How to make a folding attic ladder with your own hands: step by step instructions and master classes. How to make an attic ladder How to make your own folding attic ladder

The staircase to the attic is a simple design that you can easily create yourself. It can be solid - made of wood or metal, or it can have a light and convenient folding shape. What options are suitable for your attic and how to make and install an attic staircase with a hatch with your own hands, read in our material.

Access to the attic is almost always located in one of the living rooms on the top floor of the house. Therefore, you either have to sacrifice space and spoil the interior, or use a portable stepladder. The last option is not only troublesome, but also quite risky, since unstable steps can break off, and in order to hold the ladder itself, you often need to invite home help.

We suggest you make a choice in favor of a more reliable option - the design and implementation of a new modern attic staircase. The types and recommendations for creating a solid staircase to the attic with your own hands, which we give below, will help you make your choice.

Attic stairs: overview of options

The main elements of the stairs are the bowstring and kosour (side parts); tread (steps) and riser (for fixed stairs).

I. Capital Steps

If there is enough space in your house, then we advise you to build a stationary staircase to access the attic or attic. This option is reliable, practical and durable. Capital stages can be made on the basis of metal frame or quality wood.

Monolithic stairs can be marching, with one or more bends, and spiral (spiral). Marching options have steps in the form of rectangular plates (boards), which evenly tend upward with the same distance. The spiral staircase is folded around the central base, has steps narrowed to the inner edge and is arranged in a spiral. The latter option is more compact and can be built even in small rooms, without sacrificing space.

The "pluses" of the capital option include durability, reliability and comfort in use.

The capital staircase, in most cases, does not provide a hatch for access to the attic, so it is more suitable for houses with a warm roof. For cold roof the exit to the attic must be closed with an airtight hatch. The standard dimensions of the hatch are 120x70 cm. It does not make sense to make a smaller passage, as this will make it difficult to get into the attic and install the steps.

The material for the hatch is wood, metal or plastic. You can order a blank for the hatch at the plant of metal-plastic structures with installation or self-assembly. The hatch can be automatic and manual opening. The latter option uses a special pole that opens the latch (lock) and lowers the door with a ladder.

II. Portable ladders

Portable steps - the closest analogue of the "good old" stepladders. Such a ladder will be reliable only if you make folding option with platform. However, it is difficult to call such a construction convenient. You will have to make extra efforts to get into the attic hole, and the issue of storing such a ladder will cause a lot of trouble.

III. Folding attic stairs with hatch

A very convenient and easy-to-implement type of attic staircase is folding steps connected to a hatch. Due to the convenience of the design, this type of steps has become the most popular among professional craftsmen.

Today, there are many varieties of folding stairs, among which you can choose the most suitable option (telescopic, scissor, folding, etc.).

The folding mechanism is suitable for any attic with a hatch, on which the ladder structure can be fixed.

Scissor steps. This type is made of metal. The steps themselves can be wooden. The ladder is a compressible mechanism. When folded, the design takes a very compact shape and size, so it is perfect for a small attic hatch;
Telescopic steps. They are a system of retractable sections (like a folding telescope). This option is made of aluminum and also looks very compact on a small attic door;
Folding (folding) ladders. This type is the most popular, as it is characterized by practicality, durability, economy and ease of installation. Next, we will describe it in more detail.

In general, most stairs schematically look like this:

Before proceeding with the design of the attic stairs, consider some of the standard design features:

The width of the march for attic steps should not exceed 60-65 cm;
The height of the entire structure (taking into account the slope) is allowed up to 300 cm. Anything that exceeds this length becomes less stable and less strong. The higher the ladder, the less load it can withstand;
Based on the recommended length of the stairs, the number of steps is selected - 13-15 pieces, with a distance between them of up to 20 cm;
The most convenient and safe angle of inclination of the stairs is 60-700 degrees;
Steps are the direct recipient of the load when lifting, so they must have a dense structure and a thickness of 18 mm or more, and be located strictly parallel to the floor.

The choice of material for the flight of stairs should be determined by the frequency of operation of the structure. Wood wears out faster than metal. So, if you go up to the attic every day, it is better to design stairs made of metal. In other cases, wood, as a material that is light, environmentally friendly and easy to install, is very popular.

So, let's get started and create a modern attic staircase with a do-it-yourself hatch according to the drawings that our experts have prepared for you.

Stages of design and installation of a ladder of three sections with a hatch

Any work must begin with a project. Determine the height of your future stairs, taking into account the height of the ceiling and a slope of 60-70 degrees. It is also worth accurately measuring the attic passage and drawing the appropriate diagram. The drawing should contain the following information: the length of the stairs, the angle of inclination, the height of the ceiling of the room, the dimensions of the passage and the attic hatch, the width of the march, the number and dimensions of the sections, the number, distance and dimensions of the steps.

I. Drawing preparation

At this stage, the design is calculated. The length of the stairs is easy to calculate. We use a simple mathematical formula: D \u003d B /, where α is the selected angle of inclination, B is the height of the ceiling. So, with a ceiling height of 3 m and an angle of inclination of 60 degrees, the length of the stairs will be 3 / 0.867 = 3.46 m. Masters advise adding a few centimeters to the resulting figure, so that later you can more accurately measure and cut off the desired length:

The dimensions of the hatch should be slightly smaller than the opening itself. For calculation, 6-7 mm are left on each side of the door.

We calculate the length of the sections according to the following scheme: the first section is the length of the hatch minus 10%; the second section is the length of the first section minus 10%; third section - the sum of the lengths of the first two sections is subtracted from the total length of the stairs.

Now the calculations need to be transferred to paper and start preparing necessary materials and tools.

II. Choice of materials and tools

To implement the project, you need to prepare carpentry tools: tape measure, chisel, hacksaw, screwdriver, welding machine(or capital connections for a metal frame), square, hacksaw, clamps, wood glue, masking tape, electrodes, wood glue.

The main materials that we need: 50x50 mm bars for finishing the hatch (about 4-5 pieces); two boards for a bowstring 100x25 mm long, equal to the chosen length of the stairs; board for steps 100x20 or 100x25 mm; plywood or material with similar characteristics (one standard sheet is enough for the hatch door); plates and corners for opening and loops; nuts, bolts, screws, washers, etc.

