Wooden hatch in the floor. Cellar hatch - several design options. Materials and tools

Anyone who builds their own home knows how important every little detail is. After all, any construction defects in the first year of operation will result in drafts, unpleasant odors and other similar problems. And often, unfortunately, in the haste of the final finishing work, many forget about such an element as the attic hatch with its design and insulation.

And along with a well-thought-out option, they often leave a thin lid that covers the ceiling opening. As a result, cold seeps from the attic into the living spaces, and moist steam rises from the rooms and penetrates the insulation in the attic, gradually destroying them. That's why we recommend making the attic hatch according to all the rules from the very beginning!

• Thermal insulation.
• Vapor barrier for living areas of the house.
• Blocking access in the house to small rodents that like to live on the roof.
• Access to the attic, namely the entrance to it.
• Shutting off fire and smoke from lower rooms in case of fire.

Let's look at fire safety separately. Thus, the attic hatch prevents the spread of fire, while protecting against the passage of toxic gases and smoke. Note that such a hatch is made of several layers of insulation, and from different materials, and the materials themselves differ in the degree of expansion at high temperatures. All this will prevent the thermal insulation of the hatch from burning out immediately and breaking into pieces.

After all, if people live at home, but the attic is cold, then vapor barrier of the hatch is vital and you cannot do without it. Otherwise, all the vapors and heat will rise from the house directly through the hole in the attic, from the inside, and saturate all the roofing insulation with moisture.

Types of hatches and materials for their manufacture

The hatch for entering the attic can be built according to two main designs: with one cover or with two. The first option is, of course, the simplest, and in the second, the inner lid is a “sandwich”.

A standard attic hatch consists of a wooden frame and fiberboard. Between them there is a sheet of polystyrene foam, from 3 to 6 centimeters. And the thickness of the inner covers is usually from 3.5 to 6.5 centimeters. And in order for the inner cover of such a hatch to adjoin the opening hermetically, use a round gasket and recess it in advance into the milled groove of the box.

You can make the hatch cover metal or wood, using additional insulation, or without it. The main position in the manufacture of a hatch cover is occupied by the mechanism that will open it.

The height of the hatch box depends mainly on the parameters of the ladder that goes with it or is designed. Often this height does not coincide with the thickness of the attic floor, but this is not scary and usually does not cause any difficulties in practice.

Today, hatches for stairs with a fire-resistant cover are produced separately, and the protective layer can be on one side, or on both sides at the same time. At the same time, the sides of the box are necessarily protected by metal, and as a result, the entire structure is able to withstand the spread of fire for as long as 30 minutes.

Today, special enclosing structures are produced for both living and cold attics. In any case, it is better to install them, especially if you go up to the attic more often than once a month. Many manufacturers supply such fencing complete with stairs, or they can be purchased separately.

Basically, modern manufacturers indicate pure parameters for their products. This means that the box with the stairs will actually have exactly these external dimensions, and you will need to make the ceiling opening for it quite a bit larger. But other manufacturers, on the contrary, indicate the exact external dimensions of the future opening and the hatch is 1-3 centimeters smaller. Pay attention to this!

Often, finished hatch and ladder (or a single hatch) are supplied to the market unpainted. This is done so that you can paint the entire structure in a color that will harmonize with the interior of the lower living space.

Mainly in industrial production, attic stairs are produced in accordance with German DIN standards. Such stairs and a hatch are designed under a standard attic opening, and this is equal to the standard step between the floor beams of houses abroad. But in Russia the norms are somewhat different. Therefore, it is imperative to think through an attic staircase with a hatch at the design stage of the entire attic. It’s even easier to just go to the store, choose the model you’re interested in and use it to cut out the attic. Or, if you do everything yourself (which will be easiest for you), you will simply adjust a homemade hatch with a ladder to the existing attic floor.

The hatch cover itself is a wood slab up to 20 millimeters thick, but not thinner than 16 millimeters. Modern manufacturers of stairs with hatches offer covers that are already insulated, with a thickness of about 32 millimeters. Such a frame is usually covered on both sides with sheets of chipboard or fiberboard, and between them there is foam insulation: polystyrene foam or polyurethane foam. Sometimes they offer enhanced insulation, where the insulation layer is more than 30 millimeters thick.

An interesting new product on the market is manhole covers with a dustproof function. Such a cover actually has many more advantages, because its dustproof layer also serves as another layer of thermal insulation. The essence of the new product is that the folding ladder under any hatch cover does not collect dust, and then you will not have an unpleasant feeling when in a month or two you decide to open the attic and lower the ladder down.

Here's the simplest option you can do:

But here you will need special fasteners:

Here is a video example of making the simplest attic hatch:

But here the home craftsman uses an unusual material for the hatch:

Here's what kind of fastening you'll need for your attic hatch:

How to install a hatch on a concrete attic floor?

