We make a staircase to the attic with our own hands. Folding attic ladder do it yourself. Construction #3 - telescopic ladders

This article provides step-by-step instructions for creating a folding attic ladder. You will learn how to correctly assemble the main hinge element, what to make sections of the stairs from and how to securely fix the structure in the mounting position. The article contains diagrams and drawings.

The inventory factory ladder to the attic is a fairly common product that can be purchased at many hardware stores. However, budget options are not always reliable, and strong branded products cost accordingly. Making the necessary item or device with your own hands from improvised materials is very popular among home craftsmen. The attic stairs are no exception.

Material for work

To assemble an analogue of a factory product, you will need high-quality materials that may be available, especially during construction:

1. Bar 50x50 (pine) grade 1 - 20 linear meters m. The frame of the cover and opening will be made from it.
2. Plywood 8-10 mm - 2 sq. m. Needed for covering the lid.
3. Board 100x25-30 mm - 15 linear meters. m. Will go to the steps and bowstrings.
4. Steel strip 3-4x20 mm - for movable fastening of knees.
5. Corner and plate 3-4 mm - for the main mechanical element.
6. Bolts, nuts, washers, grovers M12-M14.
7. Self-tapping screws.

Tool:

1. Carpenter - saw, screwdriver, goniometer.
2. Locksmith - welding machine, electrodes 3-4, grinder.
3. Workbench and clamps.

Operating procedure

First of all, you need to choose a place for the stairs and make an opening. If necessary, cut and install intermediate beams in the ceiling - 6-7 mm larger than the size of the intended cover. Next, according to the size of the hatch, you need to assemble the lid itself - from a bar and plywood. The design can be arbitrary, but must be reliable (it is better to glue the joints). The bar on one of the short sides should be rounded - so as not to interfere with the lid to open.

Hinge assembly

This is the most critical element of the design. For its manufacture you will need: a steel corner, a plate and strips with a thickness of at least 3 mm. The shape of the parts is clear from the diagram, but the dimensions of the drilling site should be determined individually, based on the situation at the site. Manufactured parts must be of high quality, they should be cleaned and edged.

1 - thrust plate; 2 - corner, top view; 3 - short wings; 4 - long link

The key point is to determine the opening angle. This angle is very important and appears in the manufacture of the plate. In order to set it correctly, project the future march on the ground - stretch the thread and empirically (selecting the best position) set the desired angle. Attach it securely to the goniometer - it will be needed in the manufacture of steps.

The resulting angle must be transferred to the part, namely to the plate. To do this, set the mechanism to its original position, attach the goniometer and move until the angles of the angle and goniometer shelf coincide. Then mark the plate along the resulting trajectory and cut out the part travel area.

Holes must be pre-drilled in the plate for mounting to the beam. We assemble the mechanism on the bolts through the washers.

After a rough assembly, you need to try on the knot in place, bait and exactly reproduce the procedure for opening and closing the hatch. If shortcomings are found, correct them.

Then you need to make a response mechanism. It should completely repeat the first one, but in a mirror image. Use clamps and a workbench - by clamping the parts together, you will achieve complete identity in size.

Empirically make the adjustment and final installation. The cover in the open position must exactly follow the angle projected by the cord.

Section manufacturing

Calculation of the length of each section:

• 1st - opening length minus 10%
• 2nd - the length of the first minus 10%
• 3rd - the length of the march minus the sum of the first two

Let's assume that the length of the march is 2500 mm. Based on an opening length of 1200 mm:

• 1st - 1080 mm
• 2nd - 972 mm
• 3rd - 448 mm

We mark the whole boards according to the calculation and transfer the march angle to the bowstrings.

Attention! Bowstrings must be installed mirror! Keep this in mind when marking and drilling.

At the joints of the sections, we drill holes Ø 25 - mirror through one.

All parts need to be processed with a sanding tape with high quality, chamfers are rounded in order to bring the quality as close as possible to the factory one.

Then we cut along the marking grooves for the steps. We select wood with a chisel.

The design of individual sections is assembled on 65 mm self-tapping screws with a press washer through D-3 carpentry glue.

Knee loops can be made from the same strip as the opening mechanism. To do this, cut 4 strips of 160 mm and 4 of 120 mm, round the ends. To four of them we weld the paws to a length of 160 mm with a hole of 8 mm. You should get 8 parts of the same length, but 4 of them with a step.

Assemble individual plates into hinges using bolts.

Assembly of sections and installation of stairs

Lay out on a flat plane and install the finished sectional hinges so that the mounting bolts fall into the holes in the tree. Install the hinges on the M8-10 bolts.

After assembling the first knee, check the system for operability. Eliminate distortions if necessary.

Then attach the lower short leg and test the system.

Now it remains to mount the ladder in the design position - on the hatch cover. For installation, use bolts (self-tapping screws are not reliable). If, after installation and testing, everything works without distortions, the structure can be dismantled for painting. Use varnishes and spray paint for metal.

Subsequently, the design can be complicated and made more convenient by adding to it:

1. Additional hinges to eliminate backlash.
2. A spring to support the structure to make opening easier.
3. Lock-lock.
4. Handrails.
5. Use decorative trim and additional insulation.

Finished stairs:

The issue of finishing and insulation is decided locally, based on needs. You can finish the cover with any material that fits into the ceiling. Basically, it is plastic - light, inexpensive and having an additional layer of air. The difference in price between the "home" and "shop" version of the folding ladder is about 90% (80-150 USD). The work required only a few new boards, a coating for them and hardware.

Any room in the house can and should be equipped in an optimal way for living people. This also applies to the attic. A do-it-yourself attic staircase becomes an excellent example of the correct use of space and forces to organize the space inside the room.

The ascent to the attic includes a ladder itself, a special hatch for penetration and a system of levers for fixing the installed span. A DIY attic staircase saves money and ensures excellent construction quality.

Classic view of a retractable staircase to the attic

There are plenty of options on how to make a staircase to the attic. Therefore, it is up to you to choose the optimal solution and implement it.

Ladder manufacturing, installation and testing are the main stages of work. But without the design and calculation of the future structure, construction will be complicated, and the quality may not meet expectations.

The beginning of work is the creation of a hatch leading to the top. A do-it-yourself attic ladder is a great approach if you have sufficient knowledge and skills. The correct choice of the location of the hatch, its precise creation and equipment for the stairs form the basis of the entire project.

You have 2 options: use a ready-made hatch or make it yourself. The dimensions of the hole should be comfortable for lifting, so as not to touch the head with the ceiling and slings. The place should not be crossed by beams and load-bearing elements. The hatch must be additionally insulated, because the integrity of the structure is broken and this can lead to heat loss.

If you decide to make an attic staircase with your own hands, then you should understand that this is not just a classic path to the top floor. The attic staircase has its own characteristics and requires a special approach.

The manufacture of a hatch for an attic staircase includes the following work:

1. Drawing development
2. Accounting and detailed analysis of the thickness of all structural elements, hatch dimensions.
3. Selection of necessary materials and tools.
4. Forming a hole where there will be a folding ladder or another option for climbing to the attic.
5. Assembly of the hatch frame and secure fixation of all elements.
6. Making a cover from the remains of a floor covering.
7. Decorative design and complex of insulation works.

As a result, you get an equipped hatch that closes easily for a while.

