Provided that it is properly arranged, an ordinary attic space turns into a comfortable attic room that is perfectly suitable for living. To ensure safe and most convenient access to the attic floor, it is necessary to install a reliable staircase. You can handle the assembly and installation of the stairs if desired. on our own. Read the instructions and get started.
There are several main types of stairs suitable for providing access to the attic space.
The most compact and easy to manufacture option. Such steps are assembled and hidden behind a lid that covers the entrance to the under-roof room.
The design is based on a spring mechanism that allows you to quickly and effortlessly open the staircase - you just need to pull the hatch down, after which the flights will smoothly unfold. The last flight of stairs usually has to be laid out manually.
To lift the structure, it is best to install special automation - with it, using the stairs will simply be more convenient and easier.
Traditional and most common option. Such ladders are extremely reliable and easy to use. The steps of the stairs can be fixed on bowstrings, bolts and stringers.
Installation of a conventional single-flight staircase is performed at a certain angle. The specific slope value is selected individually, taking into account the height of the ceilings in the room. If the distance from floor to ceiling is large, the staircase will have a rather steep descent, which is not very convenient.
Using stairs of two and three flights, you can organize the most safe and convenient ascent to the attic. However, to accommodate such rotating structures you need quite a lot of space. Typically, such stairs are provided at the attic design stage.
The spiral staircase to the attic can be equipped exclusively with the use of winder steps. Similar design allows you to save significantly usable space, however, trapezoidal steps can hardly be called completely safe and very comfortable, especially for older people and small children.
A spiral staircase must be equipped with comfortable and stable railings.
Very beautiful and original design. Set up on a curved stringer. It is extremely difficult to independently calculate and assemble such a staircase without the proper skills.
However, provided that it is properly arranged, an involute staircase will be a wonderful addition to any interior.
Pay due attention to the design of the stairs to the attic. The optimal depth of steps is considered to be 30 cm. The most comfortable step between steps is about 15 cm. A staircase with such parameters can be climbed and descended comfortably and safely, resting the entire surface of the foot on the steps.
The most convenient width of the staircase is considered to be 80-100 cm. If the width of the staircase is more than 1.2 m, an additional central stringer must be included in the design.
One person of average build will feel comfortable even when using a ladder with a half-meter width.
Try to make the slope of the span no more than 45 degrees.
Current regulatory documentation requires that the staircase steps have a depth of 25-40 cm, and the riser height is 12-22 cm.
Try to design the staircase so that there is at least 200 cm of free space between each step and the ceiling. Even tall people will not experience discomfort on such stairs.
For the rest, be guided by your own preferences, not forgetting about personal comfort and, of course, safety.
What to make a staircase from?
A wide variety of materials are used to construct attic stairs. Their list includes:
- glass;
- concrete solution;
- wood;
- metal.
In practice, stairs are most often made of wood or a combination of materials. At this point, you must make a decision yourself, focusing on the interior design features, personal preferences and available budget.
Each material has both a number of strong qualities and certain disadvantages.
Eg, metal stairs with glass steps they look very impressive, but are quite expensive.
Wooden structures bring a certain sophistication and comfort to the interior, but require competent and regular maintenance.
All-metal and concrete structures can withstand even very heavy loads, but do not fit very well into the interior of residential premises and create large loads on the base (floor).
In general, when choosing a material for making stairs, be guided by your personal preferences.
Where to install the ladder?
The staircase to the attic floor can be installed outdoors or indoors. Most convenient option– this, of course, is the internal placement of the stairs. In such a situation, you won’t have to go outside, which is especially valuable in bad weather.
However, in some situations there is a need for external arrangement of stairs to separate the attic space. It is best to make an external staircase from metal. In such a situation, be sure to install reliable anti-burglary doors at the entrance to the attic to protect your property from attacks by intruders.
You can come up with original options registration street stairs. For example, quite often owners add a beautiful tower around the steps to the house. Such a solution adds its own flavor to the architecture of the site.
Choose the best option for placing the stairs to the attic, taking into account the above recommendations. If possible, try to give preference to the internal location of the structure.
DIY wooden stationary staircase
Most simple option For self-construction is a single-flight staircase, the design of which is based on stringers. This design is convenient and practical. She doesn't require much free space and settles down on his own without any difficulty. It is the order of assembly of such a structure that will be discussed further.
Set for work
- Glued laminated timber (preferably made of pine or other durable wood) for arranging stringers.
- Board for decorating steps. Use elements at least 4-5 cm thick. You can also buy steps in finished form. Do what is most convenient for you.
- Boards for making risers. Optimal thickness elements - 2 cm. In most cases (if the load on the stairs is not too large), the use of these structural components can be abandoned.
- Fastening elements.
- Railings to choose from.
- Balusters.
The manual in question provides instructions for making a staircase with embedded treads.
