The device of a sliding ladder. How to make a folding attic staircase with your own hands: the technology of manufacturing a wooden structure. DIY single-section design

First of all, you need to understand that the attic is most often used as a warehouse. It is convenient to store on it temporarily unnecessary things at hand, or bulky, old items, as well as used for the seasons.
Therefore, access to the attic space does not require a permanent large structure that will take up a lot of space. There are special staircase mechanisms for access to the attic upstairs.

Features of attic stairs

• transformers (folding);
• stationary.

Both are convenient, easy to install, and most importantly, take up a minimum of space. The best option is when such a mechanism is invisible or hidden in the interior. After all, things that will not be useful for a long time are removed to the far corner.

Folding structures

The range of manufacturers of folding ladders is quite wide, the price of the goods depends on the material of manufacture and functionality.

The folding option for the attic is a structure of 3-4 sections that fold into each other and are transformed into a compact unit located under the ceiling.

Thus, it easily unfolds if necessary, is stable, it will not be problematic to climb up. If the dimensions of the room are small even for placing the bed and the staircase together, then the folding version is definitely suitable in this case.

Transformers are driven by a special rod. It is activated when you open the sunroof, there are models with a remote control.

DIY folding ladder to the attic

It is easy to make a retractable ladder to the attic with your own hands, although you have to make some effort and patience. Such structures can be wooden or metal.

Before work, you need to make sure that the opening for the hatch cover is made and equipped correctly. Also, prepare the necessary tools and materials in advance, including for strengthening the entrance to the attic.

Training

For work you will need:

To make a staircase made of wood:

• wooden blocks;
• boards suitable in size;
• plywood;
• Styrofoam;
• polyethylene;
• awnings and hinges, lifting mechanism (purchased from the construction department);
• boards for steps, other things;
• sealant (silicone or rubber).

A do-it-yourself folding ladder to the attic is made of almost the same materials as the bed.

For the installation of the hatch and stairs, it is best to use a silicone or rubber base sealant.

Ladder installation process

Manufacturing and installation of a hatch with a cover is in progress. To do this, you need to make a measurement of the opening, which can be expanded (narrowed). You can use the dimensions of 1 m. 30 cm. X 1 m. 40 cm., But it all depends on the location of the opening relative to the boundaries of the room and if there are free dimensions of the ceiling surface.

After specifying the dimensions, a sketch is created on paper (as in the drawings of the bed), where the dimensions of the future staircase are indicated. Drawings help to avoid mistakes when cutting materials.

The hatch frame is made first. It needs to be made reliably reinforced, since the quality of the entire structure depends on it. You need to pay special attention to it.

A frame with right angles must be made by cutting the corners, so that when the boards are joined to each other, a frame with right angles is obtained. After trying on the existing opening, the corners of the frame are smeared with glue.

You can install temporary spacers until the glue dries. After the glue has dried, the frame is installed in the opening using nails (100 mm).

The finished product will be placed on top of the manhole cover. The lid can be made of plywood, polyethylene is placed between the sheets to prevent vaporization.

With ready-made canopies, the cover is attached to the frame. A convenient handle and a lifting mechanism are attached to the lid.

A folding ladder system is made from pre-measured beams. The bars of each section are shorter than the previous one, starting from the top. It is important to provide that the assembled structure is in the form of a block of stairs and passes freely when the hatch is closed in the opening. This is taken into account at the stage of the drawing.

The first thing that needs to be made is the hatch frame, into which the ladder itself will be mounted.

The steps are also made of beams, the dimensions of the sections must be appropriate. On the inner side of the bowstring of the bars (side bars of the ladder), cutouts must be made to securely fasten the crossbars. The steps are placed in the cuttings and secured with self-tapping screws.

The folding parts of the product are connected with ready-made hinges.

These hinges are attached so that the junction of the metal strips is exactly at the junction of the sections. The assembled structure is attached to the manhole cover with metal corners.

At the end, a gate valve is made using ready-made fittings in the form of a spring or hinges. For some rooms, only a sliding model from the street side is suitable. Well, now there is even room for a bed.

Sliding ladder

If there is absolutely no room left for a bed, use sliding ladder structures. They take up even less space, acting like a tram pantograph. By folding it, we get enough space, because everything fits on the hatch cover. To extend the mechanism, it is enough to open the hatch cover, and it will rise to the desired position by itself.