The hatch in the closed position practically does not stand out against the background of the ceiling

DIY folding ladder to the attic

In most cases, the design of the stairs to the attic seems to be exactly that. A loft ladder that can be freely folded looks comfortable and practical, saving space without sacrificing functionality.

Self-production of this type of stairs is quite complicated and time-consuming, but with proper preparation and step-by-step execution, it is quite feasible. Of the tools for making a folding attic ladder, you will need the following:

• Hacksaw
• Mounting foam
• Screwdriver (preferably electric)
• Screwdriver
• Anchor bolts
• Self-tapping screws of different diameters
• Loops for fastening
• Roulette.

Before starting the production of an attic ladder, you should take care of the presence of an attached ladder, which will serve as the basis for work. A folding ladder can be made in just 1 day, if all materials and tools are available.

This design option is objectively the most popular, for which there are reasons:

1. Folding ladder allows you to significantly save space.
2. The element easily develops and is extremely simple in operation.
3. Harmonious fit into any interior.
4. Fast production speed.
5. High strength and long service life.

If you manage to make a folding staircase exactly to the planned dimensions, then you will get a spectacular and effective element in home improvement.

Standard sizes

Although the attic stairs are made by hand, there are certain well-established dimensions that are recommended to be observed. They are selected and laid down at the design stage, and during the manufacturing process they serve as the starting point for all actions. Below is a list of sizes that can be used:

1. With a ladder height of 290 cm: 60x90, 60x120 or 70x120 cm.
2. Height 280 cm: 60x120 and 70x120 cm.
3. Height up to 280 cm: 60x120, 70x120 and 70x130 cm.

This is the accepted order of numbers. In any case, you choose the final parameters yourself, solely from personal preferences and understanding of the ease of use of the structure.

Drawing

Here is a set of diverse stairs with detailed drawings for work.

The manufacturing process step by step with photo illustrations and a detailed description

When making stairs for the attic, it is important to follow the stages of work in order to get the best result. To do this, we offer you a universal instruction (attention: some changes and adjustments are allowed for a specific case).

1. Drawing development. It does not require high accuracy and correct design. The main thing is that your document is understandable to you personally and contains precisely calculated and verified parameters.
2. Preparatory work. This important and extensive stage includes the selection of a complete set of tools and materials that will be required to complete the work. Already at this stage, the drawing will help you a lot, because you will visualize how the staircase will look like, which means you can easily make a complete list of everything you need.
3. Base frame manufacturing. Based on the standard and selected size of the hatch, you form frames, carefully adjusting all corners and cleaning individual sections.

Installed frame and mounted sunroof in open position

1. The frame is installed in the working position and fastened with bolts and inserts. The opening fits perfectly.
2. After mounting the frame, the manhole cover is inserted into the body.
3. On the rails make grooves for stairs.
4. The ends of the support beams should be cut at an angle that will optimally fit the floor when the stairs are opened.
5. The sawn off and polished steps are carefully placed in the groove and secured with self-tapping screws.

Installation of steps on the bases

1. All elements (stair segments) are assembled into a single structure. Metal hinges are used to fasten all parts.

Metal loops for connecting structural elements

1. The ladder assembled on the floor is installed in the working position and attached to the hatch frame.
2. Be sure to carefully check how the design you created works. To do this, perform a full set of opening / closing movements several times.

Ladder of several sections in the assembled state

See how you can make a ladder to the attic with a good example

Attic ladder mechanism with hatch - articulated without spring

The design of the hatch opening mechanism is one of the key elements in the development of stairs. You can purchase a ready-to-install mechanism at any general store. If you do not want to purchase such parts, you can make it yourself.

To make a simple version of the opening system, you will need the following set of parts and tools: a corner, a metal sheet (a small piece), 2 strips with different lengths of the canvas, bolts for fasteners, drills, bevel, jigsaw, tees and clamps.

The manufacture of the mechanism for the stairs is as follows:

1. Drawing up a drawing with a detailed description of the elements. Be sure to calculate the angle of contact and the angle of inclination of the cover when opening.
2. Make a draft of the mechanism out of cardboard in order to accurately calculate the size of the hinge.
3. Take metal strips and mark holes on them. This is where the hinges will be installed. The size of the hole is determined by the size of the M10 bolt.
4. The strips are assembled together into a single structure and tightened, but not much.
5. The exact angle is determined with the help of a bevel.
6. Extend the created mechanism to the set angle.
7. On a metal sheet, mark the part that will overlap when the hatch is open.
8. Use a jigsaw to cut this section.
9. The strips must have a presentable appearance, for which they are carefully cleaned and rounded. The processing of all elements is very important, because it is this that guarantees the exact correspondence of all elements and their optimal fit. Friction between parts must not be allowed.
10. To make the second part of the mechanism, we recommend using clamps. To give accuracy to the dimensions, it is enough to securely fasten the finished element and the source.
11. Also, with the help of clamps, you can achieve the exact location of the holes.
12. After the holes for the bolts are created, a bolt is placed in the finished one.
13. The blanks are twisted with two bolts and aligned in length.

Your task is to make 2 identical mechanisms. Completely finished opening mechanisms are installed on the hatch. Be sure to re-try the hatch with the mechanisms to the opening - make sure there are no gaps and areas where the elements are in contact.

Adjusting the structure in this area is possible and is not difficult, so be careful about this.

The hinge is easy to use and allows you to use the stairs with comfort.

Stair options

Attic stairs can have several types. The choice allows you to optimally equip any room, depending on your personal wishes and needs.

- folding ladder on hinges

A fairly common format for making stairs. The project consists of 3 sections, which are connected into a single structure. This format is suitable for equipping stairs in any room. Hinges for the opening hatch can be purchased ready-made and installed as soon as possible.

Folding ladder with hinges

- a simple wooden staircase

This option is more attractive and is a certain modernization of the previous design. For manufacturing, it is enough to saw a standard ladder into 3 sections. The smallest one should be the size of the hatch, the second one should be larger, and the third one should completely cover the remaining distance to the floor. Make grooves on and mount steps in them. Be sure to accurately handle all corners and surfaces.

- folding ladder in two parts

A variant of the attic staircase, which is suitable for a small room height or a view of a simplified design.

Folding ladder

- sliding attic stairs - retractable marches to the attic

Staircase with large retractable sections that pull out and at the same time close the distance to the hatch. Requires precise fitting of elements and sufficient space.

Sliding ladder

- stairs to the attic from the street with your own hands

Attic stairs can have an unlimited number of options - below you can admire the completed projects.

Staircase from the street

Photo gallery of attic stairs

Today on the net you can find a large number of designs of stairs for the attic. Everyone can make them with their own hands, so you should not be afraid - you just need to prepare well and do it.

A ladder to the attic with your own hands is a great way to make the house more comfortable, and going to the attic is a real pleasure. The design has a small set of technical difficulties - therefore, the product is often made by hand. Basic rules for someone who decides to make an attic staircase on their own:

• Carefully draw up a drawing based on the dimensions obtained and personal wishes.
• Choose the best quality tools and materials.
• Carefully inspect all connecting elements and docking parts.
• Check the elements of the stairs more often to prevent defects and eliminate them in a timely manner.

