the resulting layout, we make a mechanism for opening the hatch.

The key is experience determine the length of the hinges, since this type of attic staircase involves precisely the hinged method. On the drawings you can see how the hinge is installed, the logic of its operation is very simple - it helps to smoothly open and close the hatch.

Necessary improvised materials that can be found in every garage:

1. Metal corner - 2 pcs.
2. Sheet metal.
3. Metal strips 2 cm wide - 4 pcs.

We take two narrow metal strips and use a drill to make holes for the M10 bolt. We collect the parts together in pairs, slightly pulling them together. Using a measuring carpentry tool, measure the opening angle of the hatch and push our mechanisms exactly to this angle.

Using a jigsaw, cut out the part of the metal that will overlap with the corner. We remove the excess length of the metal strips, round the ends. After processing and removing excess metal, we assemble the mechanism - now the corner will stall in a certain position. Both mechanisms for two sides exact copies of each other, but only mirrored.

Attic ladder locking mechanism

The hinge mechanism turns out to be reliable, stopping the hatch with a ladder in the desired position thanks to the corner.

But for more reliability and smoothness opening mechanism, you need to add another simple mechanism that looks like a hand.

For the "hand" you will need:

• Long strips of metal, 2 cm wide - 4 pcs.
• Corner-2 pcs.

At the end of one of the strips, you need to weld a metal part on which this strip will rest, and the corner will play the role of the supporting element. We make simple hinges that, when the hatch is open, will maintain the bending angle, while holding part of the weight of the structure.

In order for the load to be distributed evenly between two different hinges, this assembly must be fixed correctly. Yes, his need to fix with fully deployed first hinges.

Attic ladder device

It remains to make the attic ladder itself, it should be 35 cm longer than the distance from the floor to the hatch.

The folding ladder will consist of three sections, the length of which it is important to calculate correctly. The first section is equal to the size of the hatch, the second section is slightly shorter than the first (it should not hit the ceiling when unfolding). The third section is equal to the residual segment.

Materials for stairs:

• Inch board 10 cm wide.

The angle of inclination of the hatch in the open position, which we previously measured with a small scale, is transferred to the board. That's how we note the slope for the steps.

Let's start marking the bowstring boards for the steps along the lengths of the sections according to the order described above. The boards need to be pressed tightly, fastened with molar tape and marked in the same way, making the slopes of the steps in a mirror image.

The sections will be hinged again, so you need drill a hole for the hinge bolt them on each of the sections with a pen at 25. With a milling cutter, we give all the faces a finished, neat look. We cut the boards exactly according to the sectional markings.

Steps needed cut to length and sand, as well as bowstrings. At the marking places for the steps, you need to make recesses under them of 5 mm. We assemble all the parts using glue and PSh screws.

Folding ladder hinges

To assemble the structure into a folding mechanism, you need to make a set of loops.

Necessary materials:

1. Metal strips 2.5 cm wide - 8 pcs.
2. Bolts for hinge 8 mm and self-tapping screws.

In order for the loops to serve and not bend, on four strips you need weld additional segments the same metal (about 1/3). We make holes in each strip - 2 small ones for attaching to the bowstring (one from below and one under the finished piece), and one large 8 mm for the hinge (on top).

The hinges need to be fixed when the ladder itself lies on flat surface. The hinge must be fixed so that the pivot bolt lay down in a previously drilled hole, and the ends were along the edge of the bowstring. So fasten all four loops.

Ladder installation

We collect all the elements and install them in their places, and the first segment of the stairs is stationary and needs to be attach with corners to the hatch cover.

We check the operation of the mechanism, if everything suits you, then we disassemble it again for processing. varnishing wood, primed and painted metal.

As you can see, there is nothing difficult in creating an attic staircase with your own hands, especially when photos of drawings are available on the Internet. All metal parts can be made by yourself, and even easier to buy ready-made. Then it’s a pleasure at all - it remains only to assemble this constructor.

Practically in all country houses there are lofts. To organize a comfortable and safe ascent there, it is necessary to equip a ladder.

It can be made from various materials, but the most common and convenient wooden stairs. Let us consider in detail their types, and tell you how a staircase to the attic can be made from wood with your own hands.

Finished building

Structures for lifting to the attic can be capital and removable. Their type depends on the available space for installation, ceiling height and frequency of use.

Indeed, often the attic is used as a utility room, and there is no need to install a complex architectural structure. However, even among simple designs there are those that will harmoniously fit into the interior and will not take up much space.

When choosing a type, you do not need to think about the possibility of moving large objects on it or finding two people at the same time, since both of these situations are unlikely to arise.

Stationary types

All structures, according to the type of attachment to the supporting base, are divided into the following types:

• On strings.

Such structures are two bearing bowstrings, straight or curved, between which steps are located in the grooves.

On bowstrings

• On stringers.

