How to make an attic ladder. Folding stairs to the attic - the best choice for saving space

Attic stairs - so convenient and practical

Types of opening retractable flights

Telescopic ladder - a plus for the convenience of using the attic

When installing retractable stairs you have to choose between several types:

• Scissor model. The peculiarity of opening and assembly is the folding and extension of the structure in the form of an accordion. The transformation mechanism has the shape of a parallelogram or oval. After ordering the product (prices from 3,000 rubles), after a while the structure will need to be lubricated to avoid squeaks.
• Telescopic device. The product includes many retractable sections that fold into one another. Belongs to the category of less-sold mid-sized buildings price segment.
• Folding type of installation - sectional and hinged. The composition includes 2-4 sections. The first elbow has a length corresponding to the size of the hatch cover and is attached to it. Other elements open to create a level flight of stairs. Sectional structures movable thanks to the installation of hinges and hinges. They are found at different prices: from 3 to 20 thousand rubles.
• Folding model. Most of the time the structure is folded and mounted on the wall. It is pulled out as needed to go up to the attic. The steps are fixed on a string using card loops. By studying the prices for a given product item, you can choose a completely acceptable solution.

Main settings

The installation of a mobile structure (both cheap and expensive) is designed to ensure the ability to use the attic as needed. It has small dimensions and a load level, which eliminates the possibility of moving furniture and large objects.

Dimensions of buildings:

• Standard width steps varies between 400-600 mm.
• The height limit reaches up to 3.5 m. Calculation of installations is made by adding 30 cm to the height of the ceilings.
• The number of steps is 14 - 15.
• The step between the crossbars is 20 - 30 cm.
• Tilt angle 60 - 75 degrees.
• Maximum load level 150 - 250 kg.
• Hatch sizes 70 - 120. Smaller parameters are inconvenient to use. With increasing size, slightly greater heat loss is possible.
• The depth of the steps varies from 5 to 18 cm.

Brands and prices of folding staircases

Attic folding stairs can also be made of wood - it turns out very chic

The development of attic folding systems is usually carried out by manufacturers skylights. Therefore, on dealers’ websites you often find the names of attic devices from well-known leaders: Atrium, Dolle, FAKRO, Roto, Velta, Oman. Prices are calculated taking into account material and technical equipment. On average, prices for high-quality products are in the range of 3,000 - 10,000 thousand rubles.

Complete set of mobile attic steps

The device includes a box for placement in a designated opening. Its fastening is ensured by self-tapping screws. Geometric dimensions can be easily adjusted using an engineering angle. Maintaining strict perpendicularity affects the further functionality of the device. To protect against heat loss, rubber or rubber seals (EPDM) are placed in the inside of the box.

The presence of special loops facilitates the hanging of sections with a spring mechanism. They are mounted inside. A manhole cover is attached to the installation box from the outside. Its connection to the staircase installation is mandatory, since the hatch allows you to hide the folded steps. IN closed position the cover remains invisible on the ceiling of the lower floor. Insulation with a layer of 36 - 76 mm serves to increase thermal insulation.

To activate the system, just pull the ring and the span will lower to your feet. Correct adjustment The spring mechanism will ensure smooth opening and assembly of the product. Installing a latch lock and pole is necessary to increase the level of convenience.

The package may include handrails with latches. plastic platbands. Additional sections are sold separately. Finished installations often have to be trimmed with the installation of anti-slip attachments. Scissor ladders allow you to remove a specified number of links.

Installation of folding flights for the attic

At the time of buying folding structures, it is important to pay attention to the price and standard sizes presented. Typically, the manufacturer specifies the size between the floors and the slope range.

For example, if the gap between the floors is 2800 mm, then the hatch parameters vary within the range 600/680*930/940 mm, 600*1200 mm, 700*1200mm. Ceiling height 3050 mm is designed for openings 600*1300 mm, 700*1300 mm. When the height of the walls is 3250 mm, the option 700 * 1300 mm is considered.

Structurally, the products are presented in 3-4 folding sections, equipped with special mechanism in the form of hinges.

Attention! Using corner hinges and a stencil, the height of the structure is adjusted.

Selection of material for telescopic attic spans

Opening technology determines the choice of materials: metal (steel, aluminum, stainless steel), wood or combinations. The folding version is created from solid wood and metal. The first option is characterized by connecting parts using dovetail technology.