III. Hatch door manufacturing

Step I. Prepare the bars for the hatch. At the ends of the bars, make notches-grooves to tightly connect the structure into a regular triangle using mounting adhesive and fixtures. Protect the corners of the frame with temporary plywood plates so that the rectangle does not lead.

Step II. Attach a sheet of plywood of the appropriate size to the base of the bars. Now you need to try on the hatch to the passage to the attic. It should be 6-7 mm smaller on all sides.

Step III. Provide a lock for the attic door. It can be an automatic mechanism, or the most ordinary latch that can be opened with a pole with a tip.

Step IV. We mount the mechanisms for opening / closing the hatch. If you do not want to buy ready-made mechanisms, you can make them yourself. There should be two fasteners - left and right. For work, purchase a 4x20 mm steel plate and a corner. The photo shows a drawing of the left mounting detail. The right one is mirrored. The sizes are given conditionally. For more accurate calculations, consider your parameters. Before fixing, be sure to check the mechanisms in operation:

IV. We assemble the stairs

You can always order a ready-made sectional ladder from the masters, which you can fix yourself according to the finished scheme. But if you decide to do the work with your own hands to the end, you can assemble a ladder from prepared materials.

Step 1. We mark the places for mounting the steps on the bowstrings. To do this, mark each part with a pencil, according to the selected angle of inclination of the stairs and the calculations made earlier. Now press the ends of the boards tightly together and fasten them with masking tape. This is necessary to drill through holes at the junction of the sections. Drill a hole for a hinge with a diameter of about 25 mm at the junction of the first and second sections. Next, you need to remove the tape and turn the boards over, fastening them again. Now we drill a similar hole at the junction of the second and third sections:

Step 2. Cut the bowstrings along the marked lines. Next, grooves are made for steps on the inside of the bowstrings using a chisel. The depth of the grooves must be at least 5 mm (this should also be taken into account at the first design stage). The lower section of the bowstring should be beveled according to the angle of the stairs.

Step 3. We cut the steps according to the markup and attach them to the left bowstring. We put the steps on glue and fix them with self-tapping screws. We attach the right bowstring and also fasten it with self-tapping screws.

Step 4. We fasten the loops for sliding mechanism stairs. Hinges, like hinge mechanisms, can be bought at the store, or made independently from metal tape. We need eight strips of metal (you can use the remains of the door mechanisms). Weld small pieces of the same strip to four strips. We drill two holes in each part (for fastening and hinge). We connect the hinge with the hinges. Now we join the cut sections and apply the hinges so that each hinge falls into the groove (25 mm holes drilled before cutting the sections). We fix the loops on the bowstrings:

V. Final Assembly

Now the top finished stairs need to be fixed to the hatch, after checking the operation of the hinge mechanisms. The ladder should also be checked after installation. After making sure that all the details are in good condition and functional, open the steps with varnish:

One more thing step by step guide for installation:

You can insulate and seal the hatch with foam rubber or construction wool. The edges of the hatch should be sheathed with a rubber sealant tape.

That's all, your staircase with a hatch is ready! This is exactly the option that is quite feasible "in one helmet." We wish you fast and easy work.

The attic is a traditional room in almost every country house. Its functionality is extremely wide. For example, this room is used as a storage room or workshop, some homeowners even design the attic as a living room or bedroom. In fact, the functional purpose of such a room depends solely on your own imagination, as well as financial capabilities. However, despite the wide variety of design options attic space, you should know that the attic staircase with a hatch is an integral part of it. If you don't build this design, you simply can not get into this room. Creating an attic staircase is a fairly simple matter, in connection with which you do not even have to turn to professionals in the construction industry.

Attic stairs must be functional

Structure classification

Actually, the most time-consuming process in the organization of the attic space is the design of the stair segment. Before creating a project for a specific staircase for your home, you must first determine the design category. There are such options:

folding;
stationary;
portable.

Approximate diagram of a folding ladder with a hatch

Features of various designs

Construction industry experts call a wide marching structure the most reliable in the respective segment. It should be noted that its durability, reliability and safety cannot be compared with the constructive counterparts on the market. Meanwhile, despite the large number of advantages of this option, the choice in its favor is sometimes impossible due to the banal lack of the necessary free space. Thus, if you do not have a large area for stairs, then the stationary model will not suit you. However, you should not despair, because you can always build a folding ladder. Its design has the best performance from stationary and portable counterparts. For example, it is as reliable and safe as a stationary marching model, however, to organize such a design, it is necessary to have a very small amount of free space. In addition, folding models are the easiest to implement without the help of experienced professionals.

Simple two piece staircase

Temporary solution

Portable models will be singled out in a separate category, however, it is quite extensive. The variety of portable products is simply incredible. Meanwhile, do not forget that the daily use of such a product can never become safe or comfortable enough, and the ladder itself is not able to compete with stationary and folding models in terms of operational and technical characteristics.

Stairs should be comfortable and functional

Selection of building materials

In the process of creating an attic staircase with your own hands, namely, its preliminary drawing, you should pay attention to what building materials are commonly used in this case. Despite all the variety of products in the building materials segment, any experienced builder will tell you that there are certain types of products that the best way show themselves during operation. As a rule, all the main structural parts are made mainly of wood, while fasteners and fixing elements are made of metals. Thanks to the competent selection of materials, a do-it-yourself attic staircase, the drawing of which was made by a non-professional, will be an order of magnitude stronger and more reliable.

Folding ladder with hinges

How to make your choice?

Due to the fact that building materials for folding stairs to the attic are presented in a variety of price segments, source material and characteristics, it is quite easy to drown in a sea of information about them. To minimize the time spent on searching and choosing the best options, you should be guided by a number of rules:

Specify the type of functional purpose of the structure, as well as its main parameters, including design features, sectioning, width, etc.
Choose building materials in strict accordance with how the product will be actively used and in what conditions.
Identify the negative factors that can reduce the life of the product.

Another typical scheme of the attic stairs

The main thing is to correctly define the function

Any specialist with required level qualifications and experience in working with such types of objects will tell you that the final result largely depends on the competent definition of the functional purpose of the product construction works on the construction of stairs to the attic with their own hands. This option allows you to calculate the permissible load for each product step. The standard value of this indicator for a metal product reads about 250 kgf, but wooden models designed only for 150 kGs. In addition, it is worth considering that the above indicators are valid for products made by professionals, while home-made objects have somewhat lower parameters. In general, the indicator of permissible pressure on a step does not mean that it cannot withstand more stress. However, if the structure is overloaded too often, then it will become unusable in a fairly short period of time.

