Or a cottage there is no need to explain what an attic is. Often, the layout of the internal space does not allow equipping a stationary staircase for climbing to the named room. This circumstance is due to a rare visit, the theft of quadrature and clutter of the interior. Of course, many will say that they do a good job with a stepladder, however, regular trips for this device, as well as its unsteadiness, make many owners think about building a compact ladder structure. To solve this problem, it is necessary to understand the variety of types of the named element and find out how to make a staircase to the attic without resorting to the help of specialists and without wasting a huge amount of money.

General rules for the construction of attic stairs

When arranging structures of this type, it is important to know a number of basic recommendations and advice from professionals, which will subsequently help to quickly and efficiently perform assembly work, as well as ensure reliable operation over a significant period of operation. The main ones are:

• the width of the stairs is not more than 65 cm;
• height no more than 3 m;
• the optimal number of steps is up to 15 pcs.;
• the distance between the steps is not more than 19 cm;
• step thickness from 2 to 2.2 cm;
• classic tilt angle from 60 to 75°;
• the design is made with a margin for more weight;
• the position of the steps at the time of opening must be strictly parallel to the floor;
• standard hatch dimensions - 120 × 60 or 120 × 70 cm.

Compliance with all of the above requirements for the arrangement of stairs to the attic room will allow you to perform work with proper quality and focus on durability of operation, as well as eliminate excessive heat loss in winter periods.

The optimal solution for the arrangement of the structure under study, which allows taking into account all household aspects, is the manufacture of a folding ladder. This type can be built both in the external version and in the internal one. The only fundamental difference is that the latter option is more comfortable to use, since it eliminates the need to go outside, which sharply makes itself felt in the cold season. In addition to this, in the internal version, it is protected from influences from external factors and is a kind of gasket between the cold air masses of the attic and the adjacent room.

In the assortment of modern stores there are many options for the execution of stairs, but it is more expedient to single out the most common types:

• scissor - is a ladder made of metal and, when folded, is a kind of accordion;
• folding (retractable) - includes several retractable sections, which, as they open, fold into a single structure thanks to hinge mechanisms and hinges;
• telescopic - consists of several flights of stairs, which at the time of assembly are stacked one on top of the other (aluminum is usually used as the fundamental basis of this design).

Making a folding ladder to the attic with your own hands is a simple event that does not require deep knowledge in the field of construction, so you can cope with this task without much difficulty.

Before starting any activity, you should prepare tools and acquire material. The tool kit does not provide for the availability of expensive equipment and includes a list of available tools familiar to each person:

• saw or jigsaw;
• drill or screwdriver with a set of bits;
• roulette;
• wood screws;
• anchors, corners and hinged hooks;
• one-piece staircase design with a margin of 20–25 cm for the length of the side bases;
• 4-6 card-type loops;
• timber with a thickness of 3-4 cm.

The diversity of this element allows the homeowner not to be too attached to traditional methods and to choose the type that is best for himself, depending on the available square footage, interior and other important characteristics. However, with little building experience, it is more expedient to independently manufacture a ladder structure for an attic in simple accessible ways, which are represented by hinged and folding types.

hinged view

The named type of stairs can be easily made in 3-4 hours. To make it, it is enough to take two beams with a section of 50 × 50 and a length of 70 to 100 cm. We attach one of the beams to the wall, directly under the equipped hatch using dowel-nails or self-tapping screws, and the second - on the lower points of the ladder supports. Further, from the upper edge of the prepared wooden stairs, we measure 2/3 and make a cut. Then we fasten these components and the top with the upper support beam with the help of loops. The design is ready, it remains only to equip a hook in the wall in the place where the lower section is folded so that the ladder is securely fixed to the wall.

It would be useful to reinforce the upper support partition with steel corners or anchors, since most of the load will fall on this element.

When equipping a folding staircase, you can choose a classic wooden staircase, sawn into several components, as the basis. To do this, you need to take 2 bars with a length that provides passage into the attic hatch, and fix them on the upper and lower edges of the prepared structure, respectively, using hinges and nails. Next, measure from top to bottom 1/3 of the total length and make cuts. The components are also fastened together with card loops.

In order to avoid spontaneous opening of the resulting staircase, a bar located on the upper edge of the structure should be equipped with a hook.