There are technological projections at the edges of the steps. They are placed in the gaps made in the guides. To give strength to the connection, the shrinkage of the structure is fixed with glue. The spans are created from solid or glued beams coniferous species solid wood, ash and beech (model A100, Atrium). Durable steps are carved from oak wood.
Among the leading brands we can distinguish products of different price category:

1. Dolie.
2. FAKRO.
3. Oman.
4. Roto.
5. Velta.
6. Holzplast.

Picking up metal types products, you can opt for aluminum and steel options. Steel structures are represented on the international market with powder coated, resisting corrosion. It’s easy to find a profitable solution in the product line of FAKRO, Oman, Roto. Combinations of steel and wood installations are widely in demand. They are presented in the Oman assortment.

When choosing an accordion (pantograph, telescopic, scissor or spring model), the main material for the structure is anodized steel. The steps are treated with powder paint. Their coating is formed by anti-slip notches. New product releases with pneumatic-electric drive and remote control(Fakro, Roto).

Purchasing slide flights with sections placed one inside the other ensures telescopic extension of sections made of metal or in combinations. The last type consists of wooden steps and metal supports.

Choosing a place to install attic steps

If you need to buy a budget staircase with an uninsulated roof, you can pay attention to the hatch thickness of 16 mm. Its box usually does not have a seal. This option is considered successful for purchasing when equipping unheated country houses and outbuildings.

A folding ladder to the attic is convenient!

The Dolle product range is represented by the popular Basic line of wood products. The composition includes 3 sections designed for a height of 2850 mm. The opening has dimensions of 60.7*120 cm. Increased safety can be ensured by ordering auxiliary handrails.

Advice: if installation is intended in residential premises, the right choice wooden structures will become technical buildings It’s good to put more practical ones - metal steps.

Improved staircase designs for the attic

To expand the efficiency indicators of folding spans, manufacturers have developed special offers:

• The Velta catalog allows you to select an inexpensive item from the Compact catalog. It looks like 4 sectional installation with an insulated hatch. Among the main ones is a small-sized opening of 600 * 925 mm, the projection of the span onto the floor is no more than 1260 mm.
• Roto attracts site visitors with its Mini aluminum scissor solution. The steps are only 8 cm wide. The insulated hatch is characterized by a heat transfer resistance coefficient of 1.25 m2 C/W. Purchasing a small model makes it easy to equip ceilings that form a height of 2250-2500 mm (calculated for 10 steps). Removal within 1180-1250 mm.
• The need for a compact structure can be satisfied on the Oman catalog page - the Mini staircase includes 4 sections with a box of 600 * 800 mm and 700 * 800 mm. The height of the premises will be 2650 mm, the projection will be 1000 mm.
• No less attractive is the small-sized LWK staircase (opening 600*940 mm), produced by FAKR0! A scissor installation (600*900 mm or 700*800 mm) will compete with it. Production of series is regulated European standards EN 14975.

Attic ladder installations with additional options

For those who are accustomed to seeing convenience in everything and do not seek compromises in choosing price and quality, fundamentally new designs have been developed, thought out to the smallest detail.
Exclusive developments are the property of manufacturing companies.

The “Prestige” series (Velta, cost about 12 thousand rubles) is a striking example of the use of ClickFix technology. Its peculiarity lies in the possibility of assembly and installation without additional equipment.

Among the tools you will need is a screwdriver and a saw if you need to cut the legs. The hatch is insulated and forms a layer of 7.6 cm, and to prevent the entry of cold air and moisture, 2 seals are used. The opening has parameters of 600*1200 mm. The ceiling is characterized by a height of 2740 mm, the projection onto the floor is 1180 mm. March control is provided remotely.

Roto will surprise and delight sophisticated users with the Elektro scissor system. The package is equipped with a silent electric drive with a capacity of 24 W and an emergency power supply provided for the operation of the product in the absence of power. The steps are made of aluminum and are designed for a load limit of up to 200 kg. The construction of 9 steps will be an uncompromising solution for floors with a height of 2200-2500 mm. The greatest offset reaches up to 1400 -1250 mm.