The stairs to the attic are easy to decorate and fit perfectly into the style of any room. Comfortable handles and secure fixation form an ideal way to climb to the top, which is an excellent alternative to a standard fixed ladder.

The space between the ceiling and the roof in private houses is occupied by the attic. It is used by the owners for storage, provides an opportunity to inspect and repair the inside of the roofing pie. A folding ladder installed to get to the attic can be made by hand. Portable structures such as ladders are not always convenient and reliable. The stationary version, which is easily extended if necessary, and most of the time is in the folded state, will be the best model for a small space.

1. Place of installation:
   • outdoor - mounted outside the building, the disadvantage is the need to leave the premises in any weather;
   • internal - located in the house.
2. By design:
   • monolithic - screw or marching;
   • portable - attached, ladders;
   • folding - sliding, folding, scissor, folding.

Monolithic structures provide complete safety of lifting to the attic. But they take up valuable space in the room. Portable models are convenient as a temporary option, but they are not suitable for permanent use due to the increased risk of injury. The best choice is a folding ladder, which takes up a minimum of space. This design is often attached to the hatch, it has a compact size, and making it yourself will save money.

Features of folding structures

Transforming models have several options, from which you can choose the right one for your home. When designing a product, one should take into account not only the dimensions, but also the design features. The minimum number of sections of a folding ladder should be 3 pieces. A 2-piece model 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.

Varieties 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 resistant to corrosion. It is compact, functional, will last a long time, but it is difficult to make such a product with your own hands. A variant of mounting on a hatch of a finished structure is possible.

scissor model made from metal parts. It develops according to the principle of an accordion. A solid construction with comfortable steps has one drawback - over time, a creak appears at the joints. Preventing the problem will allow timely lubrication of the attachment 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 to the attic consists of several sections, the upper part is firmly attached to the hatch, it is equal to the size of the cover. The remaining sections are connected by special fittings and hinges. When unfolded, they form an even flight of stairs. It is easy to bring the product into working position, thanks to its mobility. The difference between the 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 with the help of rollers from the outside along the guides.

The attic climb structure should be installed in a place where it will not interfere, usually a hall or corridor. Sliding and folding stairs are adjusted to standard dimensions, which are designed with safety in mind:

• the angle of inclination of the structure is 65-75 degrees, a larger value will make use unsafe, and a smaller one will require a lot of space for placement;
• the optimal width of the stairs is 65 cm;
• the recommended number of steps is 13-15 pieces;
• the length of the structure should be about 3.5 m, with an increase, it loses rigidity and strength, the processes of lowering and lifting become more complicated;
• convenient distance between the steps for movement - 19.3 cm;
• a ladder made by one's own hands is calculated 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.

The attic hatch also has standard dimensions, its parameters are 120x70cm, they provide unhindered passage and minimal heat loss.

Materials for manufacturing

The materials from which the stairs are made with their own hands are subject to requirements for strength and weight. The design for frequent use due to rapid wear is not made of wood. Metal is the best option for such a product, it will ensure safe and durable operation.

To reduce the total weight of the ladder attached to the hatch, the combination of materials will allow. Steps are made from lighter wood. Bars of hard wood with a thickness of about 2 cm are used. Metal or plastic fittings are installed to connect the products, the latter reduces the friction of the parts. In the folded position, the structure is attached to the hatch, which eliminates spontaneous loss.

Manufacturing technology of a simple folding design

If the hatch is located near the edge of the ceiling, then for lifting 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 a finished product, it will take about two hours to transform it.

A simple folding ladder that is easy to do with your own hands

Tools for work:

• screwdriver;
• roulette;
• hacksaw.

Materials:

• wooden blocks measuring 2x3 cm;
• card loops;
• self-tapping screws;
• hook and loop.

1. Take two bars equal to the width of the stairs. One is hinged to the upper edge, and the second is firmly fixed at the bottom, ensuring the stability of the unfolded structure.
2. 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 performed along the intended line.
3. Metal hinges are screwed to connect the sections. Pay attention to how the fittings are located. It should ensure that the lower part of the ladder folds under the upper one.
4. A bar is fixed on the wall under the attic opening, to which the folding structure is attached.
5. For reliable fixation in the folded position, a loop is screwed in near the sawing 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, and the disadvantage is an open location.

Manufacture of the hatch

If a folding ladder is placed on the cover of the opening, it is not visible from the room and will not interfere with the interior. Simple drawings will help determine the dimensions of the hatch and the product. Having measured the sides of the passage to the attic, they begin to assemble the hatch with their own hands.

You need to prepare the following materials:

• bars with a section of 50x50m;
• plywood sheet 10 mm;
• PVA glue;
• fasteners;
• door latch with handle.

Two parts equal to the length of the opening and two similar to its width (120x70 cm) are cut off from the bar. Each edge of the bar is sawn to half the width. These sections are smeared with PVA glue and glued together into a rectangle. To hold the exact diagonal, right-angled plywood triangles, called kerchiefs, are attached to the frame. After the glue dries, the bars are additionally connected with self-tapping screws, and the scarves are removed. A prepared plywood sheet is screwed to the workpiece. The design will fit to the opening. To keep the hatch in the closed position, a door latch is cut into it. 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 complicated process to make the task easier, it is enough to purchase a finished product in a store.

Those who decide to assemble the entire structure on their own must prepare a metal corner, two strips and a sheet of metal.

In order not to be mistaken with the size of the hinges, they are initially cut out of cardboard. After fitting, proceed to work with metal.

1. Places for fastening according to the template are marked on the metal strip.
2. Holes are drilled for a bolt with a diameter of 10.
3. Details are assembled and baited with bolts. The selected angle of fixation of the stairs is measured with a small one, and then the parts are moved apart by the desired value.
4. On the metal, a section is indicated, which, when lowered, is blocked by a corner. This area is cut off. Removing the excess, the details are processed to give an aesthetic appearance.
5. The second mechanism should be identical to the one already made. For an exact match of the holes, the parts are connected with a clamp and drilled.
6. Having inserted bolts into the second mechanism, it is equalized according to the model, cutting off excess metal.
7. Ready-made opening mechanisms are installed by hand on the hatch . They will create an emphasis, fixing the folding structure at the right angle.

To ensure uniform distribution of the load will allow the installation of a second hinge mechanism that supports the hatch in the middle. 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, against which the second part rests. When lowering the hatch, the hinge will move apart, taking part of the weight of the structure.

Wooden staircase, do it yourself

The easiest way is to make a wooden structure, 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 length of the sections is marked on two boards used to make the bowstring. The marks should mirror each other, therefore, before work, the workpieces are connected with adhesive tape. Holes for the hinges are drilled in the designated places, after which the boards are sawn. To give attractiveness, all wooden parts are sanded and covered with two layers of varnish. Do-it-yourself metal hinges are coated with a primer and paint before installation.

Holes 5 mm deep are cut out under the fasteners of the steps on the inside of the bowstring. PVA glue is applied to them, and then fixed with self-tapping screws. The next step is to connect the three sections into a common structure using hinges. After checking the possibility of bending the parts, the ladder is fixed to the hatch. The upper section of the product is fixed on it with anchors. Folding ladder to the attic is ready.