Start preparing the stringer. To do this, make markings on the original beam. The product must be divided into triangles. The hypotenuse of each such triangle will serve as the edge of the beam, one of the legs will be responsible for the depth of the step, and the second for the height of the riser.
Cut out the triangles using a suitable tool. The easiest and fastest way to do this is with a circular saw.
Mill the edges of the products. Optimal size chamfers – 2-5 mm.
To make marking work more convenient, you can pre-make a triangle template of the required size.
Proceed to install the stringer in the designated place. The top edge of the product should be adjacent to the end interfloor covering. The result will be a reliable and sustainable system.
Select the fixation method in accordance with the design features of the staircase, the thickness of the beams and other significant parameters.
The best option fixing the stringer to the beam located above - using plunging. It is also possible to fasten the stringer by going under the surface of the site and without directly cutting into the beam.
The plunge-in technique is the most reliable and widespread. To make such a connection, make a cut of a suitable size in the support beam and insert the edge of the stringer into it. The created gash should not be too large, because any depressions lead to a decrease in the strength and reliability of the structure.
Instead of cutting in, you can use options with bolts or angles. However, such installation options are only suitable for lightweight staircase structures.
The stringer must be secured as rigidly and reliably as possible so that the risk of shifting is completely eliminated. To attach the lower end of the stringer, you can use two methods.
In accordance with the first method, it is necessary to make a corner cutout at the bottom of the element for load-bearing beam. A groove of the appropriate size is prepared directly in the beam. As a result, all you have to do is insert the stringer cutout into the groove prepared in the support beam and fix the element using the corners or tighten it with vertical pins.
In accordance with the second method, a cutout is created directly in the support beam, after which a bottom corner stair stringer. This type of fixation is reliable, but the support beam in such a situation must have a fairly large cross-section.
If you plan to make a staircase of two flights, first determine the dimensions of the site. The platform must be fixed before attaching the stringers. To do this, provide stable and reliable mortgages in the walls. If it is impossible to attach the platform to the wall, use vertical support posts.
It is best to use screws and glue to connect treads and risers. The nails will weaken over time.
The fixing elements are placed hidden. You can also use corners and strips to fasten the structure. In addition, quite reliable and very durable option connection is installation using wooden dowels.
If the staircase is made of hard wood, it is recommended that the fastening pins be made of soft wood, and vice versa. Otherwise, the fasteners will split the base material.
Attach the steps so that their edges extend beyond the borders of the riser by 2-4 cm.
Secure all planned steps.
Finally, all you have to do is install the railings and balusters, and then process all the wooden structural elements antiseptic. It would be a good idea to coat the wood with a fire retardant. Also, the material can be subjected to such treatments even before final assembly stairs. Do what is most convenient for you.
If desired, you can cover the stairs paint and varnish composition or decorate it with something else finishing material of your choice.
Good luck!
Ideally, an external or internal staircase to the attic in a country house should be planned at the stage of drawing up a house project, especially if the structure will be built from the street. In this case, it will be possible to place it in the most suitable place, think about it and take into account all the pros and cons. But in practice it often happens that the staircase has to be completed later. Let's figure out what to do in such cases.
Do-it-yourself staircase to the attic - preparation and planning
It often happens that over time, the owners of the house decide to finish building or equip the attic. And here the first and most important obstacle arises - the rise to the top. It is quite difficult to plan and make a staircase in an already finished house, but still possible. A good result will be facilitated by patience, some knowledge and skillful hands, and some minor carpentry skills.
The first problem in the question “How to make a staircase to the attic?” - its location. Here it is worth considering the available free space. Only based on the presence or absence of space for a staircase, you can decide on its type, method of arrangement and other points that we will discuss in this article. Also, do not forget about the comfortable entrance to the attic floor.
Basically, the internal staircase in a house with an attic is made of wood, less often of metal. The best option is a combined staircase (the frame is made of metal, and the steps are made of wood). For her you only need to select quality materials. The wood must be hardwood. The optimal varieties for steps are oak, beech and maple. But this is expensive, so in order to reduce the cost of construction, they use more cheap wood, covering the outer, most vulnerable corners with plastic or metal corners.
Having decided on the location and material, we begin to create the drawing. Purchasing materials and starting construction without committing all your plans to paper is an unforgivable mistake. Only clear planning and calculations will ensure good result. For the most correct drawing you need:
- take measurements;
- take into account the height and width - with the right ratio even compact stairs the attic will be comfortable;
- consider the angle of inclination - the design should not be too flat and too steep. The permissible tilt angle is 20-45 degrees, the ideal tilt is somewhere around 30-35 degrees;
- calculate the size and number of steps. It is believed that there should be an odd number of steps. In this case, the ascent and descent will be most comfortable - one leg will start the movement, and the other will finish.
Only after drawing up the project can you purchase material. Remember that before you start working with wood, it needs to “take root” in the house for at least three days. Thus, the tree gets used to the temperature and humidity of the room, and also takes its final shape.