For sliding, only metal is used, due to the peculiarities of fastening elements and parts. The bonus of the metal material is the ability to choose any paint color you like.

Of interest is the telescopic design, it can be welded by yourself.

Stationary option

If there is enough space, you can install stationary stairs for the attic. This method is best used only when the attic is used constantly, for example, during repairs. Stationary stairs are also distinguished by types. Exists:

• with one march;
• screw.

Single flight staircase

The simplest option is a model with one flight (span), that is, it is made from floor to ceiling in one solid structure. The material is chosen either from metal or from wood. All parts of the ladder must be secured together.

You can use the method of attachment to the filly. That is, with the help of wooden supports, the elements of the stairs are connected with wooden pegs. The pads should be aligned like this: one side is aligned straight and the other is cut to fit the step beam (kosour).

The board for the step must be at least 36 mm. The steps are attached to the stringers with self-tapping screws, the joints are treated with glue. Such a simple option is suitable if there is no need for a bed next to it.

A single span staircase takes up too much space, but adjustments can be made. You can make a bend at right angles (saves space), rotation by a certain degree. This type is called rotary marching. There are also a quarter reversible (angle 90 degrees), semi reversible (angle 180 degrees).

If you arrange the triangular wooden steps to the sides, and the narrow ones alternately towards each other, you get a duck step design. In other words, step under the right and left feet.

Spiral staircase

A spiral staircase to the attic is suitable for a small room. It may not be as easy to use as the marching one, but it looks more interesting.

Moreover, it will not be used very often. They differ in:

• having supports in the form of a pillar in the center;
• removed from the walls, the steps are fixed to the pillar;
• made of a monolithic steel pillar, the steps rest against it.

The spiral staircase is much smaller than the span staircase, so there will be room for a bed. For the supporting element, you can take a metal pipe, on which the steps will be attached by welding. With a wooden covering, the vertical post is fixed with anchors. To attach the steps to the rack, holes are made on the narrow side of each step like at the rack. Further, the steps with the help of bushings are installed taking into account the height of the vertical surface.

Using spiral staircases as attic stairs is impractical due to the complexity of the structure. However, in aesthetic terms, they will look impressive.

Washers are placed in horizontal surfaces and bushings to protect the tree from deformation. The bushings must be measured by adding the size of all washers. All subsequent steps after the first step are overlapped and fixed.

To calculate the size of the elements, you need to prepare the drawings in advance (as for the bed). Making a spiral staircase with your own hands will not create difficulties, the question is more in time.

If the dimensions of the room are not suitable for installation inside the house and for a bed, then the stationary version is installed from the street side. The outer structure can be large, which means it is more comfortable and safe. On the other hand, it will be possible to get upstairs only from the outside, which is not very comfortable in winter, for example.

Particularly popular are ladders, both indoor and outdoor. For this type, it is easiest to make a hatch - no additional reinforcements and hinges are needed. But there are inconveniences to clean it every time, moreover, it takes up space during storage. This is the cheapest option.

Profile pipe ladder

Such a structure can be made by welding or in a prefabricated way (like assembling a bed). It is possible to make a stationary and attached type, in the form of a straight, portable and screw structure.

For production, channels are used 16 cm, filing 4x4 cm. Bearing channels are attached to the beams by welding. From the profile, blanks of rectangular steps are made. These blanks are mounted on rails and welded to them.

Solid steps are laid on the frame and fastened with self-tapping screws. And on the side of the guide channels, supports are welded onto which the handrails are installed. Vertical racks are attached to the steps.

You can watch a video on how to make a folding ladder to the attic with your own hands.

This article provides step-by-step instructions on how to create a folding loft staircase. You will learn how to properly assemble the main hinge element, from which to make ladder sections and how to securely fix the structure in the installation position. The article contains diagrams and drawings.

Inventory factory stairs to the attic are a fairly common product that can be purchased at many hardware stores. However, budget options are not always reliable, and strong branded products cost accordingly. Making the necessary item or device with your own hands from 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 lm. m. The frame of the cover and opening will be made of it.
2. Plywood 8-10 mm - 2 sq. m. Needed for lid trim.
3. Board 100x25-30 mm - 15 linear m. Will go on steps and bowstrings.
4. Steel strip 3-4x20 mm - for flexible knee fasteners.
5. Corner and plate 3-4 mm - for the main mechanical element.
6. Bolts, nuts, washers, grovers M12-M14.
7. Self-tapping screws.

