Attic staircase do it yourself drawings. We make an attic staircase with a hatch with our own hands. Construction # 3 - telescopic ladders

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 do not need to go outside to get to the attic, which is very important in the winter season. 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 attics 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 ladders 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, which prevent the components from rubbing during transformation and 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. A hatch with a built-in sliding ladder 70 cm wide and 120 cm long is considered optimal. 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 take into account that the smaller the 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 the lightening of the structure and imparting rigidity. 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 really like order, are panicky from a lack of space, and you 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 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 without affecting 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 to their proper form by 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

The staircase 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 stairs, 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.

For summer cottages, country houses and cottages with attic rooms, a compact and lightweight folding staircase to the attic becomes a vital necessity. It should not take up a lot of space, because in a country house every square meter is important. In addition, a great advantage of the ladder will be its mobility. Foldable designs save space and are easy to install. To complete all the related tasks for the construction of such a staircase, you can do it yourself.

Types of attic stairs

Attic stairs can be located both indoors and in the attic itself. The second option is more profitable in terms of saving living space. According to the construction of the stairs, there are:

monolithic (marching or screw);
folding (lever, telescopic, scissor or folding);
portable (attached or stepladders).

Portable structures are used very rarely, mainly when performing construction work. The most convenient option is monolithic products, which have wide flights and are equipped with handrails. However, they are not suitable for access to the attic, since they are large.

It is better to use retractable structures that are safe to use and easy to install. In addition, when folded, they do not take up space in the room. Thanks to the variety of possible designs, you can choose the most suitable staircase for your home.

Transforming stairs

For the manufacture of folding attic stairs, wood and metal (most often aluminum) are used. This combination produces the best results. Wood is necessary to create flights of stairs (the weight of the structure is reduced), and metal parts are most often corners, fasteners and mechanisms that ensure the rigidity of the structure.

For stairs, choose solid wood (birch, ash, larch, beech, maple). The beam must be chosen at least 2 cm thick. If the ladder will be used quite often, you should think about the metal structure.

The manhole cover should be filled with foam for greater thermal insulation. Dimensions of stairs to the attic:

the optimal march width is 65 cm;
the average number of steps is 15;
the optimal step width is 19.3 cm;
the thickness of the steps is not less than 18 mm;
the optimal angle of inclination of the structure is 60-70 degrees.

To prevent the ladder from sliding on the floor, it is worth putting on special overlays on each bowstring.

Scissor

Such stairs are made entirely of metal. Their other name is accordion stairs. They are lightweight, compact, easy to attach to the hatch. However, scissor ladders have one drawback - over time, during their operation, a creak appears. They need to be lubricated periodically.

Telescopic

In this case, the folding ladder has several sections that fold into one another. They are usually made of aluminum. Domestic summer residents are wary of such stairs and prefer transformers to them.

Sectional articulated products are more in demand. They are more bulky and difficult to install, but they have high strength and durability. How a retractable ladder to the attic is made is described below.

Location

There is one main requirement for the location of the stairs - it should not interfere with residents when moving around the house. That is why it is not installed in a bedroom or hallway. Sometimes a staircase can be installed as a piece of furniture - if the size of the room allows. In this case, it is not necessary to hide it.

Making a two-section ladder

If you need to make a simple and practical design, you should take a closer look at the option with two sections. To make such a ladder, you will need a small amount of tools and materials:

hacksaw;
ladder;
roulette;
timber 2-3 cm thick.
loops along the width of the stringer;
hook, screws, anchors and hinges.

First you need to carry out the preparatory work, then make the ladder, and then install it correctly.

Preparatory work

First, dismantle the old structure, consisting of a staircase and a decorative frame, equipped inside the passage. Then you need to pick up the bars for the flights of stairs. Each bowstring must have a cross section of at least 30 * 50 mm. The optimal slope of the attic staircase in a small room is 60-70 degrees. It must be taken into account when calculating the length of the stairs and the angle of inclination of the steps relative to the stair racks.

It is worth arranging a two-section staircase when the attic passage is located in the immediate vicinity of one of the walls. The foldable structure will hang directly on the wall. The presence of only 2 sections does not allow it to be hidden in the attic directly above the aisle.