So, step by step:

• Step 1. The first thing you need to do is mark the future location of the hatch. To do this, use a regular construction pencil and meter.
• Step 2. Using a hammer drill, you need to make a strictly vertical through hole, so take drills whose thickness will exceed the thickness of the concrete floor.
• Step 3. Place the hammer drill in the corners along the marked holes, and drill a through hole at the vertices of this rectangle. They will also serve as a definite guide for the lower markings.
• Step 4. Now, using a grinder with a special disk for concrete, draw a line around the perimeter of the hole so carefully that the disk does not get into the reinforcement in the ceiling during the cutting process. Now you will see all the weak spots and voids in the ceiling and can easily drill through them.
• Step 5. Once you find the vulnerabilities, break the concrete with a sledgehammer, hitting the weakest ones. In the same places where the remains of concrete are held on the reinforcement itself, use a crowbar.
• Step 6. Now that all the concrete has been knocked down, all you have to do is remove the reinforcement. Do not leave its protruding parts - these will interfere with the installation of the attic hatch.
• Step 7. Now, using a diamond-coated disk, we finally smooth out all the irregularities on the edges of the opening. This is very important, and no matter how tired you are at this moment, be sure to pay attention to it.

More details in the photo:

How to cut a hatch on a wooden floor

While making a square opening for a hatch is easy, you should know a few things about a round one. Sample instructions:

• Step 1. On the lower surface of the attic floor, draw markings for the planned opening and add the thickness of the trim. In general, do this directly on the floor of the residential floor, and only then transfer it to the ceiling using a plumb line.
• Step 2: Now install the jack stands.
• Step 3. Next, drill a through hole in the opening, from bottom to top.
• Step 4: Go up to the attic and insert a pin into the hole and use twine and a pencil to draw a circle.
• Step 5. Make a hole in this circle and cut along the contour of the entire opening. You will come across beams on the way, do not touch them - you will cut them out later.
• Step 6. Now, to make the opening in the shape of a circle, you need to bend the lumber.

In addition to the round version, you might be interested in looking at other examples:

How to install a hatch in a suspended ceiling

Now let's look at a problem such as installing an attic hatch in a suspended ceiling. In general, if you have such an opportunity, initially do not mount such a ceiling where the entrance to the attic will be. But since you already have to install all this now, when the repair is finished, you will have to tinker. The fact is that such material constantly wears out, and it is quite easy to damage it when installing the hatch. But we will do everything carefully.

Our main task is to hide the ceiling hatch against the background of the entire stretch ceiling, so as not to spoil the overall appearance. And so - step by step:

• Step 1. First, we build a frame around the ceiling hatch - these are wooden blocks around the perimeter of the hatch.
• Step 2. We attach the ceiling aluminum profile to them.
• Step 3. Next, we fix the stretch ceiling profile around the perimeter.
• Step 4. If the hatch is on an inclined plane, install an additional dividing profile.
• Step 5. Now we measure the hatch itself and take the same canvas from which the suspended ceiling was made.
• Step 6. We install the suspended ceiling, tightening and securing the entire structure to the opening.

How to insulate an attic hatch?

All attic hatches are divided into two main types: with and without a ladder attached to them. If you bought a ready-made attic hatch with a folding ladder, you do not need to insulate it: usually such structures are already insulated. If you do everything yourself, you will definitely need to think about thermal insulation.

Often, ready-made hatch and ladder kits are sold with specially heat-saving plates, which are located on the front surface of the cover. They create the desired effect and prevent heat loss. If you make such a hatch yourself, simply insulate its cover with the same material that was used to insulate the attic.

If you start thermal insulation yourself, you will need a plywood sheet and the insulation itself - it’s really better to use the one you used to insulate the attic. After all, you probably have some scraps or excess material left. And just a couple of simple steps:

• Step 1. We take measurements of the attic hatch opening.
• Step 2. Based on the data obtained, we assemble a frame from boards about 2.5-3 centimeters thick.
• Step 3. Now we assemble the hatch cover - it will be exactly 45 centimeters smaller than the frame. This way we will put a layer of insulation and will not allow it to “walk”.
• Step 4. Place a vapor barrier film on the hatch cover.
• Step 5. We secure all the parts of the hatch with glue and wooden planks.
• Step 6. We sew up the hatch with plywood and decorate it as dictated by the interior design of the room below.
• Step 7. Be sure to treat all wooden parts of the hatch with an antiseptic.
• Step 8. Now we fix the finished cover in the opening using self-tapping screws and hinges that will hold the opening hatch.

Here is a detailed master class:

An attic hatch insulated with foam plastic is also wonderful:

And a whole hatch, which was initially made of polystyrene foam only:

To make it convenient for you to climb into the attic, build the following supports around the hatch:

And the last point: if there is a special hinge on the hatch cover, it will be especially convenient to open it - just with the help of an extended handle. And you won't need to take a stool or use some kind of stand to reach it. Just make one end of such a handle in the form of a tetrahedron or hexagon.

Arranging a basement involves creating an entrance. There are two design options for the entrance - a door and a hatch (or lyada). In most cases, if the basement is located under the house, the choice is made in favor of a hatch in the floor. The work of creating a hatch includes several stages, including the selection and purchase of material, the development of drawings of the future design and the actual construction. In the article you will find all the necessary information and learn how to make a basement hatch with your own hands.

Principles of hatch design

The benefits of a basement are undeniable. It not only plays the role of a utility room and increases the area of ​​the house, but also allows you to always have a warm and dry floor on the ground floor. The only disadvantage of a basement is the high cost of construction. Often the cost of constructing an underground space is a quarter of the total amount spent on building a house. Therefore, it is not surprising that many owners are trying to save money and do some of the work themselves.