Tool:

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

Operating procedure

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

Assembling the hinge mechanism

This is the most critical structural element. 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 situation in place. The manufactured parts must be of high quality, they must be cleaned and the edges processed.

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

The key point is determining the opening angle. This angle is very important and figures in the manufacture of the plate. In order to set it correctly, project the future march on the ground - stretch the thread and experimentally (by choosing the best position) set the desired angle. Fasten it securely 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, apply a protractor and move until the angles of the angle shelf and protractor coincide. Then mark the plate along the resulting trajectory and cut out the path of the part.

Pre-drilled holes in the plate for mounting to the beam. We assemble the mechanism on bolts through washers.

After a rough assembly, you need to try on the assembly in place, make money and exactly reproduce the procedure for opening and closing the hatch. If you find flaws in the move, fix them.

Then you need to make a response mechanism. He must completely repeat the first, but in a mirrored form. Use clamps and a workbench - clamping the parts together, you will achieve complete identical dimensions.

Make adjustments and final assembly empirically. When open, the cover should follow the angle projected by the cord exactly.

Making 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 march length is 2500 mm. Based on the length of the opening 1200 mm:

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

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

Attention! Bowstrings must be installed mirrored! Consider this when marking and drilling.

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

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

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

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

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

Assemble the individual plates into hinges using bolts.

Assembly of sections and installation of stairs

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

After assembling the first elbow, check the system for functionality. Correct the misalignment if necessary.

Then attach the lower short elbow and test the system.

Now the ladder remains to be mounted in the design position - on the hatch cover. Use screws for installation (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 metal spray paint.

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

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

Finished staircase view:

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

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

But it often happens that the stationary construction of an internal staircase requires a very large area, and therefore cannot be implemented in practice in a small house. And even if the area is sufficient, it hardly makes sense to "squander" it if the attic is not used constantly, but only from time to time. What should I do? And there is a way out - this is a "transformer" construction, which is removed as unnecessary in the attic floor. So, the topic of this publication: do-it-yourself folding stairs to the attic - the most optimal option for both large and small private houses.

General information about folding ladders to the attic

What do they say about the advantages and disadvantages of such designs?

Folding ladders, if their design is thought out, safe and easy to use, are very convenient. However, they also have their drawbacks, which you also need to know about in advance, starting to similar reconstruction of one of the rooms of the house.

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

• The ability to safely enter the attic at any time, regardless of the season or current weather conditions.
• The compactness and ease of operation of a high-quality structure allows all residents of the house to cope with the folding and unfolding of the stairs, since much physical effort is not expected.
• The folded structure does not take up useful space both in the living room and in the attic. In the absence of the need, the staircase is most often removed into the opening of the attic floor, saving free space.
• A hatch in the ceiling, which is necessary to accommodate the staircase, with a high-quality finish from below does not at all spoil the appearance of the ceiling surface.
• When purchasing a ready-made design, it is quite possible to choose a model with an electric drive. This is, of course, extremely convenient, since if necessary, bring the ladder into working condition or remove it - you don't have to make any effort at all. However, in order to install this version of the ladder, you will have to invite a specialist. Yes, and there are such kits - quite a lot.

The disadvantages of installing this structure in the attic floor include the following:

• Be that as it may, folding ladders, in contrast, do not always meet the criteria for maximum convenience in terms of the steepness of the rise, the number and size of steps.
• Proceeding from the first point, the second suggests itself - ascent and descent along such ladder structures still requires care and special precautions. This will especially apply to children, older people or those with some physical disabilities.
• No matter how tightly the hatch fits into the opening cut out under the stairs, it will still deprive the ceiling of its tightness. Therefore, in order to prevent cold air from above (or, conversely, hot air - during the summer heat) from entering the living rooms, the attic will have to be insulated. This certainly leads to additional costs. True, you can consider this problem from the other side. If it is planned to equip an utility or living room in the attic, then in it, one way or another, it is necessary to carry out thermal insulation work on the roof slopes and perform flooring with

Criteria that a folding ladder must meet

In order for a ladder to be used for a long time and to be safe for its owners, it must meet certain criteria, regardless of its design and material of manufacture.