They are a bit like bowstring systems, but the difference lies in the fact that stringers serve as a support beam. The steps are attached to them from above, so that they seem to lie on supports. Usually one or two stringers are used.

On kosoura

• On the pains.

In this case, the steps on one side are fixed with pins to the wall, or to a load-bearing beam built into the wall. Such a system of steps looks very stylish.

Boltsevaya

• On a support pole.

This design has found application in the device screw types. One, tapered end of the step is fixed on a vertical bearing support, and when correct location, all steps form a helical march. A big plus in such a system is that it does not take up much space.

screw

• Combined designs.

Such structures can be manufactured using all of the listed types of fasteners.

On a vertical support and bowstring

Stationary types are the most visually attractive, convenient and safe to use. However, for the installation of capital attic systems, it is not always possible to find a suitable free space.

Portable options

They are quite inconvenient to use for interfloor movements:

• Attached. This is the simplest device for ascent and descent. It can be used as a temporary, bring and take away at any time. Attachments are suitable for a rare visit to this room. Such a device can be left in place, but it will not add any aesthetics to the interior. In addition, the shakiness and instability creates problems with the safety of the person using it.

Attached

• Everything that has been said about the attached variety can be repeated about this type - with the only difference that stepladders are a little more convenient and safe to use.

Most often, portable options are used when access to the attic is from the street.

Folding types

This type is very convenient and functional for rooms of a small area, and "not suffering" from excessive luxury. They are compact, with a slight movement of the hand they fold and stow away in the hatch. Despite the apparent primitiveness of the design, they can withstand decent loads (150-250 kg).

Manufacturers offer a wide selection. They consist of 3-4 spans and easily adjust to any ceiling height. However, the price of these structures is quite decent.

Manufacturing

If the question arose about manufacturing, wood is the most suitable material for these purposes. There is no need to buy a ready-made structure, as it is quite simple to make it yourself.

The production process of the attic stairs can be viewed on the video in this article:

Manufacture of a stationary ladder on bowstrings

Do-it-yourself capital construction: stages of work. In the manufacture of the structure, you will need bars for the manufacture of bowstrings, boards for steps, a set of screws and anchors for fastening, varnish or paint for finishing.

Tools needed for work:

Manufacturing instructions:

• A design drawing is being prepared.
• Bowstrings and steps are cut in accordance with the drawing.
• In bowstrings, according to a pre-prepared stencil, grooves are cut to install steps to a depth of 15-20 mm. The accuracy of cutting grooves and maintaining geometry are the most important part of the whole process, because, otherwise, the steps will loosen, and the staircase will quickly become unusable.

• All parts are polished with sandpaper.
• Before assembly, the parts are treated with an antiseptic.
• The grooves are coated with glue. Steps are being installed. For greater reliability from the outside, they are fixed with self-tapping screws. Hats are better to drown and putty.
• If necessary, you can install balusters and railings.
• Finishing treatment with paints and varnishes.
• The structure is anchored to the supports.

The result is a simple but reliable and secure system.

Option on bowstrings

Production

Requirements for folding structures:

• step width - 65-110 mm;
• the number of steps - no more than 15;
• distance between steps - 16-20 cm;
• step thickness - 18-22 mm;
• height - no more than 3.5 m;
• load capacity - not less than 150 kg;
• tilt angle - 60-75 degrees.

Consider how to make it yourself:

Important! In the production of the structure, and especially during its installation, you will definitely need an assistant.

• A drawing is created.
• Details are being prepared. All places of cuts are carefully cleaned.
• Manhole frame is being made. The standard size of the hatch is 120x60 or 120x70, however, you can make it in accordance with the existing opening.
• With the help of bolts and metal inserts, the frame is installed in the opening.
• The manhole cover can be made from 2 sheets of plywood 10 mm thick, laying polyethylene between them for vapor barrier. You can use a furniture board. We mount the handle to the lid.
• The cover is hung on the frame.

• On prepared bowstrings (with inside), which will be used as supports, grooves are made (about 5 mm deep) for installing steps.
• The ends of the support beams are sawn off so that they are stably placed on the floor. It is best to install plastic tips.
• For simplicity, you can use the design, sawn into 3 fragments.
• With self-tapping screws, the crossbars are fixed at times between the bowstrings. For strength, we recommend additionally applying glue to the joints.

• The parts are connected to each other with loops.

• The design of the sections, the corners are attached to the cover (as in the photo).

• Gate valve is installed.
• For more convenient opening of the door, we recommend installing a lever-spring mechanism.
• The entire system is treated with a protective compound.

Important! Before attaching the system to the hatch, check that all elements are functioning properly.

The result is a design that will provide safe access to the attic, and will not take up space in the house.

We examined what wooden attic stairs are, their types, options for use. They gave advice on making a comfortable and functional staircase with their own hands. Now it's up to you!