Do-it-yourself staircase to the attic made of wood: tips for making. DIY attic stairs

What is an attic? It is known that in our area the attic can become anything - a warehouse, a workshop or a living room.

It all depends on the capabilities of the room and your imagination, but one thing is certain - the attic space needs to be used. How to equip the entrance to the attic with your own hands?

Arrangement of the entrance to the attic

If you intend to equip a functional room in the attic, you need to think about choosing a place for the attic ladder. The attic staircase requires the presence of a hatch - a ceiling door.

It is most reasonable to equip a hatch with a ladder in the corridor, hallway or passage room. In many houses there are rooms that are not used as living rooms, where you can easily install a staircase to the attic.

In the old days, the entrance to the attic was arranged from the outside, but the prospect of climbing into such an attic on a frosty or rainy day would not please anyone.

The most extreme loft lifting mechanism would be several stools stacked together. But speaking in detail, to get there in a civilized manner you need a good attic ladder. She may be both stationary and folding, the latter are in great demand.

Folding options are compactly stacked on top after use, saving a lot of usable space. A beautifully decorated hatch can become a fresh element of the interior.

Manufacturers offer wooden options for light loads (up to 150 kg) and metal ones for more serious loads. Prices for such stairs vary from 7,000 rubles to the limit of the consumer's wallet. When choosing the cheapest option, you shouldn’t count on its quality, so isn’t it better to make a folding attic ladder with your own hands?

Let's look at some possible options for homemade stairs, the simplest for a beginner and more difficult for those who are confident in their abilities. At your service is a description of materials, work and drawings of the proposed stairs.

A simple two-piece DIY staircase

This is the staircase that consists of two sections, one of which folds up. In the assembled version, the staircase is not hidden at the top, but remains in plain sight.

This may not be critical if the attic is in a workroom, garage, etc. Even in a hallway it may look quite appropriate, it all depends on the style of your home.

This staircase can be made in a few hours, you just need to prepare the necessary materials:

1. Wood saw.
2. Measuring instruments (roulette).
3. Ordinary wooden staircase.
4. Card loops, the width of which is equal to the width of the stringer - 4 pcs.
5. Four bars 2–3 cm thick: two as long as the width of the hatch and two 20 cm longer.
6. Self-tapping screws, anchors, loop and hook.

A stringer is a supporting beam of a staircase on which steps are laid.

There is no need to tell anyone how to make a ladder, but we will only note that its length should be approximately 30 cm greater than the distance from the floor to the hatch.

We take short bars:

• We connect the first block to the upper end of the stairs using loops.
• We securely fasten the second block to the bottom using a rigid method.

To make the structure more reliable, you need to take two slats and nail them on the back side of the flight diagonally. Just try to do this in such a way that the design did not interfere with movement on the stairs.

Measure exactly 2/3 of the entire length of the ladder from the bottom and cut it in this place. Next, connect these parts with card loops. The hinges are attached to the back of the ladder so that it can fold properly.

Secure the top bar directly under the hatch. The hook and loop is needed to ensure that the ladder does not open randomly. The hook is attached to the wall, and the loop is on the bottom bar.

The first attic staircase is simple, but it has the disadvantage of a visible staircase. There are other models shown in the photo - these are retractable, folding and telescopic.

Attic staircase designs

DIY folding ladder on hinges

This is a folding attic ladder with a hatch, consisting of three sections, as well as an attic hatch. This option is very attractive for literally any room.

You will need to determine what the opening for the hatch will be, taking into account wishes and dimensions prospective visitors to the attic. For example, the opening for the stairs will be 125 x 70 cm.

In order to cut the hatch correctly, you need to add 7 mm on each side. Hatches for stairs to the attic should close well without compromising the thermal insulation.

Necessary materials:

• bars 5 x 5 cm – 2 short and 2 long;
• plywood 1 cm thick according to the size of the hatch.

At the ends of each block you need to make a cut to half the thickness, connecting glue and screws into a perfect rectangle. Using the means at hand to prevent the diagonal from moving out, you can attach temporary triangles made of thin plywood. Then we screw a sheet of plywood to the size of the rectangle.

