For personal needs. Can be used for lifting indoors different kinds stairs: monolithic - marching or spiral, folding or attached. Folding attic stairs are installed indoors or on the outside of the building. To get into the attic from the outside of the house, you have to go out into the yard in any weather, and this is very inconvenient. Therefore, installing such a device indoors will provide a comfortable lift.
Using stationary gangways is convenient and safe, but free space is required for their installation. For rare visits to the attic, it is enough to put a stepladder and remove it as unnecessary. The disadvantage of this method is the unreliability of portable devices. The use of a folding ladder, which you can make yourself, will allow you to combine safety requirements and limited space. This is an affordable and economical way.
Folding attic ladders must meet certain strength requirements, which is why metal and wood are used for their manufacture. There are several types of folding structures:
- Scissor - a compact model that folds like an accordion. Lightweight and durable metal eg aluminum. This difficult option for installation, it requires skills in working with metal and numerous fasteners.
- Telescopic - the model is made according to the principle of folding segments in the side tubes. During manufacturing, you will need to bore the metal yourself.
- Sectional - compactly placed on the attic hatch. Separate sections are connected by a hinge, when extended they are securely fixed.
Deciding on the sizes
Before production begins, the dimensions of the future product are determined. It is necessary to take into account the size of the structure when folded and its total length, which is allowed up to three meters. Longer ladders do not have sufficient rigidity and are unsafe to use. The width of the span should ensure convenient operation, for this it should be at least 65 cm. The optimal distance between steps is noted to be 19 cm; a larger or smaller value will entail difficulties when climbing. The thickness of the crossbars should be 2–3 cm. The installation angle of the structure is in the range of 60–75 degrees. The steps are placed strictly parallel to the floor. When using wood to make a structure, you can count on operation with a load of up to 150 kg, metal structure will support up to 260 kg.
The hatch opening is 120x70 cm in size so that an adult can use it without any problems. A larger hole size will result in significant heat loss.
Tools
To work you will need the following tools:
- Spanners.
- Wood saw.
- Screwdrivers.
- Roulette.
- Pencil.
Manufacturing process
The most simple option The folding design will be a device consisting of two sections. To make it you will need wooden blocks, hinges and metal strips for fastening, screws.
Take a ready-made wooden ladder, to the top of which a 2 cm thick block is attached. A similar plank is screwed onto the wall under the hatch. The beams are fastened with hinges.
Having measured 1/3 of the length from the bottom of the side boards, make a cut - it should be made between the steps. The two resulting parts are connected with loops. It is important to position the fasteners correctly so that the ladder folds in the right direction.
To hold the structure in the folded state, a loop is screwed in at the junction of the sections and a hook installed at the desired height. The disadvantage of this simple design is the open placement.
Hidden folding ladder
To have a lot of free space and not spoil the interior, the device can be mounted on the hatch cover. To make it, you will need two boards 10 cm wide. The structure will consist of three sections: the first is equal to the length of the hatch, the second is slightly shorter, the length of the third is equal to the remaining distance to the floor. The angle of inclination of the hatch is measured with a bevel and transferred to the boards.
The places of cuts and fastening of the loop are marked on the boards. The boards are sawn into three sections. To attach the steps, recesses 5 mm deep are made in them. The steps are fixed with glue and screws.
The elements are laid out into flat surface and are joined, loops are screwed at the joints. Having assembled the structure, check its ability to bend, after checking the ladder is installed on the hatch. The first section can be fixed using metal strips screwed to the hatch and the edges of the bowstring. The folded ladder is lowered behind the lower section.
Making an attic ladder is not difficult; it is important that it is durable, comfortable and compact.
Video: manufacturing process of a folding ladder to the attic
The space between the ceiling and the roof in private houses is occupied by the attic. It is used by the owners to store things and provides the opportunity to carry out inspections and repairs. inside roofing cake. A folding ladder installed to get into the attic can be made by yourself. portable structures such as stepladders are not always convenient and reliable. A stationary option, which can be easily pulled out when necessary, and is folded most of the time, will be the optimal model for a small space.
- At installation location:
- external - mounted outside the building, the disadvantage is the need to leave the premises in any weather;
- internal - located in the house.