Installation of folding steps (using FAKRO as an example)

Among the tools you will need is a screwdriver, screwdrivers (flat and Phillips) and an open-end wrench 10. The process consists of several stages:

1. The frame for the outer frame is installed.
2. By internal corners(from the attic side) there are metal corners on the frame for fixing. They are adapted for temporary hanging of the product. Nuts are mounted in them, and threaded pins are screwed into the nuts.
3. The frame is placed in the hatch and back stops (pipes with gaps) are placed on the pins.
4. Using screw rods, the frame is leveled in all directions.
5. Using a rigid lining (to prevent deformation), the frame is fixed to the slope with screws or dowels on two adjacent sides.
6. The diagonals are checked for equality. The screws should not be tightly clamped.

There is an attic in any country house. Very often this is an unused room, but in some cases some unnecessary things are stored here or even a room is being furnished. In any case, there must be access to it, and for this purpose stairs are made to the attic. They can be made from wood and metal - in this case, you can make them yourself. Or they can be beautiful forged - such designs are usually created to order.

Primary requirements

Before building an attic staircase, you need to consider several of its features. Firstly, it must be convenient and safe to use. Moreover, these two indicators depend on constructive principle the staircase itself and the attic. An important role is played by taking into account the type of staircase, the width of its steps, and the height of the rise. The height of the stairs is calculated depending on what its design will be. If it is a folding type, then you need to carefully consider its dimensions when folded.

The steps must be of such a size that it is comfortable and safe for anyone to climb them. The correctness of the design also depends on the location of the steps: the distance between them should not be too small or large. Failure to comply with these requirements will violate safety regulations.

The width of the flight of stairs to the attic must be at least 0.8 m. It is important that the angle of inclination is maintained: this needs to be thought through at the stage of designing the structure.

Types of stairs: folding or stationary?

The choice between these two types of structures depends on how large the area of ​​the attic is. Of course, a stationary staircase is more reliable and safe, but it is also solid, that is, it requires a lot of space. This is why many people prefer folding attic ladders: they are convenient, take up little space, due to the fact that they can be folded. Most often, such structures consist of several sections that overlap each other, thereby saving space. Moreover, they can always be adjusted depending on the required size.

Or retractable?

These designs are becoming increasingly popular, due to their advantages:

• are cheap;
• easy to install;
• take up little space thanks to the accordion-shaped design;
• reliable;
• mask the structure with an attic hatch.

All these advantages make retractable stairs so in demand. How to make it yourself?

Self-installation of a retractable ladder: main steps

The very first step should be a thorough analysis and check of the dimensions of the hatch opening. This is necessary to ensure that the parameters you choose coincide with the dimensions of the stairs. Then the location of the bars is thought out - first at the bottom, then at the top. Special spacers are located between the opening and the staircase - they will help better fix the structure. When it is laid, the spacers can be removed.

Or outside?

If space does not allow you to install retractable stairs, you can replace them external structure. It will provide a connection between the outside world and the interior of your home. The main thing is to remember the safety rules, since operation similar design has its own characteristics. When installing an external staircase, it is important to choose the right material: it must be resistant to sun rays, have increased abrasive wear, reliable and wear-resistant.

Wooden staircase

Wooden stairs to the attic are the simplest option, which you can create with your own hands. There are several ways to do this. Let's look at the simplest and most practical ones.

Method 1

To make an attic staircase, you first need to take measurements: we need parameters for the height of the room, the expected angle of inclination, which most often reaches 30 degrees, while the height is about 2.5 m. In order for the staircase to be reliable and correct from a design point of view, you need to think through and draw up the drawings correctly. The simplest wooden stairs are created on the basis of bars for stringers, bars corresponding to the width of the stairs for fastening, overhead hinges and boards from which we will make the steps. Yes, and don’t forget about the folding hangers - the hatch cover will be fixed on them. The installation process itself is as follows:

1. Steps are installed and securely fastened between the stringers. This is done either using a tongue-and-groove type of fastening, or with self-tapping screws, or with glue. It is better to treat the steps with anti-slip pads - they will increase the safety of the structure.
2. The staircase is first secured under the ceiling opening using two bars that are equal to the width of the staircase. Their connection is made with loops.
3. We check how efficient the hinges are, and then finally tighten the fasteners.

This is the easiest way to create a staircase to the attic.