The location for the hatch should be chosen so that the lid can be opened without touching the furniture or interfering with walking.

Floor hatches are one of the budget items on which you can save a lot. This is due to the fact that materials for the hatch, such as hinges and boards, are relatively inexpensive, and all the necessary work can be done by yourself. In addition, a hatch or hatch will not spoil the appearance of your home. The cover for the entrance to the basement will be conveniently placed on the floor, blending harmoniously with the surrounding space.

In order for the work to be successful, it is necessary to think through all the details in advance. Especially when the construction is done with your own hands.

Before you start, you need to make a drawing and determine:

• the place where the hatch or lid will be located, taking into account that the open lid should not touch furniture or things on the floor;
• optimal dimensions (the minimum size of the internal opening is 75 by 75 cm);
• suitable material that will simultaneously make the structure durable and not too heavy;
• methods for ensuring tightness and thermal insulation;

An example of a drawing showing the design features of the hatch and the principle of its installation.

For ease of use, floor hatches are often equipped with a soft opening and closing system, as well as a locking device. The last function is worth thinking about for those who have animals and small children in their home.

A good way to restrict access to the basement is with an electric drive. It allows you to turn the room into a real safe. The design of this mechanism is not simple and depends on the characteristics of the manhole cover and the basement itself.

The choice of materials for the hatch largely depends on the material of the house in general and the floor in particular. Thus, in wooden houses, floor hatches are usually made from boards and sheets of plywood. The material is cut to the dimensions shown in the drawing, the parts are planed, treated with drying oil and antiseptic. This helps prevent the development of fungus. All these procedures must be done a few days before the start of construction so that the boards have time to dry completely.

Making a more reliable metal hatch will require the following materials and tools:

• sheets of steel with a thickness of 3-4 and 0.5-1 mm;
• corner 40-50 mm;
• door hinges;
• Styrofoam;
• seal (preferably made of rubber);
• primer;
• cutting wheels and grinder;
• welding machine, electrodes;
• self-tapping screws;
• drill and set of drills.

Structural elements of a metal hatch with an insulated lid and gas shock absorbers.

Construction always begins with the development of a drawing. The work is carried out according to the following plan:

1. Preparation of blanks.
2. Construction of a support that is attached to the flooring.
3. Cutting floor boards. It is necessary to leave a gap of 0.5 cm around the entire perimeter of the future cover.
4. Connecting workpieces with transverse bars. At the same time, the hinges are installed.
5. Processing the edge of the shield with longitudinal slats.
6. Laying mineral wool or other insulation into the sheathing.
7. Closing the insulation.
8. Hatch exterior trim. Typically, the material from which the floor is made is used for this. In some cases, a decision is made to use materials that are contrasting in color and texture. This choice can be an interesting design solution.
9. Installing the lid on the hinges and installing the handle.

Let's look at these stages in a little more detail.

If you have all the necessary materials and a grinder, you can make the blanks yourself. You can also use the services of a metal warehouse or workshop, ordering all the necessary parts according to individual sizes.

Keep in mind that the steel sheet must exceed the dimensions of the hole in order to slightly overlap it. The corners should be placed 5-10 mm from the edge. 1-2 stiffening ribs are added in the center of the structure. The prepared parts are welded without making any gaps. The finished cover must be cleaned and primed. Mineral wool or polystyrene foam must be placed in all internal voids, which will then be covered with a thin iron sheet or plywood. Installation of the assembled hatch on the hinges is carried out using anchors.

The final step is to attach the seal. It performs two functions at once - it protects floor structures and serves as an additional layer of insulation.

Ensure smooth running and handles

You can use door hinges for the hatch. They will cope perfectly with the load from a light cover. However, when floor hatches are made of metal, it is worth thinking about more reliable options. Regular loops may be too weak.

Smooth running and lid fixation make floor hatches more convenient to use. In addition, they often help avoid injury. If you decide to install such a mechanism, use one of the following methods. Remember that the hatch cover must be open during installation.

1. Use the spring hinges from the car hood. This option is ideal for a lightweight metal or wooden lid.
2. Gas shock absorbers are useful if the manhole cover is made of heavy material. On sale you can find shock absorbers of various capacities, suitable for a wide variety of hatches.

All the necessary parameters can be found by calculating the weight of the structure. The attachment points should be marked so that the fully unloaded mechanism allows the lid to open perpendicularly.

The handle of the hatch cover is usually made secret or folding. There is another option - an unusual device, which is a deep bowl. It needs to be embedded into the surface of the hatch. You can also use a removable handle. This will help prevent small children from accidentally opening the lid. If you are going to do everything yourself, choose a simpler option that does not involve complex metal work.

Electric drive

An electric drive is the best choice for those who want to limit access to the basement for strangers. With its help, Lyada will not be able to be opened without your knowledge.

Electric drive.

There are several ways to install an electric drive. The simplest of them will be described below.

Simplified version

You will need:

• electric motor;
• pipes made of duralumin;
• steel sheets;
• grinder adapted for cutting metal;
• welding machine;
• electrical cable;
• three-position switch;
• source of electric current.

The structure is installed on the manhole cover. It is recommended not to install the hatch at 90 degrees, but to leave some space for reverse movement.

