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How to make a staircase to the attic. Do-it-yourself attic staircase with a hatch: drawings and step-by-step workshops with instructions How to make a folding attic staircase with your own hands

The space between the ceiling and the roof in private houses is attic... It is used by owners for storing things, 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 a ladder are not always convenient and reliable. The stationary version, which easily slides out when necessary, and is folded most of the time, will be the optimal model for a small space.

At the place of installation:
- outdoor - they are mounted outside the building, the disadvantage is the need to leave the room in any weather;
- internal - located in the house.
By design:
- monolithic - screw or marching;
- portable - attached, ladders;
- folding - sliding, folding, scissor, folding.

Monolithic structures provide complete safety when lifting to the attic. But they do useful area rooms. 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 a folding ladder that takes up a minimum of space is considered. Such a structure 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 one that suits your home. When designing a product, one should take into account not only dimensions, but also design features. The minimum number of ladder sections must be 3 pieces. The 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 weight, 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 has lightness, strength, and corrosion resistance. It is compact, functional, will last a long time, but it is difficult to make such a product with your own hands. The option of mounting on a ready-made hatch is possible.

Scissor model made from metal parts. It folds like an accordion. Robust construction with comfortable steps has one drawback - over time, a creak appears at the joints. Timely lubrication of the attachment points will help prevent the problem.

The scissor ladder is reliable and beautiful in 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 cover. The rest of the sections are connected with special fittings and hinges. When unfolded, they form an even flight of stairs. It is easy to bring the product into working position due to its mobility. The difference between telescopic and sliding models is in the way of sliding sections. In the first case, they are placed one in the other, and in the second, they move with the help of rollers outside along the guides.

The structure for lifting to the attic should be installed in a place where it will not interfere, usually a hallway or corridor. The sliding and folding ladder adapts to standard dimensions that are designed with safety in mind:

the angle of inclination of the structure is 65-75 degrees, a higher value will make the use unsafe, and a lower one will require a lot of space for placement;
the optimal staircase width 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 its rigidity and strength, the processes of lowering and lifting are complicated;
the distance between the steps, convenient for movement, is 19.3 cm;
a ladder made by hand is calculated for a load of up to 150 kg;
the safe thickness of the steps is 1.8-2.2 cm;
the horizontal bars 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 an unobstructed passage and minimal heat loss.

Materials for making

Strength and weight requirements are imposed on the materials from which the staircase is made by hand. Construction for frequent use due to rapid wear is not made of wood. Metal - the best option for such a product, it will ensure safe and durable operation.

A combination of materials will reduce the overall weight of the ladder attached to the hatch. Steps are made of lighter wood. Bars of hard wood with a thickness of about 2 cm are used.To connect the products, a metal or plastic fittings, the latter reduces friction of parts. In the folded position, the structure is attached to the hatch, which excludes spontaneous falling out.

Manufacturing technology of a simple folding structure

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.

Simple folding ladder that is easy to make by hand

Tools for the job:

screwdriver;
roulette;
hacksaw.

Materials:

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

Take two bars equal to the width of the stairs. One is attached with loops to the upper 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 other is 1/3. A neat cut of the bowstring is performed along the marked line.
Metal hinges are screwed to connect the sections. Pay attention to how the hardware is located. It should ensure that the lower part of the ladder folds under the upper one.
A bar is fixed on the wall under the attic opening, to which the folding structure is attached.
For reliable fixation in the folded position, a loop is screwed in near the cut, and a hook is installed on the wall in the appropriate place.

The advantage of such a product is the simplicity of do-it-yourself execution, and the disadvantage is its open location.

Manhole manufacturing

If the 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 you determine the dimensions of the hatch and product. Having measured the sides of the passage to the attic, they begin to assemble the hatch with their own hands.

The following materials must be prepared:

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

Two parts are cut from the bar, equal to the length of the opening and two parts similar to its width (120x70 cm). Each edge of the block is cut half the width. These areas are smeared with PVA glue and glued together in a rectangle. To keep 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 kerchiefs are removed. A prepared plywood sheet is screwed to the workpiece. The structure will fit into the opening. To keep the hatch closed, they cut into it door latch... The fittings have a convenient handle with which the hatch will open.

Assembly of the opening mechanism

Making a hatch opening mechanism with your own hands is a rather complicated process to facilitate the task, 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 from cardboard. After trying on, go to work with metal.