- By design:
- monolithic - screw or marching;
- portable – attachments, stepladders;
- folding - sliding, folding, scissor, folding.
Monolithic structures ensure complete safety of climbing into the attic. But they take up useful 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. Best Choice It is considered a folding staircase that takes up minimal space. This design is often mounted on a hatch; it is compact in size, and making it yourself will save money.
Features of folding structures
Transforming models have several design options from which you can choose the one that suits your home. When designing a product, you should take into account not only the dimensions, but also the design features. Minimal amount sections of a folding ladder should be 3 pieces. A model consisting of 2 parts will require a significant increase in the size of the attic hatch. Folding ladder lowered manually, using a weight for weighting, or automatically, using an electric drive.
Types 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 corrosion resistant. It is compact, functional, and will last a long time, but it is difficult to make such a product with your own hands. The option of mounting on a hatch of a finished design is possible.
Scissor model made from metal parts. It folds like an accordion. The robust design with convenient steps has one drawback - over time, creaking appears at the joints. The problem can be prevented by timely lubrication of the mounting 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 the attic consists of several sections, the upper part is firmly attached to the hatch, it is equal to the size of the lid. The remaining sections are connected with special fittings and hinges. When unfolded, they form an even flight of stairs. It is not difficult to bring the product into working position due to its mobility. The difference between 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 using rollers from the outside along guides.
The structure for climbing into the attic should be installed in a place where it will not create interference, usually a hall or corridor. Sliding and folding staircase can be adjusted to fit standard sizes, which are designed taking into account safety requirements:
- the angle of inclination of the structure is 65-75 degrees, a larger value will make use unsafe, and a smaller value will require a lot of space for placement;
- the optimal width of the stairs is 65 cm;
- recommended number of steps – 13-15 pieces;
- the length of the structure should be about 3.5 m; as it increases, it loses rigidity and strength, and the processes of lowering and lifting become more complicated;
- convenient distance between steps for movement – 19.3 cm;
- a DIY staircase is designed 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 unobstructed passage and minimal loss heat.
Materials for production
The materials from which the stairs are made with your own hands are subject to strength and weight requirements. Due to rapid wear, the design for frequent use is not made of wood. Metal – best option for such a product, it will ensure safe and durable operation.
A combination of materials will allow you to reduce the overall weight of the ladder attached to the hatch. Steps are made from lighter wood. Bars are used hard rocks wood about 2 cm thick. To connect products, metal or plastic fittings are installed, the latter reduces friction of the parts. In the folded position, the structure is attached to the hatch, which prevents spontaneous falling out.
Manufacturing technology of a simple folding design
If the hatch is located near the edge of the ceiling, then to climb it 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 ready product, it will take about two hours to transform it.
A simple folding ladder that is easy to make with your own hands
Tools for work:
- screwdriver;
- roulette;
- hacksaw.
Materials:
- wooden blocks measuring 2x3 cm;
- card loops;
- self-tapping screws;
- hook and loop.
- Take two bars equal to the width of the stairs. One is attached with hinges to the top edge, and the second is firmly fixed at the bottom, ensuring the stability of the unfolded structure.
- 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 made along the intended line.
- Metal hinges screwed to connect the sections. Pay attention to how the fittings are positioned. It should ensure that the lower part of the ladder folds under the upper one.
- A block is fixed to the wall under the attic opening, to which the folding structure is attached.
- To securely fix it in the folded position, a loop is screwed in near the cut 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, but the disadvantage is its open location.
Manufacture of the hatch
If a folding staircase is placed on the cover of the opening, it is not visible from the room and will not become a hindrance in the interior. Simple drawings will help you determine the size of the hatch and the product. Having measured the sides of the passage into the attic, they begin to assemble the hatch with their own hands.
It is necessary to prepare the following materials:
- bars with a section of 50x50m;
- plywood sheet 10 mm;
- PVA glue;
- fasteners;
- door latch with handle.
Two parts are cut from the block equal to the length of the opening and two similar to its width (120x70 cm). Each edge of the block is cut to half the width. These areas are smeared with PVA glue and glued together into a rectangle. To maintain the exact diagonal, right-angled triangles of plywood, called gussets, are attached to the frame. After the glue has dried, the bars are additionally connected with self-tapping screws, and the scarves are removed. A prepared sheet of plywood is screwed to the workpiece. The design will be fitted 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 be opened.