Instead of locks we use door latch, any door handle or cylinder of a suitable shape. The latch holds the hatch closed well and opens easily. To conveniently open the hatch without using stepladders and stools, this handle needs to be specially made. You need to insert a long cylindrical handle into a special hole to open the hatch while standing on the floor.

Making hinges for opening the hatch

All components for the hatch opening mechanism can be purchased ready-made, or you can also make it yourself.

In order to do everything yourself, you need estimate dimensions and angles using a cardboard mockup. We make parts from cardboard; you can practice on them with the length of the hinges so that the hatch can open to the required angle. Based on the resulting model, we make a mechanism for opening the hatch.

The main thing is through experience determine the length of the hinges, since this type of attic ladder involves a hinged method. In the drawings you can see how the hinge is installed; the logic of its operation is very simple - it helps to smoothly open and close the hatch.

Necessary materials that can be found in every garage:

1. Metal corner – 2 pcs.
2. Sheet metal.
3. Metal strips 2 cm wide – 4 pcs.

We take two narrow metal strips and use a drill to make holes for an M10 bolt. We assemble the parts together in pairs, slightly pulling them together. Using the measuring carpenter's tool Malka, measure the opening angle of the hatch and we move our mechanisms exactly to this angle.

Using a jigsaw, cut out the part of the metal that will overlap with the corner. We remove the excess length of the metal strips and round the ends. After processing and removing excess metal, we assemble the mechanism - now the corner will lock in a certain position. Both mechanisms for two sides exact copies of each other, but only mirrored.

Attic ladder fixation mechanism

The hinge mechanism is reliable, stopping the hatch with the ladder in the desired position thanks to the angle.

But for more reliability and smoothness To open the opening mechanism, you need to add another simple mechanism, similar to a hand.

For the “hand” you will need:

• Long strips of metal, 2 cm wide – 4 pcs.
• Corner - 2 pcs.

At the end of one of the strips you need to weld a metal part on which this strip will rest, and the corner will play role of supporting element. We make simple hinges that, when the hatch is open, will maintain the bending angle, while supporting part of the weight of the structure.

In order for the load to be distributed evenly between two different hinges, this unit must be secured correctly. Yes, him needs to be fixed with the first hinges fully deployed.

Installation of attic stairs

All that remains is to make the attic ladder itself; it should be 35 cm longer than the distance from the floor to the hatch.

The folding ladder will consist of three sections, the length of which it is important to calculate correctly. The first section is equal to the size of the hatch, the second section is slightly shorter than the first (it should not touch the ceiling when unfolded). The third section is equal to the remaining segment.

Materials for the stairs:

• Inch board 10 cm wide.

The angle of inclination of the hatch in the open position, which we previously measured with a small tool, is transferred to the board. That's how we mark the slope for the steps.

Let's start marking the string boards for the steps along the lengths of the sections according to the order described above. The boards must be pressed tightly, secured with masking tape and marked equally, making the slopes of the steps in a mirror image.

The sections will be fastened again with hinges, so you need drill a hole for the hinge bolt on each section using a 25-point pen. Using a router we give all the edges a finished, neat look. We cut the boards exactly according to the sectional markings.

Need steps cut to width and sand, like bowstrings. At the places where the steps are marked, you need to make 5 mm recesses for them. We assemble all the parts using glue and PSh screws.

Hinges for folding stairs

To assemble the structure into a folding mechanism, you need to make a set of hinges.

Necessary materials:

1. Metal strips 2.5 cm wide – 8 pcs.
2. Bolts for the hinge 8 mm and self-tapping screws.

In order for the loops to serve and not bend, four strips need additionally weld the segments the same metal (about 1/3). We make holes in each strip - 2 small ones for fastening to the bowstring (one at the bottom and one under the finished piece), and one large 8 mm for the hinge (at the top).

The hinges need to be secured when the ladder itself is lying on a flat surface. The hinge must be secured so that the hinge bolt lay down in the previously drilled hole, and the ends were along the edge of the bowstring. So secure all four loops.