The electric mechanism operates extremely simply - you give a signal to the engine using the remote control, rotation begins and the structure begins to move. The lid will rise up thanks to a special rod. The hatch is also closed using the remote control.

Creating a retractable mechanism

If you have some experience in construction, you can equip floor hatches with a retractable mechanism. Prepare:

• steel sheets 5 mm thick;
• metal rollers;
• steel rods;
• 2 electric motors;
• three-position switch;
• electrical cable;
• current source.

Although this design is more complicated than the previous one, all the time spent is worth the opportunity to secure the basement from outsiders. The entire system fits under the floor and does not take up much space.

Thus, floor hatches are a convenient way to organize the entrance to the basement. The main requirements that a hatch or lyada must meet are convenience and safety of use. If you have the necessary materials and equipment, you can do all the work yourself.

Site consultant, builder-installer with 8 years of experience. He started his career as an installer-finisher, and currently works as a foreman in a company engaged in suburban construction.

The technology for creating a hidden floor hatch includes several stages: selection and acquisition of materials, preparation of tools, drawing up a drawing and the actual construction of the structure. The basic requirements for arranging a boat and the step-by-step progress of the work are described in the article.

Requirements for hidden hatches in the cellar

Having a basement in a country house or in a private house has a number of undeniable advantages. The utility room expands the usable area and provides a warm, dry floor covering for the first floor. The disadvantage of a cellar is the increase in construction costs. Sometimes the cost of building a basement reaches ¼ of the total estimate for the construction of the entire house. Some people try to save money by doing some of the work themselves.

Arranging a basement involves organizing a separate or built-in entrance. This can be an ordinary door or a lyada (a hatch in a field). If the basement is located in a residential building, then a hidden hatch is placed. To do the work yourself, you need to think through everything in advance, taking into account the basic requirements for hidden structures of this type.

1. The dimensions of the hatch are selected in accordance with the room and the main purpose of the cellar. Minimum dimensions - 75*75 cm.
2. It is better to choose the location of the lyad not next to the wall. The door should swing open without any difficulty. It is important that the open lid does not touch objects on the floor or furniture.
3. The cellar must be equipped with a simple and convenient opening mechanism.
4. If the door weighs more than 10 kg, it is advisable to equip the hatch with an electric drive.
5. The dimensions of the hatch must fully correspond to the basement shaft, and the joints must be sealed.
6. Care should be taken to ensure reliable supports around the perimeter of the hatch. The lid will be stepped on many times throughout the day and must be able to support the weight of everyone in the household.
7. It is advisable to equip the floor hatch with a smooth opening/closing system (gas lift). If there are animals and children in the house, then you will need a locking device that limits access to the basement.
8. The cover material is selected in accordance with the existing or proposed floor finish. For example, if a wood board or laminate is laid, then the cover is mounted from wood.

Options for finished products: features of operation and installation

It’s easier to choose a ready-made hatch design and install it yourself. There are models of different sizes and types on the market. You will be able to find an option that is optimally suited for laminate, tile or linoleum. Depending on the method of opening the door to the basement, there are three types:

If the floor is tiled, laminate or other finishing material, then to create a hidden hatch into the basement with your own hands, you need to choose fillable aluminum or steel structures. This specimen is a shallow rectangular container. After installation, the frame is filled with concrete mortar, and after complete drying, the surface is lined.

Important! A concrete hatch has significant weight, so it requires the use of massive hinges and durable fasteners. A well-designed steel structure can withstand weights in excess of 1 ton.

Choosing materials for making a hidden hatch with your own hands

To implement the project, you can use wood or metal. In this matter, it is important to maintain a reasonable balance between the weight of the structure and its strength. When creating a wooden hatch, boards 2.5 mm thick are often used. The top finishing of the lid is made with 1 cm plywood. Using transverse slats, the boards are connected to each other, forming a solid sheet. To extend its service life, a wooden door must be treated with drying oil.

The construction of a durable metal hatch is made from steel sheets 3-4 mm thick. Polystyrene foam or expanded polystyrene foam is used as insulation.

An important aspect of convenient use of a cellar hatch is the correctly selected handle and hinges. An ordinary door handle will not be suitable for these purposes, as it will rise above the floor level and cause inconvenience when walking. It is better to use folding handles that can be easily lowered or raised. If there are young children in the house, then it is advisable to install removable models. Some craftsmen often cut out recesses in wooden hatches and place secret handles in them.

When making hinged lids, you will need hinges. These can be regular models of door hinges or from the hood of a car. When installing hinges for hidden hatches with your own hands, you need to take into account some nuances:

• It is better to use products with springs - this will ensure easier opening of heavy lids;
• hinges from the car fix the hatch in the open position, which eliminates the possibility of the cellar door slamming.

Important! For a hidden hatch you need to use mortise hinges. If wall-mounted models are faced with laminate or tiles on top, then such a structure cannot be repaired later.

Conventional hinges are not suitable for aluminum or steel lids. Here it is necessary to use gas shock absorbers.

Creating a hidden metal structure

To make metal hidden inspection hatches with your own hands, you will need the following materials and tools:

• sheet metal (steel) 3-4 mm and 1 mm thick;
• metal corner - 4-5 cm;
• Door hinges;
• thermal insulation material;
• rubber compressor;
• primer for metal processing;
• Bulgarian;
• welding machine, electrodes;
• sander;
• screwdriver;
• electric drill;
• self-tapping screws

The assembly diagram of the metal hatch is presented below.