Method two

This is a more labor-intensive method of making a staircase, which can easily be installed even in a country house. It looks more aesthetically pleasing and has more reliable design, which is important in conditions of heavy load on it. The structure itself will be movable on one side, and the other half will be attached to the wall. To create such a staircase to the attic we will need:

• two boards of length corresponding to the height of the ceiling and the angle of inclination;
• boards for creating steps at least 0.5 m wide and about 3 cm thick;
• bolts, self-tapping screws as fasteners;
• card loops that will attach the steps.

It is important to arm yourself with a drawing - it will allow you to complete all the work efficiently and accurately. After determining the angle of inclination, you need to saw off the bars at the top and bottom so that they rest firmly on the floor. The boards along their entire length are divided into equal sections - here the steps will be located at the distance you need. The steps are fastened with card loops, and after the structure is completed, you can make it elegant by varnishing or painting it.

Metal stairs

Attic stairs made of aluminum look very beautiful, especially if your country house is decorated in the style of “minimalism” or “high-tech”. What's good about metal? Firstly, it is more reliable. Secondly, such structures are processed special compounds, which protect the surface from mechanical stress or corrosion. Third, metal constructions able to withstand heavy loads.

The most popular among buyers are retractable metal stairs, which take up little space. They are relevant for rooms that are small in size, that is, where rational use of space is required.

How to do it yourself?

Despite the complexity of the technological process, you can make a metal staircase yourself. Moreover, it can be made of either metal or a combination of materials. To make the simplest metal staircase we will need to prepare:

• welding machine;
• mechanical saw;
• an emery wheel, which we will use to remove burrs on the metal;
• a circular saw and a clamp for joining parts if the staircase has wooden parts;
• pipes;
• steel sheets.

Please note that the quantity of materials is calculated based on the drawing. Welding machine we will make strong seams, so the staircase will be a monolithic and durable structure.

Such an aluminum or steel staircase will be constructed on the basis of a channel (size 8-10). The steps are made of sheet steel; if they are without additional finishing, you will need a grating on the steps that will protect against falling. The fences are made of angle steel, and the supports for the treads are made of reinforcement. First, support devices are installed and welded onto the beam, then brackets for fastening are welded.

Metal attic stairs can have wooden treads, but first you need to think about where the additional fasteners will be located. On metal steps, the holes for self-tapping screws should be located at a distance of 15 cm from each other. A plywood backing is mounted to the metal treads - it is attached to assembly adhesive, which after hardening retains its shape.

Finished aluminum staircase

Very often many people prefer to buy ready-made designs rather than installing them yourself. But even in this case you will have to work hard, since they are delivered disassembled. How to assemble? The general scheme of work is approximately as follows:

1. First, a sketch of the future staircase is created.
2. From metal profile or pipes are cut into 4 identical sections.
3. The pipe is secured in a vice and thoroughly cleaned of rust.
4. From metal sheet steps are cut out - they must be the same length.
5. The steps are tried on a flat surface and adjusted to size.
6. The steps are attached to the supports by welding - this is a more reliable option than angles and bolts.
7. The bottom of the staircase is finished with rubber heels.

Forged structures: beautiful and modern

Very often in country houses, rooms with an attic or attic are connected with wrought-iron stairs. Moreover, they can be simple screw ones, or they can have ornate designs, which allows them to fit into any room stylistically. All spiral staircases can be divided into several types:

• in the first version, the staircase is supported by a central pillar and walls;
• in the second, the spiral staircase is removed from the walls and mounted on support pillar steps;
• in the third case, the staircase with a turn does not have a central pillar, but rests on spirally curved strings;
• the fourth option is a reliable metal staircase, which rests on a monolith pillar based on a steel pipe.

The most convenient are stairs, the span width of which is up to 900 mm with a diameter of the entire staircase structure of up to 2200 mm.

What if you buy it?