Installation of stairs

We collect all the elements and install them in their places, and the first segment of the ladder is stationary and is needed attach with corners to the hatch cover.

We check the operation of the mechanism, if everything suits you, then we disassemble it again for processing. We varnish the wood metal primed and painted.

As you can see, there is nothing difficult in creating an attic staircase with your own hands, especially when photos of drawings are available on the Internet. You can make all the metal parts yourself, or it’s even easier to buy them ready-made. Then it’s a complete pleasure – all that remains is to assemble this construction set.

The space between the ceiling and the roof in private houses is occupied by the attic. It is used by the owners for storing things and provides the opportunity to inspect and repair the inside of the roofing pie. A folding ladder installed to get into the attic can be made by yourself. Portable structures such as stepladders are not always convenient and reliable. A stationary option, which can be easily pulled out when necessary, and is folded most of the time, will be the optimal model for a small space.

1. At installation location:
   • external - mounted outside the building, the disadvantage is the need to leave the premises in any weather;
   • internal - located in the house.
2. By design:
   • monolithic - screw or marching;
   • portable – attachments, stepladders;
   • folding - sliding, folding, scissor, folding.

Monolithic structures ensure complete safety of climbing into the attic. But they take up useful space in the room. Portable models are convenient as a temporary option, but they are not suitable for permanent use due to the increased risk of injury. The optimal choice is a folding ladder, which takes up minimal space. This design is often mounted on a hatch; it is compact in size, and making it yourself will save money.

Features of folding structures

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

Types of folding attic stairs

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

Scissor model made from metal parts. It folds like an accordion. The robust design with convenient steps has one drawback - over time, creaking appears at the joints. The problem can be prevented by timely lubrication of the mounting points.

The scissor ladder is reliable and has a beautiful appearance

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

Retractable ladder the attic consists of several sections, the upper part is firmly attached to the hatch, it is equal to the size of the lid. The remaining sections are connected with special fittings and hinges. When unfolded, they form an even flight of stairs. It is not difficult to bring the product into working position due to its mobility. The difference between telescopic and sliding models is in the way the sections slide. In the first case, they are placed one inside the other, and in the second, they move using rollers from the outside along guides.

The structure for climbing into the attic should be installed in a place where it will not create interference, usually a hall or corridor. Sliding and folding stairs can be adjusted to standard dimensions, which are designed taking into account safety requirements:

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

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

Materials for production

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

A combination of materials will allow you to reduce the overall weight of the ladder attached to the hatch. Steps are made from lighter wood. Hardwood blocks about 2 cm thick are used. Metal or plastic fittings are installed to connect the products, the latter reduces friction of the parts. In the folded position, the structure is attached to the hatch, which prevents spontaneous falling out.

Manufacturing technology of a simple folding design

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

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

Tools for work:

• screwdriver;
• roulette;
• hacksaw.

Materials:

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

1. Take two bars equal to the width of the stairs. One is attached with hinges to the top edge, and the second is firmly fixed at the bottom, ensuring the stability of the unfolded structure.
2. The ladder used is divided into two parts - one of them is 2/3 of the length, and the second is 1/3. A neat cut of the bowstring is made along the intended line.
3. Metal hinges are screwed to connect the sections. Pay attention to how the fittings are positioned. It should ensure that the lower part of the ladder folds under the upper one.
4. A block is fixed to the wall under the attic opening, to which the folding structure is attached.
5. To securely fix it in the folded position, a loop is screwed in near the cut point, and a hook is installed on the wall in the appropriate place.

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

Making a hatch

If a folding staircase is placed on the cover of the opening, it is not visible from the room and will not become a hindrance in the interior. Simple drawings will help you determine the size of the hatch and the product. Having measured the sides of the passage into the attic, they begin to assemble the hatch with their own hands.

It is necessary to prepare the following materials:

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

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

Assembling the opening mechanism

Making a hatch opening mechanism with your own hands is a rather complex process; to make the task easier, you just need to purchase a finished product in a store.

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

In order not to make a mistake with the size of the hinges, they are initially cut out of cardboard. After fitting, they move on to working with metal.