Before fixing the hinge devices, additionally check the correct opening of all components. It would be useful to install a sheet of plywood on the back of the stairs, so that when closing the stairs completely folded into the gap between the hatch and the common surface of the ceiling.

Photo of a folding wooden structure

The photographs show the sequence of manufacturing a folding ladder for the attic:

In conclusion, I would like to note that the independent arrangement of auxiliary structures from time immemorial has been the subject of attention of most owners of private houses. By adhering to the general rules of construction and following the simple recommendations presented, you can easily make an excellent staircase to the attic without spending a lot of money on it.

Video

The provided video material, consisting of two parts, tells in detail about the manufacture of the attic stairs:

A photo

The photographs show various options for attic stairs:

Schemes

If you decide to make a staircase yourself, then below are a number of schemes that you can take as the basis of your design:

Long gone are the days when homeowners had to climb a bulky ladder to the attic. Modern options for the attic are good because they take up a minimum of space both in the folded and unfolded state, and it is difficult even for an attentive person to guess the presence of such a design behind a beautifully finished attic hatch.

And such a wonderful alternative to helical structures and ladders as a folding attic ladder is definitely pleasing to the eye - you can make it with the right fasteners, with a strong spring mechanism and no worse than modern expensive market products. And even better!

Advantages and disadvantages of folding stairs

A folding attic ladder should be easy to hide and fold under the ceiling, and therefore it is customary to make it shorter, with a small number of sections. After all, each extra step in this regard is an additional weight and volume.

Such stairs are good primarily because they can significantly save space. At the same time, they do not spoil the ceiling of the dwelling at all. After all, the entrance to the attic is often located just in one of the inhabited rooms of the house. At the same time, such stairs are quite functional, durable and compact. And using them is as easy as shelling pears: just pick up a special rod with a hook at the end and hook on the ring.

Then, with your left hand, you can easily take out the bottom step of the extreme section, reach the floor and straighten all the other components of the ladder. In the same way, doing everything in reverse order, you easily fold the ladder back and remove it into the ceiling. Moreover, many modern attic stairs also unfold and fold with the help of an electric drive, which is generally incredibly convenient:

Another benefit is safety. Going down and up such a ladder is much safer than using an attached ladder: it will not break underfoot and the legs will not suddenly “leave”.

And finally, ease. The lightest folding attic stairs are made of stainless steel and aluminum, so that the attic floor is not subjected to serious loads. As you understand, in view of the design features, such a staircase can only be made of metal.

Why is it better to make the stairs yourself?

Ready-made industrial stairs, which the market is actively offering today, are quite convenient, as far as one can judge from the available reviews on them. But we do not recommend putting them in attics that you often have to climb (for example, our workshop or mini-library is located there).

Why? Because such ladders often turn out to be quite flimsy in practice - this is not hand-made production, but mass production, and no manufacturer needs to make them too durable. For any product, the maximum border load is always calculated, which often does not take into account quite a lot of factors and force majeure. And this is the case when you are in a calm state and with almost no additional weight in your hands, carefully descending or ascending. If you slip, fall, or a sufficiently complete relative decides to lift a heavy box into the attic - expect trouble.

Also, such stairs are often made quite steep, and it is inconvenient to go down them with something in your hands - you need to stick to one. And go down only backwards. Therefore, it is quite natural that many home craftsmen who have built their own house or bath see no reason to buy fragile and expensive folding stairs to the attic. Why, if they can be made with your own hands, and of excellent quality and much greater reliability?

Moreover, in this case, you have much more choice both in terms of material for the manufacture of stairs, and the fasteners themselves. The main thing is to correctly calculate the dimensions of the future structure, so that later it folds easily and compactly over the hatch, nothing touches the opening and does not create problems.

Another common reason that many undertake to build such stairs on their own is that most industrial options usually have very thin and fragile steps - they literally creak underfoot.

So, in order to make such a ladder for the roof with your own hands, you will need wooden trimmings. Decide first on the dimensions of the future attic opening, and in the second step, make the lid and frame of the hatch. Then you will attach a ladder to it. On each side, it is desirable to leave gaps of 7-8 millimeters. Here are the technical parameters:

So, now let's figure out what types of attic folding stairs are.

