Attic folding stairs for the home. Arrangement of a staircase to the attic with your own hands: features of folding and stationary stairs, arrangement of a flight of stairs and fastening of steps. Folding ladder to the attic

In most private houses there is an attic or other room under the roof, so a staircase to the attic is necessary. The structure for going upstairs must not only be safe, but also aesthetically pleasing, matching the design and type of frame with other staircases. The exception is a hidden or folding design, which is used periodically so as not to clutter the living space. How to do this yourself - we suggest using examples and tips from the article.

What type of stairs should I choose?

Thrifty owners try to use every meter of their personal space rationally. If the building has a small living space, a massive one is inappropriate. wooden staircase to the attic with your own hands, it is better to give preference lightweight design, regardless of the material. Everyone arranges the ascent to the attic floor to their own taste. Even a lightweight rope ladder, folded into a net or on a shelf next to the hatch, is possible. But this option is only suitable as a temporary one, and even then for a single adult. For children and the elderly, something more reliable is needed, for example, a ladder to the attic - photo:

Also on sale are ready-made telescopic and folding ladders and high stepladders, but not all of them are suitable for permanent use. And it is important to properly secure the finished staircase or make a device for it so that it can be removed when not needed, for example, in winter. And when large area in houses where there are several stairs, it is advisable to make all the flights in the same style. All parts of the structure must be reliable so that you can walk on the floors without risk.

The construction of a private house involves stairs of different functionality:

• internal and external (inside the house);
• attached and fixed;
• auxiliary (working) and design (aesthetic part of the interior).

When choosing the type of staircase, it is important to be guided not only by your own preferences, but also by considerations of expediency. Operational requirements are higher for stationary ladders, and the folding structure must be compact and reliable so as not to be injured during the next descent or ascent.

Tip: Make the attic ladder as lightweight as possible to save materials and space. It should support no more than 1 person with a small load, since furniture and heavy objects are not lifted into the attic. household appliances. Before you make a ladder to the attic, think about how it will be attached at the top and what it will rest against below.

Hanging and folding stairs are more suitable for small country house building, and massive stationary stairs - for large country house. The type of staircase depends on the location attic hatch. If the entrance to the room under the roof is located on narrow space, then install a spiral staircase. It's not very comfortable, and you can't lift bulky things on it. But that's the only thing that happens Possible Solution where there is nowhere to put a classic flight of stairs. For example, a spiral staircase to the attic, photo:

The most common types of construction are:

• screw;
• marching;
• on pain.

The optimal choice of stairs for attic spaces

Recently, attic and attic stairs are highlighted in a separate row, and they are classified into subspecies:

• sliding telescopic;
• folding scissor ladders;
• sliding “accordion”;
• suspended (rope, rope);
• folding (attached at the top).

There are no difficulties in using or installing each type. The simplest metal staircase to the attic in several folds can be made from 2-3 stepladders. The cost of each design depends on the materials and type of the staircase itself.

Folding models are made from pipes and angles of light alloys, mainly aluminum and stainless steel. But for this you need a tool (metal cutting) and reliable fittings. It is much easier to work with wood in domestic conditions, so most stairs are made of wood, in the classic design:

• supports;
• steps (tread);
• stringers;
• risers;
• railings;
• handrails
• fillies, etc.

The attic ladder is an auxiliary device for climbing under the roof, so there is no point in making it wide. Optimal width- no more than 60-70 cm, depending on the build of the people using it. But the step between the steps should be classic, about 20 cm, so as not to experience difficulties when going up or down the stairs.

But the most important thing is the angle of inclination if it is a flight of stairs. Any staircase to the attic, folding or spiral, must be inclined so that it is convenient to use - within 75°. A very steep descent is impossible without handrails, otherwise it will be difficult to return from the attic, especially if the steps are narrow. Yes, you can make a vertical ladder (an extension, the old fashioned way), but this is not very convenient, and taking things out of the attic will be problematic.

Attention: Some narrow metal steps are very slippery, especially when condensation forms on them in cold weather. This is counteracted by special rubber pads that minimize the risk of falling and injury.

The maximum weight that a do-it-yourself attic ladder should withstand is in the range of 120-150 kg, unless larger people use it. IN finished product, which can only be secured to the attic hatch, all parameters must be indicated in technical description. There are models where folding ladder is attached directly to the hatch, which is equipped in a compact way transformation.