1. The places for fastening according to the template are marked on the metal strip.
2. Holes are drilled for a bolt with a diameter of 10.
3. The parts are assembled and bolted. Using a small tool, the selected angle of fixation of the ladder is measured, and then the parts are moved apart to the required value.
4. The area on the metal is marked which, when lowered, is covered with a corner. This area is cut off. Having removed the excess, the parts are processed to give an aesthetic appearance.
5. The second mechanism must be identical to the one already manufactured. To ensure exact alignment of the holes, the parts are connected with a clamp and drilled.
6. Having inserted bolts into the second mechanism, it is aligned according to the sample, cutting off excess metal.
7. Ready-made opening mechanisms are installed on the hatch yourself . They will create a stop, fixing the folding structure at the desired angle.

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

Wooden stairs, we do it ourselves

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

The lengths of the sections are marked on the two boards used to make the bowstring. The marks should mirror each other, so before work the workpieces are connected with tape. Holes for hinges are drilled in the designated places, after which the boards are sawn. To make it attractive, all wooden parts are sanded and coated with two layers of varnish. Metal hinges are coated with primer and paint before installation.

For fastening the steps, holes 5 mm deep are cut from the inside of the bowstring. PVA glue is applied to them, and then fixed with self-tapping screws. The next stage is connecting the three sections into a common structure using hinges. After checking the possibility of bending the parts, the ladder is secured to the hatch. The upper section of the product is fixed to it with anchors. The folding staircase to the attic is ready.

In contact with

Attic stairs are one of the typical types of stairs for country houses. They provide maximum comfort and space saving. For lifting, you can use a stepladder or a ladder. Safety is of utmost importance. Therefore, it is best to acquire just this type of lifting device.

Attic stairs are divided into three types:

1. Sliding or telescopic.
2. Scissor or pincer-shaped.
3. Folding or lever.

Sliding stairs have two or a couple of sections. The sections can be expanded, they protrude from one another. The good side of this option: the sides of the attic are larger than the hatch itself. The advantage of this ladder is that it does not have lever mechanisms. Levers are the weak link of any design. This ladder is the most reliable and strong for loads.

Folding structures are made of 3-4 sections. The first compartment needs to be screwed to. The sections are screwed to each other with special parts that can be used to fold and unfold the ladder. To unfold, pull the ring or string with a stick.

To understand what a scissor model is, imagine an accordion. It has many levers, which are secured with special clamps.

All staircase options are made up of a pair of sections that can be stacked into each other. The result is a small structure that quickly folds and unfolds. The roof can be closed with an attic hatch, then the stairs are invisible.

Detailed description of stairs

Recently, home owners have increased their demand for using the entire space in the house. Many people have the habit of bringing into their country house all the unnecessary rubbish that they would hate to throw away or will need later. The stairs have an inclination angle of 45%, which is why they are considered steep. They are small in height and have a few steps, approximately 10-15 pieces. Attic stairs are constructed from lightweight material to make them lightweight.

The type of material from which the stairs are made must withstand the weight of the owner, but at the same time be durable and practical. In most cases, antique objects with their own weight are taken into the attic, and the main function is to support the weight of a person and objects.

Many attics are decorated with attic stairs, they are accessible to many buyers. Modern staircase designs have many advantages: convenience, compactness, ease of use, comfort. Stairs take up little space, they have good functionality, and a large assortment.

They are inexpensive, so you can choose the best option for your attic. Attic stairs are made from metal, wood, and can be combined. They can be made with handrails, spring, folding.

Stairs can be made in any size, color, shape. Our specialists will select a staircase for you according to your taste and requirements, and discuss price and functionality with you.

Folding ladder

Construction of stairs

Anyone can install a ladder, but it is better to leave it to a professional. Check that the installation space is suitable for the dimensions of the structure. There should be no problems at this stage because when the model was selected, it was necessary to compare the dimensions on the packaging of the stairs and the opening. There are companies that write the dimensions of the box instead of the dimensions of the space; in this case, the opening should be increased by 0.5–1 centimeter.