Making stairs

First, the bottom and top of the ladder are assembled. This will require 4 bowstrings and steps. The bottom should be 1/3 of the total length. Then it is necessary to strengthen the upper part with diagonal slats to give it more rigidity. Then the structure is connected together using loops. A bar is attached to the top of the stairs, which will later be screwed to the wall.

The ladder is attached to the wall using a pre-screwed bar. It should be installed directly under the hatch. The advantages of such a design are obvious - a minimum of parts and efforts in manufacturing, ease of installation, ease of construction. The disadvantage of a two-section staircase is that it remains visible.

To avoid such a situation, it is worth building a more complex structure. The best option is a ladder with 3 sections. It can be easily hidden in the attic and used only when needed.

Three-section

The most compact version of the staircase to the attic is a hatch with a folding structure of 3 sections attached to it. These items are sold in stores. They are made of steel, small in size and made of steel. You can also build them yourself. Wooden blocks are most often used as a material. To build a staircase to the attic with your own hands, you will need to perform a certain sequence of actions.

How to make a sunroof

Before making the hatch, it is worth calculating its dimensions. If the hatch to the attic is 125 * 70 cm in size, then the passage should be cut 7-8 mm larger on each side. This will make it easier to open and close the hatch. The level of thermal insulation from such a gap will not decrease.

As materials you will need:

Bars 50 * 50 mm - 2 long and 2 short.
Plywood 10 mm thick.

Now you need to build a hatch. To do this, 4 bars are attached to each other, and then a sheet of plywood is nailed to them. Check the diagonal before attaching the plywood. So that the construction of the bars does not "lead", you need to nail the kerchiefs to the corners. After the hatch is completed, it must be tried on in the opening.

So that there are no locks outside, and the hatch closes well, you should cut the door latch into the cover. It will hold the hatch perfectly and open comfortably.

Opening mechanisms

Now it's worth tackling the most difficult thing - creating opening mechanisms. In order not to complicate and delay the process, you can buy them at a hardware store. However, if there is a desire to do everything with your own hands, you should adhere to certain rules.

To begin with, they carry out drawings of the future design, taking into account the opening angle of the hatch. To make a hinge on which the hatch will open, you will need:

pieces of sheet metal;
one corner;
two metal strips of different lengths.

Holes are made on the hinges according to the preliminary drawings. Then they connect everything together without tightening the bolts too much. You can determine the opening angle empirically. To do this, the hatch is opened to the desired angle and marks are made on the metal. Then the area that interferes with the movement of the corners is cut out with a jigsaw.

Now every corner is locked in position. To make the mechanisms identical, first one is completely made, and then all the details of the second are made according to the finished sample.

For greater strength, the hatch is connected to the opening with a supporting structure made of corners and metal strips. Pieces of metal are welded to the end of the upper strips, against which the lower strips will abut. The corner becomes a reference platform. The result is a hinge mechanism that is bent when the hatch is opened.

Ladder

The staircase itself is made of wooden planks. For bowstrings and steps, an inch board of 100 mm is suitable. The first section is made according to the size of the hatch. The length of the second can be equal to the first section, provided that it will not touch the ceiling during unfolding.

For the third section, the length is chosen that remains to the floor. The tilt angle is measured with the hatch open. Then it must be transferred to the board, marking the steps. Then the length of the sections is marked. All the markings that were made on the first board should be transferred to the second. All lines should be mirrored.

Where the hinge hinges will be located, it is worth drilling holes. The upper one is drilled directly at the junction of the bonded boards, the lower one is drilled on their outer sides. To make the holes look more aesthetically pleasing, it is worth additionally walking over them with a router.

Then the boards are sawn at the junction of the segments. After that, the steps are cut and all the elements are ground. Small recesses are made on the bowstrings, into which the steps will be inserted. As soon as all the structural elements are ready, you can start assembling.

Marching loops

The next stage in the manufacture of stairs is the execution of loops for connecting staircases. To do this, you need to find 8 metal strips 25 mm wide. On 4 of them, you need to weld a small piece of the same strips. 3 holes are drilled in each. One will serve as a connection point to the hinge, the others for screwing to the ladder.