Design #1 - Sliding Ladders

Sliding ladders usually consist of two sections, one of which is attached directly to the hatch cover, and the second is moved apart vertically with the help of special guides. When you fold such a ladder, one section seems to crawl over another, which is quite convenient. The only negative is the bulkiness of the whole structure, which requires a wide opening in the attic floor.

Design #2 - folding with spring mechanism

The most popular today are folding stairs, otherwise called sectional. These consist of three or four sections, which are easily straightened into a flight of stairs. They are interconnected by a special spring mechanism.

Folding structures are considered the most complex in their design, since they have many fasteners and must be correctly attached to the hatch opening. Such stairs are made of both wood and metal.

Construction #3 - telescopic ladders

The next view is a telescopic design. She shows herself remarkably well in cases where the attic is visited quite often. For example, when it was specially insulated to make it residential, although it has not yet reached a full-fledged attic. That is, we are talking about a technical attic, like a dressing room or a workshop, and in this case it is better to put a residential attic in a spiral staircase made of wood or metal and always with a railing.

In a telescopic design, the blocks are pulled out one by one, while taking up as little space as possible. And such stairs are good, especially because they can be extended to almost any length, which is especially valuable for high ceilings. But such devices are not suitable for children and the older generation in the house, who find it rather difficult to reach the lower section and generally cope with the whole structure.

Design #4 - Simplified Folding Ladders

These types of folding ladders do not hide behind a hatch in the attic, but they are easily removed into a corner or behind an interior decoration. For example, here is such a rarer species, which is usually made independently, also has the right to life:

And such options for folding stairs are quite popular abroad:

But both of these options have considerable disadvantages, some of which are able to bring discomfort to the interior of the living space, from where there is access to the attic, and after a month or two such designs are already boring the owners with their stupidity to the point of soreness. And therefore, we still suggest that you deal in more detail with more practical folding ladders that can be easily folded and hidden behind a manhole cover.

How to determine the parameters of the future stairs?

So, let's give you some tips on choosing an attic ladder.

• Council number 1. When you choose the parameters for the future staircase, consider the mechanism of the hatch: when it is opened and closed, it can move forward and backward slightly.
• Council number 2. If the ceiling in the room is high enough and exceeds 3.5 meters, it is better to install a marching or attached structure, or a spiral staircase, which will be safer in this case.
• Council number 3. When making a hatch, keep in mind that the larger the opening, the more heat will go to the attic.
• Council number 4. Another point that you should pay attention to is how the hatch will open. For example, in ready-made market options, most often it opens slowly, thanks to special springs, and certainly does not fall on anyone's head. Be sure to work on this point, especially since special parts are not difficult to acquire today.
• Council number 5. The steepness of a staircase is always determined by it only by its angle. The larger the protrusion of the step, the greater the number of these steps and the smaller their height. But this does not mean at all that it will be convenient for you to climb and descend on such a ladder. Therefore, we will call the most convenient step height of 20 centimeters, which is most suitable for a standard human foot.

Here is a very useful video that will help you avoid many mistakes when installing such a ladder:

What fasteners and materials are needed?

As for the base material, a wooden staircase will be the most affordable, but here it is important to pay special attention to the strength of the fasteners. To make such a ladder, you will need two long and two short bars, as well as a piece of plywood 10 millimeters thick.

Let's look at this point in more detail. All designs that help open the stairs with a hatch down differ only in the presence of additional mechanisms and depreciation. Cushioning, in turn, makes it easier to close and open the stairs. And you can buy all the necessary hinge elements at any store. But simple metal strips drilled in several places are quite suitable for arranging such a staircase, and an aluminum sliding system will cost you the most for arranging stairs.

Simple and practical fastening:

More complex system:

But what are the requirements for fastening the entire staircase. The first is the ability to support the weight of the entire structure, as well as the weight of the person who will climb and descend it. And not only the static loads of a person standing on it with its certain weight, but also dynamic ones, which are much more than static ones. For example, a person stumbled and abruptly stood on a lower step, or staggered and leaned on the stairs with all his weight, but sharply and suddenly.

And, finally, we note the ability to easily control the design. As you understand, such a ladder weighs decently and it is important that you then look at it easily to open it. And when closing, you will have to lift all the weight at once, so provide special springs that will make the whole process easier for you over time - you will be grateful for such a trick.