In contact with

For dachas, country houses and cottages with attic rooms, a compact and lightweight folding staircase to the attic becomes a vital necessity. It should not take up much space, because every square meter is important in a country house. In addition, the great advantage of the ladder will be its mobility. Foldable designs save space and are easy to install. To complete all the related tasks for the construction of such a staircase, you can do it yourself.

Types of attic stairs

Attic stairs can be located both indoors and in the attic itself. The second option is more profitable in terms of saving living space. According to the design of the stairs are:

• monolithic (marching or screw);
• folding (lever, telescopic, scissor or folding);
• portable (attached or ladders).

Portable structures are used very rarely, mainly when performing construction work. The most convenient option is monolithic products that have wide marches and are equipped with railings. However, they are not suitable for access to the attic, because they have large dimensions.

It is better to use retractable structures that are safe to use and easy to install. In addition, when folded, they do not take up space in the room. Thanks to the variety of possible designs, you can choose the staircase that best suits your home.

Transformer stairs

For the manufacture of folding attic stairs, wood and metal (most often aluminum) are used. This combination produces the best results. Wood is necessary to create flights of stairs (the weight of the structure is reduced), and metal parts are most often corners, fasteners and mechanisms that ensure the rigidity of the structure.

For stairs choose solid wood (birch, ash, larch, beech, maple). The beam must be chosen at least 2 cm thick. If the ladder will be used quite often, it is worth thinking about a metal structure.

The manhole cover should be filled with foam for greater thermal insulation. Dimensions of stairs to the attic:

• the optimal march width is 65 cm;
• the average number of steps is 15;
• the optimal step width is 19.3 cm;
• the thickness of the steps is not less than 18 mm;
• the optimal angle of inclination of the structure is 60-70 degrees.

To prevent the ladder from sliding on the floor, it is worth putting special pads on each bowstring.

scissor

Such stairs are made entirely of metal. Their other name is accordion stairs. They are light, compact, easy to attach to the hatch. However, scissor ladders have one drawback - over time, a creak appears during their operation. They need to be lubricated periodically.

Telescopic

In this case, a folding ladder has several sections that fold into one another. They are usually made from aluminium. Domestic summer residents are wary of such stairs and prefer transformers to them.

Sectional hinged products are more in demand. They are more bulky and difficult to install, but they have high strength and durability. How a retractable staircase to the attic is made is described below.

Location

There is one main requirement for the location of the stairs - it should not interfere with residents when moving around the house. That is why it is not installed in the bedroom or hallway. Sometimes you can install a staircase as a piece of furniture - if the size of the room allows. In this case, it is not necessary to hide it.

Production of a two-section ladder

If you need to perform a simple and practical design, you should look at the option with two sections. To make such a ladder, you will need a small amount of tools and materials:

• hacksaw;
• ladder;
• roulette;
• beam 2-3 cm thick.
• loops along the width of the stringer;
• hook, screws, anchors and loops.

First you need to carry out preparatory work, then make a ladder, and then install it correctly.

Preparatory work

First, the old structure is dismantled, consisting of a ladder and a decorative frame equipped inside the passage. Then you need to pick up bars for flights of stairs. Each bowstring must have a cross section of at least 30 * 50 mm. The optimal slope of the attic stairs in a small room is 60-70 degrees. It must be taken into account when calculating the length of the stairs and the angle of inclination of the steps relative to the ladder racks.

It is worth arranging a two-section staircase when the attic passage is located in close proximity to one of the walls. The folding design will hang directly on the wall. The presence of only 2 sections does not allow you to hide it in the attic directly above the aisle.

Making stairs

First, the lower and upper parts of the stairs are assembled. To do this, you need 4 bowstrings and steps. The bottom should be 1/3 of the total length. Then it is necessary to strengthen the upper part with diagonal slats to give it greater rigidity. Then the structure is connected together with loops. A bar is attached to the top of the stairs, which will later be screwed to the wall.

The ladder is attached to the wall with a pre-screwed bar. It should be installed directly under the hatch. The advantages of this design are obvious - a minimum of parts and effort in manufacturing, ease of installation, ease of construction. The disadvantage of a two-section ladder is that it remains in sight.

To avoid this situation, it is worth building a more complex structure. The best option is a ladder with 3 sections. It can be easily hidden in the attic, used only when necessary.

Three-section

The most compact version of the stairs to the attic is a hatch with a folding structure of 3 sections attached to it. Such products are sold in stores. They are made of steel, have a small size and are made of steel. You can also build them yourself. The most commonly used material is wooden blocks. To build a staircase to the attic with your own hands, you will need to perform a certain sequence of actions.

How to make a hatch

Before performing the hatch, it is worth calculating its dimensions. If the hatch to the attic is 125 * 70 cm in size, then the passage should be cut 7-8 mm more on each side. This will make it easier to open and close the sunroof. The level of thermal insulation from such a gap will not decrease.

As materials you will need:

1. Bars 50 * 50 mm - 2 long and 2 short.
2. Plywood 10 mm thick.

Now you need to build a hatch. To do this, 4 bars are attached to each other, and then a sheet of plywood is nailed to them. Before attaching plywood, check the diagonal. So that the construction of the bars does not “lead”, you need to nail scarves to the corners. After the hatch is completed, it must be tried on in the opening.

So that there are no locks on the outside, and the hatch closes well, you should cut the door latch into the cover. It will hold the hatch perfectly and open comfortably.

opening mechanisms

Now it’s worth doing the most difficult thing - creating opening mechanisms. In order not to complicate and not delay the process, you can buy them at a hardware store. However, if there is a desire to do everything with your own hands, you should follow certain rules.

To begin with, drawings of the future design are made, taking into account the opening angle of the hatch. To make a hinge on which the hatch will open, you will need:

• pieces of sheet metal;
• one corner;
• two metal strips of different lengths.

Holes are made on the hinges according to pre-made drawings. Then they connect everything together, without tightening the bolts too much. You can determine the opening angle empirically. To do this, the hatch is opened to the desired angle and marks are made on the metal. Then the area that interferes with the movement of the corners is cut out with a jigsaw.

Now each corner is locked in the desired position. To make the mechanisms identical, first one is completely made, and then all the details of the second are made according to the finished sample.

For greater strength, the hatch is connected to the opening by a supporting structure made of corners and metal strips. Pieces of metal are welded to the end of the upper strips, against which the lower strips will abut. The corner becomes a base. The result is a hinge mechanism that is half-bent when the hatch is opened.

Stairs

The staircase itself is made of wooden boards. For bowstrings and steps, an inch board of 100 mm is suitable. The first section is made according to the size of the hatch. The length of the second can be equal to the first section, provided that it does not touch the ceiling during unfolding.

For the third section, the length that remains to the floor is selected. The angle of inclination is measured with the hatch open. Then it must be transferred to the board, marking the steps. Then the length of the sections is marked. All the markup that was done on the first board should be transferred to the second. All lines must be mirrored.

Where the hinge hinges will be located, it is worth drilling holes. The top one is drilled directly at the junction of the fastened boards, the bottom one is drilled on their outer sides. To make the holes look more aesthetically pleasing, you should additionally go through them with a milling cutter.

Then the boards are sawn at the junction of the segments. After that, steps are cut and all elements are ground. Small indentations are made on the bowstrings into which the steps will be inserted. Once all the structural elements are ready, you can start assembling.