Types of attic stairs and their properties

Stairs to the attic or attic are provided both from the outside of the house and from the inside. street staircase The attic is most often made of capital construction - metal with handrails. Internal product should take up little space, be light and compact. They prefer screw-type, stationary structures that are removed from the room after use:

• portable;
• retractable;
• folding

1. A stationary attic ladder of one-piece construction is the most convenient and safe, but requires a lot of space. The most compact are screw models, which are much more difficult to make due to the calculations of wedge-shaped degrees fixed at equal intervals on a pole support. In addition, they must be equipped with spiral handrails or made in the form of a glass capsule. Direct or marching staircase should also be equipped with some kind of supports - railings or handrails. The width of the rectangular steps is made, if not to suit the full width of the foot, then at least 3/4, so that it is convenient to step on, especially when descending.

2. Mobile or portable ladders and stepladders, for all their compactness, create more opportunities for falling. Because of increased danger and instability they are not so in demand. And it is important to do everything to increase the stability and reliability of the stairs (non-slip, level floor, support stops). Their main advantage is the ability to bring and easily unfold, and then put away. It is not recommended to use such devices for lifting under the roof:

• sick people with frequent dizziness and high blood pressure;
• disabled people without any limb;
• the elderly and infirm;
• children.

3. Folding. The most compact one is a folding staircase to the attic, which is attached at the top and folds under the ceiling. The main requirement is that it should not literally fall on one’s head, that is, gradual and slow transformation is important when using a structure made of several blocks. If all the joints between the sections of the folding structure are reliable, then it is as reliable as a solid one. If it is made of metal from a hollow steel tube or aluminum profile, then it is very light and comfortable. Among the others modern devices for climbing into the attic or attic they are most in demand. The best option- if the folding staircase is transformed along the wall, on which there is something like handrails. Many craftsmen make this variety with their own hands.

4. A retractable ladder is a type of folding ladder, only it structural elements They do not recline, but extend along a guide to the stops on both sides. The conversion mechanism is somewhat reminiscent of a telescope. This design is made on hinges, and not only from a profile, but also from wood, but the guides are also made from a metal corner.

5. External staircase leads to the attic from the street, and from it design features The safety of the house owners climbing it depends on it. Non-slip steps and frost-free handrails are required. Usually they are made of metal from several marches running along the walls of the house.

How to make a folding staircase to the attic on your own?

Making a folding staircase to the attic with your own hands is not as difficult as it seems. For example, the easiest way to construct from fragments finished stairs or stepladders. It is important to make the correct articulation on the bends by choosing suitable fittings. It is advisable to secure it directly to the hatch or under it in a special mount. Rigid fixation at the entrance to the attic is the main requirement.

All fragments of the folding attic ladder fold like an accordion. The remaining parts of the transformation should be attached to the longest segment; there should not be too many of them. Ideally, there should be no more than 3-5 folding modules, depending on the height of the ceiling or the distance to the hatch.

Attention: Watch how the structural elements are fastened so as not to break the “accordion”. But even if an error occurs, do not be upset, just remove the incorrect joint. The modules are assembled on the floor, periodically checking the work.

To minimize the work of assembling the stairs to the attic, the dimensions of each element should be indicated in the drawings, taking into account the inclination - for ease of lifting. When everything is calculated and sketched, and all the necessary accessories are available, the assembly process will not take much time and effort. The most difficult thing is choosing accessories for transformation, which will ensure ease of use of the stairs.

Tip: It is best if the structure is mounted at the top at the entrance, and the first fragment equal to length hatch. The remaining parts can be equal in size, shorter or longer, but all proportions must be harmoniously combined.

Assembly algorithm:

• the finished stepladder or long ladder is sawed with an appropriate tool (wood or metal);
• the first segment is connected to the next one using a hinge mechanism with clamps;
• attached to the second and subsequent sections hinge mechanism, but this is done each time from the opposite side to create an “accordion” layout;
• a non-slip support on the floor is attached to the lower segment (with rubber or thick leather so as not to scratch the coating);
• with the help of a partner or assistant, we attach the structure to the hatch or entrance to the attic, once again checking how it should look in working condition;
• we attach the latch, which should fix the layout at the ceiling;
• If the folding ladder does not have latches that prevent a sudden fall when the latch is opened, it is advisable to cover the floors with material that softens the sudden fall of the structure.

An improved version - a “folding bed” with remote control control, but not every master can install an electric drive on his own. Typically, such a “smart” function is only available in finished products.

The ease of use of the ladder also depends on the hinge mechanism on springs and stops, which ensures smooth opening of the modules. And it’s better to spend money on a more advanced layout mechanism than to experience inconvenience every time.