Folding ladder prices

folding ladder

These qualities of the product include:

• The strength of the material of manufacture, all fasteners and connecting nodes.
• Ease of construction in terms of weight. This is important not only for the ease of use of the stairs, but also so that when folded, it does not give an excessive additional load on the attic floor.
• Ease of use - any adult member of the family should cope with the process of bringing the ladder to "combat readiness" and its folding.
• Hinges folding the ladder or other units and devices should function easily, without even the smallest difficulty.
• If the staircase will be used constantly, in view of the fact that it is supposed to locate a frequently used room in the attic, then it is better to make the product yourself or order it from a good craftsman to be sure of its reliability, and therefore, of your personal safety.

Why would it be better to make the ladder yourself?

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

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

The main types of folding stairs to the attic

Before purchasing or manufacturing a folding ladder, you need to decide on its design, since there are several of them. So, the following types of stairs have been developed and manufactured on an industrial scale and independently: retractable, folding spring, telescopic, folding with a simplified design, simple folding compact stairs.

Retractable or extendable ladder

The retractable staircase structure can consist of two or three sections, depending on the height of the attic floor.

• First option

The upper section of the structure is fixed with a metal flange on a transverse board, which forms a box of the opening, which is equipped in the attic floor. Each of the sections, when the ladder is folded, slides into the part located above, like along a rail. The assembled sections of the staircase are transferred to a horizontal position and laid on the floors of the attic. The hatch in this design can be fixed to the upper and shortest section, in which case the entire staircase will be hidden when the hatch is closed. The hatch can also be closed separately, that is, first the stairs are sent to the attic, and then the hatch is closed.

1 - Beam of the attic floor.

2 - Screw flange.

3 - Retractable ladder sections.

4 - Swivel mechanism.

This illustration shows how the retractable ladder works. However, it is quite obvious that it can only be suitable if the attic is not used as a living space and is visited quite rarely, and not constantly.

• Second option

Another variant of a sliding ladder, consisting of two sections - a short one fixed on the hatch cover, and a long one, which after unfolding will rest against the surface of the room's floor. This option is also suitable for an attic used as a utility room. So, if you need to get to the attic, the hatch opens, and the stairs descend with it. Then, from the folded structure, its lower part is pulled out all the way to the floor.

When unfolding the stairs, a passageway to the attic is freed up. In ready-made, factory versions of sliding or folding ladders, the hatch is equipped with its own thermal insulation. And a seal is installed along the contour of the opening so that warm air from the room does not leave through the gaps around the roof hatch. We must not forget about such methods of minimizing heat losses when making a ladder on your own.

Folding ladder

A folding ladder differs from a sliding ladder in that its sections do not slide into one another, but fold together. This is ensured by special hinge mechanisms installed in the spans connecting nodes. The construction is folded according to the accordion principle. Top section fixed on the hatch panel, onit folding handrails are installed, which make it easier to climb to the upper floor or attic.

The advantage of this design is that it does not take up more space than the opening in the ceiling, as it is completely hidden in a special box, which frames the opening hatch. Therefore, having climbed to the attic, the stairs can be raised so that it does not interfere on the lower floor, and in order not to accidentally step on the hatch, being at the top, you can provide an upper strong hatch or an opening fence.

Ladder prices

stairs

The diagram above shows a finished design, one of those offered in specialized stores. However, focusing on it, it is quite possible to make a staircase yourself. How to do this will be discussed in detail in the instruction table below.

The diagram shows a box framing the opening. It is equipped with an elastic rubber gasket, thanks to which the hatch will be tightly, without gaps, pressed against the inner walls of the box.

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

The wooden steps are equipped with an anti-slip coating. When making a ladder yourself, you can use a router to cut grooves on the steps in the form of two or three grooves running along the entire length of their surface.

The treads are fixed in the side posts of the ladder sections with a dovetail joint, which is more reliable than straight tenons.

Metal scissor ladders

Another option for a folding structure is the so-called scissor ladder, which is made of metal. As a rule, aluminum is used for this purpose, due to its low weight. The design has proven itself quite well, especially for those cases when the attic has to be visited quite often.