To begin, attach a block to the bottom of the opening - it will hold the ladder during installation. This requires two people, the first will be in the attic, and the second in the house. Raise the ladder to the attic and lay it on the block. At the fastening site, between the box and the opening, install spacers, and then fix the box with two screws.

After this, the person who is in the house takes the block and straightens the stairs. Secure it on the sides with screws. Fill the gap with mounting foam. Slightly loosen the screws on the sides of the ladder, unfold it to the end and tighten the bolts again. Install handrails and hatch guards, and feel free to use the stairs.

Types of structures

Ladders and stepladders are traditional, they are not particularly comfortable. They are used for a short time, or if they are not climbed into the attic very often.

Standard type staircases can be marching or spiral. Screw-type staircases made of wood or metal can save some space. Not very comfortable for older people and children. Marching structures take up a large amount of space.

Folding stairs for the attic have become the most popular in our time. There are different types of stairs. The sectional type is especially popular; the design is divided into several parts. The scissor ladder is also popular.

Sliding staircase structures are made using the example of a telescope. Areas with steps are moved apart one by one. When this model is folded, it does not take up much space. The staircase can be extended to any distance. Such stairs are made - plastic, wooden, metal, combined. The ladder is durable and safe.

Installation of attic stairs

Advantages and disadvantages

Staircase structures give us the opportunity to gain more space, and are especially invisible once they are installed. The advantages of these stairs are functionality, strength, compactness, and lightness.

When they are folded, they resemble a hatch with a block, which is built into the ceiling, and is not particularly noticeable. The design can be easily retracted into the ceiling. The stairs are not heavy, safe, comfortable, and inexpensive. The staircase has no particular disadvantages.

Requirements for attic stairs

Attic stairs must be safe and durable. Many stairs are very beautiful, but non-functional. It is better when there are railings or holders. Don't forget about fire safety if you decide to do it yourself. Remember to support a weight of at least 150 kilograms.

How to make an attic ladder with your own hands

The staircase can be made in 3 hours. Let's take: a hacksaw, a tape measure, a ladder, 4 loops, 2 screws, hooks, loops. We take a block, mount it to the upper end of the ladder on the hinges, and attach the second one to the lower part. We screw 2 slats onto the flight of stairs diagonally.

After this step, you should measure 2-3 lengths of the stairs and carefully cut them. We fasten the two pieces with loops. Attach the loops with the correct side. Attach the block from above under the hatch. This staircase is not hidden.

Folding attic ladder diagram

DIY folding ladder

We will need:

• Two boards, 3 centimeters thick, 20 centimeters wide.
• Boards for steps, width 12 cm, thickness 3 cm, length 20 cm.
• For each step there are 2 loops.
• Hooks, anchors, screws to attach the structure to the wall.

The first step is to secure 1 string to the wall. Then you need to lay out the steps. Mark the bottom step and draw a line. Draw 2 straight lines at the ends of the parallel segments. At the end of 1 piece we draw a perpendicular. After this line, step back 1 cm to the right.

The two points must meet. So mark the stairs. Make a gap of 1 cm in the steps, this is necessary so that the folded steps do not touch; we attach the hinges to the steps. Place the loops on the string. Attach loops to the piece that moves, and a hook in the right place on the wall.

Materials, tools, drawings

In order to choose a material, consider some factors and decide what type of stairs you want. Decide what the width of the staircase will be, how many departments there will be, and what function it will perform. The function of the ladder plays a big role in manufacturing. For wooden stairs, the load should be no more than 150 kg.

Metal ladders can support approximately 250 kg. This factor does not mean that the load can be greater, just that this is not necessary often. The dimensions of the stairs should not be larger than the attic space.

A wood material that has very strong properties is pine. These properties, combined with a metal profile, result in high quality and great weight.

In order to make a staircase with your own hands, take a good material, this material is considered to be pine. Pine is easy, accessible, inexpensive, well processed, and of high quality to use. For work, take working and durable tools: compasses, jigsaw, saw, drill, screwdrivers.

Attic staircase drawings are made for people who know how to hold tools in their hands and do not want to overpay for the work of professionals.