General order of work:

1. Preparation and insulation of the hatch:
   • cut out the required sheet from 3-4 mm steel, for example 75*75 cm;
   • Weld a corner on the inside along the perimeter of the sheet;
   • weld the stiffeners, dividing the hatch area into 4 sectors;
   • clean weld seams;
   • place insulation between the jumpers;
   • Place thin sheet steel on the back of the cover and secure it to the corners with self-tapping screws.
2. Installation of the cellar opening frame:
   • cut the steel angle according to the dimensions of the hatch opening;
   • weld a quadrangular frame from the corners;
   • secure the frame to the concrete with anchors;
   • Finish the end of the frame with a sealant.
3. Door fastening:
   • weld reinforced hinges to the metal frame;
   • Weld the counter elements to the lid;
   • install gas closers;
   • fix the lid;
   • coat steel parts with drying oil.

Metal floor hatch in the garage: video.

How to make a hidden hatch under tiles with your own hands

Drawing development

It is necessary to develop a sketch of the future design in advance. The hidden floor hatch (hand drawing) should schematically display the main parameters of the structure:

• box dimensions (length, width);
• thickness of the opening and the frame used;
• placement of hinges on the lid and hatch opening.

DIY hidden hatch under tiles: drawings

Installation of floor screed

The first step is to ensure the levelness of the floor in which the hidden hatch will be placed. The entire alignment process is carried out in several stages:

1. Determine the level of the finished floor covering. It is necessary to provide for the thickness of the tiles (about 8 mm) and the adhesive (4 mm).
2. Prepare cement mortar and set up beacon profiles.
3. Bead the opening, leaving about 10 cm around the perimeter as support for the hatch cover.
4. Make a floor screed according to standard technology.

Tiling

After the concrete mortar has completely hardened, it is necessary to try on the hatch by attaching it to the opening. At this stage, it is advisable to pre-lay out the tiles. Tiling begins from the corner of the wall, located in the most visible place. Trimming and laying tile material when finishing a niche is carried out only after the final installation of the hatch frame.

Before installing the frame, the location of the hatch should look something like this.

Finishing the frame and slopes

The design of the ends of the opening is carried out in the following order:

1. Place the frame on the niche and level it.
2. Fill the gaps between the screed and the metal frame with cement mortar (use M500 grade composition).
3. Allow the solution to harden completely.
4. Trim the tiles and tile the remaining area around the opening.
5. Align the slopes of the niche - install beacons and “pull out” with cement mortar.
6. Tile the slopes using SM-11 glue.
7. Before the adhesive dries, it is better to fix the tiles with ordinary tape.
8. Install demarcating crosses.

Cover installation

To make a hidden hatch under the tiles with your own hands, use a galvanized steel body with couplings for installing handles. Reinforcement is placed in a metal box, the frame is filled with concrete, and tiles are laid on top flush with the ends of the lid.

The final finishing involves grouting the tile joints and installing removable handles.

DIY hidden hatch under tiles: video.

Electric inspection hatch: installation features

To make lifting the heavy hatch door easier and protecting the basement from thieves, the hatch can be equipped with an automatic system. The easiest way is to build a folding mechanism. To make it you need to prepare:

• electric motor;
• duralumin pipe;
• steel sheet;
• steel rods;
• Bulgarian;
• welding machine;
• toggle switch (switch) 3 positions;
• presence of a current source.

The mechanism is mounted on a ready-made hinged lid; the opening angle of the hatch will be less than 90°. The operating principle is as follows: the electric motor receives a signal from the remote control, driving the shaft. The rod rises 80° and the device fixes the hatch in the open position. The second toggle switch gives an impulse through the control panel and starts reverse thrust on the motor. The rod lowers and pulls the door behind it.

A hidden hatch is a practical option for arranging a basement entrance. The lid and lifting mechanism must be safe and easy to use. You can create a hatch yourself, without the use of expensive equipment or the help of professionals.

Almost all private houses have their own basement or cellar. If the entrance to it is in the floor, then you will need to make a floor hatch into the basement. How to make such a hatch largely depends on the structural features of the lift and its location. Creating a basement hatch with your own hands involves making drawings, selecting and purchasing materials from which the structure will be created. The basement hatch, first of all, must be completely safe and convenient to use.

Features of the hatch device

A basement has many benefits, including acting as storage space and allowing the ground floor floor to retain heat better. The main disadvantage is the high cost of creating a basement, so most home owners make an opening in the floor and install a floor hatch in the basement with their own hands.

To install a hatch, you need to think through all the stages of work.

The features of making an opening in the floor allow you to save a lot, but to successfully complete the project you need to think through all the details in advance:

1. Develop a detailed drawing.
2. The choice of installation location is also of great importance. Furniture or other objects should not prevent the lid from opening freely.
3. Set the optimal size. In this case, the internal opening should not be less than 75x75 cm.
4. Select materials that can make the structure strong enough, but not heavy, and also fit into the interior.
5. Select the best option for sealing and thermal insulation of the lid. An insulated hatch into the basement will not allow cold air to enter the house even in winter.