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

When folded, such a staircase is quite compact and does not go beyond the bounds of the box intended for it, installed in the thickness of the attic floor.

The disadvantage of such a scissor design can be considered that certain efforts must be made to install and fold it. This can present a problem for some residents of the house who do not have the necessary physical data.

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

The attic in the house can be used for different needs. Of course, comfortable access must be organized to it, for which a ladder is needed. It can be installed outside or inside a building. The latter is easy to use and more popular. There are many ways how an attic staircase can be made with your own hands. Before describing how to make an attic or attic floor, you need to choose a constructive solution suitable for your home.

Varieties of attic and mansard stairs

Let's take a look at the most popular loft staircase options.

The latter type is more often used for a while or in the case of rare use of the attic space. But the most practical and compact will be a folding design with a hatch.

What to look for when making a ladder yourself?

The first thing that should be ensured when building an attic or attic staircase with your own hands is safety. The staircase system must have adequate strength and reliability.

The dimensions of the staircase are also important: the more it slopes, the more space it takes up. The most suitable is the angle of inclination equal to 60-70 °. Although with constant use, it is recommended to make it 45 °. Steps with a height of 20 cm and a depth of 30 cm are considered standard. The width of the stairs should be comfortable, as a rule, it is about 70 cm. It is not recommended to make such stairs more than 3 m in height, since a higher structure will not have the necessary rigidity and reliability.

It is advised to make a structure with the number of steps from 10 to 15, and leave the distance between them 19 cm. The recommended step thickness is 2 cm. They should be placed strictly parallel to the floor surface. For greater safety, anti-slip pads are glued to the steps.

Important!The ladder to climb to the attic floor must be able to withstand a load of 150 kg.

The hatch also has its own recommended parameters. The following dimensions are considered standard: width 70 cm, length 120 cm. Smaller dimensions will make the opening uncomfortable in operation, and large ones will increase the heat loss of the room. For an unheated attic, it is advised to make the hatch heat-insulated and vapor-insulated.

Where is the best place to place the stairs?

The staircase should be located so as not to interfere with household members. Therefore, you should not mount it in the kitchen; it would be more expedient to use a corridor or hall for this purpose. It is also worth considering the size of the room. Sometimes a ladder can be used as an interior detail, then it is not hidden in a hatch.

Important! It is advised to pre-draw the future staircase, then it will be easier for you to understand which place will be the most suitable for its installation.

DIY single-section design

The easiest to climb to the attic floor will be a one-section design solution that will be fixed in one place. In order to build a staircase with one section, you need two wooden planks. The length must be suitable for obtaining the appropriate angle of inclination, and the thickness must be at least 5 cm.

The steps can be secured with bowstrings or stringers. Bowstrings are grooves made by a router in the end plate. A kosour is a horizontal platform cut out on a board, on which a step is then placed. The steps are fixed in place by means of metal screw pins. A handrail provides a comfortable rise to the floor. For their manufacture, a polished solid bar of the appropriate length is used. Depending on the location of your staircase, the railings can be on one side or both. To make the structure more reliable, it is worth adding vertical connecting beams to it.

Manufacturing of a one-section attic staircase.

We make a hatch

Installation and manufacture of the hatch is also an important aspect of the work. It will prevent cold air masses from entering the house. This is the main reason for equipping staircases with a hatch. To make it, you need 50x50 bars and a sheet of plywood.

Work order:

1. Determine a suitable location, taking into account the size margin of 0.8 cm, so that the hatch closes normally.
2. The bars must be cut into four parts according to the dimensions of the hatch, and holes must be cut out along the edges.
3. For each groove obtained, you need to apply glue and fasten the bars with self-tapping screws.
4. To keep the diagonals, headscarves are screwed on.
5. The next stage is plywood fastening.
6. The finished cover is tried on, and then the latch is installed on the opening.
7. In order for the lid to open without interference, a handle is installed in the opening.

Important!The resulting structure should open easily and without hindrance.

An example of a homemade attic hatch with a metal-plastic cover.

The staircase, equipped with a hatch and leading to an unheated attic floor or attic, has design features. The opening for the construction of such a structure with a hatch must be insulated. In the manufacture of the hatch, a layer of thermal insulation and vapor barrier is placed on the plywood. The top is still reinforced with a vapor barrier film. After the completed work, the final stage remains - decoration. It is made similar to the ceiling finish. At your request, the color scheme can contrast with the walls. Sometimes, instead of plywood sheets, metal sheets are used, which must be painted with paint that is suitable in color and performance.