To connect the ladder segments, they must be placed on a flat surface. The hinge must be screwed so that the bolt goes into a groove specially cut for it - in the center of the connection of the sections. After screwing on the loops, it is necessary to check the section for flexion-extension. Only after the check has been carried out can the 3 section be screwed on. After all the procedures have been completed, you can remove the hatch and screw the ladder to it.

Each staircase, regardless of type, should be comfortable. In addition, when performing an attic structure, it is worth adhering to the basic rules:

folding mansard ladders should not be more than 3 meters;
metal steps should be equipped with anti-slip pads;
wooden models are not installed in too dry or damp rooms;
mechanisms and fasteners must be strong and reliable;
from time to time, rubbing parts of the product should be lubricated.

Such rules will be useful in the manufacture of attic stairs.

As you can see, making an attic staircase with your own hands is simple. In the process of its manufacture, certain recommendations should be followed, and a detailed drawing should be made before starting work. In the process of work, you should be careful, especially when working in the attic near the opening.

Varieties of folding stairs to the attic.

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

Pros and cons of folding designs

Compared to stationary models, folding loft ladders have the following advantages:

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

Difficulty in manufacturing. Some models are quite difficult to make with your own hands. This will require sophisticated and accurate calculations, tools, and appropriate skills.
Lack of sufficient comfort in use. It is not very convenient to climb or descend stairs with a large angle of inclination, and lifting massive objects along such structures is not the most reasonable option.
Low carrying capacity. Most models do not support more than 150 kg.

It is very inconvenient to lift bulky loads on such a ladder.

Types of folding ladders

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

scissor;
telescopic;
sectional;
folding.

Scissor models

The folding scissor-type products are also called "accordion ladder". This name perfectly describes its essence: when folded, the product resembles a small block, and when unfolded, it straightens like accordion furs. To straighten such a ladder, pull the bottom step.

Unfolded scissor ladder.

The scissor model consists of many small sections that are fastened together. Therefore, the dimensions of the structure when folded are minimal. Perhaps the only drawback of this type is not too reliable fastenings between the blocks. Therefore, the scissor ladder should be handled carefully and remember to lubricate the mechanisms between the segments. How the electric scissor ladder works

Telescopic varieties

A characteristic feature of this model is a pull-out type of sections, like a nesting doll. That is, the smallest tubes are fixed in larger diameter tubes, which are inserted into even larger side tubes, etc. The sections are kept in a folded state by special clamps, which are located on the outside of the metal beams. To fold the structure, it is enough to loosen the "grip" of the latch.

It is very easy to decompose such a structure.

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

Clamps for telescopic ladders.

Sectional stairs

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

A sectional staircase can be composed of two ...

... or three sections

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

Schematic representation of a two-section ladder folded and unfolded.

Folding products

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

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

high requirements for free space;
"Specific" design (when folded, the folding ladder does not look very pleasant, since it is not hidden and is always in plain sight);
massive construction.

Folding structures that are completely hidden in the attic hatch are much more popular.

Material used

The material plays an important role in folding ladders. On the one hand, it must be durable, on the other hand, it must have a minimum cost. Only 2 materials fully meet these requirements - wood and metal.

Moreover, even a wooden staircase has a certain amount of metal parts.

Wood products are mainly made from softwood such as pine. Such models have good reliability and low price. In addition, there are no specific skills or sophisticated equipment required to create wooden stairs. As disadvantages, the following points should be highlighted:

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

Among other things, a wooden staircase to the attic can fit well into the interior.

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

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

The only drawback of the metal varieties is the difficulty in making them yourself. The job will require knowledge of welding and the appropriate equipment.

The metal construction is even outwardly more reliable than the wooden one.

Important points

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

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

Options for attic stairs with dimensions.

You should also pay attention to other important points:

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

Regularly inspect structural attachments and moving parts.

Making a folding ladder with your own hands

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

preparation for work;
production of stairs.

Most often, they make a folding structure with their own hands.