When opening the hatch, you do not have to make great efforts.

So, the main criteria by which the choice of the optimal option is carried out are as follows:

the area of free space in the room;
functional purpose of the object;
desired angle of inclination.

The creation of the drawing must be carried out in accordance with the regulations

Stages of work and their features

Actually, experts say that there is nothing particularly difficult in creating a staircase with a hatch with your own hands. It is enough to adhere to certain rules, tested over the years. For example, when drawing up design drawings, one should be guided by regulatory and technical documentation, in which, in addition to the conditions general, specific parameters of standard products are also given. In addition, on the Internet, a lot of ready-made schemes for every taste are offered in the public domain. You can take a ready-made version and proceed to bring the project to life, or slightly modify it in accordance with the individual characteristics of the house.

Tools recommended by experts

Figure 9

What to consider when designing?

Most General requirements normative and technical documentation can be reduced to a number of simple and understandable conditions:

the ergonomic range of product width is from 60 to 100 centimeters;
the best height is three and a half meters;
the maximum number of steps is 15 pieces;
the distance between adjacent steps should be about 20 centimeters;
the step height comfortable for a person reaches about 20 centimeters, a deviation of 2 centimeters is allowed;
if we are talking about a folding structure, then when creating a project, a permissible load of 15 kilograms is taken.

Tools

Having decided on the independent implementation of construction work, it is very important to stock up on a certain set of equipment so that in the process of implementing the product project, you do not stop due to the banal lack of a screwdriver or tape measure. So, the standard set of tools consists of the following items:

mounting foam;
bars;
self-tapping screws;
electric screwdriver;
hacksaw;
yardstick;
anchors;
screwdrivers.

Building a staircase is not a difficult task.

Location features

All the nuances of the location of the object in the room will become visible during the construction process. This is especially true if you are engaged in the creation and subsequent implementation of the project yourself. Remember that the product can in no way reduce the comfort of the room. That is why stairs with a hatch are not located in bedrooms, living rooms and kitchens. However, if necessary, you can diversify your staircase project with an interesting design. Thanks to this, the product can harmoniously fit into general interior premises.

Project implementation technology

Following a certain technology, you can quickly and efficiently implement even complex project. So, if you have chosen metal as the main material, then remember that the following steps are carried out:

the drawing is applied to sheets of cardboard;
cardboard elements of the future product are cut out;
hinge marking is applied on metal strips and special holes are prepared;
prepared parts are fixed to each other;
the required angle is measured and the structure is moved apart in accordance with the parameters obtained;
on metal sheets, markings are applied to those places that will subsequently be covered with corners;
elements are cut using a special tool;
aesthetic appearance of the object is given;
existing corners are rounded;
workpieces are fastened in pairs.

Before starting work, install a temporary ladder

As you can see, the technology for working on the implementation of the staircase project with your own hands is quite simple. It applies not only to metal objects, but also to wooden products.

In order for the appearance of the attic stairs to be as attractive as possible, do not be too lazy to carry out preparatory work on the surface building material. It's about, for example, about applying a special primer before covering the surface with a coloring matter.

Do not be afraid of difficulties, because the technology for the construction of stairs only at first glance may seem problematic to you and require experience in the construction industry. Applying the optimal amount of effort will help you achieve maximum results.

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

At the same time, the staircase should not at all be capital and cumbersome - you can assemble and install an excellent folding design, which in no way will be inferior to stationary stairs.

Ladder to the attic with your own hands

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

Selecting the type of stairs

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

Stationary

attic stairs

Stationary ladder

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

Portable

Portable version

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

folding

folding ladder

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

Material selection

Not less than important point is the choice of materials from which the staircase to the attic will be assembled. For the manufacture of the main elements of folding sectional stairs, wood is usually used, and fasteners are traditionally made of metal.

Attic stairs

There are currently many various materials, types of control and fasteners, which makes it easy to assemble a folding ladder that will best fit your particular room.

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

Attic stairs

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

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

Attic stairs, blueprint

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

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

march width - at the level of 650-1100 mm;
height - no more than 350 cm. At more significant values, the ladder noticeably loses in terms of rigidity and overall safety;
the number of steps is up to 15. In some situations, the number of steps can be increased with the obligatory additional strengthening of the structure;
the distance between the steps is 15-20 cm, they are usually placed at a distance of about 18-19 cm;
the thickness of the steps is about 2 cm, it may deviate slightly in both directions;
the angle of inclination is about 60-80 degrees. To install stairs at a small angle, you need a lot of free space, while a large angle reduces the safety of the structure.
When designing stairs, be sure to consider the expected level of load on the structure.
Stair dimensions

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

Interfloor opening size

Attic stairs guide

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

Do-it-yourself attic folding ladder

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

One of the drawings

Instruments

Prepare everything at once necessary fixtures, so as not to be distracted by the search for missing tools in the future.

You will need:

hacksaw;
mounting foam;
electric screwdriver;
screwdrivers;
anchor;
self-tapping screws;
bars;
fastening loops;
yardstick.
Almost complete set

Markup tools

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

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

Luke

simple hatch

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

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

Manhole box

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

A simple scheme for building an insulated hatch to the attic

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

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

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

The hatch should open easily

Simple folding ladder

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Finished construction

Folding attic ladder on bowstrings

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

Folding attic ladder on bowstrings

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

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

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

Fourth step. Sand the edges of the structures.

Fifth step. Saw the boards at the hinge points.

Sixth step. Cut and sand steps.

Seventh step. Prepare recesses for steps in bowstrings.

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

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

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

Eleventh step. Sand it all down wooden surfaces and varnish them.

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

Ladder

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

Successful work!

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

Video - Do-it-yourself ladder to the attic

An attic hatch with a ladder is the key to comfortable operation of the structure. In many houses, the attic is not just a room filled with rubbish, but a room that is quite suitable for rest or work, which is often used. In this case, the question arises of a safe and convenient ascent to this very room. Of course, you can use ladders or other attached structures, but a ladder hidden in an attic hatch will be much easier and more comfortable to use. Moreover, making such a thing with your own hands is not so difficult.

Folding attic stairs with a hatch: sizes and types

Stairs that lead to the attic are divided into three main types: stationary (they cannot be moved), portable and folding.