Instructions for making a folding ladder

So, let's go through step by step how to make a folding ladder for your attic. You will need the following tools: a hacksaw, a ladder, hinges, two beams, bolts, self-tapping screws, a screwdriver and a metal hook.

The process itself can be divided into several steps:

• Step 1. Fasten the top beam to the opening with hinges, and the bottom beam with self-tapping screws. The fastener itself should be on the back of the stairs.
• Step 2. And now we connect everything using the most common bolts, with a diameter of 6 or 8 millimeters. A smaller diameter may not withstand the load, a larger one is simply not needed. Remember that self-tapping screws cannot be used here at all - they will not withstand the load and on a certain day they will simply tear out the entire system mount.
• Step 3. Now we divide the stairs into three parts, measure 2/3 and make a cut, just between the steps.
• Step 4. We connect the sawn parts again, but already with loops.
• Step 5. Nail longer bars on the reverse side so that they turn out obliquely for strength.
• Step 6. Now the ladder itself is supplied under the hatch and pressed against the wall with the upper bar. Secure this bar with bolts.


Believe me, in practice everything will be much easier!

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

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

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

Features of folding structures

Transforming models have several options, from which you can choose the right one for your home. When designing a product, one should take into account not only the dimensions, but also the design features. The minimum number of sections of a folding ladder should be 3 pieces. A 2-piece model will require a significant increase in the size of the attic hatch. The folding ladder is lowered manually, using a weight for weighting, or automatically, using an electric drive.

Varieties of folding attic stairs

telescopic model consists of parts that slide into each other. The material for it is aluminum, which is lightweight, durable, and resistant to corrosion. It is compact, functional, will last a long time, but it is difficult to make such a product with your own hands. A variant of mounting on a hatch of a finished structure is possible.

scissor model made from metal parts. It develops according to the principle of an accordion. A solid construction with comfortable steps has one drawback - over time, a creak appears at the joints. Preventing the problem will allow timely lubrication of the attachment points.

The scissor ladder is reliable and has a beautiful appearance

Folding ladder will not take up a single extra centimeter. It is difficult to design and install. Its steps are attached to the bowstring with card loops, and in the folded position, the folding model is fixed on the wall.

Retractable ladder to the attic consists of several sections, the upper part is firmly attached to the hatch, it is equal to the size of the cover. The remaining sections are connected by special fittings and hinges. When unfolded, they form an even flight of stairs. It is easy to bring the product into working position, thanks to its mobility. The difference between the telescopic and sliding models is in the way the sections slide. In the first case, they are placed one inside the other, and in the second, they move with the help of rollers from the outside along the guides.

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

• the angle of inclination of the structure is 65-75 degrees, a larger value will make use unsafe, and a smaller one will require a lot of space for placement;
• the optimal width of the stairs is 65 cm;
• the recommended number of steps is 13-15 pieces;
• the length of the structure should be about 3.5 m, with an increase, it loses rigidity and strength, the processes of lowering and lifting become more complicated;
• convenient distance between the steps for movement - 19.3 cm;
• a ladder made by one's own hands is calculated for a load of up to 150 kg;
• the safe thickness of the steps is 1.8-2.2 cm;
• horizontal crossbars are mounted parallel to the floor, for safety they are supplemented with anti-slip pads.

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

Materials for manufacturing

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

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

Manufacturing technology of a simple folding design

If the hatch is located near the edge of the ceiling, then for lifting you can install a folding ladder of two sections with your own hands, which will rest on the wall. The basis for the design can be a finished product, it will take about two hours to transform it.

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

Tools for work:

• screwdriver;
• roulette;
• hacksaw.

Materials:

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

1. Take two bars equal to the width of the stairs. One is hinged to the upper edge, and the second is firmly fixed at the bottom, ensuring the stability of the unfolded structure.
2. The ladder used is divided into two parts - one of them is 2/3 of the length, and the second is 1/3. A neat cut of the bowstring is performed along the intended line.
3. Metal hinges are screwed to connect the sections. Pay attention to how the fittings are located. It should ensure that the lower part of the ladder folds under the upper one.
4. A bar is fixed on the wall under the attic opening, to which the folding structure is attached.
5. For reliable fixation in the folded position, a loop is screwed in near the sawing point, and a hook is installed on the wall in the appropriate place.