Places for fastening according to the template are marked on the metal strip.
Holes are drilled for a bolt with a diameter of 10.
Parts are assembled and bolted. The small one measures the selected angle of fixing the ladder, and then the parts move apart by the desired amount.
On the metal, a section is indicated, which, when lowered, is overlapped by a corner. This area is clipped. After removing the excess, the details are processed to give an aesthetic appearance.
The second mechanism must be identical to the one already made. For exact matching of the holes, the parts are connected with a clamp and drilled.
Having inserted the bolts into the second mechanism, it is equalized according to the sample, cutting off the excess metal.
Ready-made opening mechanisms are installed by hand on the hatch . They will create a stop by fixing the folding structure at the desired angle.

The installation of a second hinge mechanism supporting the hatch in the middle will provide an even 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, against which the second part rests. When the hatch is lowered, 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 structure of wood, the material will be a board of 2.5x10 cm. The product consists of three sections, the first two are equal in length to the hatch, and the size of the latter is the distance remaining to the floor.

The length of the sections is marked on the two boards used to make the bowstring. The marks should mirror each other, therefore, before work, the workpieces are connected with tape. Holes for the hinges are drilled in the designated places, after which the boards are sawn. All wooden parts are sanded and covered with two layers of varnish to make them look attractive. Before installation, metal hinges are coated with a primer and paint with their own hands.

For fastening the steps, holes 5 mm deep are cut from the inside of the bowstring. PVA glue is applied to them, and then fixation is performed with self-tapping screws. The next stage is the connection of three sections in general design with loops. Having checked the possibility of bending the parts, the ladder is fixed to the hatch. The upper section of the product is fixed to it with anchors. The folding ladder to the attic is ready.

In contact with

Each house has a need for additional space. When all rooms are functionally occupied, the home owner starts looking for free space outside of them. This is where the folding ladder to the attic comes in handy. It will allow you to equip a workshop, a children's room, put a billiard table, a bar counter there. Concerned about this idea, the owner begins to think about whether to buy a staircase in a finished form or make it himself.

An example of a folding metal staircase to the attic

But first, he must familiarize himself with its various options in order to choose the right one.

Depending on the place of installation, attic entrances are internal and external. A foldable loft ladder is usually not installed outside. A stationary structure installed outside is not entirely comfortable in winter, but it does not take up a single meter of usable living space; another option is insulated.

To metal parts was not exposed to the destructive effects of atmospheric precipitation, they are most often made of galvanized metal or painted with special paint.

Attic stairs are made of wood and metal. Both options are fairly durable devices. However, they can squeak or rumble, although these sounds are not annoying for everyone. In addition, they can be eliminated or at least muted by using different rugs or anti-slip pads. Wood and metal are often combined to create very attractive multi-stage designs.

Stationary

A monolithic structure with steps, usually made of wood, with handrails and railings installed on. With active daily operation of the attic space, it is complemented by a door. You cannot do without it when it is equipped as a comfortable room in the house as or for adults, a rest room, a workshop that you have to visit every day.

Stationary device option wooden stairs to the attic

For a stationary device, a separate territory is sometimes set aside - a staircase.

Folding attic stairs

They can also be bought or made by hand. Installed in rooms with limited space, when it is impossible to build a monolithic staircase. Folding attic stairs have several varieties, but they are not bulky, but light, but the weight does not limit the strength, because they use hardwood and aluminum for their manufacture.

Scissor

Such a retractable structure is attached to the hatch cover, and unfolds to the floor according to the principle of a tram current collector or an accordion. This design is only metal, therefore, over time, without proper lubrication, it begins to creak. It is used in a private home with low-intensity operation of the attic.

Scheme of the work of the scissor ladder to the attic

The carrying capacity is small, but it can handle the weight of an adult reliably.

Telescopic

A ladder of several sections, which are packed into one another, is called telescopic. It is usually made of aluminum, so it is lightweight and durable. But such folding ladders to the attic are not very popular with consumers. They are more often used on construction works in the form of stepladders. They are so compact when packaged that their dimensions allow them to be transported in the trunk of a car.

Folding

This is one of the varieties of folding ladder devices, usually consisting of two sections. The first is rigidly attached to the base of the hatch. The second one is attached to it from below with special hinges, allowing it to fold forward.

Dimensional drawing of a folding ladder

When there is no need for it, and the entrance to the attic is closed, then the folding structure is located in the attic. If you open it, it leans back and falls to the floor.