If you don’t want to do the installation yourself, you can always buy the same forged stairs, which are quite difficult to install yourself, much less come up with and make. Big choice Attic stairs are offered by many brands, not only in Russia, but also in other countries of the world. Let's look at the most popular:

1. STANDART ISO PLUS (MINKA, Austria). This folding wooden ladder is made of quality MDF and is designed to maximum load 150 kg. There are special protective attachments on the legs, and the metal handrail ensures maximum safety. This compact staircase, the price of which is on average 8,200 rubles.
2. The Danish company VELTA offers economy-class structures that can be installed in the attic or attic. For 6000 rubles you get simple stairs, which is compact: it consists of three sections that are conveniently assembled and retracted into the ceiling.
3. FAKRO stairs are made from winter-harvested pine, therefore they are reliable and durable in use. This company offers a wide range of products that are compact and have a wide price range. The insulated hatch cover is the most important advantage that this ladder has. The price of models starts from 8,000 rubles. It is also important that all connections of the structure are reliable and durable, the steps are supplemented with anti-slip grooves, making operation safe and comfortable.

conclusions

Now you know how to make a staircase to the attic with your own hands. Having the most at hand simple materials, you will create a laconic but comfortable wooden or aluminum structure.

In most cases, the attic is used quite rarely. For this reason, installation of massive stationary stairs- far from ideal. More practical solution is a folding staircase to the attic, the small size of which allows you to maximize free space.

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

Among the disadvantages it is worth highlighting the following points:

• Difficult to manufacture. Some models are quite difficult to make with your own hands. This will require complex and exact calculations, tools, and related skills.
• Lack of sufficient comfort during use. It is not very convenient to go up or down stairs with a large angle of inclination, and lifting massive objects along such structures is not the most reasonable option.
• Low load capacity. Most models cannot support weights exceeding 150 kg.

Types of folding stairs

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

• scissor;
• telescopic;
• sectional;
• folding

Scissor models

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

The scissor model consists of many small sections fastened together. Therefore, the dimensions of the structure when folded are minimal. Perhaps the only drawback of this variety is that it is not very reliable fastenings between blocks. Therefore, you should handle the scissor ladder carefully and remember to lubricate the mechanisms between the segments. Working principle of electric scissor ladder

Telescopic varieties

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

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

Sectional stairs

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

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

Folding products

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

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

• high requirements for free space;
• “specific” design (when folded, the folding ladder does not look very nice, since it is not hidden and is always in plain sight);
• massiveness of the structure.

Material used

Material plays important role for folding stairs. On the one hand, it must be durable, on the other, it must have a minimum cost. Only two materials fully meet these requirements – wood and metal.

Wooden products are mainly made from softwoods, such as pine. Such models have good reliability and low price. Moreover, to create wooden stairs no specific skills or complex equipment. The following points should be highlighted as disadvantages:

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

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

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

The only drawback of metal varieties is complexity self-made. The work will require welding knowledge and appropriate equipment.

Important points

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

• the optimal span width is 60-70 cm (excluding load-bearing beams);
• the recommended tilt angle of the structure is 45-60 degrees, the maximum is 75 degrees;
• average number of steps – 15 pcs.;
• step thickness – 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);
• at frequent use stairs, the width of the tread (horizontal part of the step) should be at least 20 cm;

You should also pay attention to other important points:

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

Making a folding ladder with your own hands

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

• preparation for work;
• making stairs.

Preparatory stage

The production of a staircase begins with design - taking measurements and creating a drawing. It is recommended to perform the diagram in three projections: front, top and side views.

Important! In this case, the structure in the drawing should be shown in a “straightened” state.

The drawing must also meet the following requirements:

• on the projection from above you should draw a floor plan on which to mark the location of the stairs;
• for greater clarity, it is recommended to indicate the dimensions of elements in separate footnotes;
• metal parts are displayed with diagonal lines, wooden parts - with curls (imitation of wooden “rings”).

After preparing the drawing, they purchase necessary materials. When everything is ready, it’s worth preparing the tools. So, to work you will need:

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

To make a metal staircase, the following tools are needed:

• welding machine;
• hacksaw for metal;
• drill with metal drills;
• fastening elements.

In order for the structure to fold, you need to purchase metal card loops.

Execution of work

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

1. the supporting beams are divided into 2 parts (and lengths) and connected using metal hinges;
2. grooves for steps are made in each supporting beam;
3. steps are inserted into the holes made;
4. Rubber pads are put on the bottom of the supporting beams;
5. a wooden block is attached to the wall under the opening to the attic;
6. the upper part () of the structure is connected to the block using hinges;
7. the lower part () is pressed against the wall and attached to a hook.