Assembling the opening mechanism
Making a hatch opening mechanism with your own hands is a rather complex process; to make the task easier, you just need to purchase a finished product in a store.
Those who decide to assemble the entire structure themselves must prepare a metal corner, two strips and a sheet of metal.
In order not to make a mistake with the size of the hinges, they are initially cut out of cardboard. After fitting, they move on to working with metal.
- The places for fastening according to the template are marked on the metal strip.
- Holes are drilled for a bolt with a diameter of 10.
- The parts are assembled and bolted. Using a small tool, the selected angle of fixation of the ladder is measured, and then the parts are moved apart to the required value.
- The area on the metal is marked which, when lowered, is covered with a corner. This area is cut off. Having removed the excess, the parts are processed to give an aesthetic appearance.
- The second mechanism must be identical to the one already manufactured. To ensure exact alignment of the holes, the parts are connected with a clamp and drilled.
- Having inserted bolts into the second mechanism, it is aligned according to the sample, cutting off excess metal.
- Ready-made opening mechanisms are installed on the hatch yourself . They will create a stop, fixing the folding structure at the desired angle.
The installation of a second hinge mechanism supporting the hatch in the middle will ensure uniform distribution of the load. 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, into which the second part rests. When the hatch is lowered, the hinge will move apart, taking part of the weight of the structure.
Wooden stairs, we do it ourselves
The easiest way is to make a structure from wood, 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 lengths of the sections are marked on the two boards used to make the bowstring. The marks should mirror each other, so before work the workpieces are connected with tape. Holes for hinges are drilled in the designated places, after which the boards are sawn. To make everything attractive wooden parts sanded and coated with two layers of varnish. Metal hinges are coated with primer and paint before installation.
For fastening the steps, holes 5 mm deep are cut from the inside of the bowstring. PVA glue is applied to them, and then fixed with self-tapping screws. The next stage is connecting the three sections into general design using loops. After checking the possibility of bending the parts, the ladder is secured to the hatch. The upper section of the product is fixed to it with anchors. The folding staircase to the attic is ready.
In contact with
For country cottages, private houses and simple country houses, equipped with an attic, the presence of a convenient and reliable staircase leading to the mentioned room is a common necessity of life.
At the same time, the staircase does not have to be capital and bulky at all - you can assemble and install an excellent folding structure, which will be in no way inferior to stationary stairs.
You can complete all the related tasks yourself, saving money and testing your own strength.
There are several types of stairs that can be installed to access your 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 not available everywhere - it certainly cannot be equipped in small areas.
Portable
They are used primarily 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 almost in no way inferior to full-fledged ones. stationary structures and have, at the same time, a significant advantage - they require very little space for their arrangement. Therefore, when self-manufacturing It is recommended to give preference to folding stairs.
Selection of materials
No less important point is the choice of materials from which the stairs 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.
Currently there are many various materials, types of control 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 take into account a number of important factors. First of all, decide on functional purpose 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 permissible 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 decreasing slightly.
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 should not be greater than the width of the attic opening.
When choosing the dimensions of the attic ladder, be guided by proven and approved standards.
Remember: the steps must be installed strictly parallel to the floor surface. In addition, the steps of the stairs must be non-slip. To do this, you can stuff linings of any non-slip material over the base material.
Guide to making a staircase to the attic
There is nothing overly complicated about making your own stairs to the attic. 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 staircase. If you do not have the necessary skills, order the creation of a drawing from a specialist or select suitable scheme from the options presented in open sources.
Tools
Prepare everything at once necessary equipment so as not to be distracted by searching for missing tools in the future.
You will need:
Also, before starting work, you need to buy or assemble an ordinary ladder. For hand-assembled With 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 approximately 30 cm longer than the distance from the level of the opening to the attic to the floor.
You can also easily handle making a hatch with your own hands. The only materials you need are sheets of plywood and wooden beam 5x5 cm.