Retractable

If there is a lack of space, a retractable staircase is installed to the attic. It can be made of wood or metal. Extends out of the hatch, which is opened manually or electrically.

The main requirements for such a design are compactness, strength, and low weight. To achieve this, durable wood and lightweight metal are combined in the manufacture.

Screw

It requires more space than folding devices. It can be with or without railings. It looks very light whether it is made of wood or metal. Original design but the ascents and descents are difficult and sometimes risky, especially for elderly residents of the house.

Such attic stairs are used in houses in which the operation of the attic is not so intensive. They can be arranged so that all the steps are attached to a post that is in the center of the system. There are also such spiral staircases in which the steps are held by curved supporting bowstring beams.

Folding and you can buy without any problems in a building materials store, where pine, oak, and also metal, usually made of aluminum, are sold. The cheapest product is made of pine, but in terms of strength it is not inferior to other materials.

It should not be forgotten that a ladder installation purchased ready-made needs proper care, which includes the treatment of wood surfaces with fireproofing, varnishing or paint.

Metal parts, hinges, rollers must be lubricated with machine oil.

But it is not always possible to find a suitable staircase on the market. Then the best option is a do-it-yourself attic staircase, which can be made in accordance with your own wishes and tastes. How to do it? There is no lack of relevant information on the World Wide Web today. All you need is desire necessary materials, tools and creative enthusiasm.

Primary requirements

The attic staircase is a risk zone, so it must meet the following requirements:

Stair details

A home craftsman who has decided to independently build a ladder structure should familiarize himself with its constituent parts.

Elements of the construction of the stairs to the attic

Then he will better understand the question of how to make the stairs to the attic in the best way.
Any attic staircase consists of details, the names of some may not have been previously known to the home craftsman. It would be nice to get a drawing on which they are depicted and signed.

These include:

Beams, which are called bowstrings and stringers;
Railings, safety handrails;
The faces of the steps, which also have their own name: horizontal - tread, and vertical - riser;
Flight of stairs.

Kosour

This is a solid beam, in which cutouts are made for attaching the steps from above, so that their ends are visible from the side. There are staircase structures in which it is one in the middle, and wooden planks are horizontally attached to it. But more often the installation of an attic staircase for greater strength is carried out on two kosoura.

Then, even visually, the whole structure looks strong, capable of withstanding heavy loads. The metal support is often not made in a straight line, but in a stepped shape. Making it at home is very problematic, it is easier to buy it ready-made.

Bowstring

This is the name of the supporting inclined beam, and differs from the stringer one in that it hides the ends, and the steps are attached to it with the help of special grooves. Therefore, there must be two of them - on both sides of the staircase. Even a folding ladder to the attic, if it is made of wood, cannot do without these beams.

With them, the stationary structure looks massive, soundly, while on kosoura it seems visually light and spacious.

Railings and handrails

You should figure out if there is a difference between these concepts. Railing - outside railing flight of stairs... From above, they are connected by handrails - this is an integral part of the fence, on which they lean with their hands. Together, they ensure the safety of movement. These elements can be metal, wood, even glass. They look very attractive if they are made of stainless steel: no protective equipment is required, especially painting, and the service life is practically unlimited. But not every consumer decides to buy them because of the high price.

Option for the device of the staircase railing to the attic floor

The railings need solid, reliable. If the attic staircase is with a hatch, then they should end at its very base and not interfere with the functioning of its cover.
There are also some mandatory requirements for handrails:

The width should allow a person to wrap his hand around them in order to hold on tight;
Height - at the waist level of an adult, not lower;
To avoid injury, there should be no sharp corners at their ends;
By appearance should form a single, harmonious ensemble decorating the house with the entire staircase.

Approaches and treads

The vertical part of each seizure is the riser. It closes the space between adjacent steps, and also serves as an additional support for them. Such steps are called closed, and open ones will be those that consist of only one horizontal footboards - the so-called treads. Folding ladders to the attic are also fitted with these details.

Flight of stairs

This is the element that connects all the component parts in single structure... Has a maximum of 18 steps, fixed on the supporting beams - bowstring or stringer. There are one-march stationary systems without turns from the floor to the entrance to the attic and multi-march with several spans. They must meet the same requirements that apply to all stair parts: strength, convenience, safety.

Staircase construction

The useful width of the march is determined by the distance from the finished wall to the inside of the handrail.

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 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.