Making a folding ladder

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

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

Example of a folding ladder to the attic

Folding stairs for the attic are becoming increasingly popular in the CIS countries. This is facilitated by low cost, ease of installation and, most importantly, compactness of the products. However, it is worth considering that in comparison with conventional structures, using folding stairs is less convenient.

A convenient solution for getting into the attic directly from the house is an attic ladder with a hatch. Thanks to this device, a lot of space in the house is saved, and you can go upstairs without much effort.

Manufacturers, models and prices

There is a sufficient selection of models on the market. Among well-established manufacturers, European brands stand out:

• VELTA (Denmark).
• ROTO (Germany).
• FAKRO (Poland).
• Nozycowe (Russia).

Approximate prices in rubles for popular models can be seen in the table.

model, manufacturer	characteristics	price, rub
Optistep OLN FAKRO		5800
LWS PLUS FAKRO		10200
Nozycowe folding		12900
"Comfort" VELTA		15500
Roto Cadet 3 ISO-RC ROTO	dimensions beech, pine, maximum load on steps 150 kg, on the entire structure 350 kg, height up to 290 cm	24500
Roto Cadet 2 ISO-RC ROTO

When choosing a specific model, you should proceed from the following parameters:

• dimensions of the product (based on the height of the house and the size of the hatch that has been made or is yet to be made);
• maximum load on the steps and on the structure as a whole - if frequent economic use is expected, it is better to take it “with a reserve”;
• How insulated the hatch is can be assessed by the thickness of the insulating material;
• presence/absence of folding railings - if there are elderly people or children in the house, it is better to choose designs with bulkheads.

Before choosing a specific staircase, it is assumed that the hatch to the attic has already been made. It is easy to make with your own hands, which is described in detail in the corresponding section.

DIY installation of a ladder with a hatch: step-by-step instructions

After purchasing the model, the question arises about installing the structure. If there is no ready-made hatch to the attic, you can make it yourself, taking into account the size of the stairs - more on that later. If it is, you can get to work right away. About this right now:

A detailed video that clearly demonstrates the technology for installing an attic ladder with a hatch using the FAKRO model as an example can be seen here.

Do-it-yourself attic hatch: step-by-step instructions and video

If access to the attic is provided only from the roof itself (from the street), then in order to maintain a constant warm temperature in it and prevent the roof from freezing, it is advisable to seal the street hole and create an internal hatch in the ceiling, under which you can then select a ladder.

Make a hatch yourself - real option, which does not require much effort. Structurally, the mechanism consists of:

• opening (base box mounted into the thickness of the ceiling);
• manhole covers;
• opening and closing mechanisms (closers, clamps).

Before choosing a specific location for making a hole, you need to consider the following details:

1. The place should be located in convenient location so that the staircase does not interfere with the passage and at the same time is located close to the utility rooms, from where things will often have to be raised or lowered.
2. The fundamental requirement is that the opening be located at a sufficient distance from the load-bearing floor beams that serve the main ceiling.
3. If the attic is cold, it is important to take into account in the measurements that the insulation fits into the opening to a sufficient thickness.
4. In any case, the opening is reinforced with additional ceilings: if the ceiling is wooden - with wooden beams, if concrete - with the help of metal corners.

The technology for creating an attic opening in the ceiling is as follows:

The hatch must be insulated if the attic is cold and the house is located in harsh climatic conditions. Mineral or ecological wool can be used as insulation. In any case, it is important to put a layer of vapor barrier on the side of the house so that it does not collapse under the influence of natural humidity.

Detailed video instructions are provided here.

Do-it-yourself ladder with a hatch: step-by-step instructions and video

Finally, with certain skills, the staircase itself with a hatch can not only be installed independently, but also made. Since it is easiest to get from scrap materials required amount wood, in most cases you can make a wooden folding ladder (of 3 sections) connected by hinges at home.

Regardless of the specific type of structure, it should be assumed that:

• the staircase had 12-15 steps at equal intervals, comfortable for small steps;
• the width of the steps was from 20 mm;
• the maximum inclination was 70 degrees;
• the hatch was wide enough, but not too wide (in order to preserve heat) - usually parameters of 120*60 cm are sufficient.

Preparatory stage

Before starting work, you need to clarify all the design parameters - the height of the staircase, how many parts it will consist of and the dimensions of each of them, as well as the size of the opening leading to the attic (the hatch will be made in accordance with it).