March loops

The next stage in the manufacture of stairs is the implementation of loops for connecting flights of stairs. To do this, you need to find 8 metal strips 25 mm wide. On 4 of them it is necessary to weld a small piece of the same strips. Each drilled 3 holes. One will serve as a connection to the hinge, the other - for screwing to the stairs.

To connect the ladder segments, they must be placed on a flat surface. The hinge must be screwed so that the bolt enters a groove specially cut out for it - in the center of the connection of the sections. After screwing the loops, it is necessary to check the section for flexion-extension. Only after the check is done, you can screw the 3rd section. After all the procedures are completed, you can remove the hatch and screw the ladder to it.

Each staircase, regardless of type, should be comfortable. In addition, when performing attic construction, it is worth adhering to the basic rules:

• attic folding stairs should not be more than 3 meters;
• metal steps should be equipped with anti-slip pads;
• wooden models are not installed in too dry or damp rooms;
• mechanisms and fastenings must be strong and reliable;
• from time to time the rubbing parts of the product should be lubricated.

Such rules will be useful in the manufacture of attic stairs.

As you can see, making an attic ladder with your own hands is simple. In the process of its manufacture, certain recommendations should be followed, and before starting work, make a detailed drawing. In the process of work, care should be taken, especially when working in the attic near the opening.

Almost all country houses have attics. To organize a comfortable and safe ascent there, it is necessary to equip a ladder.

It can be made of various materials, but wooden stairs are the most common and comfortable. Let us consider in detail their types, and tell you how it can be made of wood.

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:

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

• 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 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.

• On a support pole.

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

• Combined designs.

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

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.

• Ladder. Everything that has been said about the attached variety can be repeated about this type - with the only difference being 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

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.

Production

Requirements for folding structures:

• step width - 65-110 mm;
• the number of steps - no more than 15;
• distance between steps - 16-20 cm;
• thickness of steps - 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 the prepared bowstrings (on the 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!

Do-it-yourself attic stairs: standard dimensions and manufacturing process

The attic is a traditional room in almost every country house. Its functionality is extremely wide. For example, this room is used as a storage room or workshop, some homeowners even design the attic as a living room or bedroom. In fact, the functional purpose of such a room depends solely on your own imagination, as well as financial capabilities. However, despite the wide variety of attic space design options, it is worth knowing that an attic staircase with a hatch is an integral part of it. If you do not build this structure, then you simply cannot get into this room. Creating an attic staircase is a fairly simple matter, in connection with which you do not even have to turn to professionals in the construction industry.

Attic stairs must be functional

Actually, the most time-consuming process in the organization of the attic space is the design of the stair segment. Before creating a project for a specific staircase for your home, you must first determine the design category. There are such options:

• folding;
• stationary;
• portable.

Approximate diagram of a folding ladder with a hatch

Features of various designs

Construction industry experts call a wide marching structure the most reliable in the corresponding segment. It is worth noting that its durability, reliability and safety cannot be compared with constructive counterparts on the market. Meanwhile, despite the large number of advantages of this option, the choice in its favor is sometimes impossible due to the banal lack of the necessary free space. Thus, if you do not have a large area for stairs, then the stationary model will not suit you. However, you should not despair, because you can always build a folding ladder. Its design has the best characteristics of stationary and portable counterparts. For example, it is as reliable and safe as a stationary marching model, however, to organize such a design, it is necessary to have a very small amount of free space. In addition, folding models are the easiest to implement without the help of experienced professionals.

Simple two piece staircase

Temporary solution

Portable models will be singled out in a separate category, however, it is quite extensive. The variety of portable products is simply incredible. Meanwhile, do not forget that the daily use of such a product can never become safe or comfortable enough, and the ladder itself is not able to compete with stationary and folding models in terms of operational and technical characteristics.

Stairs should be comfortable and functional

Selection of building materials

In the process of creating an attic staircase with your own hands, namely, its preliminary drawing, you should pay attention to what building materials are commonly used in this case. Despite all the variety of products in the building materials segment, any experienced builder will tell you that there are certain types of products that perform best during operation. As a rule, all the main structural parts are made mainly of wood, while fasteners and fixing elements are made of metals. Thanks to the competent selection of materials, a do-it-yourself attic staircase, the drawing of which was made by a non-professional, will be an order of magnitude stronger and more reliable.

Folding ladder with hinges

How to make your choice?

Due to the fact that building materials for folding stairs to the attic are presented in a variety of price segments, source material and characteristics, it is quite easy to drown in a sea of ​​information about them. To minimize the time spent on searching and choosing the best options, you should be guided by a number of rules:

• Specify the type of functional purpose of the structure, as well as its main parameters, including structural features, sectionality, width, and so on.
• Choose building materials in strict accordance with how the product will be actively used and in what conditions.
• Identify the negative factors that can reduce the life of the product.

Another typical scheme of the attic stairs

The main thing is to correctly define the function

Any specialist who has the necessary level of qualification and experience in working with such types of objects will tell you that the final result of construction work on erecting stairs to the attic with your own hands largely depends on the competent definition of the functional purpose of the product. This parameter allows you to calculate the allowable load indicator for each step of the product. The standard value of this indicator for a metal product reads about 250 kgf, but wooden models are designed for only 150 kgf. In addition, it is worth considering that the above indicators are valid for products made by professionals, while home-made objects have somewhat lower parameters. In general, the indicator of permissible pressure on a step does not mean that it cannot withstand more stress. However, if the structure is overloaded too often, then it will become unusable in a fairly short period of time.

When opening the hatch, you do not have to make great efforts.

So, the main criteria by which the choice of the optimal option is carried out are as follows:

• the area of ​​free space in the room;
• functional purpose of the object;
• desired angle of inclination.

The creation of the drawing must be carried out in accordance with the regulations

Stages of work and their features

Actually, experts say that there is nothing particularly difficult in creating a staircase with a hatch with your own hands. It is enough to adhere to certain rules, tested over the years. For example, when drawing up design drawings, one should be guided by regulatory and technical documentation, in which, in addition to general conditions, specific parameters of standard products are also given. In addition, on the Internet, a lot of ready-made schemes for every taste are offered in the public domain. You can take a ready-made version and proceed to bring the project to life, or slightly modify it in accordance with the individual characteristics of the house.

Tools recommended by experts

What to consider when designing?

The most general requirements of regulatory and technical documentation can be reduced to a number of simple and understandable conditions:

• the ergonomic range of product width is from 60 to 100 centimeters;
• the best height is three and a half meters;
• the maximum number of steps is 15 pieces;
• the distance between adjacent steps should be about 20 centimeters;
• the step height comfortable for a person reaches about 20 centimeters, a deviation of 2 centimeters is allowed;
• if we are talking about a folding structure, then when creating a project, an allowable load of 15 kilograms is taken.

Tools

Having decided on the independent implementation of construction work, it is very important to stock up on a certain set of equipment so that in the process of implementing the product project, you do not stop due to the banal lack of a screwdriver or tape measure. So, the standard set of tools consists of the following items:

• mounting foam;
• bars;
• self-tapping screws;
• electric screwdriver;
• hacksaw;
• yardstick;
• anchors;
• screwdrivers.

Building a staircase is not a difficult task.