How to make a two-section folding staircase?

The staircase structure of two sections is quite simple to manufacture and does not imply the use of a complex mechanism. This design will be optimal for execution by a person without special skills in construction.

The first thing you need to do is make a simple ladder. After manufacturing, it is carefully adjusted according to the dimensions, and precisely observing the angle of inclination. After that, the finished structure is cut into two sections, which need to be attached to each other using awnings, and you get a folding ladder. You just have to make the installation of the folding structure to the cover of your hatch.

The foldable ladder structure can be supplemented with an auxiliary cable mechanism that will facilitate the disassembly and assembly of the system. Install the locking hook to prevent the folded structure from opening. To fix it, a loop is installed at the junction of the sections, and a hook is mounted on the wall at the required distance from it. The design is ready for use, but it will always be in sight, which is considered its disadvantage. If this moment is important to you, then you can use the following recommendations. Execute a three-section staircase, which is made according to the above technology. Such a ladder can be easily hidden in a hatch.

Making a folding ladder to the attic.

Manufacturing of the hinge mechanism

When making a folding structure, the opening mechanism is important. You can make it yourself using the following materials:

• metal corner;
• part of a sheet of metal;
• two strips of different lengths;
• bolts;
• clamps;
• set of drills;
• drill;
• jigsaw;
• teski;
• malka.

Manufacturing procedure:

1. First, the ladder is drawn on a sheet of cardboard with an indication of the future angle of inclination in the open state.
2. Then the layout is cut out of cardboard to check all sizes.
3. On the metal strips, they measure the places for the holes where the hinge will be attached. The hole must match the size of the bolt.
4. Parts are assembled and pulled together.
5. Use a bevel to measure the desired angle. Then open the mechanism to the resulting angle.
6. Mark on the metal the part that will overlap with a corner during opening. Use a jigsaw to cut it out.
7. Round off the corners of the strips and remove unnecessary lengths to prevent the strips from snagging, allowing the mechanism to operate.
8. When the excess metal has been removed, the corner will rest in the right place. You made the first hinge.
9. The second is made by fastening the parts with clamps in pairs, with special tools for better fixation. Drill a hole and place a bolt in it.
10. Then a second hole is made.
11. The workpieces are twisted with two bolts. Then they can be aligned, giving them the same shape.

This is how all parts of the hinge are performed to obtain the same elements. The completed mechanisms are attached to the hatch and try on whether it matches the opening. They do it this way: if, in a fully open state, it does not touch the edges of the opening, then the dimensions were taken correctly, and the hatch is ready for installation.

Manufacturing of a folding ladder structure

The construction of folding ladders has a similar technology to folding ones. At the first stage, a ladder is made according to the technology described above. Then choose the more suitable of the two options for yourself:

1. The entire structure can be reclined.
2. The ladder can be folded back in parts, similar to a folding one.

This type of structure is not hidden in the manhole cover. Manufacturing of a folding attic staircase.

Advice! If you decide to make a staircase for the attic or attic yourself, then it is recommended to use materials that are lightweight, this will facilitate the operation of the structure. When making a choice, consider also the ease of processing of materials and their aesthetics.

Currently, every developer is trying to make the most of the entire available area of ​​his home. However, it is almost impossible to climb into the attic without a ladder. A do-it-yourself attic staircase is the best option for safely climbing to the attic.

The attic staircase can be located both indoors and outdoors. Of course, when the staircase is located inside, it is much more convenient to use it - you do not need to go out into the cold in winter or get wet in the rain in autumn.

There are several types of attic stairs, namely:

• folding;
• stationary;
• portable.

Stationary stairs with handrails and wide flights are the most convenient, but their use is limited due to the impossibility of operating in small areas.

Portable ladders are mainly used as a temporary option and are used to access rooms that are rarely used. The main disadvantage of such a ladder is low safety.

Folding loft ladders are the middle link between stationary and portable. In terms of convenience, they are almost not inferior to stationary ones, but they take up much less space. In terms of safety, they are significantly superior to portable designs.