Preparatory stage

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

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

Also, the drawing must meet the following requirements:

on the projection from above, draw a plan of the room, on which to mark the location of the stairs;
for greater clarity, it is recommended that the dimensions of the elements be indicated in separate footnotes;
metal parts are displayed with diagonal lines, wooden ones - with curls (imitation of wooden "rings").

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

electric or hand saw;
drill;
drills of various diameters;
self-tapping screws for wood.

To make a metal ladder, you need the following tools:

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

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

Card hinges for fastening the ladder.

Execution of works

The very process of manufacturing and installation is quite simple. For example, a two-piece folding loft ladder is made as follows:

load-bearing beams are divided into 2 parts (and lengths) and connected using metal hinges;
grooves for steps are made in each supporting beam;
steps are inserted into the holes made;
rubber pads are put on the bottom of the bearing beams;
a wooden block is attached in the wall under the opening to the attic;
the upper part () of the structure is connected to the bar with hinges;
the lower part () is pressed against the wall and attached to the hook.

Making a folding ladder

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

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

An example of a folding ladder to the attic

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

Ksenia Skvortsova. Chief Editor. Author.
Planning and distribution of responsibilities in the content production team, working with texts.
Education: Kharkov State Academy of Culture, specialty “Culturologist. Teacher of History and Theory of Culture ”. Experience in copywriting: From 2010 to the present. Editor: since 2016.

Many people want to live in a cozy country house with an attic room or an attic. When designing and building such housing, the question arises of a convenient and safe ascent to the second floor. Therefore, it is worth considering in more detail the nuances of making stairs for the attic.

Peculiarities

An attic staircase is necessary not only in a house with an attic, it will be required even if the attic is not used for housing - for access to the roof, repair work, and laying communications. There are many types and designs of it, but the main thing is that it provides a convenient descent and ascent and is safe.

One of the simplest options is an attic staircase located outside the house. It is elementary to make it, but in cold weather it will not be very comfortable to climb into the attic, and the attic opening facing the street will allow cold air to pass through, which will generally increase heat loss inside the residential building. Therefore, it is better to immediately choose a project of stairs to the attic from the inside.

The space in the attic can be used in different ways. It can serve as a full-fledged living room, a workshop, a storage room. Depending on its purpose, it is worth choosing the type of attic staircase. If access to the attic is required several times per season, then you can get by with the simplest folding model made of wood or aluminum, and if there is a bedroom or a nursery at the top, then you should definitely make a solid and comfortable structure with a hatch and railings.

The task of making a ladder for an attic with your own hands for an experienced craftsman is not too difficult, the main thing is to choose in advance its type, shape, location and pre-create drawings with dimensions. The simplest folding versions are made in one day, more complex models with handrails and two spans can be built in 2-3 days. Most often, the entrance to the attic is made in the hallway, on the veranda, but it can be built in any other living space.

Views

All types of attic stairs can be roughly divided into portable and stationary. Portable options are ordinary stepladders that are attached to the attic hatch and are used for their intended purpose. Constantly going down and up them will not bring much convenience, especially for children or the elderly, and they are also unsafe. Their advantage lies in the fact that they are easy to manufacture, do not take up much space in the room, if they are not in demand, then they can simply be removed to any free space.

Portable ladders are most often used as temporary (during construction or renovation), in the future it is best to build a more reliable and convenient option.

The foldable structure is usually made of aluminum as it is strong and lightweight. At the bottom there are support beams for stability, the width can reach 65 cm. The step of steps is usually 10–20 cm, there can be one or several sections. The longest is the 4-section model, but this height is usually not required, for a floor height of 2.5–3 m, two sections are enough.

A folding attic staircase, according to the mechanism of its disassembly, can be:

retractable;
scissor;
lever;
folding.

The sliding aluminum attic staircase is good in that it can be easily expanded to the desired length and securely fixed, and when folded takes up very little space, it can be leaned against the wall or put in the attic. All such designs can be easily found in hardware stores, so you don't even have to do anything yourself.