Location Features

All the nuances of the location of the object in the room will become visible during the construction process. This is especially true if you are engaged in the creation and subsequent implementation of the project yourself. Remember that the product can in no way reduce the comfort of the room. That is why stairs with a hatch are not located in bedrooms, living rooms and kitchens. However, if necessary, you can diversify your staircase project with an interesting design. Thanks to this, the product will be able to harmoniously fit into the overall interior of the room.

Project implementation technology

Following a certain technology, you can quickly and efficiently implement even a complex project. So, if you have chosen metal as the main material, then remember that the following steps are carried out:

• the drawing is applied to sheets of cardboard;
• cardboard elements of the future product are cut out;
• hinge marking is applied on metal strips and special holes are prepared;
• prepared parts are fixed to each other;
• the required angle is measured and the structure is moved apart in accordance with the parameters obtained;
• on metal sheets, markings are applied to those places that will subsequently be covered with corners;
• elements are cut using a special tool;
• aesthetic appearance of the object is given;
• existing corners are rounded;
• workpieces are fastened in pairs.

Before starting work, install a temporary ladder

As you can see, the technology for working on the implementation of the staircase project with your own hands is quite simple. It applies not only to metal objects, but also to wooden products.

In order for the appearance of the attic stairs to be as attractive as possible, do not be too lazy to carry out preparatory work on the surface of the building material. We are talking, for example, about applying a special primer before covering the surface with a coloring matter.

Do not be afraid of difficulties, because the technology for the construction of stairs only at first glance may seem problematic and require experience in the construction industry. Applying the optimal amount of effort will help you achieve maximum results.

Ladders to the attic with their own hands. How to make an attic ladder

There is an attic in any country house. Very often this is an unused room, but in some cases some unnecessary things are stored here or even some kind of room is equipped. In any case, there must be access to it, and for this, stairs to the attic are made. They can be created from wood and metal - in this case, you can make them yourself. Or they can be beautiful forged - such designs are usually created to order.

Primary requirements

Before building an attic staircase, you need to consider several of its features. First, it must be convenient and safe to use. Moreover, these two indicators depend on the design principle of the staircase itself and the attic. An important role is played by taking into account the type of stairs, the width of its steps, the height of the rise. The height of the stairs is calculated depending on what its design will be. If it is a folding type, then you need to carefully consider its dimensions when folded.

Steps should be of such dimensions that it is convenient and safe for any person to climb them. The correctness of the design also depends on the location of the steps: the distance between them should not be too small or large. If these requirements are not observed, safety regulations will be violated.

The span of the stairs to the attic must be at least 0.8 m. It is important that the angle of inclination is observed: this must be considered at the design stage of the structure.

Types of stairs: folding or stationary?

The choice between these two types of structures depends on how large the attic area is. Of course, a stationary staircase is more reliable and safe, but it is also solid, that is, it requires a lot of space. That is why many people prefer folding attic stairs: they are convenient, take up little space, due to the fact that they can be folded. Most often, such structures consist of several sections that overlap each other, thereby saving space. Moreover, they can always be adjusted depending on the required size.

Or retractable?

These designs are becoming more and more popular, due to their advantages:

• are cheap;
• easy to mount;
• take up little space due to the design in the form of an accordion;
• reliable;
• mask the structure with an attic hatch.

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

Self-assembly of a retractable ladder: the main stages

The very first step should be a thorough analysis and verification of the dimensions of the hatch opening. This is necessary so that the parameters you choose match the dimensions of the stairs. Then the location of the bars is thought out - first at the bottom, then at the top. Special spacers are located between the opening and the stairwell - they will help to better fix the structure. When it is laid, the spacers can be removed.

Or outdoor?

If space does not allow mounting retractable stairs, you can replace them with an external structure. It will provide a connection between the outside world and the interior of your home. The main thing is to remember the safety rules, since the operation of such a design has its own characteristics. When installing an external staircase, it is important to choose the right material: it must be resistant to sunlight, have increased abrasive wear, reliable and wear-resistant.

Wooden ladder

Wooden stairs to the attic - the easiest option, which you can create with your own hands. This can be done in several ways. Consider the most simple and implemented in practice.

To make an attic staircase, you first need to take measurements: we need parameters for the height of the room, the estimated angle of inclination, which most often reaches 30 degrees, while the height is about 2.5 m. To make the staircase reliable and correct in terms of design, you need to think over and draw up the drawings correctly. The simplest wooden stairs are created on the basis of bars for stringers, bars corresponding to the width of the stairs for fastening, overhead hinges and boards from which we will make steps. Yes, and do not forget about folding suspensions - the hatch cover will be fixed on them. The installation process itself is as follows:

1. Steps are installed and securely fastened between the stringers. This is done either with a tenon-groove fastening, or with self-tapping screws, or with glue. It is better to treat the steps with anti-slip pads - they will increase the safety of operation of the structure.
2. The ladder is first fastened under the ceiling opening on two bars, which are equal to the width of the ladder. Their connection is carried out by loops.
3. We check how efficient the hinges are, after which we finally tighten the fasteners.

This is the easiest way to create stairs to the attic.

This is a more time-consuming way of making stairs, which can be mounted even in a country house. It looks more aesthetically pleasing and has a more reliable design, which is important in conditions of heavy load on it. The structure itself will be movable on one side, and the other half will be attached to the wall. To create such a staircase to the attic, we need:

• two boards with a length corresponding to the height of the ceiling and the angle of inclination;
• boards for creating steps with a width of at least 0.5 m and a thickness of about 3 cm;
• bolts, self-tapping screws as fasteners;
• card loops with which the steps will be attached.

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

Metal stairs

Attic stairs made of aluminum look very nice, especially if your country house is decorated in the style of “minimalism” or “hi-tech”. Why is metal good? First, it is more reliable. Secondly, such structures are treated with special compounds that protect the surface from mechanical stress or corrosion. Thirdly, metal structures are able to withstand heavy loads.

The most popular among buyers are metal ladders of retractable type, which take up little space. They are relevant for rooms that are small, that is, where rational use of space is required.

How to do it yourself?

Despite the complexity of the technological process, you can make a metal staircase yourself. Moreover, it can be made both from metal and from a combination of materials. To make the simplest metal staircase, we need to prepare:

• welding machine;
• mechanical saw;
• emery wheel, which will remove burrs on the metal;
• a circular saw and a clamp for joining parts if the stairs will have wooden parts;
• metallic profile;
• pipes;
• steel sheets.

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

Such an aluminum or steel staircase will be built on the basis of a channel (size 8-10). The steps are made of sheet steel, if they are without additional finishing, grating on the steps will be required, which will protect against falling. The railings are made of angle steel, and the tread supports are made of rebar. First, support devices are installed and welded on the beam, then brackets for fastening are welded.

Metal attic stairs can have wooden tread plates, but first you need to consider where the additional fasteners will be located. On metal steps, holes for self-tapping screws should be located at a distance of 15 cm from each other. A plywood substrate is mounted to the metal treads - it is attached to a mounting adhesive, which retains its shape after hardening.

Finished aluminum ladder

Very often, many people prefer to buy ready-made structures, rather than mount them on their own. But even in this case, you will have to work hard, since they are delivered unassembled. How to assemble? The general scheme of work is approximately the following:

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

Forged designs: beautiful and modern

Very often, in country houses, rooms with an attic or attic are connected with forged stairs. Moreover, they can be simple screw, or they can have ornate patterns, which allows them to fit into any room in terms of stylistic orientation. All spiral staircases can be divided into several types:

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

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

What if you buy?