Attention: In any variant of the articulation of parts of the ladder, bringing it into working condition, it is important to stand on the side of the trajectory of possible transformation! And periodically check that it is firmly attached to the hatch or ceiling at the exit to the attic, so that the ladder does not accidentally collapse on someone’s head!

The simplest options for attic stairs

For a beginner who is unsure of his abilities, it is better to limit himself to a simple design - fasten an ordinary one-flight staircase made of light metal along the wall.

A great option for the young and energetic is to make a folding rope ladder with wooden steps and holes on the sides on each tread. They should be strung between knots of rope or thick twine. For convenience, the steps are made not rectangular, but triangular with rounded edges.

The wide sides of the triangles are attached to the sides, the narrow ones - alternately towards each other. Then you will get a “duck step” ladder, that is, steps under the right and left legs. The rise involves a wide waddling position of the legs, hence the name. The only inconvenience is going down and going up facing the rope (wall) holding on to its sides.

If there is no room for a full-fledged staircase, then a ready-made spiral staircase is used, which should match the height of the ceiling with the height of the support. Parts (wedge-shaped steps, support and handrails) can be ordered from a carpentry shop. All that remains is to assemble the structure and securely fasten it below and at the entrance to the attic.

When constructing any staircase design, it is important to provide:

• free approach to use;
• the place where it will be removed if the ladder is mobile;
• handrails or other supports for hands during descent and ascent (they may not be present if the design is reliable);
• reliable fastening at the top and non-slip bottom stop;
• stylistic execution or decor.

It is impossible to make an external metal staircase without the help of a professional welder. However, you can do some of the work yourself:

• choose a design based on ready-made illustrations or drawings;
• calculate the height and width of the stairs, tread dimensions, number of flights and landings;
• make a sketch and drawing;
• make cutting of metal parts.

Assembly and fastening of the outer metal stairs leave it to the experts.

Tip: If the gentle flight of a stationary staircase leading to the attic or attic takes up a lot of space, think about how to use this part of the room. In the niche they make racks and shelves for books, souvenirs and collections. Or a “living corner” with an aquarium, cages for rodents and parrots, they will have to provide additional lighting under the stairs.

This article provides step-by-step instruction on creating a folding attic ladder. You will learn how to correctly assemble the main hinge element, what to make the staircase sections from, and how to securely fasten the structure in its installation position. The article contains diagrams and drawings.

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

Material for work

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

1. Bar 50x50 (pine) 1st grade - 20 linear. m. The frame of the lid 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. m. Will go on steps and bowstrings.
4. Steel strip 3-4x20 mm - for movable fastening of knees.
5. Angle and plate 3-4 mm - for the main mechanical element.
6. Bolts, nuts, washers, bolts M12-M14.
7. Self-tapping screws.

Tool:

1. Plotnitsky - saw, screwdriver, protractor.
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, trim and install intermediate beams in the ceiling - by 6-7 mm larger size proposed cover. Next, according to the size of the hatch, you need to assemble the cover itself - from a block and plywood. The design can be arbitrary, but it must be reliable (it is better to glue the connections). The block on one of the short sides should be rounded so as not to interfere with the lid opening.

Assembling the hinge mechanism

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

1 - thrust plate; 2 - corner, top view; 3 - short slide; 4 - long drawstring

The key point is determining the opening angle. This angle is very important and figures into the production of the plate. In order to set it correctly, project the future march on the ground - stretch the thread and set the desired angle experimentally (by selecting the best position). Securely attach it to the protractor - it will be needed when making steps.

The resulting angle must be transferred to the part, namely to the plate. To do this, install the mechanism in initial position, apply the protractor and move until the corners of the corner flange and the protractor coincide. Then mark the plate along the resulting trajectory and cut out the area where the part moves.

Holes should be pre-drilled in the plate for mounting to the beam. We assemble the mechanism with bolts and washers.

After rough assembly, you need to try the unit in place, attach it and accurately reproduce the procedure for opening and closing the hatch. If any movement defects are found, correct them.

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

Make adjustments and final installation experimentally. The lid in the open position must exactly follow the angle projected by the cord.

Manufacturing of sections

Calculation of the length of each section:

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

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

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

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

Attention! Bowstrings must be installed in a mirror manner! Take this into account when marking and drilling.

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

All parts must be processed with high quality sanding belt, chamfers must be rounded in order to bring the quality as close as possible to the factory one.

Then we cut grooves for the steps according to the markings. We select wood with a chisel.