Another option is to mount a homemade ladder with a folding part. It can be mounted on a ceiling door or hatch, then it can be easily folded back and unfolded. There can be 2-3 sections, in the unfolded state it turns out to be rigid and stationary. Hard wood is used for the installation of its frame and steps, and metal parts are used for the fastening and folding mechanism. With a competent design and careful work, such a design can be automatic, very convenient and completely safe.

An interesting option for compact structures that are attached from the inside to the attic hatch are scissor ladders. They are most often made entirely of metal, and when the flaps are opened in the attic, they are laid out like an accordion or a tram current collector. The frame is very light, easily bolted to the wooden hatch. The disadvantage is that after some time of intensive use, metal parts begin to creak. Therefore, one must remember to lubricate them periodically.

A telescopic attic staircase is a retractable type. It consists of many aluminum tubes that are folded one into one. When folded, it takes up little space and can be easily attached to the attic hatch. In order to expand it, a special handle is provided. But such models are not very popular.

A very common option is monolithic stairs, that is, they are not folding and not portable. Although such lifting structures take up more space, they are strong, do not need moving parts, and can last for more than a decade. They can be made of quality wood, equipped with railings, and the space under the stairs can be used to the maximum advantage.

Single-span monolithic staircase - the easiest to manufacture but it may climb too steeply, which will be inconvenient with regular use. The most convenient design may be with two spans located perpendicular or parallel to each other. The only problem is that it will take up the maximum space. To save space, many craftsmen erect a spiral staircase in a small room.

Monolithic stairs to the attic or attic with one or two flights are made of wood, but there are also models with a metal frame with wooden steps. Most often they are made in a secluded, most unclaimed place in the room. A good solution would be to place them against the wall or in the corner of the room.

Materials (edit)

The attic staircase can be metal or wood. For sliding and folding structures, it is better to use metal, which will wear less with constant friction of parts.

The most common choice is aluminum, which is lightweight, durable and non-corrosive.

Staircase fittings include hinges, bolts, springs, which can be made of stainless steel.

A stationary and monolithic staircase to the attic is best made of wood. It is easy to process and fasten. Hardwoods are usually chosen: oak, beech, pine. The material must be well dried, treated with varnish and antiseptic. For the frame and steps, bars with a thickness of at least 2 cm are taken.

Fittings

When installing a wooden monolithic staircase, you only need ordinary nails to fasten the parts. For sliding or reclining ceiling options, more sophisticated accessories are required. To open the attic hatch, you will need metal corners and strips, hinges, hinges, bolts or screws. The number of parts is selected depending on the length of the ladder and the number of sections.

Mounting

As an example of making a comfortable and safe staircase to the attic, you can consider the device of a folding model of three sections, which folds upwards onto the ceiling hatch. It can be built independently in almost any country house with wooden ceilings with a height of up to 280 cm.

It is made step by step in several stages.

First you need to make an attic hatch. The ceiling opening can be of any size, for example, 80x70 cm. The hatch itself must be easy to open and withstand the structure of a folded staircase. For its manufacture, 5x5 cm bars and 1 cm thick plywood are taken. The bars cut to the size of the opening are connected with glue and self-tapping screws, for rigidity, you can strengthen the frame with metal corners. Then plywood is nailed to it using thin nails.
Next, you need to install the hatch on the ceiling with hinges so that it opens and closes easily and smoothly. At this stage, it is important to correctly select and install the hinge mechanism. There should be enough space in the attic for a hatch that is folded back. If the room under the roof is cold, then it is worth additionally insulating the attic hatch by placing some kind of insulation between the layers of plywood, sheathing the edges with a rubber seal so that there are no gaps.

After that, you need to make the staircase itself. For it, a 2x10 cm board is taken, sections of the required length are cut. The steps must be fastened not at a right angle, but at an inclination in accordance with the angle of inclination of the staircase itself, that is, in the unfolded state they must lie horizontally.
Further, the sections are fastened with metal hinges in such a way that the entire structure can be easily moved apart and folded. The assembled ladder of three sections is attached to the hatch using metal corners.
You can then attach a handy handle, latches or locks to your attic door.