Often hatches are equipped with a lifting basement mechanism, which ensures smooth movement and allows you to fix the cover in one position. In addition, an electric drive can be installed on the hatch, which will not allow animals or small children to enter it.

What materials are basement hatches made from?

There are many materials available for making a hatch. Their choice largely depends on the overall interior of the house and the flooring. With the right selection of materials, you can make a hidden entrance to the basement that will not disturb the overall appearance of the room.

In this video you will learn how to make a hatch:

Hatch to the basement made of wood

If the flooring consists of a wooden board, then it is recommended to use wood to disguise the entrance to the basement. In addition, with its help, the load on the entire structure will be significantly less. If the hole itself measures 80x80 cm, then the lid should be slightly smaller. This will ensure that the cover rests freely on the floor.

Important! It is also necessary to leave gaps of 4-5 mm between the floor and the lid. This will ensure free air circulation.

The manufacture of a wooden structure is carried out according to the following algorithm:

1. Nail 4 timber supports, on which the lid will then rest, to the rough flooring from the basement side.
2. Prepare wooden blanks 79 cm long from wood for the floor and slats.
3. Cut a square 79x79 cm (should be 10 mm smaller than the hole itself).
4. Treat all wooden parts with drying oil or another substance that can protect the material from moisture and fungus.

The height of the hatch should be equal to the final and rough coating, which is achieved through multi-layering. This design is usually lightweight, so it can be attached to regular hinges.

Metal hatch

Making a metal structure is much more difficult, but it is more reliable and durable than the previous version. To make it you need:

1. Cut the lid from a sheet of steel with a thickness of at least 3 mm.
2. Weld the corners from the inside of the steel around the entire perimeter.
   

   Important! Using a corner, you can make stiffening ribs into which insulation can then be installed.

3. Clean all welds.
4. Place insulation, the size of which should not be larger than the corner.
5. Lay the steel sheet overlapping and bend the edges using a mallet, secure to the corners with self-tapping screws.

Next you need to install the frame. To do this, you need to cut the corners according to the dimensions of the hatch opening. The corners need to be welded together, and then attached to the concrete base using anchors. A small strip of insulation needs to be secured along the protruding edges of the frame. At the very end, secure the lid.

Hatch for tiles

If you are installing a hatch under the tiles, you will need to initially create the necessary markings. The hatch into the subfloor itself does not fit on the tile, but is created in conjunction with it, that is, you will need to make a metal frame that will fall below the level of the floor surface, and install the material itself on it.

The creation of the hatch follows the standard plan, with one exception: the lock must be hidden and have no protruding elements.

Briefly, the process looks like this: a metal base is created, tiles are laid on it, taking into account the coincidence of the floor elements adjacent to the hatch.

Most often, accurate calculations are used before work. This will help avoid inconsistencies and shortcomings.

Sealing a basement hatch

The hatch must be built hermetically, but not interfere with full movement. If the entire floor in the room consists of a certain type of coating that cannot be damaged, for example, laminate, then the floor hatches are equipped with additional sealing that does not interfere with either the coating or the structure itself.

Sealants are selected depending on their compatibility with the materials used in the construction work.

Electric drive

An electric drive is installed on the hatch to control the closing and opening of the basement. There are many arrangement options, but even the most simplified one will require additional markings according to the dimensions of the hatch. This is necessary for a full move.

It is important to remember that the rods must be installed correctly. The electric drive itself will be located on the hatch cover.

Creating a retractable mechanism

The retractable mechanism is often used when arranging floor hatches. To create the mechanism you will need a small space under the floor, as well as a list of materials:

• steel sheet 2 pcs. thickness 5 mm;
• set of metal rollers;
• steel rods;
• compact electric motors – 2 pcs.;
• current source and electrical cable;
• switch with three positions.

The retractable mechanism is easy to use, but its creation and arrangement should be carried out by a person with experience in such work.

Types of hinges for manhole cover

Hinges for a basement hatch are an important element that must be selected with special care. When installing the entrance to the basement, the following types of loops are used:

1. Invoices. They are attached with one side to the hatch cover, and the other to the floor or wall. The cost of hinges can vary significantly depending on the degree of reliability and decor. The most expensive are forged hinges.
2. Hidden. They are mounted in the covering itself or in the internal frame, which allows for a tight fit of the cover to the floor. This mechanism will allow you to completely hide the hatch from prying eyes.
3. Pantographs. With their help, the hatch smoothly extends first upward and then to the side. Regardless of the thickness of the material used, the edges of the lid easily emerge from the ceilings.
4. Gas shock absorbers. With their help, you can easily lift the lid and lock it in the required position. This mechanism allows you to lift heavy wooden or metal doors located horizontally without much effort.
5. With drive. Allows large and heavy manhole covers to be opened or closed freely. Most often used in the manufacture of metal structures. In turn, the drive mechanism is divided into retractable and retractable. The choice depends only on the wishes of the master himself and the available space.

The choice of loops must be made depending on the load that will be placed on them. In addition, do not forget about the need for backlash and corrosion protection.

Step-by-step instructions on how to make a basement hatch with your own hands

Before starting work, you should develop an exact layout of the hatch, taking into account nearby furniture or passages. It is best to arrange the entrance to the basement during the construction phase of the house itself.