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

The hinges for the knees can be made from the same strip as the opening mechanism. To do this, cut 4 strips of 160 mm and 4 of 120 mm, rounding the ends. We weld legs to four of them to a length of 160 mm with a hole of 8 mm. You should end up with 8 pieces of equal length, but 4 of them with a step.

Assemble the individual plates into hinges using bolts.

Assembly of sections and installation of stairs

Lay it out on a flat surface and install the finished sectional hinges so that the fastening bolts fit into the holes in the wood. Install the hinges with M8-10 bolts.

After assembling the first bend, check the system for functionality. If necessary, correct any distortions.

Then attach the lower short elbow and test the system.

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

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

1. Additional hinges to eliminate play.
2. A spring to support the structure to make opening easier.
3. Locking lock.
4. Handrails.
5. Use decorative finishing and additional insulation.

Finished view of the staircase:

The issue of finishing and insulation is decided locally, based on needs. The lid can be finished with any material that fits into the ceiling. Basically it is plastic - lightweight, inexpensive and has an additional layer of air. The difference in price between the “home” and “store” versions of a folding ladder is about 90% (80-150 USD). The work required only a few new boards, covering them and hardware.

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 the staircase sections from, and how to securely fasten the structure in its installation position. The article contains diagrams and drawings.

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

Material for work

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

1. Bar 50x50 (pine) 1st grade - 20 linear. m. The frame of the lid 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. m. Will go on steps and bowstrings.
4. Steel strip 3-4x20 mm - for movable fastening of knees.
5. Angle and plate 3-4 mm - for the main mechanical element.
6. Bolts, nuts, washers, bolts M12-M14.
7. Self-tapping screws.

Tool:

1. Plotnitsky - saw, screwdriver, protractor.
2. Metalworker - welding machine, 3-4 electrodes, 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, trim and install intermediate beams in the ceiling - 6-7 mm larger than the size of the intended cover. Next, according to the size of the hatch, you need to assemble the cover itself - from a block and plywood. The design can be arbitrary, but it must be reliable (it is better to glue the connections). The block on one of the short sides should be rounded so as not to interfere with the lid opening.

Assembling the hinge mechanism

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

1 - thrust plate; 2 - corner, top view; 3 - short slide; 4 - long drawstring

The key point is determining the opening angle. This angle is very important and figures into the production of the plate. In order to set it correctly, project the future march on the ground - stretch the thread and set the desired angle experimentally (by selecting the best position). Securely attach it to the protractor - it will be needed when making steps.

The resulting angle must be transferred to the part, namely to the plate. To do this, set the mechanism to its original position, attach the inclinometer and move until the corners of the corner flange and the inclinometer coincide. Then mark the plate along the resulting trajectory and cut out the area where the part moves.

Holes should be pre-drilled in the plate for mounting to the beam. We assemble the mechanism with bolts and washers.

After rough assembly, you need to try the unit in place, attach it and accurately reproduce the procedure for opening and closing the hatch. If any movement defects are found, correct them.

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

Make adjustments and final installation experimentally. The lid in the open position must exactly follow the angle projected by the cord.

Manufacturing of sections

Calculation of the length of each section:

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

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

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

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

Attention! Bowstrings must be installed in a mirror manner! Take this into account when marking and drilling.

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

All parts must be processed with high quality sanding belt, chamfers must be rounded in order to bring the quality as close as possible to the factory one.

Then we cut grooves for the steps according to the markings. We select wood with a chisel.

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

The hinges for the knees can be made from the same strip as the opening mechanism. To do this, cut 4 strips of 160 mm and 4 of 120 mm, rounding the ends. We weld legs to four of them to a length of 160 mm with a hole of 8 mm. You should end up with 8 pieces of equal length, but 4 of them with a step.

Assemble the individual plates into hinges using bolts.

Assembly of sections and installation of stairs

Lay it out on a flat surface and install the finished sectional hinges so that the fastening bolts fit into the holes in the wood. Install the hinges with M8-10 bolts.

After assembling the first bend, check the system for functionality. If necessary, correct any distortions.

Then attach the lower short elbow and test the system.

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

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

1. Additional hinges to eliminate play.
2. A spring to support the structure to make opening easier.
3. Locking lock.
4. Handrails.
5. Use decorative finishing and additional insulation.

Finished view of the staircase:

The issue of finishing and insulation is decided locally, based on needs. The lid can be finished with any material that fits into the ceiling. Basically it is plastic - lightweight, inexpensive and has an additional layer of air. The difference in price between the “home” and “store” versions of a folding ladder is about 90% (80-150 USD). The work required only a few new boards, covering them and hardware.