To help draw up a drawing, you can use the options shown in the diagrams below.

You will need the following tools and materials:

• hinges, screws, anchors;
• saw;
• tape measure and building level;
• wooden staircase;
• beams 20-30 mm thick: 2 short (according to the width of the hatch) and 2 long (200 mm longer).

Algorithm for manufacturing a 2-section ladder

Having collected all the necessary materials, you can begin installation:

• If there is no ready-made staircase, you can make it yourself from durable wooden beams, which must then be sanded so that they do not splinter.
• The short bars are connected to the top and bottom of the stairs using hinges.

NOTE. It is very advisable to strengthen the stairs, for which you can nail two slats with reverse side along the entire march.

• Next, from bottom to top, you need to measure the stairs and stop strictly at 2/3 of its length.
• At the marked point you need to carefully cut it into 2 parts and connect them using loops.
• The ladder is attached from above under the hatch. For this purpose, hooks and loops are used, which will block the self-lowering of the structure. The opening itself can be mounted according to the following diagram:

This ladder is the simplest option, but it does not fit completely into the attic.

To make a classic folding structure, you need to make a 3-section ladder.

Algorithm for manufacturing a 3-section ladder

The installation sequence is as follows:

All technology is reflected in step-by-step photos.

There is an option to make the hatch opening mechanism on a spring - the technology is also shown in the photo selection.

You can see in detail how to make such a design at home here.

How to use an attic ladder correctly

Operating an attic ladder with a hatch is very simple, and even a child can handle it, since the design allows for convenient opening and collapsing. The sequence of actions is clearly presented in the figure.

First, the hatch opens (a special rope is designed for this). Next, the staircase extends due to the fact that the lower part is pulled towards itself, and the entire structure unfolds (or moves apart in the case of accordion staircases). Special effort there is no need to do this - a woman and even children can handle it.

Some models are equipped with an automated opening system - they are more expensive, but provide maximum comfort. In some cases, it is enough to open the hatch using a special remote control supplied with the structure.

To care for the stairs, it is enough to simply occasionally lubricate the moving mechanisms (joints, hinges) with ordinary technical oil.

It is best to keep the rope high enough so that children cannot reach it. You can lift it right up to the ceiling and open the hatch by climbing on a stepladder or a sturdy chair.

Attic staircase with a hatch - this is great option for country houses with permanent residence, since you can enter the attic directly from the house, thereby saving heat both in the room and on the roof.

Types of attic stairs

All attic stairs can be divided into 3 large groups:

• monolithic;
• portable;
• folding.

Monolithic

Monolithic are traditional stairs leading to the 2nd floor, to the attic. They are perfect for capital construction with large area. If the area is small, you can choose the screw option.

If space allows, then it’s quite possible to stage a classic staircase with one or even two spans.

Advantages similar devices enough:

• they are permanent structures that are very convenient to use, including for children and the elderly;
• they look very beautiful;
• with their help you can organize the space well - for example, you can install drawers and chests of drawers directly under the stairs, which will be both beautiful and practical.

But this option is not suitable for small houses, and also in cases where the attic is not heated - cold air will constantly flow from the space.

Portable

These are ordinary stepladders that are very affordable and quite easy to transport to any place. They are indispensable in the household, but in terms of access to the attic they are not so convenient:

• installation of a hatch in the attic is required regardless of the type of staircase - and in this sense, the built-in option is much more convenient than a separate staircase and hatch;
• the stepladder is not reliable: if you carry loads, there is a risk of falling, and a reliably made attic ladder equipped with a hatch completely eliminates such cases.

Folding

This is the type of stairs that is optimal for country houses. It is always based on a mechanism that allows you to conveniently fold the ladder and place it above the hatch, and seal the hatch cover to prevent the house from cooling down.

Depending on the design features, there are the following types attic stairs with hatches:

How does a staircase work and what advantages does it provide?

If space allows, then you can arrange a stationary room in the house. spiral staircase with railings and a wide march. However, this option is not suitable if:

• the attic is not heated and is not intended for year-round use;
• there is not enough space in the house for such a large structure;
• You need to go into the attic infrequently and only for economic purposes.