The first type is inconvenient because it takes up a lot of space. The second is a rather troublesome option, since the stairs have to be constantly moved from place to place. But the flip-flops are exactly what you need. They are compact, can be removed at any time and, as a rule, are generally invisible if they are hidden in the hatch.

The attic hatch, despite the simplicity of its design, can be:

horizontal- the most common type, mounted in the ceiling;
vertical- its second name is manhole, the most convenient to use;
Mansard- also leads to the roof, has a complex device, so it is better to order it from specialists;
Auditing- designed more to check the room (usually used if the place is very small, and you need to monitor the room).

The dimensions of the hatch must clearly correspond to the dimensions of the stairs. Otherwise, there will be difficulties with its operation.

Folding attic stairs are of three types

The height of the structure should not exceed 3 meters, otherwise its safety becomes jeopardized;
The width of the ladder can be from 60 cm to 1 m;
Flights of stairs are best done in the region of 60-65 cm;
The number of steps should not be more than 15, and their height varies within 20 cm;
Also, the steps should not slip, and their location should be clearly parallel to the floor;
The angle of inclination of the stairs is recommended to be made from 60 to 70 degrees.

The manhole cover can be made in one piece or from two identical halves. The latter option is very convenient with a wide opening. In this case, it is not necessary to lift the lid completely.

You can, of course, resort to more simple option. Namely, buy a hatch with a ladder in the store. For example, in Ob. You can get acquainted with the products directly in the online catalog and choose exactly what you need for your home or summer cottage.

Reliable attic stairs with a do-it-yourself hatch: drawings and tips

In addition to size, it is important to decide on the material from which the hatch will be made. To create it, wood or metal can be used, as well as for stairs.

Before proceeding with construction, it is necessary to create structural drawings and choose a place where it is most convenient to place the hatch.

In no case should the hatch fall on the floor beam;
It is also desirable not to touch the roof rafters;
The direction of the hatch and its location largely depends on the direction of the rafters (you need to focus on them in the first place).

You can make an attic staircase with a hatch with your own hands, but before that you need to create design drawings

The dimensions of the hatch must match the dimensions of the ceiling opening. Otherwise, the hatch may become crooked, which will make it difficult to operate, and over time, it may lead to cracks in the ceiling itself.

The place where the hatch will be placed will require additional reinforcement in all directions. Moreover, if the attic is not heated, then it is necessary to think about the thermal insulation of the lid.

After creating the drawings and determining the place where the hatch will be located, you can begin to manufacture it.

Airtight hatch to the attic with a staircase with your own hands

There is nothing difficult in making a hatch with your own hands along with a ladder leading to the attic. You just need to follow a certain sequence of actions and work according to the instructions.

The hatch itself can be a ready-made structure with existing seals on both sides and with external strips around the entire perimeter. Given this, the process of securing the hatch can be simplified.

Creating an airtight hatch to the attic is not so difficult, the main thing is to follow the instructions and sequence

So, the work of fixing the hatch to the attic consists of the following steps:

Preparing the opening in the ceiling - all measurements can be taken from inside the room in the attic. So it will be more convenient. You can use an electric drill to drill holes around the perimeter of the future hatch. And cut the hole itself with a jigsaw.
Fitting the hatch - having removed all the linings on it and leaving only the frame, you need to lean the hatch against the opening and check the fit. The hatch should fit into the hole like a "poured" one. At the same stage, you can attach a latch to the hatch.
Mounting and fixing - it is better to do this work with two people. You need to start from the side of the attic. The upper outer bar is attached directly to the hatch and fixed in the hole. Then, from the side of the room, the lower bar is attached and fixed to the ceiling. The cover is fixed.
Checking the design - do not immediately give the maximum load on the stairs. It is better to do it gradually.

If you want, you can do beautiful finish attic entrance. If it is necessary that the hatch is not noticeable, it is better to use the same materials that were taken for the ceiling, or, on the contrary, highlight it with a bright spot. If the hatch is made of metal, it can be painted.

How to make an attic insulated hatch with a ladder

In order to prevent heat from leaving the room, the hatch can be made with additional thermal insulation. This is not difficult.

The process of creating an insulated hatch with your own hands looks like this:

From slats of 25 or 30 mm, a rectangular frame is knocked down 40 - 50 mm less than the opening on all sides;
The hatch frame itself is sheathed with fiberboard, wooden crate or plywood;
In order to make the hatch warm, a vapor barrier film is placed on its base, and on top mineral wool, polystyrene foam or some other insulating material;
Next, the insulation is fixed with boards and glued, and the other side is treated with fiberboard or plywood;
Then loops are attached to the already insulated hatch and to the ceiling, and the opening is sheathed with platbands.

An additionally insulated hatch can be protected with a special rubber band so that it sits tightly.

Attic hatch with stairs can be additionally insulated

Installing the hatch in the hole is carried out in this way:

Two boards are installed on which the structure will be attached;
Installation is done with special spacers and the frame is leveled;
Next, the screws are screwed into the front and back of the frame, and any gaps are filled with thermal insulation;
Then the mounting boards are removed and the ladder is checked by laying it out and inspecting it for distortions and irregularities.

You can also save yourself time and opt for stairs that already have a hatch with an insulated cover and are manufactured by well-known companies.

For example, the Fakro company produces ladders that are famous for their practicality, reliability and come complete with an already insulated manhole cover. They are sold already assembled, so their installation will be quick and easy.

In addition to Fakro, it is worth noting the Velux company. Thanks to the consistent quality of its products, it has been a market leader in its industry for many years. Its products were able to appreciate the residents of Russia, Ukraine and Belarus.

All VELUX ladders can be divided into three groups:

Economy- folding design, consisting of three sections without insulation. Can serve well in the garage or in the country.
"Basic"- also has three sections and additionally insulated manhole cover.
"Compact"- consists of four shortened sections, has a special insulation. Great for small spaces where it is problematic to put a regular staircase.

As you can see, there is a choice - to make a hatch with a ladder yourself and thereby reduce your costs or buy a ready-made structure.

Standard attic hatch without ladder

The hatch does not have to be with a ladder, it can be without it. It is simpler in design, but also less convenient. After all, the ladder will still have to be attached or somehow fixed.

The hatch itself is pretty easy to make. Typically, these are used wooden blocks, which are assembled into a rectangle and screwed at the corners with self-tapping screws.