First step. Choose a location to place the hatch and determine its optimal dimensions. Add approximately 7-9 mm on each side to the dimensions of the hatch so that in the future you can easily close the lid without squeaks or other noise. Make the opening according to the specific dimensions.
Second step. Cut the wooden beam into four parts in accordance with 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. Additionally strengthen the connections using self-tapping screws. Screw the gussets so that the diagonal does not move.
Fourth step. Attach the plywood cover to the resulting base and try on the product in the hatch opening.
Fifth step. Install a regular latch into the hatch cover. You will open the latch using a handle. Attach it to the lid 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 extension ladder.
First step. Attach the width of the beam to the bottom of the ladder. Attach the same block to the top of the product. In this case, the lower bar must be fixed rigidly, and the upper one - on the hinges.
Second step. Saw the ladder into 2 parts. The upper part should have a length of about 2/3 of the total length of the stairs.
Third step. Attach a pair of slats to provide additional diagonal rigidity.
Fourth step. Connect the parts of the structure using loops.
Fifth step. Secure the top beam under the hatch using anchors.
Sixth step. Secure the bottom of the ladder with a hook - this will prevent it from opening spontaneously. Place the loop on the stringer above the cutting line.
Seventh step. Press the finished structure against the wall surface and secure.
The main disadvantage of such a homemade staircase is its not very attractive appearance - the entire beam and fastening elements remain visible. However, such a staircase copes 100% with the main tasks - ensuring a convenient and safe ascent and return descent.
An improved and more attractive version of the previous design. There is also nothing complicated in making such a staircase; it is enough to follow all the instructions step by step.
First step. Share a regular sideboard wooden stairs into 3 parts. Make the first part according to the dimensions 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 small tool and measure the corner of the attic hatch. Transfer the angle to the boards, thus marking the location of the steps.
Third step. Drill holes where the hinges will be located between the individual stair sections.
Fourth step. Sand the edges of the structures.
Fifth step. Saw the boards at the hinge points.
Sixth step. Cut and sand the steps.
Seventh step. Prepare indentations for the steps in the strings.
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 using special loops. To do this, the sections must be placed on a stable, flat surface.
Tenth step. Check the operation of all sections. If you find any defects or deviations, try to correct them immediately.
Eleventh step. Sand everything down wooden surfaces and coat them with varnish.
Twelfth step. After the varnish has completely dried, install the structure in the attic hatch opening. If necessary, make final adjustments to the structural elements.
Thus, self-assembly stairs is extremely simple and accessible to almost every event. At the same time, the cost of a homemade staircase will be much lower compared to the price of a similar factory-made design. Follow the instructions and everything will definitely work out.
Good luck!
Also read the article on our website - do-it-yourself staircase to the basement.
Video - Do-it-yourself staircase to the attic
This article provides step-by-step instruction on creating a folding attic ladder. You will learn how to correctly assemble the main hinge element, what to make the staircase sections from, and how to securely fasten the structure in its installation position. The article contains diagrams and drawings.
An inventory factory staircase to the attic is a fairly common product that can be purchased in many construction stores. However budget options They are not always reliable, but strong branded products cost accordingly. Making a necessary item or device with your own hands from scrap materials is very popular among home craftsmen. The attic staircase is no exception.
Material for work
To assemble an analogue of a factory product, you will need quality materials, which may be available, especially during construction:
- Bar 50x50 (pine) 1st grade - 20 linear. m. The frame of the lid and opening will be made from it.
- Plywood 8-10 mm - 2 sq. m. Needed for covering the lid.
- Board 100x25-30 mm - 15 linear. m. Will go on steps and bowstrings.
- Steel strip 3-4x20 mm - for movable fastening of knees.
- Angle and plate 3-4 mm - for the main mechanical element.
- Bolts, nuts, washers, bolts M12-M14.
- Self-tapping screws.
Tool:
- Plotnitsky - saw, screwdriver, protractor.
- Locksmith - welding machine, electrodes 3-4, grinder.
- Workbench and clamps.
Operating procedure
First of all, you need to choose a place for the stairs and make an opening. If necessary, trim and install intermediate beams in the ceiling - by 6-7 mm larger size proposed cover. Next, according to the size of the hatch, you need to assemble the cover itself - from a block and plywood. The design can be arbitrary, but it must be reliable (it is better to glue the connections). The block on one of the short sides should be rounded so as not to interfere with the lid opening.