For such cases, you need an attic ladder with a hatch, which is a single mechanism consisting of:

• a three-section folding ladder, all parts of which are conveniently stacked like a transformer on top of each other and stored in the attic;
• a warm hatch that is mounted directly into the ceiling;
• fastening and connection mechanisms.

There are different options in terms of dimensions, but on average they are small values:

• hatch 120-130 cm long, 70-90 cm wide;
• staircase height from 270 to 330 cm;
• when unfolded at an angle, the staircase takes up about 120-200 cm.

The product is quite affordable, and in most cases it comes with a minimum service life warranty of 8-10 years. The conveniences provided by such a staircase with a hatch to get into the attic are obvious:

• At any time you can get into the attic from the house, and not from the street.
• Thanks to the warm hatch, the attic can be sealed from the street side and additionally insulated - thanks to this it will become warm, and almost any items, equipment, etc. can be stored on it.
• Thanks to a warm attic, the heat loss of the house is significantly reduced, since the bulk of the heat (up to 30%) escapes through the ceiling.
• The ladder is portable, it rolls up easily and does not take up space in the house.
• An attic ladder can withstand heavy loads and eliminates the risk of falling, unlike a stepladder: you can safely carry heavy loads into the attic.
• Finally, thanks to the hatch and the attic staircase itself, a beautiful view– when it is folded, the ceiling looks as usual, without unnecessary mechanisms.

From the first floor space, the staircase looks like this:

The attic for each person can serve as any room, for example, a workshop or a living room. It all depends on imagination and size attic space. One thing is clear for sure, this room needs to be equipped, and this work should begin from the stairs.
Very often it is difficult to get into the attic, and you have to use a stepladder, which requires a lot of space. To fix this, you can make the stairs yourself.

Equipment for space under the stairs

Before you start equipping your attic, you should first decide on a place for the stairs. This staircase involves the installation of a hatch, that is, a ceiling door.

It will take a little time to create such a staircase; you will need the following materials:

• Hacksaw for wood;
• Roulette;
• Any staircase made of wood;
• 4 card loops, stringer width;
• Bars - 4 pieces with a thickness of 2-3 cm, 2 bars the width of the hatch, and 2 bars 20 cm longer than the hatch;
• Self-tapping screws, anchors, loops and hook.

The stringer is the main beam; it is on it that the steps will be attached.
First, short bars are used. One is attached with hinges to the top of the ladder. And the second block is attached to the bottom using a rigid fastening.
For reliability, 2 slats are screwed on the inside, but they should not interfere with unfolding.
2/3 is measured from the bottom and a cut is made in this place. After which they are attached to each other with card loops. The fastening is done so that it folds easily

The first bar is screwed to the hatch, after which a hook is attached to the wall, and a loop is attached to the bottom bar, all this is done to firmly fasten the structure when closed.
This type of staircase is considered the easiest.

Attic ladder on hinges

It is created from three sections and an additionally equipped hatch.

From the beginning, the hatch opening is determined. For the desired hatch size, add 0.7 cm on each side.
For this staircase you will need:

• 4 bars measuring 5x5, 2 long and 2 short;
• Plywood sheet 1 mm thick;
• 2 metal corners;
• Sheet metal;
• 4 metal strips 2 cm wide.

Cuts 25 mm deep are made from the edge of each block, after which they are fastened with glue and self-tapping screws into an even rectangle. A sawn sheet of plywood is attached to it.
The locks are replaced with a door latch.
For the mechanism that will open the hatch, you can buy everything in the store, or you can make it yourself.
To create the mechanisms yourself, you need to make models from thick paper, that is, create corners with the required dimensions.

Using a saw, the part that will be covered with a corner is cut out on a sheet of metal. Unnecessary strip lengths are removed and the edges are rounded. After which the corner is assembled. It is necessary to make two absolutely identical corners.

The staircase is assembled from three elements; you should not be mistaken with the size of each part. The first is the size of the hatch, the second is shorter, and the length of the third is the remaining length.
The angle of inclination, which was measured on the hatch, is transferred to the board; this will be the inclination of the steps.
Then the boards are marked with the length of each section. The boards are pressing masking tape, the steps are marked and sloped.

You can make a staircase to the attic with your own hands without extra effort and serious expenses. The cost of such stairs is significantly lower than those made to order. And the view is not inferior to them at all.

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