Drawing of a folding attic ladder on bowstrings

Folding structures

Line of manufacturers folding ladders quite wide, the price of the product depends on the material of manufacture and functionality.

The folding option for the attic is a structure of 3-4 sections, which 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 will definitely fit in this case.

Drawing of a sliding attic staircase

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

The retractable ladder to the attic is easy to make 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 in advance the right tool, materials, including for strengthening the entrance to the attic.

Preparation

For work you will need:

To make a staircase made of wood:

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

A folding ladder to the attic with your own hands is made from 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.

Mechanism of action of the folding attic ladder

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 over the manhole cover. The lid can be made of plywood, polyethylene is placed between the sheets to prevent vaporization.

Diagram of the device of a stationary staircase to the attic

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 inside the bowstrings of the beams (side beams of the stairs) must be cut 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.

The main components of the mechanisms of a folding attic staircase

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 no room for a bed at all, use sliding ladder designs. They take more 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.

Goose step staircase drawing

For sliding, only metal is used, due to the peculiarities of fastening elements and parts. A 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.

Staircase with one flight

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.

Dimensions of the main components of a stationary attic staircase

A single span staircase takes up too much space, but adjustments can be made. You can bend at right angles (saves space), rotate 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 will 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 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 on the pillar;
made of a monolithic steel pillar, the steps rest against it.

The spiral staircase is much smaller than the flight 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 should 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 drawings in advance (as for the bed). Manufacturing spiral staircase do it yourself will not create difficulties, the question is longer 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.

Calculation of a half-screw attic stairs

Especially 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 most budgetary 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 manufacturing, channels are used 16 cm, filing 4x4 cm. The supporting 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 about how to make a folding ladder to the attic with your own hands.

In most private houses, attics and attics are exploited spaces. And to get to the basement floor, of course, you need a staircase.

Types of attic stairs - device and construction types

Attic stairs can be located both outside and inside the building. The advantage of the second option is ease of use. You don't have to go outside to get to the attic, which is winter time of the year is very important. In addition, in the absence of access to the street, the attic does not come into contact with cold air, which significantly reduces heat loss.

By design, the following types of attic stairs are distinguished:

Monolithic:
- screw;
- marching.
Folding attic stairs:
- scissor;
- folding or lever;
- telescopic or sliding ladders;
- folding.
Portable:
- stepladders;
- attached.

Portable stairs are usually used as a temporary option for connecting floors. They are used during the construction of a house or to access attic spaces that are rarely used. They do not differ in safety.

The most comfortable, of course, are the traditional monolithic staircases, with a wide march and railings. But it is far from always possible to place a massive structure leading to the attic - there may simply not be enough space.

In this case, retractable attic stairs will be the best option. They are quite comfortable and safe, easy to operate and take up very little space. A wide variety of designs will allow you to choose the option that suits you.

Folding ladder-transformer

Folding attic stairs are made of wood and metal (aluminum). The combination of these materials gives the best results. A flight of stairs is made of wood to reduce the weight of the structure, and springs, mechanisms and fasteners are made of metal to ensure the rigidity of the product. Of course, there are also pure metal models.

For wooden models, use hardwoods. The thickness of the timber should be at least 2 cm. The tree should not be used when the folding ladder is used too intensively, because this leads to rapid wear. In this case, the best option is a metal attic staircase.

Also, plastic fittings are used to prevent friction of the components during transformation and to seal the opening when the product is folded. The manhole cover is filled with expanded polystyrene and provides good thermal insulation.

Folding attic stairs can be opened either manually or automatically using an electric drive. Often, with a manual drive, a load is attached to the mechanism, which significantly facilitates the assembly process, as if pulling the ladder into the niche and, conversely, smoothly lowers it, compensating for the weight of the product.

The main requirements for such products are compact size and strength. The aesthetics of the model is also important - a good transforming staircase should merge with the ceiling.

Standard sizes of attic stairs:

width of the flight of stairs. The optimal width is about 65 cm;
the height of the stairs. It is not recommended to use a product with a height of more than three and a half meters, because then the rigidity of the structure suffers, and a fall from such a height can lead to serious injuries. The process of lowering or raising it will also be inconvenient. In this case, you will still have to opt for a monolithic staircase;
number of steps. Usually equal to 14 or 15;
distance between steps. It is believed that the optimal step width is 19.3 cm. With a larger or smaller value, the ladder will be inconvenient to use;
the thickness of the steps is in the range from 18 to 22 mm;
angle of inclination of the stairs. The standard value is considered to be a value from 60 to 75 degrees. With a greater inclination, the ladder will be dangerous to use, with a smaller one, the product will take up too much space;
the foldable attic ladder must be able to support a minimum weight of 150 kg;
the steps must be parallel to the floor and not slip, or anti-slip pads must be glued to the steps.