A standard hatch without a ladder can be made independently, and without much effort

Installation of the attic hatch in the opening looks like this:

Fixing the hatch in the opening - this can be done by placing it on boards laid across the opening to the ceiling;
Fixing the hatch - this must be done so that the distance on all sides between it and the opening is the same;
Next, insert into the slots wooden inserts and at least 3 screws are screwed on each side;
The empty space between the opening and the hatch is blown with foam, and after it dries, you can deal with facing and finishing.

Actually, that's all the work. This is easy to do even for a beginner. The main thing is not to be afraid and boldly get down to business.

How to mount an attic hatch with your own hands (video)

Creating an attic hatch with or without a ladder is troublesome, but not difficult. You can buy a ready-made design and simply assemble it, or you can do it yourself by purchasing only materials. This is the choice of everyone. In any case, there are options for how to make the entrance to the attic beautiful, convenient and safe.

What can be an attic hatch with a ladder (photo examples)

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

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

Monolithic structures provide complete safety of lifting to the attic. But occupy usable 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. Best Choice a folding ladder is considered, which takes up a minimum of space. This design is often attached to the hatch, it has a compact size, and making it yourself will save money.

Features of folding structures

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

Varieties of folding attic stairs

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

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

The scissor ladder is reliable and has a beautiful appearance

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

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

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

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

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

Materials for manufacturing

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

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

Manufacturing technology of a simple folding design

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

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

Tools for work:

screwdriver;
roulette;
hacksaw.

Materials:

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

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

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

Manufacture of the hatch

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

You need to prepare the following materials:

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

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

Assembling the opening mechanism

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

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

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

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

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

Wooden staircase, do it yourself

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

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

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

In contact with

Attic ladders? It's in the past!

Attic stairs: overview of options

The main elements of the stairs are the bowstring and kosour (side parts); tread (steps) and riser (for fixed stairs).

I. Capital Steps

If there is enough space in your house, then we advise you to build a stationary staircase to access the attic or attic. This option is reliable, practical and durable. Capital steps can be made on the basis of a metal frame or high-quality wood.

The "pluses" of the capital option include durability, reliability and comfort in use.

The capital staircase, in most cases, does not provide a hatch for access to the attic, so it is more suitable for houses with a warm roof. For a cold roof, the exit to the attic must be closed with an airtight hatch. The standard dimensions of the hatch are 120x70 cm. It does not make sense to make a smaller passage, as this will make it difficult to get into the attic and install the steps.

The material for the hatch is wood, metal or plastic. You can order a blank for the hatch at the factory of metal-plastic structures with installation or self-assembly. The hatch can be automatic and manual opening. The latter option uses a special pole that opens the latch (lock) and lowers the door with a ladder.

II. Portable ladders

Portable steps - the closest analogue of the "good old" stepladders. Such a ladder will be reliable only if you make a folding version with a platform. However, it is difficult to call such a construction convenient. You will have to make extra efforts to get into the attic hole, and the issue of storing such a ladder will cause a lot of trouble.

III. Folding attic stairs with hatch

Today, there are many varieties of folding stairs, among which you can choose the most suitable option (telescopic, scissor, folding, etc.).

The folding mechanism is suitable for any attic with a hatch, on which the ladder structure can be fixed.

Scissor steps. This type is made of metal. The steps themselves can be wooden. The ladder is a compressible mechanism. When folded, the design takes on a very compact shape and size, so it is perfect for a small attic hatch;
Telescopic steps. They are a system of retractable sections (like a folding telescope). This option is made of aluminum and also looks very compact on a small attic door;
Folding (folding) ladders. This type is the most popular, as it is characterized by practicality, durability, economy and ease of installation. Next, we will describe it in more detail.

In general, most stairs schematically look like this:

Before proceeding with the design of the attic stairs, consider some of the standard design features:

The width of the march for attic steps should not exceed 60-65 cm;
The height of the entire structure (taking into account the slope) is allowed up to 300 cm. Anything that exceeds this length becomes less stable and less strong. The higher the ladder, the less load it can withstand;
Based on the recommended length of the stairs, the number of steps is selected - 13-15 pieces, with a distance between them of up to 20 cm;
The most convenient and safe angle of inclination of the stairs is 60-700 degrees;
Steps are the direct recipient of the load when lifting, so they must have a dense structure and a thickness of 18 mm or more, and be located strictly parallel to the floor.

So, let's get started and create a modern attic staircase with a do-it-yourself hatch according to the drawings that our experts have prepared for you.

Stages of design and installation of a ladder of three sections with a hatch

I. Drawing preparation

The dimensions of the hatch should be slightly smaller than the opening itself. For calculation, 6-7 mm are left on each side of the door.

Now the calculations need to be transferred to paper and proceed to the preparation of the necessary materials and tools.

II. Choice of materials and tools

To implement the project, you need to prepare carpentry tools: a tape measure, a chisel, a hacksaw, a screwdriver, a welding machine (or capital connections for a metal frame), a square, a hacksaw, clamps, carpentry glue, masking tape, electrodes, carpentry glue.

III. Hatch door manufacturing

Step I. Prepare the bars for the hatch. At the ends of the bars, make notches-grooves to tightly connect the structure into a regular triangle using mounting adhesive and fasteners. Protect the corners of the frame with temporary plywood plates so that the rectangle does not lead.

Step II. Attach a sheet of plywood of the appropriate size to the base of the bars. Now you need to try on the hatch to the passage to the attic. It should be 6-7 mm smaller on all sides.

Step III. Provide a lock for the attic door. It can be an automatic mechanism, or the most ordinary latch that can be opened with a pole with a tip.

IV. We assemble the stairs

Step 4 We fasten the hinges for the sliding ladder mechanism. Hinges, like hinge mechanisms, can be bought at the store, or made independently from metal tape. We need eight strips of metal (you can use the remains of the door mechanisms). Weld small pieces of the same strip to four strips. We drill two holes in each part (for fastening and hinge). We connect the hinge with the hinges. Now we join the cut sections and apply the hinges so that each hinge falls into the groove (25 mm holes drilled before cutting the sections). We fix the loops on the bowstrings:

V. Final Assembly

Now the top of the finished ladder needs to be fixed to the hatch, after checking the operation of the hinge mechanisms. The ladder should also be checked after installation. After making sure that all the details are in good condition and functional, open the steps with varnish:

And another step-by-step installation guide:

You can insulate and seal the hatch with foam rubber or construction wool. The edges of the hatch should be sheathed with a rubber sealant tape.