If the structure is small, it is recommended to use boards up to 4 cm thick, which must be covered with plywood that is resistant to moisture. If it is expected that the structure will be subject to increased load, it is recommended to use solid timber to make the frame.

Important! A few days before starting work, it is necessary to treat all wooden elements with drying oil, antiseptic or hydrophobic impregnation. Only after complete drying can you begin to assemble the hatch.

When making a similar structure from metal, it is recommended to take sheets of steel with a thickness of 3 mm and the same corner. To isolate the basement from the living space, it is recommended to insulate it with a sheet of foam plastic.

When making a wooden structure, you must follow the step-by-step instructions:

1. Nail a frame made of 4 bars to the subfloor.
2. Assemble a blank from boards and plywood, the size of which is 10 mm smaller than the selected one.
3. Install hinges or shock absorbers on the basement side.
4. Cut out a hidden handle.
5. Screw the cover at an angle of 90° and check the operation mechanism.

Hidden hatches made of wood should be made multi-layered. To do this, it is recommended to cover the first and outer layers with moisture-resistant plywood, and fill the padding along the edges of the sheathing and the internal space with insulation. It is imperative to leave a gap (10 mm).

Metal elements are easier to make yourself. This requires:

1. Cut doors that will fit the selected dimensions.
2. Weld the corners around the perimeter of the hatch. If the structure is large, then it needs to be fixed in the internal part.
3. Lay polystyrene foam, the thickness of which will not exceed the height of the corner.
4. Secure the insulation using a thin sheet of steel and self-tapping screws.
5. Weld and secure the metal frame with an anchor.
6. Attach reinforced hinges with a closer to one side of the frame, and a small strip of insulation to the other.

Important! All parts made of metal must first be coated with anti-corrosion agents or paint.

If the concrete floor is being laid at the same time as the entrance to the basement is being installed, then in order to bring the hatch to the same level as the floor, you need to slightly recess the frame by 1-2 mm.

Precise adherence to the markings is required for hidden installation. On metal parts, it is necessary to prepare holes for fastenings in advance with exact dimensions. In the case of wooden hatches, it is necessary to make holes 0.5-1 cm smaller than required, since the fibers may swell.

The last stage is installation. To do this, you need to place a bar under the end of the cover; its height will be equal to the gap that needs to be left. Fixation is carried out only with the lid open 90°. Upon completion of work, it is necessary to check the operation of the mechanism. When jammed in any area, it is necessary to shift and twist the hinges.

Finally

The entrance to the basement, located on the floor, is a convenient way to organize the entire space, both inside and outside the basement. A basement hatch with shock absorbers must meet all safety requirements and also be convenient to use.

You can install hatches under tiles yourself. To avoid possible mistakes, it is recommended to draw up a drawing of the entrance to the dungeon on shock absorbers in advance.

It is no secret that the presence of a basement under the floor of the first floor significantly saves space in the main room of the house. Waterproofing, external wall insulation, ventilation system - all this work allows you to maintain a constant temperature and humidity in the basement. In such a room you can not only store preserved food. If you install an insulated hatch in the basement, you can even equip it with a workshop or billiard room. Or take a swing at the bodega.

Having arranged the basement, you can refuse to build some outbuildings in the yard. Even at the stage of designing a house, you should decide whether yours will be. This room is not often used, like the attic. The entrance to it must be equipped with a tightly closing hatch. Then cold, humidity, odors, and noise will not penetrate from the room to the basement and vice versa. If you approach this wisely, you can install a hatch into the basement in any convenient place. The main thing is that the basement has a comfortable and safe entrance.

Important! When open, the hatch cover should open almost to a vertical position. The comfortable opening angle is 90°.

The lid, opened at this angle, is easily held in place by spacers and latches. And when going down to the basement you can lean on it. In addition, it does not clutter up the space of the entrance itself and does not require additional space around it.

All this applies to the hinged lid. Its advantages over removable, folding or folding options are obvious.

Advantages and features of various covers

As for the hinged lid, firstly, it does not require additional space to open, like a hinged one. When opened, it does not lie on the floor or rest on furniture. And the entrance to the basement can be located as close as possible to the wall.

Secondly, the hinged lid can be made to any size. Equip it with additional stiffeners and heat-insulating materials. Of course, a reinforced and insulated basement hatch will have more weight. But if it is equipped with a lifting mechanism, then even a child can handle it. Moreover, it will not need to be torn off from the frame and set aside, as is the case with the removable version of the lid. The removable hatch must be both lightweight and durable. Therefore, they are made in small sizes, at which the combination of strength and weight becomes optimal.

Thirdly, installing rollers on a folding basement hatch cover makes the structure heavier. When open, folding doors take up more usable basement entry space than a hinged lid. In addition, folding the doors requires considerable effort.

Let's say it can be equipped with folding mechanisms and make the lifting process easier. But what to do with the technological gap between the sashes? Such a lid must have at least one additional seam at the border of the flaps. This seam will need to be protected from dirt getting onto the hinges.

The optimal type of hatch for the basement is a floor-hinged hatch with one or two doors. The hatch should open fairly easily and not block the opening to the underground room. We will discuss the design features of the convenient hatch below.

Dungeon Entry Materials

First of all, let's look at what components the hatch is made of. This is the frame of the opening and the lid itself. The frame must be fixed to the opening with anchors and have a recess for the cover. Then it lies flush with the frame and does not fall down.