When buying folding attic stairs, it is necessary to take into account that the parameters of the product must match the dimensions of the hatch cover, otherwise the folding parts will touch the opening. The optimal hatch is considered, in which there is a built-in sliding ladder 70 cm wide and 120 cm long. With a smaller opening, it is inconvenient to climb. If the dimensions of the hatch are too large, then large heat losses are possible. Since the attic is an unheated space, it is necessary to provide for good heat and vapor barrier.

When choosing the angle of inclination of the stairs to the attic, it is important to consider what less angle, the more it is necessary to make the dimensions of the attic hatch and the more space the staircase takes when unfolded.

Sliding attic staircase - retractable flights to the attic

Scissor ladder
As a rule, they are made entirely of metal. They are also called "accordion ladder", which has taken root due to the fact that the structure folds in the form of an accordion. And the transformation mechanism resembles a sliding tram current collector and is shaped like a parallelogram or an oval.

A retractable ladder to the attic has one drawback inherent in cheap models. Due to the fact that the structure is completely made of metal, with poor-quality assembly or over time, the flight of stairs begins to creak. This can be avoided by periodically lubricating the retractable ladder.

Telescopic ladders

The telescopic ladder consists of many retractable sections that fold into one another. It is made of aluminum, which contributes to lightweight construction and stiffening. In the domestic market, a sliding attic staircase is quite rare and is not very popular.

Folding ladder to the attic - sectional and articulated

Folding ladders can be in two, three or four sections, depending on the design. The first elbow has a length equal to the dimensions of the hatch cover, and is rigidly fixed to it. The other two segments open up and form an even flight of stairs. Sectional stairs are so flexible thanks to special hinges and hinges.

Reclining ladder

If you love order very much, suffer from a panic lack of space, and have a second floor or an attic, a drop-down ladder can be a great option for meeting all your needs at once. The idea is this: most of the time, the structure is folded and fixed on the wall, and only in the evening, when you need to go up to the bedroom, you pull it out.

The steps are fixed to the bowstring with card loops. When folded, the structure is fixed to the wall. The reclining design is not very much in demand due to its complexity, but later in the article we will still tell you how to do it yourself.

Diy folding attic stairs

Option number 1 - simple construction of 2 sections

DIY attic stairs are made within 2-3 hours. To make an attic staircase, we need:

a hacksaw for woodworking;
tape measure;
stairs, the height of which will be about 30 cm more than the distance to the ceiling;
four card loops with a width of kosour;
two bars, the length of which is equal to the width of the hatch and two more bars, longer than the first, by about 20 cm. The thickness of the bars is 2-3 cm;
self-tapping screws, anchor, hook and eyelet.

We fasten one of the short bars to the upper end of the ladder with the help of hinges, the other is rigidly fixed to the lower part. Two slats are attached to the flight of stairs obliquely so that they do not interfere with movement. They will add rigidity to the entire structure.

Next, we measure 2/3 of the length of the ladder and make a neat cut. Then we connect both parts with loops. It is important to attach the hinges on the right side so that the ladder folds in the right direction as shown in the photo.

The top bar is fixed to the wall just below the hatch. To prevent the folding ladder to the attic from opening, it is attached to the wall with a hook. The loop is screwed into the stringer next to the cut, and the hook is attached to the wall.

The disadvantage of this model is that it remains visible. This can be avoided by using a product of a more complex design, in which the sections are attached to the hatch cover. Let's see if it is possible to make such an attic staircase with our own hands.

Option number 2 - a hatch to the attic with a ladder

We will tell you how to make a staircase to the attic, consisting of 3 sections, which is identical in design to those sold in stores. Here is such a folding attic staircase we should succeed.

How to make a hatch to the attic with your own hands - the basis of a folding ladder

You can make a hatch to the attic from available tools. First, we will determine the location and size of the opening, and then we will make the hatch. Let's say the size of the staircase is 125 by 70 cm. Then, in order to cut the hatch, add 7-8 mm to these dimensions on each side. These gaps will allow the lid to close easily, but will not affect the thermal insulation.