The choice in favor of this or that type depends on several factors:

• the area of ​​the room where the stairs will be located;
• the purpose of the attic space;
• possible angle of inclination.

Standard sizes

There are a number of standards that an attic staircase must comply with:

• the optimal width of the march should be about 65-110 cm;
• the height should not exceed 3.5 m. This is due not only to the fact that the rigidity of the structure is significantly reduced, but also to the fact that a fall from such a height can lead to serious injuries;
• the number of steps should usually not exceed 15;
• it is customary to make a distance of about 19 cm between the steps;
• the thickness of the steps is usually 18-22 mm;
• the standard tilt angle is 60-75 degrees. A small corner requires a lot of space, and a large one is dangerous to use;
• the folding ladder must withstand a load of 150 kg;
• the steps should be installed parallel to the floor and not slippery.

Manufacturing process

Making attic stairs with your own hands is not at all as difficult as it might seem at first glance. Of course, you will not achieve such beauty as industrial models have, but it's worth a try. Drawings of attic stairs with your own hands that you can make can simply be found on our website.

The hatch is the basis of any attic staircase

You can make a hatch with your own hands using the following materials:

• bars 50 × 50 mm;
• plywood.

The order of work is as follows:

• we decide on the place and size of the future hatch;

Note!
7-8 mm should be added to the overall dimensions of the hatch so that the lid closes easily and without squeaking.

• we cut the timber into 4 parts of the required sizes;
• we cut grooves at the ends of the beams;
• grease the grooves with glue and connect the bars, reinforce the junction with self-tapping screws;

• so that the diagonal does not go away, we fasten the scarves;
• we fix the plywood;
• trying on a hatch in the opening;
• to close the hatch well, we cut a latch into the cover;
• to open the hatch, we will use a handle, which is inserted into the hole and presses on the latch.

Required tools and materials

For self-made stairs to the attic with your own hands, the entire list must be present:

• hacksaw for wood;
• gun with polyurethane foam;
• a set of screwdrivers or a screwdriver with a set of bits;

• various self-tapping screws, anchors;
• roulette;
• card loops;
• bars 20-30 mm thick.

These are only the basic tools that will be needed for self-production, if there is already a ready-made attached wooden ladder 30 cm longer than necessary to the level of the opening.

Simple construction

As an example, consider how to make an attic staircase with your own hands.

The instruction will allow you to understand the principle of work:

• on the finished one-piece wooden staircase, we fix 2 bars in width, on the lower and upper parts. Moreover, we fasten the upper bar to the hinges, and the lower one rigidly;
• we saw the ladder into 2 parts. by measuring 2/3 of the length. The upper part will be longer, the lower one will be short;
• to stiffen it diagonally, we fix 2 slats;
• we connect both parts of the stairs with hinges;
• using anchors, we fix the upper bar under the hatch;

• so that the lower part does not open, it is fixed with a hook. The loop is located on the stringer above the cut.
• the finished attic staircase is pressed against the wall surface and fixed.

The main disadvantage that this attic staircase design possesses is its appearance and the fact that all fasteners and bars are visible. However, even such a staircase to the attic, created with your own hands, will greatly simplify the difficulties with lifting and lowering from the attic.

Folding design on bowstrings

To manufacture a structure, several steps should be performed:

• divide the total height into 3 parts. The first part will correspond to the dimensions of the hatch, the second is slightly smaller, and the third will cover the remaining distance to the floor;

• measure the angle of the hatch with a bevel;
• we transfer the corner to the boards, thereby marking the steps;
• at the site of the future hinge between the sections, we drill holes;
• we grind all the edges;
• we saw the boards in those places where the hinges will be placed;
• cut and grind the steps;
• under the steps we make small notches in the bowstrings;
• we insert the steps into the recesses, planting them on glue and fastening them with self-tapping screws;
• we connect the sections with special loops. To do this, it is imperative to place the sections on a flat surface;

Note!
It is recommended to work at height with a partner.
This will not only help to avoid injuries, but also greatly speed up the whole process!

The price of a ladder made by yourself is much lower than the price of a factory design, so if the financial issue is acute, be sure to try to do everything yourself.

Conclusion

Buying a ready-made staircase to the attic is the easiest option, however, with the necessary tools and initial skills, it is not at all difficult to make it yourself. In the video presented in this article, you will find additional information on this topic.