That's all, your staircase with a hatch is ready! This is exactly the option that is quite feasible "in one helmet." We wish you fast and easy work.

But how to get to a well-maintained attic? It is almost impossible to do this without a ladder.

The best option for a comfortable and safe climb to the attic is the original attic ladder. It can be located outside the premises or inside - as it is more convenient and expedient for the owners.

But it should be noted that using the internal staircase is somewhat more convenient: to go up to the attic, you do not have to go outside, where the weather conditions are not always excellent.

FROM There are many types of attic stairs, including:

but)
fixed stairs :

screw.

b) portable ladders:

attached,
ladders.

c) folding stairs:

scissor,
sliding or telescopic,
lever or folding,
folding.

How to make a choice?

It is worth considering that the use of stationary stairs is severely limited by the impossibility of their use in small areas.

Stationary attic stairs with wide marches, equipped with railings, however, are recognized as the most convenient.

Folding ladders represent, as it were, a transitional link between portable and stationary. They are almost as convenient as the latter, but they do not require as much space. Their security level is much higher than that of mobile devices.

The choice should be wise and depend on several important factors:

portable structures are deservedly considered a temporary option, which is usually used in order to get into a rarely used room.

The main disadvantage of a portable device is a low degree of security.

attic stairs

Dimensions and standards

When arranging, it is important to take into account the list of standards that any attic staircase must comply with:

one). Its height should not exceed 3.5 m.
As this indicator increases, the rigidity of the entire structure decreases markedly. In addition, falling from such a height is much more dangerous.

2). The width of a standard march should be on average from 65 to 110 cm.

3). It is desirable that there are no more than fifteen steps.

4). The distance between the individual steps can be about 19 cm.

five). The steps have a thickness of 18-22 mm.

6). If the ladder is folding, then the minimum load it can withstand should be 150 kg.

7). The traditional angle of inclination of the structure is 60-75 degrees.
A larger angle becomes dangerous for operation, and a smaller one will require more area.

The steps must not slip.
Their location must be parallel to the floor plane.

DIY manufacturing process

Build with my own hands such a device is not as difficult as it might seem.

Of course, it is unlikely that you will get an attic staircase from the official site, beautiful and sophisticated.

But it's worth trying!

The drawings of stairs necessary for work can be easily found on the Internet. They are there for every taste.

The attic hatch is an important foundation for any staircase.

It is easy to make with your own hands, having 50 by 50 mm bars.

What will be the course of action?

Materials and tools

To make an attic ladder yourself, you will need a whole list of necessary:

wood saw;
with kit or set of screwdrivers;
with foam;
roulette;
anchors and self-tapping screws of different sizes;
bars 20-30 cm thick;
card loops.

In addition, you will need an ordinary ladder (already finished) with a length of 30 cm more than the height to the level of the opening.

Attic ladder of two sections

Design

We take a wooden staircase of the right size prepared in advance. At the bottom and at the top of it we fix a couple of bars across the width: the bottom one is rigid, and the top one is on the loops. Having measured two-thirds of its entire length, we cut the ladder with a hacksaw. We get two parts of the structure: the lower one will be shorter, and the upper one will be long.

We fix a pair of slats diagonally to ensure rigidity. With the help of loops we connect the existing parts. We fix the upper bar under the hatch anchor bolts. lower part We fix it with a hook so that it does not open on its own. On the kosour, above the place of the cut, there is a loop. The finished folding ladder is fixed to the wall surface.

We got quite comfortable and. Its main disadvantage can be considered an unfinished appearance - all the bars and fasteners are in sight. But our device will perform its functions properly, and completely solve the problem of getting up to the attic and going down from there.

Installing the folding device

The folding device will be made on bowstrings.

Consider the phased manufacture of such a device:

We divide the height we have into three parts. The very first corresponds to the size of the hatch, the second will be slightly smaller, the remaining third will be equal to the distance remaining to the floor;
with the help of a bevel, we measure the angle of the hatch we need;
we transfer the indicators of this angle to the boards, thereby marking the steps;
sections will be connected by hinges: in their place we make holes;
all edges are well polished;
in places marked for hinges, we cut the boards;
cut steps and grind them;
in bowstrings, we cut out notches for steps in size;
we insert steps into them, fastening with glue and reinforcing with self-tapping screws;
on a flat surface we place the sections and connect them together with special loops;
check the work of each section separately;
we install the assembled structure in the opening;
if required, we make a final adjustment of individual parts;
we disassemble the resulting structure into separate elements;
we process every detail - we grind and;
We wait for it to dry completely, assemble it again, and start using it.

All work that is performed at a considerable height is preferably done with a partner. This will speed up the workflow, in addition, it will help to avoid various traumatic situations.

Be that as it may, the price of a self-made attic staircase is much lower than the cost of a purchased factory structure.

Therefore, if the financial issue of the event is important enough for you, try to make it yourself.

In most cases, the attic is used to store unused and old things. In past times, few people could dare to use it for living space. Today, in pursuit of everyone square meter many rebuild the attic, making living room. Accordingly, the attic ladder in this case plays a key role. In this article, we will look at the manufacture of this piece of furniture from different angles, and find out what types of stairs to the attic exist.

Devices and types of structures

Stairs are installed both outside and inside the house. The last option has much more advantages. To get into the attic, you do not need to go through the yard. There are several types of staircase designs:

Monolithic.

Marching.

Folding attic stairs.

Folding.
Scissor.
Telescopic.
Folding or lever.

Portable.

Attached.
Stepladders.

As for the latter option, such stairs are often used as temporary structures. For example, they are applicable in cases where the attic does not have to be used so often. Portable ladders not so reliable.

If we talk about reliability, then here, of course, monolithic stairs should be noted, which have a wide march and reliable railings. But if you have a small room, then it will be almost impossible to accommodate it. In such circumstances, the ideal version of the stairs is retractable. It is easy to operate, safe and ergonomic.

Ladder-transformer folding

Mostly, the transformer ladder is made of metal or wood. If these two materials are combined, then the result will be very worthy. For example, a flight of stairs is made of wood, and important components are made of metal: fastening, mechanism and springs. Wood will lighten the entire structure, and metal will add strength. For the manufacture of wooden elements It is better to use hardwoods.