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 country house everyone is important square meter. In addition, a big advantage of the ladder will be its mobility. Folding designs save space and are easy to install. To complete all the related tasks of constructing 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 there are:

• monolithic (flight or screw);
• folding (lever, telescopic, scissor or folding);
• portable (additional or stepladders).

Portable structures are used very rarely, mainly when performing construction work. Most convenient option- monolithic products that have wide flights and are equipped with railings. However, they are not suitable for access to the attic due to their large dimensions.

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

Transformable stairs

Wood and metal (most often aluminum) are used to make folding attic stairs. This combination allows you to get 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 hard wood (birch, ash, larch, beech, maple). The timber must be at least 2 cm thick. If the staircase will be used quite often, it is worth thinking about a metal structure.

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

• the optimal march width is 65 cm;
• average number of steps - 15;
• the optimal step width is considered to be 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 string.

Scissor

These stairs are made entirely of metal. Their other name is accordion stairs. They are light, compact, and easily attached to the hatch. However, scissor ladders have one drawback - over time, squeaking appears during their use. They need to be lubricated periodically.

Telescopic

In this case folding ladder There are several sections that fold into one another. They are usually made of aluminum. 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 are highly durable and durable. How it is made retractable ladder to the attic, 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, there is no need to hide it.

Manufacturing a two-section ladder

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

• hacksaw;
• ladder;
• roulette;
• timber 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, consisting of a staircase and a decorative frame installed inside the passage, is dismantled. Then you need to select bars for the flights of stairs. Each string must have a cross-section of at least 30*50 mm. Optimal inclination 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 staircase posts.

It is worth installing two-section stairs when the attic passage is located in close proximity to one of the walls. The folding structure will hang directly on the wall. The presence of only 2 sections does not allow it to be hidden in the attic directly above the passage.

Making stairs

First, assemble the lower and upper parts of the stairs. To do this you will need 4 strings 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. The structure is then connected together using hinges. A block is attached to the top of the stairs, which will later be screwed to the wall.

The ladder is attached to the wall using a pre-screwed block. 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, lightness of construction. The disadvantage of a two-section ladder is that it remains in plain sight.

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

Three-section

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

How to make a hatch

Before constructing a 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 larger on each side. This will make it easier to open and close the hatch. The level of thermal insulation due to such a gap will not decrease.

The 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 fastened together, and then a sheet of plywood is nailed to them. Before attaching plywood, check the diagonal. To prevent the structure made from bars from “driving,” you need to nail gussets to the corners. After the hatch is completed, it needs to be fitted into the opening.

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

Opening mechanisms

Now it’s time to tackle the most difficult part - creating opening mechanisms. In order not to complicate or delay the process, you can buy them at hardware store. However, if you want to do everything yourself, you should adhere to certain rules.

To begin with, make drawings future design, 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, open the hatch to the desired angle and make marks on the metal. Then the area that interferes with the movement of the corners is cut out with a jigsaw.

Now every corner is locked in in the right position. To make the mechanisms identical, first one is completely manufactured, and then all the parts of the second are made according to the finished sample.

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

Ladder

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

For the third section, select the length that remains to the floor. 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 markings that were made on the first board should be transferred to the second. All lines must be in mirror image.

It is worth drilling holes where the hinge hinges will be located. The upper one is drilled directly at the junction of the fastened boards, the lower one - at their external sides. To make the holes look more aesthetically pleasing, you should additionally go over them with a router.

Then the boards are sawn at the junction of the segments. Afterwards, the steps are cut and all elements are polished. Small recesses are made on the bowstrings into which the steps will be inserted. Once all structural elements are ready, you can begin assembly.

Loops for marches

The next stage in the manufacture of stairs is making loops to connect the flights of stairs. To do this you will need to find 8 metal strips 25 mm wide. On 4 of them you need to weld a small piece of the same strips. 3 holes are drilled in each. One will serve as a connection point to the hinge, the other will be used for screwing to the ladder.

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

Every staircase, regardless of type, should be comfortable. In addition, when implementing an attic structure, you should adhere 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 very 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 easy. During its manufacture, certain recommendations should be followed, and before starting work, make detailed drawing. During the work you should be careful, especially when working in the attic near the opening.

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

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

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

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

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

• lever;
• claw-shaped;
• telescopic.

Lever designs

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

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

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

Claw stairs

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

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

Telescopic devices

Telescopic system, taking into account operational properties, is made only from lightweight aluminum profile.

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

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

How to choose a folding ladder

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

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

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

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

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

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

Assembling a folding wooden ladder

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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