The advantage of such a product is the ease of doing it yourself, and the disadvantage is an open location.

Manufacture of the hatch

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

You need to prepare the following materials:

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

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

Assembling the opening mechanism

Making a hatch opening mechanism with your own hands is a rather complicated process to make the task easier, it is enough to purchase a finished product in a store.

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

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

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

To ensure uniform distribution of the load will allow the installation of a second hinge mechanism that supports the hatch in the middle. You will need: two metal strips 2 cm wide, a corner and a piece of metal. The corner serves as a support for the mechanism when opening. A piece of metal is welded to one part, against which the second part rests. When lowering the hatch, the hinge will move apart, taking part of the weight of the structure.

Wooden staircase, do it yourself

The easiest way is to make a wooden structure, the material will be a 2.5x10 cm board. The product consists of three sections, the first two are equal in length to the hatch, and the size of the last is the distance remaining to the floor.

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

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

In contact with

In most cases, the attic is rarely used. For this reason, installing a massive stationary staircase is far from ideal. A more practical solution is a folding ladder to the attic, the small size of which allows you to save free space as much as possible.

Compared to stationary models, folding attic stairs have the following advantages:

Among the shortcomings, it is worth highlighting the following points:

• Difficulty in manufacturing. Some models are quite difficult to make with your own hands. This will require complex and accurate calculations, tools, as well as appropriate skills.
• Lack of sufficient comfort when using. Climbing or descending stairs with a large angle of inclination is not very convenient, and lifting massive objects along such structures is not the most reasonable option.
• Low payload. Most models can not withstand weight more than 150 kg.

Types of folding stairs

All folding attic and attic structures can be divided into several types:

• scissor;
• telescopic;
• sectional;
• folding.

scissor models

Folding scissor-type products are also called “accordion stairs.” This name perfectly describes its essence: when folded, the product resembles a small block, and when unfolded, it straightens out like accordion bellows. To straighten such a ladder, you should pull the bottom step.

The scissor model consists of many small sections fastened together. Therefore, the dimensions of the structure in the folded state are minimal. Perhaps the only drawback of this variety is not very reliable fastenings between the blocks. Therefore, the scissor ladder should be handled with care and do not forget to lubricate the mechanisms between the segments. Working principle of electric scissor ladder

Telescopic varieties

A characteristic feature of this model is a retractable type of sections, like a matryoshka. That is, the smallest pipes are fixed in pipes of a larger diameter, which are inserted into even larger side pipes, etc. The sections are held in the folded state by special clamps, which are located on the outside of the metal beams. To fold the structure, it is enough to loosen the “grip” of the latch.

However, despite the relatively simple device, such models are rare. The reason for the low popularity is problems with fixators. After a short use, the metal clamps begin to “jam”, which prevents the structure from straightening.

Sectional stairs

The sectional folding model resembles a scissor type, only here the segments are not pressed, but stacked on top of each other. Accordingly, when unfolding, the parts are straightened and fixed in a certain position.

The advantage of such a ladder is its low cost. As disadvantages, it is worth mentioning the rather large size and massiveness of the structure.

Folding products

The most unusual option is a folding ladder. This model has a couple of interesting features:

Since the design is similar to direct march varieties, the angle of inclination of the folding ladder is about 45 degrees, which contributes to the most convenient use. As negative points it is worth highlighting:

• high requirements for free space;
• "specific" design (when folded, the folding ladder does not look very nice, because it is not hidden and is always in sight);
• massive structure.

Material used

The material plays an important role for folding stairs. On the one hand, it must be durable, on the other hand, it must have a minimum cost. These requirements are fully met only by 2 materials - wood and metal.

Wooden products are mainly made from coniferous wood, such as pine. Such models have good reliability and low price. In addition, the creation of wooden stairs does not require specific skills or sophisticated equipment. As disadvantages, it is worth highlighting the following points:

• massiveness of the product;
• rather low load capacity (maximum weight - 100 kg);
• short service life.

Much more common are metal stairs made of aluminum and steel, which are in no way inferior to wooden counterparts. In particular, the advantages of such products include:

• acceptable cost;
• good load capacity (up to 200 kg, depending on the type of construction);
• high resistance to rust and mechanical stress;
• durability;
• light weight (for aluminum);
• high strength.