Step-by-step manufacturing guide

1. Prepare wooden materials.
2. Put all the tools, screws, drill in one place.
3. Prepare a plan and dimensions of the stairs.
4. Get to work. Good luck!

How to install:

1. Measure the size of the future hatch and ladder on the packaging.
2. Attach the bars to the bottom of the stairs.
3. Tighten all screws and fasteners.
4. Check the ladder for strength.
5. Secure the ladder.

Making a staircase for your home is a very difficult process. The staircase is a very important item in the house. When constructing a staircase, it is important not to make any mistakes.

Positive aspects: low price, easy use, safety. It is best to contact a specialist who will choose a staircase according to your requirements.

In most private houses, attics and attics are used rooms. And to get to the ground floor, of course, you need a staircase.

Types of attic stairs - design and types of construction

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

Based on the type of construction, the following types of attic stairs are distinguished:

1. Monolithic:
   • screw;
   • marching.
2. Folding attic stairs:
   • scissor;
   • folding or lever;
   • telescopic or sliding stairs;
   • folding
3. Portable:
   • stepladders;
   • attached.

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

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

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

Folding transformable ladder

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

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

Plastic fittings are also used to prevent friction of components during transformation and seal the opening when the product is folded. The hatch cover is filled with polystyrene foam and provides good thermal insulation.

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

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

Standard sizes of attic stairs:

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

When purchasing folding attic ladders, you must take into account that the parameters of the product must match the dimensions of the hatch cover, otherwise the folding parts will touch the opening. A hatch with a built-in sliding ladder 70 cm wide and 120 cm long is considered optimal. With a smaller opening, it is inconvenient to climb. If the hatch dimensions are too large, then large heat losses are possible. Since the attic is an unheated room, it is necessary to provide good heat and vapor insulation.

When choosing the angle of inclination of the stairs to the attic, it is important to take into account that the smaller the angle, the larger the dimensions of the attic hatch need to be made and the more space the stairs take up when unfolded.

Sliding attic ladder - retractable flights to the attic

Scissor ladder
As a rule, they are made entirely of metal. They also go by the name “accordion staircase”, which has stuck due to the fact that the structure folds like an accordion. And the transformation mechanism resembles an expanding tram current collector and is shaped like a parallelogram or an oval.

The retractable staircase to the attic has one drawback inherent in cheap models. Due to the fact that the structure is entirely made of metal, if the assembly is poor or over time, the flight of stairs begins to creak. This can be avoided by periodically lubricating the extension ladder.

Telescopic ladders

The telescopic ladder consists of many retractable sections that fold into one another. It is made of aluminum, which helps to lighten the structure and impart rigidity. In the domestic market, sliding attic stairs are quite rare and are not very popular.

Folding staircase to the attic - sectional and hinged

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

Reclining ladder

If you really like order, suffer from a lack of space, and you have a second floor or attic, a folding staircase can be a great option to meet all your needs at once. The idea is this: most of the time the structure is folded and fixed to the wall, and only in the evening, when you need to go up to the bedroom, do you pull it out.

The steps are secured to the string using card loops. When folded, the structure is fixed on the wall. The reclining design is not in great demand due to its complexity, but later in the article we will still tell you how to make it yourself.

DIY attic folding stairs

Option No. 1 - simple design of 2 sections

Do-it-yourself attic stairs are made within 2-3 hours. To make an attic staircase we will need:

• hacksaw for woodworking;
• tape measure;
• a staircase whose height will be approximately 30 cm greater than the distance to the ceiling;
• four card loops the width of a stringer;
• two bars, the length of which is equal to the width of the hatch, and two more bars, approximately 20 cm longer than the first ones. The thickness of the bars is 2-3 cm;
• screws, anchors, hook and eye.

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

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

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

The disadvantage of this model is that it remains in plain sight. This can be avoided if you use a product of a more complex design, in which the sections are attached to the manhole cover. Let's see if it is possible to make such an attic ladder with your own hands.

Option No. 2 - hatch to the attic with a ladder

We will tell you how to make a staircase to the attic, consisting of 3 sections, which is identical in design to those sold in stores. This is the kind of folding attic ladder we should be able to achieve.