From the material you will need:

four bars 50 × 50 mm - two short and two long;
10mm plywood sheet (in our case, two panels are used - unfortunately, a solid sheet was not at hand).

At the ends of the bars we make cuts in half the thickness, coat with glue and fix with self-tapping screws, having previously checked the diagonals. In order for the diagonal not to go away, you should use temporary scarves made of 4 mm plywood. After that, we remove them and already fasten a 10 mm plywood sheet (the photo shows how the sheet around the perimeter is fixed with PSh self-tapping screws). Next, we try on in the opening.

In order for the hatch to close well and there are no locks outside, we cut a door latch into the cover. Our packaging said “reinforced”. To open the latch, we will use an old handle (any cylinder-shaped device can be used), which is inserted into a special hole. The latch holds the hatch well, very convenient.

Attic staircase mechanism with hatch - articulated without spring

The turn came to the most difficult thing - the opening mechanisms. All components, of course, can be bought in the store, but we will go the hard way and do everything ourselves.

First, let's draw a drawing of an attic staircase on cardboard with an approximate angle to which the hatch should open. Let's cut out the cardboard parts and try them on the structure. In this way, the length of the hinges can be adjusted fairly accurately.

I think everyone in the garage will have iron corners, trim strips and pieces of sheet metal, in general, everything from which you can make a mechanism for a staircase. For one mechanism, we need:

one corner;
a piece of sheet metal;
two stripes of different lengths.

Mark the holes for the hinges, the distances of which we previously estimated empirically, and drill for the M10 bolt. Putting it together without tightening the bolts tightly. With a small one, we measure the desired opening angle of the hatch and push the future mechanism to the selected angle. Mark the area on the metal that, when opened, overlaps the corner and cut it out with a jigsaw.

We bring the metal strips into the proper form, cutting off the excess length and rounding off the ends. So they will not touch the corner and interfere with each other. Putting the whole mechanism back together. After we removed some of the metal, the corner began to abut and stop in the desired position.

So, one mechanism is ready, now we start making the second. It is very important that it turns out exactly the same, but in a mirror version. To do this, we fasten each pair of parts with clamps and drill the necessary holes.

After one hole has been cut out, insert a bolt into it and drill the second.

Then, twisting both parts with bolts, we level them in length.

This is how we make all the parts.

The output should be two completely identical mechanisms.

Now we will install the mechanisms on the hatch and try it on in the staircase. It turned out that even during the design of the unit, we made a mistake - we did not take into account the height of the fastening on the floor beam. That is, the part simply crawled out of the overlap. Because of what we had to install temporary bars.

We adjust the hatch so that it opens well and does not touch the walls of the opening.

Now let's make another simple mechanism to support the whole structure. We need two 20 mm wide strips of metal and a corner. To do this, we weld a piece of metal to the end of one of the strips, against which the second strip will abut. We make a support platform from the corner.

As a result, a hinge should be obtained, which, when the hatch is opened, remains slightly bent and at the same time holds the load. Subsequently, this node will need to be installed in such a way that it is completely decomposed when the mechanisms made earlier are open to the maximum. Then the load created by the articulated ladder is equally distributed between them.

DIY wooden ladder on bowstrings

A ladder to the attic with your own hands is constructed from wooden planks... The bowstring and steps will be cut from an inch board 100 mm wide. The length of the first section is made according to the size of the hatch, the second is the same or slightly less than the first, but taking into account the fact that it should not touch the ceiling during the transformation process. The third section is equal to the distance that remains to the floor.

With a small one we measure the angle of inclination of the hatch in the open position and transfer it to the board, thereby marking the steps. Next, mark the lengths of the sections.

Pressing the boards tightly to each other and fastening them with molar tape, we transfer all the markings to the second board (the lines should be in a mirror image). Using a feather 25, we drill a hole where the hinge hinge will subsequently be located.

Now attention, we made the mistake of drilling both holes from one side, because the second indentation should be on the outside of the boards, as noted in the photo.

For a more aesthetic look, we grind all the edges with a milling cutter.

On the bowstrings of the ladder we make small indentations (5 mm) for the steps. With the help of glue and PSh self-tapping screws, we collect all the parts together. It should look something like the photo.