Another example of an attic staircase in a wooden house that you can make yourself is a stationary monolithic structure with one span. A place for it should be chosen in the corner of the room, so that one side of the flight of stairs rests on the wall. Since the climb will be quite steep, it is best to equip the staircase with a wooden railing. For the frame and steps, 1-inch boards with a width of 10 cm are selected.

Steps are cut with a width of 650 cm, the step between them should be 10-15 cm, the length will depend on the height of the ceiling. For the handrail, you can take polished beams 5x5 cm. Installation takes place on anchors or screws. If necessary, a hatch is mounted on the attic opening, which opens using hinges with hinges.

The advantages of this design are that it is easy to assemble and install, has a pleasant appearance, and can be easily dismantled during repair.

It is not recommended to mount a wooden staircase with one section longer than 3.5 m, as this suffers from its rigidity, the structure has a risk of collapse. In a private house with high ceilings, it is better to use a monolithic version with 2-3 spans. If the height of the floor is large, and there is little space, then there is a good option for a spiral staircase. But such structures are not very convenient, there is a high risk of falling.

The stairs to the attic from the street can also be made stationary, adjacent to the wall of a wooden house. But this option is only good for warm climates, or if it is used irregularly. Often such projects are used in houses with an attic for an additional entrance to the upper room. If the possibilities to build a solid and beautiful internal structure do not allow, and you need to use the attic regularly, then you can create the simplest temporary street version.

For ease of use, the steps should have a step of no more than 20 cm, but they should not be placed too often. The optimum height is 19.3 cm.

If they are made of wood, then their thickness should be 18-22 mm, otherwise the staircase has a risk of collapse. In a building up to 280 cm high, the number of single-span staircase steps will be 14-15.

The optimal angle of inclination of a folding or single-span staircase is 60-75 degrees. If it is less, then the steepness of the rise is too great, it becomes inconvenient and dangerous to use. If the slope is greater, then the structure will take up a lot of space in the room. In general, it is calculated that for a comfortable ascent, the total span length in such a model should be 35 cm more than the height from floor to ceiling.

The calculation shows that the optimal length of the steps should be at least 65 cm, then you can move freely along it. But if space permits, you can increase this value. A folding or single-span wooden ladder must be able to support 150 kg. The steps should be at least 20 cm in width, then it will be convenient to step on them.

It is possible to buy ready-made folding mechanisms for attic stairs. But at the same time, it is necessary to take into account their dimensions correctly so that they fit in folded form into the ceiling opening, securely attached to the hatch, and when unfolded they are just at the height of the room.

If it is decided to do such a rise to the attic completely independently, then it is worth creating a detailed drawing with dimensions, calculating the possible load, making an estimate that includes building materials for the frame, steps and railings, accessories and fasteners, insulation for the hatch.

Unlike railings, it is better not to make steps from smooth polished wood. In this case, the surface will be very slippery and there is a high risk of falling, especially with a high steepness or a screw version. If the wood is still too smooth, it is best to provide the steps with anti-slip stickers.

Successful examples and options

The scissor ladder to the attic is easy to install and relatively cheap. But it is not so comfortable when lifting, and the view is not very attractive.

A folding wooden ladder attached to the hatch looks beautiful. As you can see, the mechanism is equipped with a special handle, so no stepladders or stools are required.

A beautiful version of a monolithic structure made of wood with original steps can be made and assembled with your own hands.

Any room in the house can and should be equipped in an optimal way for the people living in it. This also applies to the attic. A do-it-yourself attic staircase becomes a great example of the correct use of space and strength to organize the space inside the room.

The ascent to the attic includes a ladder itself, a special access hatch and a system of levers for fixing the installed span. A self-made attic staircase saves money and provides excellent construction quality.

Classic view of a retractable staircase to the attic

There are plenty of options for how to make a staircase to the attic. Therefore, the choice of the optimal solution and its implementation depends on you.

Ladder manufacturing, its installation and testing are the main stages of work. But without designing and calculating the future structure, construction will be complicated, and the quality may not meet expectations.

The beginning of work is the creation of a hatch leading to the top. A DIY attic staircase is a great approach if you have the knowledge and skills. The correct choice of the location of the hatch, its precise creation and the equipment for the stairs serve as the basis for the entire project.