Assembling the hinge mechanism
This is the most critical element of the design. For its manufacture you will need: a steel corner, a plate and strips with a thickness of at least 3 mm. The shape of the parts is clear from the diagram, but the dimensions of the drilling site should be determined individually, based on the situation at the site. Manufactured parts must be of high quality, they should be cleaned and edged.
1 - thrust plate; 2 - corner, top view; 3 - short slide; 4 - long drawstring
The key point is to determine the opening angle. This angle is very important and appears in the manufacture of the plate. In order to set it correctly, project the future march on the ground - stretch the thread and empirically (selecting the best position) set desired angle. Attach it securely to the goniometer - it will be needed in the manufacture of steps.
The resulting angle must be transferred to the part, namely to the plate. To do this, set the mechanism to its original position, attach the goniometer and move until the angles of the angle and goniometer shelf coincide. Then mark the plate along the resulting trajectory and cut out the part travel area.
Holes must be pre-drilled in the plate for mounting to the beam. We assemble the mechanism on the bolts through the washers.
After a rough assembly, you need to try on the knot in place, bait and exactly reproduce the procedure for opening and closing the hatch. If shortcomings are found, correct them.
Then you need to make a response mechanism. It should completely repeat the first one, but in a mirror image. Use clamps and a workbench - by clamping the parts together, you will achieve complete identity in size.
Empirically make the adjustment and final installation. The lid in the open position must exactly follow the angle projected by the cord.
Manufacturing of sections
Calculation of the length of each section:
- 1st - opening length minus 10%
- 2nd - length of the first minus 10%
- 3rd - the length of the march minus the sum of the first two
Let's assume that the length of the march is 2500 mm. Based on an opening length of 1200 mm:
- 1st - 1080 mm
- 2nd - 972 mm
- 3rd - 448 mm
We mark the whole boards according to the calculation and transfer the march angle to the bowstrings.
Attention! Bowstrings must be installed mirror! Take this into account when marking and drilling.
At the joints of the sections we drill holes Ø 25 - mirror through one.
All parts must be processed with high quality sanding belt, chamfers must be rounded in order to bring the quality as close as possible to the factory one.
Then we cut grooves for the steps according to the markings. We select wood with a chisel.
The design of individual sections is assembled using 65 mm self-tapping screws with a press washer using D-3 wood glue.
The hinges for the knees can be made from the same strip as the opening mechanism. To do this, cut 4 strips of 160 mm and 4 of 120 mm, rounding the ends. We weld legs to four of them to a length of 160 mm with a hole of 8 mm. You should end up with 8 pieces of equal length, but 4 of them with a step.
Assemble the individual plates into hinges using bolts.
Assembly of sections and installation of stairs
Lay it out on a flat surface and install the finished sectional hinges so that the fastening bolts fit into the holes in the wood. Install the hinges with M8-10 bolts.
After assembling the first bend, check the system for functionality. If necessary, correct any distortions.
Then attach the lower short elbow and test the system.
Now all that remains is to mount the ladder in its designed position - on the manhole cover. For installation, use bolts (self-tapping screws are not reliable). If after installation and testing everything works without distortions, the structure can be dismantled for painting. Use varnishes and spray paint for metal.
Subsequently, the design can be complicated and made more convenient by adding to it:
- Additional hinges to eliminate backlash.
- A spring to support the structure to make opening easier.
- Locking lock.
- Handrails.
- Use decorative finishing and extra insulation.
Finished view of the staircase:
The issue of finishing and insulation is decided locally, based on needs. You can finish the cover with any material that fits into the ceiling. Basically, it is plastic - light, inexpensive and having an additional layer of air. The difference in price between the "home" and "shop" version of the folding ladder is about 90% (80-150 USD). The work required only a few new boards, a coating for them and hardware.
What is an attic? It is known that in our area the attic can become anything - a warehouse, a workshop or a living room.
It all depends on the possibilities of the room and your imagination, but one thing is certain - the attic space must be used. How to equip the entrance to the attic with your own hands?