If you don’t feel like doing the installation yourself, you can always buy the same forged stairs, which are quite difficult to mount on your own, and even more so to come up with and make. A large selection of attic stairs is offered by many brands, not only in Russia, but also in other countries of the world. Consider the most popular:

1. STANDART ISO PLUS (MINKA, Austria). This folding wooden ladder is made of quality MDF and is designed for a maximum load of 150 kg. There are special protective nozzles on the legs, and with the help of a metal handrail, maximum safety is ensured. This is a compact ladder, the price of which is an average of 8200 rubles.
2. The Danish company VELTA offers economy class structures that can be mounted in the attic or in the attic. For 6,000 rubles you get a simple staircase, which is compact: it consists of three sections that are conveniently assembled and retracted into the ceiling.
3. FAKRO stairs are made from winter harvested pine, therefore they are reliable and durable in operation. This company offers a wide range of products that are compact and have a wide price range. The insulated manhole cover is the most important advantage that this ladder has. The price of models starts from 8000 rubles. It is also important that all connections of the structure are reliable and durable, the steps are supplemented with anti-slip grooves, making operation safe and comfortable.

conclusions

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

Do-it-yourself attic stairs with a hatch: drawings and step-by-step master classes with instructions

The staircase to the attic is a simple design that you can easily create yourself. It can be solid - made of wood or metal, or it can have a light and convenient folding shape. What options are suitable for your attic and how to make and install an attic staircase with a hatch with your own hands, read in our material.

Attic ladders? It's in the past!

Access to the attic is almost always located in one of the living rooms on the top floor of the house. Therefore, you either have to sacrifice space and spoil the interior, or use a portable stepladder. The last option is not only troublesome, but also quite risky, since unstable steps can break off, and in order to hold the ladder itself, you often need to invite home help.

We suggest you make a choice in favor of a more reliable option - the design and implementation of a new modern attic staircase. The types and recommendations for creating a solid staircase to the attic with your own hands, which we give below, will help you make your choice.

Attic stairs: overview of options

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

I. Capital Steps

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

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

The "pluses" of the capital option include durability, reliability and comfort in use.

The capital staircase, in most cases, does not provide a hatch for access to the attic, so it is more suitable for houses with a warm roof. For a cold roof, the exit to the attic must be closed with an airtight hatch. The standard dimensions of the hatch are 120x70 cm. It does not make sense to make a smaller passage, as this will make it difficult to get into the attic and install the steps.

The material for the hatch is wood, metal or plastic. You can order a blank for the hatch at the factory of metal-plastic structures with installation or self-assembly. The hatch can be automatic and manual opening. The latter option uses a special pole that opens the latch (lock) and lowers the door with a ladder.

II. Portable ladders

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

III. Folding attic stairs with hatch

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

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

The folding mechanism is suitable for any attic with a hatch, on which the ladder structure can be fixed.

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

In general, most stairs schematically look like this:

Before proceeding with the design of the attic stairs, consider some of the standard design features:

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

The choice of material for the flight of stairs should be determined by the frequency of operation of the structure. Wood wears out faster than metal. So, if you go up to the attic every day, it is better to design stairs made of metal. In other cases, wood, as a material that is light, environmentally friendly and easy to install, is very popular.

So, let's get started and create a modern attic staircase with a do-it-yourself hatch according to the drawings that our experts have prepared for you.

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

I. Drawing preparation

At this stage, the design is calculated. The length of the stairs is easy to calculate. We use a simple mathematical formula: D \u003d B /, where α is the selected angle of inclination, B is the height of the ceiling. So, with a ceiling height of 3 m and an angle of inclination of 60 degrees, the length of the stairs will be 3 / 0.867 = 3.46 m. ​​Masters advise adding a few centimeters to the resulting figure, so that later you can more accurately measure and cut off the desired length:

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

We calculate the length of the sections according to the following scheme: the first section is the length of the hatch minus 10%; the second section is the length of the first section minus 10%; third section - the sum of the lengths of the first two sections is subtracted from the total length of the stairs.

Now the calculations need to be transferred to paper and proceed to the preparation of the necessary materials and tools.

II. Choice of materials and tools

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

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

III. Hatch door manufacturing

Step I. Prepare the bars for the hatch. At the ends of the bars, make notches-grooves to tightly connect the structure into a regular triangle using mounting adhesive and fasteners. Protect the corners of the frame with temporary plywood plates so that the rectangle does not lead.

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

Step III. Provide a lock for the attic door. It can be an automatic mechanism, or the most ordinary latch that can be opened with a pole with a tip.

Step IV. We mount the mechanisms for opening / closing the hatch. If you do not want to buy ready-made mechanisms, you can make them yourself. There should be two fasteners - left and right. For work, purchase a 4x20 mm steel plate and a corner. The photo shows a drawing of the left mounting detail. The right one is mirrored. The sizes are given conditionally. For more accurate calculations, consider your parameters. Before fixing, be sure to check the mechanisms in operation:

IV. We assemble the stairs

You can always order a ready-made sectional staircase from the masters, which you can fix yourself according to the finished scheme. But if you decide to do the work with your own hands to the end, you can assemble a ladder from prepared materials.

Step 1. We mark the places for mounting the steps on the bowstrings. To do this, mark each part with a pencil, according to the selected angle of inclination of the stairs and the calculations made earlier. Now press the ends of the boards tightly together and fasten them with masking tape. This is necessary to drill through holes at the junction of the sections. Drill a hole for a hinge with a diameter of about 25 mm at the junction of the first and second sections. Next, you need to remove the tape and turn the boards over, fastening them again. Now we drill a similar hole at the junction of the second and third sections:

Step 2. Cut the bowstrings along the marked lines. Next, grooves are made for steps on the inside of the bowstrings using a chisel. The depth of the grooves must be at least 5 mm (this should also be taken into account at the first design stage). The lower section of the bowstring should be beveled according to the angle of the stairs.

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

Step 4 We fasten the hinges for the sliding ladder mechanism. Hinges, like hinge mechanisms, can be bought at the store, or made independently from metal tape. We need eight strips of metal (you can use the remains of the door mechanisms). Weld small pieces of the same strip to four strips. We drill two holes in each part (for fastening and hinge). We connect the hinge with the hinges. Now we join the cut sections and apply the hinges so that each hinge falls into the groove (25 mm holes drilled before cutting the sections). We fix the loops on the bowstrings:

V. Final Assembly

Now the top of the finished ladder needs to be fixed to the hatch, after checking the operation of the hinge mechanisms. The ladder should also be checked after installation. After making sure that all the details are in good condition and functional, open the steps with varnish:

And another step-by-step installation guide:

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

That's all, your staircase with a hatch is ready! This is exactly the option that is quite feasible "in one helmet." We wish you fast and easy work.

Ladder to the attic with your own hands

For country cottages, private houses and simple country houses equipped with an attic, the presence of a convenient and reliable staircase leading to the said room is a common vital necessity.

Ladder to the attic with your own hands

At the same time, the staircase should not be capital and bulky at all - you can assemble and install an excellent folding structure that will not be inferior to stationary stairs in any way.