The only drawback of metal varieties is the difficulty of self-manufacturing. For work, knowledge of welding and appropriate equipment will be required.

Important Points

Any ladder, regardless of its type, should be as convenient as possible for use. Therefore, when choosing or designing a product, it is recommended to consider the following parameters:

• optimal span width - 60-70 cm (excluding load-bearing beams);
• the recommended angle of inclination of the structure is 45-60 degrees, the maximum is 75 degrees;
• average number of steps - 15 pcs.;
• step thickness - 2 cm (± 2 mm);
• The “step” of the steps is 17-22 cm (the steps should be located at an equidistant distance from each other throughout the entire flight of stairs);
• with frequent use of the stairs, the width of the tread (horizontal part of the step) should be at least 20 cm;

You should also pay attention to other important points:

• attic stairs should not be higher than 3 m, otherwise the risk of injury increases significantly;
• it is recommended to put anti-slip pads on metal steps;
• wooden models should not be installed in too dry or damp rooms (the service life is reduced);
• fasteners and mechanisms must securely connect the sections of the product;
• it is recommended to lubricate the mechanisms of the structure from time to time.

Making a folding ladder with your own hands

The process of creating a ladder structure is not particularly difficult. But for greater convenience, it should be divided into 2 stages:

• preparation for work;
• staircase manufacturing.

Preparatory stage

The manufacture of stairs begins with the design - taking measurements and creating a drawing. The scheme is recommended to be performed in three projections: front view, top view and side view.

Important! In this case, the design in the drawing should be displayed in the "straightened" state.

Also, the drawing must meet the following requirements:

• on the projection from above, draw a plan of the room, on which the location of the stairs should be noted;
• for greater clarity, the dimensions of the elements are recommended to be indicated in separate footnotes;
• metal parts are displayed with diagonal lines, wood - with curlicues (imitation of wooden "rings").

After preparing the drawing, the necessary materials are purchased. When everything is ready, it is worth preparing the toolkit. So, for work you will need:

• electric or hand saw;
• drill;
• drills of various diameters;
• wood screws.

For the manufacture of metal stairs, the following tools are needed:

• welding machine;
• hacksaw for metal;
• drill with drills for metal;
• fasteners.

In order for the structure to fold, it is necessary to purchase metal card loops.

Execution of work

The manufacturing and installation process itself is quite simple. For example, a two-section folding attic ladder is made as follows:

1. load-bearing beams are divided into 2 parts (and lengths) and connected using metal loops;
2. grooves for steps are made in each carrier beam;
3. steps are inserted into the holes made;
4. rubber pads are put on from below the bearing beams;
5. a wooden block is attached to the wall under the opening to the attic;
6. the upper part () of the structure is connected to the bar with the help of loops;
7. the lower part () is pressed against the wall and fastened on a hook.

Making a folding ladder

The procedure for manufacturing a folding folding ladder is completely different:

1. the first bowstring is rigidly fixed to the wall at the required angle;
2. the first step is marked on it (12 cm wide);
3. 2 lines are drawn parallel to the faces of the carrier beam;
4. a line is marked perpendicular to the end of the first segment;
5. from the perpendicular mark, an indent is made to the right by 1 cm and a vertical line is drawn;
6. the marking made marks the beginning of the second step (the following steps are marked in the same way);
7. the markup is transferred to the second string;
8. with the help of loops, the steps are attached to the supporting beams (on a stationary bowstring they should rise, on a movable one they should go down);
9. a loop is attached to the movable bowstring and a hook is installed for it in the appropriate place on the wall.

An example of a folding ladder to the attic

Folding stairs for the attic are gaining more and more popularity in the CIS countries. This is facilitated by low cost, ease of installation and, most importantly, compactness of products. However, it should be borne in mind that, in comparison with conventional structures, using folding stairs is less convenient.

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

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

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

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

Stationary

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

portable

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

folding

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

Material selection

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Attic stairs guide

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

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

Instruments

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

You will need:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Simple folding ladder

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fourth step. Sand the edges of the structures.

Fifth step. Saw the boards at the hinge points.

Sixth step. Cut and sand steps.

Seventh step. Prepare recesses for steps in bowstrings.

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

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

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

Eleventh step. Sand all wood surfaces and varnish them.

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

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

Successful work!

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

Video - Do-it-yourself ladder to the attic