Arrangement of the entrance to the attic
If you intend to equip a functional room in the attic, you need to think about choosing a place for the attic stairs. The attic staircase assumes the presence of a hatch - a ceiling door.
It is most reasonable to equip a hatch with a ladder in the corridor, hallway or passage room. In many houses there are rooms that are not used as residential, where you can easily equip a staircase to the attic.
In the old days, the entrance to the attic was arranged from the outside, but the prospect of climbing into such an attic on a frosty or rainy day would not please anyone.
The most extreme loft lifting mechanism would be several stools stacked together. But speaking in detail, to get there in a civilized manner you need a good attic ladder. She may be both stationary and folding, the latter are in great demand.
Folding options are compactly stacked on top after use, saving a lot of usable space. A beautifully decorated hatch can become a fresh element of the interior.
Manufacturers offer wooden options for small loads (up to 150 kg) and metal for more serious loads. Prices for such stairs vary from 7,000 rubles to the limit of the consumer's wallet. When choosing the cheapest option, you shouldn’t count on its quality, so isn’t it better to make a folding attic ladder with your own hands?
Let's look at some possible options for homemade stairs, the simplest for a beginner and more difficult for those who are confident in their abilities. At your service is a description of materials, work and drawings of the proposed stairs.
A simple two-piece DIY staircase
This is the staircase that consists of two sections, one of which folds up. IN assembled version the staircase is not hidden at the top, but remains in plain sight.
This may not be critical if the attic is in a workroom, garage, etc. Even in a hallway it may look quite appropriate, it all depends on the style of your home.
This staircase can be made in a few hours, you just need to prepare the necessary materials:
- Wood saw.
- Measuring instruments (roulette).
- Ordinary wooden staircase.
- Card loops, the width of which is equal to the width of the stringer - 4 pcs.
- Four bars 2–3 cm thick: two as long as the width of the hatch and two 20 cm longer.
- Self-tapping screws, anchors, loop and hook.
A stringer is a supporting beam of a staircase on which steps are laid.
There is no need to tell anyone how to make a ladder, but we will only note that its length should be approximately 30 cm greater than the distance from the floor to the hatch.
We take short bars:
- We connect the first block to the upper end of the stairs using loops.
- We securely fasten the second block to the bottom using a rigid method.
To make the structure more reliable, you need to take two slats and nail them with reverse side march obliquely. Just try to do this in such a way that the design did not interfere with movement on the stairs.
Measure exactly 2/3 of the entire length of the ladder from the bottom and cut it in this place. Next, connect these parts with card loops. The hinges are attached to the back of the ladder so that it can fold properly.
Secure the top bar directly under the hatch. The hook and loop is needed to ensure that the ladder does not open randomly. The hook is attached to the wall, and the loop is on the bottom bar.
The first attic staircase is simple, but it has the disadvantage of a visible staircase. There are other models shown in the photo - these are retractable, folding and telescopic.
Attic staircase designs
DIY folding ladder on hinges
This is a folding attic ladder with a hatch, consisting of three sections, as well as an attic hatch. This option is very attractive literally for any room.
You will need to determine what the hatch opening will be, given wishes and dimensions prospective visitors to the attic. For example, the opening for the stairs will be 125 x 70 cm.
In order to cut the hatch correctly, you need to add 7 mm on each side. Hatches for stairs to the attic should close well without damaging the thermal insulation.
Necessary materials:
- bars 5 x 5 cm - 2 short and 2 long;
- plywood 1 cm thick according to the size of the hatch.
At the ends of each bar, you need to make a half-thickness drink, connecting glue and screws into a perfect rectangle. Using the means at hand, to prevent the diagonal from moving out, you can attach temporary triangles from thin plywood. After we fasten the sheet of plywood to the size of the rectangle.
Instead of locks we use door latch, any door handle or a suitable cylinder. The latch keeps the hatch closed well and just opens. To conveniently open the hatch without using stepladders and stools, this handle needs to be specially made. In a special hole you need to insert a long cylindrical handle opening the hatch while standing on the floor.
Manufacture of hinges for opening the hatch
All components for the hatch opening mechanism can be purchased ready-made, or you can also make it yourself.