In some situations, you can use plastic fittings. In the process of transformation, the plastic levels friction. According to the opening method, folding stairs are manual and automatic. A weight is attached to the ladder for easy manual opening.

The main requirements for folding attic stairs are compact dimensions and strength. The aesthetic appearance of the building also plays an important role.

Retractable ladder with retractable flights

Scissor ladders are very popular. Its production is carried out only from metal parts. In another way, it is called "accordion". But they have a number negative qualities. For example, after a while, the flight of stairs will make an unpleasant creak, as some parts will wear out. But this can be prevented by timely lubrication of each working connection.

telescopic ladder

This type of construction consists of sections that are retractable. When folded, it takes up little space, as the parts are assembled one into the other. They are mostly made from aluminium. The telescopic ladder has high durability.

Sectional and hinged

It can have 1-4 sections. The first is fixed on the lid. Subsequent sections are interconnected and form a uniform flight of stairs. They are equipped with hinges and special hinges.

folding

If you do not have free space, a folding ladder has clear advantages. In most cases, it is folded into the wall. It can be pulled out if needed. Using card loops, the steps are fixed on a bowstring. When it is folded, it hides against the wall.

General requirements for attic stairs

It should be mentioned about the standard dimensions of such structures:

The permissible march width is 650 mm.
It is not recommended to make a ladder more than 3000 mm in height. This will result in less structural rigidity, resulting in an accident. Among other things, too high a design will be problematic to fold.
Steps in the amount of 13 to 15 pieces.
Between the steps there should be a gap of no more than 19.3 cm. Otherwise, the operation of the stairs will be difficult.
The step should have a thickness of 1.8 to 2.2 cm.
The standard tilt angle is 60–75°.
The entire structure must withstand a weight of up to one hundred and fifty kilograms.
The location of the steps is only parallel to the floor. For complete safety, they can be glued with anti-slip pads.

Separately, it should be noted the size of the hatch. The standard size is 120 × 70 cm. If the opening is smaller, then it will be inconvenient to climb. At large sizes hatch will be large heat loss. If your attic will not be heated, then the hatch must be steam and heat insulated.

Location of attic stairs

The stairs should not interfere with living in the house. For this reason, installing stairs in the kitchen or in the bedroom would be impractical. Therefore, it can be placed, for example, in a corridor, a hall. The selected room must be of the appropriate size. In some cases, such stairs are used as an interior detail, so in some cases it can not be hidden. It is recommended to make a preliminary drawing to represent the staircase in your interior.

Production of a ladder from two sections

If you want to make a simple staircase without complex mechanisms, then a two-section staircase is ideal. To make it you will need:

Wood saw.
Roulette.
Ladder.
Card loops along the width of the stringer - 4 pieces.
Timber - 2 pieces 2–3 cm thick. The length should be equal to the width of the hatch.
Hinges, screws, hook and anchor.

With the help of a loop, a short beam is fixed to the upper end of the stairs. The second, similar segment of the bar, on the bottom. They must be fixed obliquely, otherwise they will interfere with the movement. Such a design will be quite rigid. After, measure out 2/3 of the stairs and make a neat cut. Using metal loops, connect the two parts.

The hinges must be properly fastened, otherwise the ladder will open in the wrong direction.

Now, on the wall under the hatch, mount the top bar. To prevent the ladder from opening when folded, you can use a hook. To do this, screw the loop next to the cut, and the hook at the appropriate distance into the wall. Attic two-section ladder is ready!

One of the disadvantages of this design is that it is always in sight. But if you make a little more effort, then with your own hands you can build a ladder that will be hidden in the hatch.

We hide the ladder behind the hatch

This type of ladder has three sections, but in this case it will be successfully located in the hatch. First of all, decide on its location. For example, the opening has dimensions of 120 × 65 cm. Then, to prevent heat loss, the hatch should be cut 7–8 mm wider on each side. To work, you will need the following material:

A bar with a section of 50 × 50 mm - 2 long and 2 short.
Plywood, 10 mm thick.
Plywood, 4 mm thick, for making scarves.
PVA glue.
Self-tapping screws.

At the end of each bar, make a drank halfway through its thickness. After these places, coat with glue and connect everything together in a groove into a rectangle. For strength between themselves, you can additionally twist with self-tapping screws. To get the exact diagonal out of 4 mm plywood, cut a scarf.

When the glue is dry, dismantle the scarves and fasten the 10 mm plywood sheet with self-tapping screws. Now try on the design in the opening. If everything fits, then the measurements were taken accurately.

For an aesthetic look, cut a door latch into the lid. With the help of a screwed handle, it will be possible to open the hatch on the latch.

Mechanism for stairs with a hatch - articulated without spring

One of the important components of a folding attic ladder is the opening mechanism. The easiest method is to buy it. But if you want to save family budget it can be done by hand.

For this you will need:

Corner - 1 piece.
Piece of metal sheet.
Two strips of different lengths.
Bolts M10.
Drill.
Malka.
Jigsaw.
Teskey.
Clamps.

Manufacturing technology:

The first step is a drawing on the cardboard stairs. In this case, the approximate angle of its inclination in the open state should be indicated.
Now cut out an example of construction and individual parts from cardboard. This will allow you to choose the correct hinge length.
On metal strips, measure the holes for the hinge. Distances are measured according to preliminary measurements. The hole is made for the M10 bolt.
You collect these parts together and slightly tighten.
Now measure the desired angle using the bevel. Then move the mechanism to the desired angle.
On the metal, mark the area that, when opened, will overlap with a corner. Cut it out with a jigsaw.
At this stage, you give the stripes a presentation. Round off the corners and trim off any excess. This will allow them not to cling to each other and, accordingly, not to interfere with each other.
After removal excess metal corner will rest in the desired position. The first mechanism is ready!
To prepare the second mechanism, fasten each pair of parts together with clamps. This will make an identical part. Drill holes.
Insert a bolt into the finished hole and drill a second one.
Having twisted the blanks with two bolts, level them in length and give the same shape.

By this principle, you make all parts of the mechanism. As a result, you will be able to make two identical parts of the mechanism.

When the mechanisms are ready, they should be attached to the hatch that was made earlier. In this case, you should try on the hatch with mechanisms to the opening.