1 Construction requirements
2 Varieties
3 Dimensions
4 Choosing a location
5 Measurements
6 Material selection
7 Shape
8 Getting started
9 Two-piece ladder
9.1 Manufacturing technology
10 Making a folding ladder on bowstrings
11 videos
12 Photos
13 Schemes

If in the near future you intend to convert the attic into a functional room, then before starting work, think about where to install the stairs and how to make it. A ceiling door or hatch will also be installed here. You can order or buy such a structure, but let's find out how to make a staircase to the attic with your own hands. So, you will save a lot of your family budget and acquire new skills that may well be useful to you in the future.

Earlier, attic stairs were made outside, but hardly anyone will be pleased with the prospect of going up into this room through the street in frost or rain. Many people have a ceiling door in the attic, most often in the corridor, and when it is necessary to climb into the attic, they use a ladder. But this is also inconvenient if you have to do it in the attic, for example, a study or a rest room. For a civilized person, the installation of a stationary or folding ladder would be a better choice. If you don't have room for the first option, then the second will be fine for you.

Construction requirements

Construction requirements

Whichever staircase option you choose, it must meet safety requirements. The structure must provide a safe passage to the attic and be sufficiently strong. Spiral staircases take up relatively little space and are highly attractive, however, it will be very difficult for older people to climb such a structure.

If the area of the corridor or hallway, where the staircase will be installed, allows, then it is better to make an opening wide enough so that a good stationary staircase can be installed.

The larger the opening under the stairs to the attic, the more heat loss will be, if, of course, we are not talking about a heated attic space.

Stationary ladder

Handrails and railings provide sufficient safety for the person climbing the stairs. Therefore, if possible, then make a design with these elements. Since in our case we are talking about self-production stairs, it is also important to process it special means that increase the fire resistance of the structure. This is especially true when making wooden stairs.

The lifting capacity should not be small, since if it is necessary to lift a heavy load to the attic, its own weight must also be taken into account. So, the optimal carrying capacity is 260 kg.

Varieties

Varieties

Attic stairs are divided into the following types:

Monolithic. They can be sustainer and screw.
Foldable. There are lever, scissor, folding, sliding or telescopic.
Portable stepladders or ladders.

Portable stair views are a temporary option for connecting floors. If you plan to use the attic on rare occasions, then an attached structure is the best option. But when arranging an attic space for a recreation area or for children to play, you need to make a more reliable staircase.

Ladder

Most often, there is no place for arranging a massive structure in residential buildings... Therefore, it is not surprising that retractable stairs and their folding cousins are in the greatest demand when arranging an attic. They take up little space, are safe and convenient, and are easy to use.

Dimensions (edit)

The attic staircase has standard parameters, observing which you can make a truly reliable and easy-to-use structure:

The width of the march should be 65-110 cm.
The height of the stairs is up to 3.5 m. This is due to the fact that a fall from such or greater height is fraught with injury, and the rigidity of a high structure will be much less.
The average number of steps is 15.
Riser height - 19 cm.
The thickness of the steps is 1.8-2.2 cm.
The tilt angle ranges from 60 to 75º. This is because an angle less than 60º will require a lot of space, and an angle greater than 75º is dangerous to use.
If you are going to make a folding ladder, then it must be able to withstand a weight of up to 150 kg.
The steps should not be slippery. They are installed parallel to the floor.

Seat selection

Seat selection

If you have to make the staircase yourself, then it is important to determine the location of the staircase - inside or outside, if you choose the first option, then in which room will the opening be made for climbing to the attic? It is important that the stairs do not interfere with household members. Therefore, it is not cost-effective to install it in the kitchen or bedroom.

If the attic space will not be used intensively, then a ladder for climbing into it can be made in the living room. It is better that the stairs to the attic in this case be closed or autonomous. In such a situation, a folding ladder is very a good option.

Measurements

If you are going to make a folding ladder, then take into account its folded and unfolded dimensions. Measure from the floor of the room where the staircase will be installed to the ceiling. Decide on the width of the stairs, the number of steps, the angle of inclination. Record all the data on paper, which will help you draw up the most accurate drawing. Calculation errors can lead to undesirable consequences. For example, a ladder will be inconvenient to use and the risk of injury will increase.

The steps should be parallel to the floor. Doors must not open onto a flight of stairs.

Material selection

Material selection

When making a staircase made of wood, all parts should be treated with antiseptics in order to avoid rotting of the finished product. After assembly, it will be possible to paint the structure with any varnish / paint that matches the color. Usually attic stairs are made of pine. This material is chosen by most homemade ones, since wood is easier to work with than metal.