In order to do everything yourself, you need estimate dimensions and angles using a cardboard layout. We make parts from cardboard; you can practice on them with the length of the hinges so that the hatch can open to the required angle. Based on the resulting layout, we make a mechanism for opening the hatch.
The key is experience determine the length of the hinges, since this type of attic ladder involves a hinged method. In the drawings you can see how the hinge is installed; the logic of its operation is very simple - it helps to smoothly open and close the hatch.
Necessary materials that can be found in every garage:
- Metal corner – 2 pcs.
- Sheet metal.
- Metal strips 2 cm wide – 4 pcs.
We take two narrow metal strips and use a drill to make holes for an M10 bolt. We assemble the parts together in pairs, slightly pulling them together. Using the measuring carpenter's tool Malka, measure the opening angle of the hatch and we move our mechanisms exactly to this angle.
Using a jigsaw, cut out the part of the metal that will overlap with the corner. We remove the excess length of the metal strips and round the ends. After processing and removing excess metal, we assemble the mechanism - now the corner will lock in a certain position. Both mechanisms for two sides exact copies of each other, but only mirrored.
Attic ladder fixation mechanism
The hinge mechanism is reliable, stopping the hatch with the ladder in the desired position thanks to the angle.
But for more reliability and smoothness To open the opening mechanism, you need to add another simple mechanism, similar to a hand.
For the “hand” you will need:
- Long strips of metal, 2 cm wide – 4 pcs.
- Corner - 2 pcs.
At the end of one of the strips you need to weld a metal part on which this strip will rest, and the corner will play role of supporting element. We make simple hinges that, when the hatch is open, will maintain the bending angle, while supporting part of the weight of the structure.
In order for the load to be distributed evenly between two different hinges, this unit must be secured correctly. Yes, him needs to be fixed with the first hinges fully deployed.
Installation of attic stairs
All that remains is to make the attic ladder itself; it should be 35 cm longer than the distance from the floor to the hatch.
The folding ladder will consist of three sections, the length of which it is important to calculate correctly. The first section is equal to the size of the hatch, the second section is slightly shorter than the first (it should not touch the ceiling when unfolded). The third section is equal to the remaining segment.
Materials for the stairs:
- Inch board 10 cm wide.
The angle of inclination of the hatch in the open position, which we previously measured with a small tool, is transferred to the board. That's how we mark the slope for the steps.
Let's start marking the bowstring boards for the steps along the lengths of the sections according to the order described above. The boards must be pressed tightly, fastened with molar tape and marked in the same way, making the slopes of the steps in a mirror image.
The sections will be fastened again with hinges, so you need drill a hole for the hinge bolt them on each of the sections with a pen at 25. With a milling cutter, we give all the faces a finished, neat look. We cut the boards exactly according to the sectional markings.
Need steps cut to width and sand, like bowstrings. At the places where the steps are marked, you need to make 5 mm recesses for them. We assemble all the parts using glue and PSh screws.
Hinges for folding stairs
To assemble the structure into a folding mechanism, you need to make a set of hinges.
Necessary materials:
- Metal strips 2.5 cm wide – 8 pcs.
- Bolts for the hinge 8 mm and self-tapping screws.
In order for the loops to serve and not bend, four strips need additionally weld the segments the same metal (about 1/3). We make holes in each strip - 2 small ones for attaching to the bowstring (one from below and one under the finished piece), and one large 8 mm for the hinge (on top).
The hinges need to be secured when the ladder itself is lying on a flat surface. The hinge must be secured so that the hinge bolt lay down in the previously drilled hole, and the ends were along the edge of the bowstring. So secure all four loops.
Installation of stairs
We collect all the elements and install them in their places, and the first segment of the stairs is stationary and needs to be attach with corners to the hatch cover.
We check the operation of the mechanism, if everything suits you, then we disassemble it again for processing. We varnish the wood metal primed and painted.
As you can see, there is nothing difficult in creating an attic staircase with your own hands, especially when photos of drawings are available on the Internet. You can make all the metal parts yourself, or it’s even easier to buy them ready-made. Then it’s a complete pleasure – all that remains is to assemble this construction set.