Ladder to the attic with your own hands

You can handle all the related tasks with your own hands, saving money and testing your own strength.

Selecting the type of stairs

There are several types of ladders that can be installed to access the attic.

Stationary

A staircase with wide flights and railings is the most reliable, durable and easy-to-use design. However, the possibility of arranging such a staircase is far from being everywhere - it is definitely not possible to equip it in small areas.

Portable

They are mainly used as a temporary option, as well as for access to rarely used rooms. The main disadvantages of such a ladder are low safety and ease of use. Therefore, if possible, the use of such a design should be abandoned.

folding

They are something between portable and stationary ladders. In terms of ease of use and safety, they are practically in no way inferior to full-fledged stationary structures and, at the same time, they have a significant advantage - very little space is needed for their arrangement. Therefore, when making stairs yourself, it is recommended to give preference to a folding structure.

Material selection

An equally important point is the choice of materials from which the staircase to the attic will be assembled. For the manufacture of the main elements of folding sectional stairs, wood is usually used, and fasteners are traditionally made of metal.

Nowadays, there are many different materials, types of controls and fasteners, which makes it easy to assemble a folding ladder that will best suit your particular room.

When choosing materials for the manufacture of attic stairs, you need to consider a number of important factors. First of all, decide on the functional purpose of the structure, its type, width, as well as the optimal number of sections.

The functional purpose of the stairs to the attic is very important in terms of determining the maximum allowable load on the steps. So, for example, factory-made wooden stairs are able to withstand an average load of 150 kgf, metal - 250 kgf. For homemade stairs, these figures are slightly reduced.

This does not mean that the steps will not be able to withstand a higher load, but it is definitely not worth loading them regularly, otherwise the structure will break very quickly.

Attic stairs, blueprint

The width of the stairs, at the same time, should not be more than the width of the attic opening.

When choosing the size of the attic stairs, be guided by proven and approved standards.

• march width - at the level of 650-1100 mm;
• height - no more than 350 cm. At more significant values, the ladder noticeably loses in terms of rigidity and overall safety;
• the number of steps is up to 15. In some situations, the number of steps can be increased with the obligatory additional strengthening of the structure;
• the distance between the steps is 15-20 cm, they are usually placed at a distance of about 18-19 cm;
• the thickness of the steps is about 2 cm, it may deviate slightly in both directions;
• the angle of inclination is about 60-80 degrees. To install stairs at a small angle, you need a lot of free space, while a large angle reduces the safety of the structure.
• When designing stairs, be sure to consider the expected level of load on the structure.

Remember: the steps must be installed strictly parallel to the floor surface. In addition, the stairs must be non-slip. To do this, you can fill over the base material lining of any non-slip material.

Interfloor opening size

Attic stairs guide

In the independent manufacture of stairs to the attic there is nothing super complicated. Of course, an inexperienced craftsman is unlikely to be able to assemble a design with the same attractive appearance as factory-made models, but it's definitely worth a try.

Do-it-yourself attic folding ladder

Before starting work, create a drawing of the future stairs. In the absence of the necessary skills, order the creation of a drawing by a specialist, or select the appropriate scheme from the options presented in open sources.

One of the drawings

Tools

Prepare at once all the necessary devices so as not to be distracted by the search for missing tools in the future.

• hacksaw;
• mounting foam;
• electric screwdriver;
• screwdrivers;
• anchor;
• self-tapping screws;
• bars;
• fastening loops;
• yardstick.

Almost complete set

Markup tools

Also, before starting work, you need to buy or assemble an ordinary ladder. For self-assembly of this design, you only need to fix the transverse steps between two long vertical posts and further strengthen the structure.

The finished staircase should be about 30 cm longer than the distance from the level of the opening to the attic to the floor.

With the manufacture of the hatch, you can also easily do it yourself. From the materials you will need only sheets of plywood and a wooden beam 5x5 cm.

First step. Choose a place to place the hatch and determine its optimal dimensions. Add about 7-9 mm to the dimensions of the hatch on each side, so that in the future you can easily close the lid without squeaks and other noise. Make an opening in accordance with certain dimensions.

Second step. Cut the wooden beam into four pieces according to the dimensions of the hatch.

A simple scheme for building an insulated hatch to the attic

Third step. Make grooves at the ends of the bars. Lubricate the prepared grooves and connect the bars into a rectangular (square) structure. Strengthen the connections additionally with self-tapping screws. Screw the scarves so that the diagonal does not lead.

Fourth step. Fasten the plywood cover to the resulting base and try on the product in the hatch opening.

Fifth step. Insert a regular latch into the hatch cover. You will open the latch with the handle. Attach it to the cover and finally fix the product in the pre-aligned opening. Usually loops are used for this.

The hatch should open easily

Simple folding ladder

Start making a folding ladder. It is assumed that you already have at your disposal the previously mentioned wooden ladder.

First step. Attach a beam across the width to the bottom of the ladder. Attach the same bar to the top of the product. In this case, the lower bar must be fixed rigidly, and the upper one - on the loops.

Second step. Saw the ladder into 2 pieces. The upper part should have a length of about 2/3 of the total length of the stairs.

Third step. Attach a pair of battens for extra diagonal stiffness.

Fourth step. Connect the parts of the structure with loops.

Fifth step. Secure the top beam under the hatch with anchors.

Sixth step. Secure the lower part of the ladder with a hook so that it will not unfold spontaneously. Install the loop on the stringer above the cut line.

Seventh step. Press the finished structure to the wall surface and fix it.

The main disadvantage of such a homemade staircase is not a very attractive appearance - the entire timber and fasteners remain visible. However, with the main tasks - ensuring a convenient and safe ascent and return descent - such a ladder copes with 100%.

An improved and more attractive version of the previous design. There is nothing complicated in the manufacture of such a ladder, it is enough to follow all the provisions of the manual step by step.

Folding attic ladder on bowstrings

First step. Divide an ordinary wooden ladder into 3 parts. Make the first part according to the size of the attic hatch, make the second a little smaller than the first, and make the third such that the remaining space to the floor surface is completely covered.

Second step. Take a bevel and measure the angle of the attic hatch. Transfer the corner to the boards, thus marking the location of the steps.

Third step. Drill holes at the hinge locations between the individual ladder sections.

Fourth step. Sand the edges of the structures.

Fifth step. Saw the boards at the hinge points.

Sixth step. Cut and sand steps.

Seventh step. Prepare recesses for steps in bowstrings.

Eighth step. Insert the steps into the prepared recesses. Use glue and further strengthen the connections with self-tapping screws.

Ninth step. Connect the sections of the stairs with special loops. To do this, the sections must be placed on a stable, level surface.

Tenth step. Check the operation of all sections. If defects or deviations are found, try to correct them immediately.

Eleventh step. Sand all wood surfaces and varnish them.

Twelfth step. After the varnish has completely dried, install the structure in the opening of the attic hatch. If necessary, make a final adjustment of the structural elements.

Thus, self-assembly of stairs is extremely simple and accessible to almost every event. At the same time, the cost of a home-made staircase will be much lower compared to the price of a similar factory-made design. Follow the instructions and everything will definitely work out.

Also read the article on our website - stairs to the basement with your own hands.

Video - Do-it-yourself ladder to the attic