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

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

Materials you will need:

• four bars 50x50 mm - two short and two long;
• 10mm plywood sheet (in our case, two panels are used - unfortunately, we didn’t have a whole sheet at hand).

At the ends of the bars we make cuts of half the thickness, coat them with glue and secure them with self-tapping screws, having first checked the diagonals. To prevent the diagonal from disappearing, temporary gussets made of 4 mm plywood should be used. Afterwards, we remove them and screw on a sheet of 10 mm plywood (the photo shows how the sheet is secured around the perimeter with PSh self-tapping screws). Next we try it on in the opening.

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

The mechanism of the attic ladder with a hatch is hinged without a spring

Now it's time for the most difficult part - the opening mechanisms. All the components, of course, can be bought in the store, but we will go the hard way and do everything ourselves.

First, let's draw a drawing of the attic staircase on cardboard with the approximate angle at which the hatch should open. Let's cut out the cardboard parts and try them on the structure. This way you can quite accurately select the length of the hinges.

I think everyone in their garage has iron corners, scraps of strips and pieces of sheet metal, in general, everything that can be used to make a mechanism for a ladder. For one mechanism we need:

• one corner;
• piece of sheet metal;
• two strips of different lengths.

Let's mark the holes for the hinges, the distances of which we previously estimated experimentally, and drill them for an M10 bolt. We put it together without tightening the bolts too much. Using a small tool, we measure the desired opening angle of the hatch and expand the future mechanism to the selected angle. We mark on the metal the area that, when opened, overlaps the corner and cut it out using a jigsaw.

We bring the metal strips into proper shape by cutting off the excess length and rounding the ends. This way they won’t touch the corner and interfere with each other. We reassemble the entire mechanism. After we removed part of the metal, the corner began to rest and lock in the desired position.

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

After one hole is cut, insert a bolt into it and drill the second.

Then, screwing both parts together with bolts, we align them in length.

This is how we make all the parts.

The output should be two completely identical mechanisms.

Now let's install the mechanisms on the hatch and try it on in the stairwell. It turned out that even when designing the unit, we made a mistake - we did not take into account the height of the fastening on the floor beam. That is, the part simply crawled out of the ceiling. Because of this, we had to install temporary bars.

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

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

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

Do-it-yourself wooden staircase on bowstrings

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

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

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

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

For a more aesthetic appearance, we sand all the edges with a router.

On the strings of the stairs we make small recesses (5 mm) for the steps. Using glue and PSh self-tapping screws, we assemble all the parts together. It should look something like the photo.

Almost all country houses have attics. To organize a comfortable and safe ascent there, it is necessary to equip a ladder.

It can be made of various materials, but wooden stairs are the most common and convenient. Let's look at their types in detail, and tell you how you can make a staircase to the attic with your own hands from wood.

Finished building

Structures for climbing into the attic can be permanent or removable. Their type depends on the availability of installation space, ceiling height and frequency of use.

After all, the attic is often used as a utility room, and there is no need to install a complex architectural structure. However, even among simple designs there are those that will fit harmoniously into the interior and will not take up much space.

When choosing a type, you don’t need to think about the possibility of moving large objects along it or having two people at the same time, since both of these situations are unlikely to arise.

Stationary types

All structures, according to the type of attachment to the supporting base, are divided into the following types:

• On the bowstrings.

Such structures consist of two load-bearing strings, straight or curved, between which steps are located in grooves.

On the bowstrings

• On the stringers.

They are a little reminiscent of bowstring systems, but the difference is that stringers serve as a support beam. The steps are attached to them from above, so that they seem to lie on supports. Usually one or two stringers are used.

On the stringers

• On pain.

In this case, the steps are pinned on one side to the wall, or to a load-bearing beam mounted into the wall. This system of steps looks very stylish.

Boltsevaya

• On a support pillar.

This design has found application in screw type devices. One, narrowed end of the step is fixed on a vertical load-bearing support, and if positioned correctly, all steps form a spiral flight. The big advantage of such a system is that it does not take up much space.

Screw

• Combined designs.

Such structures can be made using all of the listed types of fastenings.