You have 2 options: use a ready-made hatch or make one yourself. The size of the hole should be comfortable for lifting, so as not to touch the ceiling and lines with your head. The place should not be crossed by beams and structural elements. The hatch must be additionally insulated, because the integrity of the structure is compromised and this can lead to loss of heat.

If you decide to make an attic staircase with your own hands, then you should understand that this is not just a classic path to the upper floor. The attic staircase has its own characteristics and requires a special approach.

Manufacturing a hatch for an attic staircase includes the following work:

Development of drawings
Accounting and detailed analysis of the thickness of all structural elements, hatch dimensions.
Selection of the necessary materials and tools.
Forming a hole where there will be a folding ladder or other option for climbing to the attic.
Assembly of the hatch frame and reliable fixation of all elements.
Making a cover from the remains of the floor covering.
Decorative design and complex of insulation works.

As a result, you get an equipped hatch that can be easily closed for a while.

The hatch in the closed position practically does not stand out against the background of the ceiling

Folding ladder to the attic with your own hands

In most cases, the design of the stairs to the attic seems to be like this. The attic staircase, which can be folded freely, looks comfortable and practical, saving space without sacrificing functionality.

Self-production of this type of ladder is quite difficult and time-consuming, but with proper preparation and step-by-step execution, it is quite feasible. Of the tools for making a folding attic staircase, you will need the following:

Hacksaw
Mounting foam
Screwdriver (preferably electric)
Screwdriver
Anchor bolts
Self-tapping screws of different diameters
Hinges for fasteners
Roulette.

Before starting the production of an attic staircase, you should take care of the presence of an extension staircase, which will serve as the basis for work. A folding ladder can be made in just 1 day, provided all materials and tools are available.

This design option is objectively the most popular, for which there are reasons:

A foldable ladder saves space.
The element is easy to fold and extremely easy to operate.
Harmonious fit into any interior.
Fast manufacturing speed.
High strength and long service life.

If you manage to make a folding ladder exactly according to the planned dimensions, then you will get an effective and effective element in home improvement.

Standard sizes

Although the attic staircase is made by hand, there are certain established dimensions that are recommended to be observed. They are selected and laid down at the design stage, and in the manufacturing process they serve as the starting point for all actions. Below is a list of sizes that can be used:

With a staircase height of 290 cm: 60x90, 60x120 or 70x120 cm.
Height 280 cm: 60x120 and 70x120 cm.
Height up to 280 cm: 60x120, 70x120 and 70x130 cm.

This is the accepted order of numbers. In any case, you choose the final parameters yourself, solely from personal preferences and understanding of the ease of use of the structure.

Drawing

Here is a set of versatile ladders with detailed drawings for work.

Manufacturing process step by step with photo illustrations and detailed descriptions

When making stairs for the attic, it is important to follow the stages of the work in order to get the best result. To do this, we offer you a universal instruction (attention: for a specific case, some changes and adjustments are allowed).

Drawing development. It does not require high precision and correct design. The main thing is that your document is understandable to you personally and contains precisely calculated and verified parameters.
Preparatory work. This important and extensive stage includes the selection of a complete set of tools and materials that will be required to complete the work. Already at this stage, the drawing will help you a lot, because you will clearly imagine how the staircase will look, which means it is easy to make a complete list of everything you need.
Support frame manufacturing. Based on the standard and selected size of the hatch, you shape the frames by carefully adjusting all corners and cleaning individual areas.

Installed frame and mounted hatch in open position

The frame is set in working position and secured with bolts and inserts. The opening is precisely adjusted.
After mounting the frame, the hatch cover is inserted into the body.
Grooves for stairs are made on the guides.
The ends of the support beams should be sawn off at an angle that will best fit the floor when the stairs are opened.
Sawed off and sanded steps are carefully installed in the groove and secured with self-tapping screws.

Installation of steps on the base

All elements (ladder segments) are assembled into a single structure. Metal hinges are used to fasten all parts.

Metal hinges for connecting structural elements

The ladder assembled on the floor is set into working position and attached to the hatch frame.
Be sure to carefully check how the design you create works. To do this, perform the full set of open / close movements several times.