What materials can be used to make a floor frame for the entrance to the basement? In principle, the choice is small - wood and metal. But the type of wood must be hard not only because the hatch will be part of the floor, but also so that moisture and condensation do not penetrate deep into the structure of the wood and do not have a destructive effect on it. The frame for the cover is made of rectangular timber, for example, 60 x 40 mm, for better resistance to deflection, and the frame of the opening is made of thick board, for example, 100 x 40 mm.

Important!For the top cover, a board with a thickness of at least 25 mm or plywood with a thickness of at least 12 mm is used.

Subsequently, it will be possible to sheathe the surface of the hatch with linoleum or laminate. You can also glue tiles onto plywood if the floor and the lid are in the same plane.

The space between the beams is filled with insulation and lined with a vapor barrier film. It is better to hem the bottom of the wooden lid with a galvanized sheet and bend its edges onto the sides of the frame.

Reinforced entrance

Metal can serve as a structural material and alternative to wood. A corner with a wall thickness of at least 4 mm is used for the outer frame, and a profile pipe is used for the base of the lid.

Advice! If floor covers are used in technical rooms, then it will be enough to weld the sheet on top of the pipe truss. All welds must be carefully ground.

A completely different attitude should be towards the hatch if you decide to equip it in a living space or, for example, in the kitchen. In this case, it must be installed exactly at the level of the subfloor. That is, directly on the screed. Then you can put tiles or other flooring material on top of it and veil its presence as much as possible.

The angle, pipe, sheet and other metal components of the hatch significantly make the overall structure heavier. If it is impossible to do without them structurally, then the product can be made technologically lighter. Ferrous metal is heavy and “morally” unstable to moisture. It begins to oxidize and rust. The solution nearby is to use aluminum for the frame. Excellent surface strength, frame rigidity and the most important thing for a basement - its anti-corrosion qualities.

The floor entrance to the basement is on the border of temperature and humidity. The wood must be treated with an antiseptic and covered with layers of varnish or drying oil. Black metal also does not like moisture. Therefore, painting in several layers with preliminary priming is mandatory. Aluminum is the most unpretentious material for a basement hatch.

Treasured hatch

So, we have come to the point that the ideal hatch into the basement should combine several qualities:

• have an insulated lid, preferably a hinged type, so that a constant temperature and humidity are maintained in the basement;
• have lifting mechanisms, hinges, stops and position locks to facilitate entry into the basement;
• be made of aluminum (preferably) to protect against rust and save yourself from systematic painting or other surface treatment of the hatch cover and frame;
• have a reinforced lid so that it is a full-fledged part of the ceiling and has the same finish as the rest of the floor in the room - linoleum, laminate, wood or tile;
• have minimum dimensions of 750 x 750 mm so that a person can freely descend and ascend with a load in his hands.

However, to order or manufacture such a hatch, it is not enough to draw a drawing. You also need to have experience in creating such structures and know many of the subtleties.

Invisibility hatch

A floor entrance to a basement can be both reliable and safe. If you glue a tile on it, the same as on the rest of the floor surface, hide the hinges down and remove the handle, then the closed hatch will be difficult to see. However, not all so simple.

To begin with, the lid should have the shape of a trough, the upper edges of which are located flush with the surface of the frame corners. Reinforcement must be installed inside this trough, which creates a reinforcing mesh. After installing the hatch in the opening, it is necessary to fill the trough with concrete or cement mortar to the very level. Only after strengthening the lid with mortar can tiles or other flooring be laid. Without this procedure, the lid will sag under the weight of a person, and the material will crack.

When performing the tie, it is necessary to fix the tube opposite the lock key. Then you can insert a T-key through the tile and turn the latch. The same key can also serve as a handle for opening the hatch. People living in the house will not trip over the protruding parts of the hatch. The key hole can be hidden with a plug.

Invisibility hatch to the basement.

Advice! It is advisable that the master lay tiles on the floor in the entire room at once, and the seams fall on the edges of the hatch cover. Then no one except the owners will guess about the existence of the entrance to the basement.

A safe, beautiful, reliable and discreet hatch in a house with a basement is a technical highlight. You will always feel a flat floor surface under your feet and the absence of protruding elements.

Hatch into the basement under the tiles.

Additional comfort components

A story about a reinforced and insulated, perfectly smooth and invisible hatch to the basement would be incomplete without mentioning some of its features. First of all, it is the smoothness of movement and the ease with which you can open it without any effort. This effect is achieved solely by equipping the lid with gas shock absorbers.

Manufacturers of hatches calculate the load of shock absorbers depending on the weight and size of the hatch. The hinges hidden under the front corner and the shock absorbers work in pairs. They simultaneously lift the lid, first straight up, and only then tilt it to the side to a vertical position.

Advice! If the outer edges of the tile or laminate are cut inward, then when opening the lid on the gas shock absorbers, the facing surface will not rub at the joints with minimal gaps.

The hatch cover and frame must fit snugly against each other. This fit is ensured by a rubber seal along the entire contour. If you decide to make or design a similar hatch, then hood hinges and car trunk shock absorbers can be very useful to you.

Do it yourself, trust or explain to the master, or maybe buy a finished product - the choice is yours. As well as using it with pleasure.

DIY cellar hatch.