On a vertical support and bowstring

Stationary types are the most visually attractive, convenient and safe to use. However, it is not always possible to find suitable free space for installing capital attic systems.

Portable options

They are quite inconvenient to use for interfloor movements:

• Attached. This is the simplest device for ascent and descent. It can be used as a temporary one, brought and taken away at any time. The extensions are suitable for rare visits to this room. Such a device can be left in place, but it will not add any aesthetics to the interior. In addition, the unsteadiness and instability creates problems with the safety of the person using it.

Pristavnaya

• Everything that has been said about the attached type can be repeated about this type - with the only difference being that stepladders are a little more convenient and safe to use.

Most often, portable options are used when access to the attic is from the street.

Folding types

This type is very convenient and functional for small spaces that do not suffer from excessive luxury. They are compact, easy to fold and put away in the hatch. Despite the apparent primitiveness of the design, they can withstand decent loads (150-250 kg).

Manufacturers offer a large selection. They consist of 3-4 spans and are easily adjusted to any ceiling height. However, the price of these structures is quite decent.

Manufacturing

If the question arises about manufacturing, wood is the most suitable material for these purposes. There is no need to buy a ready-made design, since it is quite easy to make it yourself.

The production process of an attic ladder can be seen in the video in this article:

Production of stationary ladders on bowstrings

Capital construction with your own hands: stages of work. When making a structure, you will need bars for making a bowstring, boards for steps, a set of screws and anchors for fastening, varnish or paint for finishing.

Tools required for work:

Manufacturing instructions:

• A design drawing is being prepared.
• In accordance with the drawing, strings and steps are cut.
• In the bowstrings, grooves are cut out according to a pre-prepared stencil to install steps to a depth of 15-20 mm. The accuracy of cutting the grooves and maintaining the geometry are the most important part of the entire process, since, otherwise, the steps will become loose and the staircase will quickly become unusable.

• All parts are sanded with sandpaper.
• Before assembly, the parts are treated with an antiseptic.
• The grooves are coated with glue. Steps are being installed. For greater reliability, they are fixed from the outside using self-tapping screws. It is better to drown the hats and putty them.
• If necessary, you can install balusters and railings.
• Finishing with paints and varnishes.
• The structure is attached with anchors to the supports.

The result is a simple, but reliable and safe system.

Variant on bowstrings

Production

Requirements for folding structures:

• width of steps - 65-110 mm;
• number of steps - no more than 15;
• distance between steps is 16-20 cm;
• thickness of steps - 18-22 mm;
• height - no more than 3.5 m;
• load capacity - at least 150 kg;
• tilt angle - 60-75 degrees.

Let's look at how to make it yourself:

Important! During the production of the structure, and especially during its installation, you will definitely need an assistant.

• A drawing is created.
• Details are being prepared. All cut areas are thoroughly cleaned.
• The hatch frame is being manufactured. The standard hatch size is 120x60 or 120x70, however, you can make it according to the existing opening.
• Using bolts and metal inserts, the frame is installed in the opening.
• The hatch cover can be made from 2 sheets of plywood 10 mm thick, laying polyethylene between them for vapor barrier. You can use a furniture board. We mount a handle to the lid.
• The cover is hung on the frame.

• On the prepared strings (on the inside), which will be used as supports, grooves are made (about 5 mm deep) for installing steps.
• The ends of the support beams are sawn off so that they are firmly placed on the floor. It is best to install plastic tips.
• For simplicity, you can use a structure cut into 3 fragments.
• The crossbars are secured with self-tapping screws between the strings. For strength, we recommend additionally applying glue to the joints.

• The parts are connected to each other using hinges.

• The design is made of sections, attached to the lid with corners (as in the photo).

• The valve is installed.
• For more convenient door opening, we recommend installing a lever-spring mechanism.
• The entire system is treated with a protective compound.

Important! Before attaching the system to the hatch, check that all components are functioning properly.

The result is a design that will provide safe access to the attic, and will not take up space in the house.

We looked at what types of wooden attic stairs there are, their types, and use cases. They gave advice on making a comfortable and functional staircase with your own hands. Now it's up to you!

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