In the open position, the hatch should not touch the walls of the opening. If necessary, it can be adjusted. In order for the whole structure to be well held, another one should be made. important detail. To do this, take two strips, the width of which is 2 cm, as well as a corner. To the end of one of the strips, weld a small piece of metal. A corner will act as a support platform.

So, you will make a hinge that, in the open position, will bend slightly, but at the same time withstand the entire load. Among other things, it must be fully disclosed. This will evenly distribute the load created by the hinged ladder.

Staircase made of wood on bowstrings

Let's make a ladder out of wood. Take an inch board, ten centimeters wide. It is useful for making bowstrings and steps. The first section is made exactly along the length of the hatch, the second is similar, and the third is slightly smaller. As for the last section, its length should be equal to the remaining distance between the floor and the two sections when unfolded. Here you will also need to use small. Measure the slope of the angle of the ladder in its unfolded state. Transfer these measurements to the board and mark the steps. This is done on two long sections. These lines should be applied evenly on two boards. To do this, they can be fastened with tape. The applied lines should be mirrored. In places where there will be hinge loops, drill 25 holes with a pen.

The holes should be on both sides of the boards, so first make holes on the inside, and then on the outside. Grind each hole with a milling cutter.

This will give the blanks an aesthetic look. Saw the boards at the junctions of the segments.

Cut the required number of steps, sand them. For each step on the bowstring, make small holes of 5 mm. Assemble the entire structure with PVA glue and self-tapping screws.

Making metal loops

To connect the sections of the march, loops should also be made. Thanks to their presence, the ladder will fold and unfold, respectively. For this purpose, it will be necessary to take a metal strip 2.5 cm wide. You will need eight such strips. To four of them, weld a small piece of a similar strip. In each of them, make holes that will be used to attach the stairs.

Now lay the first and second segment of the stairs on flat surface. The joint between them must be sufficiently tight. Screw the hinge so that the hinge bolt fits into the recess in the center of the connected sections. On the other hand, the edge of the bowstring will be a guide. After screwing on the two hinges, check the ladder for bending. If everything is working properly, use the same example to connect the third segment.

Installation of a folding structure in the opening

Now there is very little left. When all the parts you made are finished and interconnected, you can proceed with installation in the opening.

First of all, treat all metal parts with a metal primer, spray paint and apply two coats of varnish to the wooden elements.

When the whole structure is dry, it remains to fix it with anchors in the opening to the attic. After a lot of work, the folding ladder is ready! You can find photo instructions at the end of the article.

How to make a folding attic ladder?

You can climb to the attic or to the attic made by you using a folding ladder. To do this, you will need the following building material:

For the manufacture of a bowstring 2 boards. Thickness 30 mm, width 200 mm. The length directly depends on the angle of inclination of the stairs and the height of the ceiling.
Boards for steps. Width 120 mm, thickness 30 mm, length 500 mm.
There are two card loops for each step.
Self-tapping screws.
Anker.
Hook for fixing the structure on the wall.

For successful assembly of stairs to the ceiling upper edge stationary bowstring should not reach 550 mm.

So, all the work is done in the following sequence:

Anchor one bowstring to the wall. The mount itself must be rigid, since the entire structure will be held on it.
Mark out the stairs. The position of the first mark parallel to the floor. Spend a segment, the length is equal to the width of the step 120 mm.
Now draw two parallel straight lines through the ends of the segment parallel to the edges of the bowstring.
Then draw a perpendicular from the end of the first segment.
Step back from this line to the right by 10 mm and draw a line parallel to the perpendicular.
The point of intersection of this line with the upper one, which is drawn parallel to the edge of the bowstring, determines the location of the next step. According to this principle, the marking of all subsequent steps is carried out.

To prevent the steps from rubbing against each other when folding, an indent of one centimeter is required between them. Transfer all this markup to the second string and fasten the steps in the marked places. As for the loops, they should be located on a stationary bowstring so that they eventually raise the steps up, and lower the movable bowstring down. Accordingly, a hook is mounted on the wall in suitable places. This is perhaps the simplest and fast method manufacture of folding attic stairs.

Small business

So, we have considered with you several options for making attic stairs with your own hands. Of course, at first it may seem that this is an unthinkable task, but with effort and diligence, everything can be done. Leave your comments on this article and share your impressions!

How to make a folding attic ladder with your own hands: step by step instructions and master classes. How to make an attic ladder How to make your own folding attic ladder

Attic stairs: overview of options

I. Capital Steps

II. Portable ladders

III. Folding attic stairs with hatch

Stages of design and installation of a ladder of three sections with a hatch

I. Drawing preparation

II. Choice of materials and tools

III. Hatch door manufacturing

IV. We assemble the stairs

V. Final Assembly

Features of various designs

Temporary solution

Selection of building materials

How to make your choice?

The main thing is to correctly define the function

Stages of work and their features

What to consider when designing?

Tools

Location features

Project implementation technology

Selecting the type of stairs

Stationary

Portable

folding

Material selection

Attic stairs guide

Instruments

Luke

Simple folding ladder

Folding attic ladder on bowstrings

Video - Do-it-yourself ladder to the attic

Features of folding structures

Varieties of folding attic stairs

Materials for manufacturing

Manufacturing technology of a simple folding design

Manufacture of the hatch

Assembling the opening mechanism

Wooden staircase, do it yourself

Attic ladders? It's in the past!

Attic stairs: overview of options

I. Capital Steps

II. Portable ladders

III. Folding attic stairs with hatch

Stages of design and installation of a ladder of three sections with a hatch

I. Drawing preparation

II. Choice of materials and tools

III. Hatch door manufacturing

IV. We assemble the stairs

V. Final Assembly

How to make a choice?

attic stairs

Dimensions and standards

DIY manufacturing process

The attic hatch is an important foundation for any staircase.

Materials and tools

Attic ladder of two sections

Design

Installing the folding device

Devices and types of structures

Ladder-transformer folding

Retractable ladder with retractable flights

telescopic ladder

Sectional and hinged

folding

General requirements for attic stairs

Location of attic stairs

Production of a ladder from two sections

We hide the ladder behind the hatch

Mechanism for stairs with a hatch - articulated without spring

Staircase made of wood on bowstrings

Making metal loops

Installation of a folding structure in the opening

How to make a folding attic ladder?

Small business

A photo