Assembled ladder of several sections

See how you can make a staircase to the attic with a visual example

Attic staircase mechanism with hatch - articulated without spring

The design of the hatch opening mechanism is one of the key elements in the design of the staircase. You can purchase a ready-to-install mechanism at any department store. If you do not want to purchase such parts, you can make it yourself.

To make a simple version of the opening system, you will need the following set of parts and tools: a corner, a metal sheet (a small piece), 2 strips with different blade lengths, bolts for fasteners, drills, a bevel, a jigsaw, teski and clamps.

The manufacture of the mechanism for the stairs is as follows:

Drawing up a drawing with a detailed description of the elements. Be sure to calculate the contact angle and the angle of inclination of the lid when opening.
Make a draft of the mechanism out of cardboard in order to accurately calculate the size of the hinge.
Take metal strips and mark the holes on them. The hinges will be installed here. The size of the hole is determined by the size of the M10 bolt.
The strips are collected together into a single structure and tighten, but not strongly.
The exact angle is determined using a bevel.
Move the created mechanism to the set angle.
On a sheet of metal, mark the part that will overlap when the hatch is open.
Use a jigsaw to cut off this area.
The stripes should have a presentable appearance, for which they are thoroughly cleaned, rounded. The processing of all elements is very important, because it is precisely this that guarantees the exact match of all elements and their optimal fit. Friction between parts must not be allowed.
To make the second part of the mechanism, we recommend using clamps. To give accuracy to the dimensions, it is enough to reliably fasten the finished element and the source.
Also, with the help of clamps, you can achieve the exact location of the holes.
After the bolt holes are created, the bolt is placed in the finished one.
The workpieces are twisted with two bolts and aligned in length.

Your task is to make 2 identical mechanisms. Completely ready-made opening mechanisms are installed on the hatch. Be sure to re-try the hatch with mechanisms to the opening - make sure there are no gaps and areas where the elements touch.

Adjustment of the structure in this area is possible and does not represent anything difficult, so take this carefully.

The hinge is easy to use and allows you to use the ladder with comfort.

Ladder options

The attic staircase can be of several types. The choice allows you to optimally equip any room, depending on your personal wishes and needs.

- folding ladder with hinges

A fairly common format for making stairs. The project consists of 3 sections, which are connected into a single structure. This format is suitable for equipping stairs in any room. Hinges for the opening hatch can be purchased ready-made and installed as soon as possible.

Folding hinged ladder

- a simple wooden staircase to

This option is more attractive and is a definite modernization of the previous design. For manufacturing, it is enough to cut a standard ladder into 3 sections. The smallest one should be the size of the hatch, the second is larger, and the third should completely cover the remaining distance to the floor. Make grooves on and fit the steps into them. Be sure to accurately machine all corners and surfaces.

- folding ladder in two parts

A variant of an attic staircase that is suitable for a low room height or a type of simplified design.

Folding ladder

- sliding attic staircase - sliding flights to the attic

Ladder with large retractable sections that pull out and close the distance to the hatch at the same time. Requires precise fit of elements and sufficient space.

Sliding ladder

- DIY stairs to the attic from the street

The attic staircase can have an unlimited number of design options - below you can admire the completed projects.

Stairs from the street

Photo gallery of attic stairs

Today, you can find a large number of attic staircase designs on the web. Everyone can make them with their own hands, so you should not be afraid - you just need to prepare well and do it.

Do-it-yourself stairs to the attic are a great way to make your home more comfortable, and going to the attic is a real pleasure. The design has a small set of technical difficulties - therefore, the product is often made by hand. Basic rules for someone who decided to make an attic staircase on their own:

Carefully draw up a drawing based on the dimensions received and personal wishes.
Choose the best quality tools and materials.
Visually inspect all connectors and fittings.
Check the elements of the ladder often to prevent defects and correct them in a timely manner.

The staircase to the attic is easy to decorate and fits perfectly into the style of any room. Comfortable grips and secure fit make it ideal for climbing to the top, which is an excellent alternative to the standard fixed ladder.