If you do decide to work with metal, then use galvanized materials. This type of metal will not rust. Such structures are very durable. So, you can save space, galvanized elements are thin, and therefore do not take up much space.

To prevent metal parts from rubbing against each other, plastic parts should be used. Thus, due to the replaceable side plastic inserts, slipping will be prevented.

The form

The peculiarity of the attic staircase is its shape. It should be ergonomic, compact, comfortable and convenient. V small room the overall design will look ridiculous. In a large enough room - there are no restrictions, you want to install a compact staircase, but you want to make a stationary massive one.

It depends on the available space and personal preferences whether the staircase will be one-, two- or three-flight. If from floor to ceiling is not more than 3 m, then it is quite possible to get by with the simplest single-march construction. But, if you want to be more original, then make a staircase consisting of two flights.

To make the single-flight structure look more interesting, make it arched. The steps can be made in the form of diverging rays.

Beginning of work

Beginning of work

If the measurements were made by you, and the drawings are outlined, then it's time to draw up an estimate of materials. So, so that you can make your own attic wooden staircase, you should stock up on:

Screws.
Screwdrivers.
Roulette.
Hacksaw for wood.
Set of wrenches.
Polyurethane foam.
Protractor.
Hinges.

As a base, side and vertical beams are used, which serve as a support for the stairs. The value of the permissible structural loads depends entirely on the strength of the base.

Two-section ladder

Two-section ladder

One section of this design folds upward. When assembled, the two-section staircase is not hidden, but remains in plain sight. This is allowed if the exit to the attic is settled in a garage or other work space. When decorating a house in the appropriate style, a two-section staircase will also look good in the corridor. To make it, you will need the following materials:

Roulette.
An ordinary wooden staircase.
Hacksaw for wood.
4 bars having a thickness of 2-3 cm, 2 of them must correspond to the width of the hatch, and 2 should be 20 cm longer than the hatch.
4 things. card loops corresponding to the width of the stringer.
Fasteners.

Kosour is the base of the staircase on which the steps are laid.

Manufacturing technology

Manufacturing technology

First, you need to connect a short block with loops with the upper end of the ladder, another similar block should be rigidly fixed to the bottom of the ladder. So that in the end the structure is reliable, take 2 slats and nail them obliquely from the back of the flight of stairs. In this case, these actions should be carried out so that these reinforcing slats do not interfere with movement along the stairs.

After that, you need to measure 2/3 of the total length of the structure. Measurements are taken from below. The ladder should be sawn at the designated place. These parts of the structure will subsequently be connected by card loops, which are attached to the back of the stairs. Thus, the structure can be easily folded.

The top bar is fixed under the hatch. Thanks to the hook and loop, your ladder won't open randomly. So, the hook needs to be attached to the wall, and the loop to the bar.

Making a folding ladder on bowstrings

Making a folding ladder on bowstrings

The folding ladder manufacturing process consists of the following steps:

Divide the height from the floor to the attic in 3 pieces. In this case, the first part should be the same as the size of the hatch, the second should be slightly smaller, and the third should overlap the remaining distance to the floor.

Now you need to measure the angle of the hatch with a small one.

Transfer the corner to the blanks under the stairs, which will allow you to mark the steps.

Drill holes between the sections for subsequent mounting of the hinge.

Sand all elements.

In the places where the hinges are installed, the boards are sawn.

Cut and sand the steps.

Make notches in the bowstrings to set the treads.

Insert the steps into the bowstrings, putting them on glue, and then tightening them with self-tapping screws.

Connect the sections with loops. To correctly complete this stage of work, place the sections on a flat surface.

Check the functionality of the sections.

Assemble the structure and temporarily install it in the hatch. If it turns out that the ladder needs to be slightly adjusted to fit the hatch, then do it.

Now sand the ladder and open it with several layers of varnish. In this case, the next one can be applied only after the previous layer has completely dried.

After the varnish has dried, install the ladder in the hatch.

To speed up the process of making an attic staircase, do all the work with a partner. It will also help prevent injury when working at heights.

The main points for making an attic wooden staircase have been described in this article. If you have any questions on the topic, be sure to ask our expert. Would you like to supplement the article or provide useful additional guidance? Leave your comments.

In the provided video material, you can learn about other intricacies of making an attic staircase:

The photo shows several options for attic stairs:

Staircase to the attic from the street