Types of stairs to the attic - convenient and economical!
The options for stairs to the attic are quite numerous. Based on your needs, capabilities and taste, you can create your own ideal and unique design. Just need to add a little creative approach, And attic staircase will turn into the highlight of the home. For example, it can originate from the hallway or living room and, mysteriously meandering, go somewhere into the distance, drawing the curious glances of house guests with it. Let's look at the most traditional types.
- Spiral staircase. Perfectly emphasizes the style of the room, giving it an atmosphere of pomp and luxury. It takes up little space, the steps go in a circle. Suitable for small rooms with low ceilings, while visually stretching the room. Performed from the most different materials. Self-installation of such a staircase is not very easy; any error in the calculation can lead to deformation of the entire structure. Not very practical and comfortable staircase for frequent use.
- A folding staircase to the attic, like a spiral one, takes up minimal space. It can be sliding, folding and folding. The best option if the urgent question is how to place the stairs to the attic - in in this case this can be done even if there is no space for the structure. Suitable for attic entrances and small country houses.
- Marching staircase. Among all the options, this staircase is the easiest to manufacture and is most often chosen for installation. It is characterized by increased comfort. In turn, it can be straight and rotated 90 or 180 degrees. For turns, winder steps or platforms are chosen.
The structure and dimensions of the stairs to the attic - we do it ourselves
Let's consider the design of a flight of stairs - for self-installation this option is the most optimal. Safety and comfort are the main points in the design. Therefore, at the planning stage, attention is given to Special attention slope of marches, lighting, fencing and dimensions.
In the design, it is important to correctly calculate the ratio of height and width. There are even special formulas with which you can calculate the optimal step, convenience and safety. Traditionally comfortable height The riser (the vertical separating the steps) is considered to be 18 cm, but it can vary from 15 to 19 cm. The width of the step can be 20-32 cm, 30 cm is considered the most comfortable. The width of the staircase should be at least 80 cm, preferably 1 meter.
According to the method of fastening the steps of the stairs, they are distinguished:
- on stringers. This method involves fastening the step from below onto gear elements. Least the hard way the buildings;
- on the bowstrings. This is the fastening of steps between two wooden beams that rest on the floor and ceiling. The structure is held together with metal rods and nuts;
- on pain. Represents the mounting of a step on metal rods, which, in turn, are attached to the wall. The fastening is invisible, so the whole structure looks light and weightless, although it is quite durable.
External solutions – external staircase
Much less often, an external attic staircase is erected to connect the attic with the rest of the house. Thus, you can solve one or more questions:
- Saving space in the room;
- Possibility of additional entrance to the house (as an addition to the internal staircase);
- Possibility of entering the attic directly across the street;
- Beautiful design solution for arrangement appearance Houses.
The construction of an external staircase to the attic has a number of disadvantages - in particular, burglars and precipitation. In the first case, the issue is resolved with the help of all sorts of protective measures - this is a high-quality door with good fittings, and good fence, and other popular protective methods. In addition, it is unlikely that you will be able to arrange rooms on top for daily use, because in winter the external passage will be very cold - for example, what kind of children's room could there be in this case? But if you decide to arrange a dressing room or creative workshop in the attic, then you can also use the outdoor option.
A canopy over the stairs will help from precipitation and, of course, high-quality coating designs.
Most often, external stairs are made of concrete or metal. Concrete option It is recommended to build it at the stage of building a house. It is difficult to build it yourself. A metal staircase is a more acceptable option for self-construction. By adding forging elements to it, you can emphasize the style of the house, adding elegance and chic.
The attic floor saves both money and Construction Materials, and location. Cold attic can be turned into useful space. You need to insulate the room, do the finishing, and you can build a staircase. Let's find out what options there are for such constructions, how to do it correctly so that the work is successful.
So, there are several types of stairs for the attic. The design layout depends on the type and size of the room. Important to do correct calculations so that the staircase is durable, comfortable, and reliable. A staircase of any shape is suitable for this purpose. Most often they make ordinary marching structures, the simplest ones. They also make different spiral staircases. They are beautiful and save space in the house.
How to choose right place location future design? The choice depends on the room above. If it is heated, then the staircase can be made in the living room or in the hallway.
If the room is cold, the attic is summer, it is better to make a staircase on the veranda, or even on the street. The main thing in choosing a place is that the slope is forty-five degrees. Then the design will be convenient. If there is a lot of space, you can make a staircase with two flights. If space is limited, we will make a spiral staircase.
If there is only the opportunity to build a steep staircase with one flight, then we will make winder steps. They are more comfortable. The attic staircase should be comfortable and safe. It should also be placed so as not to steal a lot of space from the ground floor. It is also worth considering the height of the floor. Let's look at how to make a spiral staircase, because it is the best space saver. Let's take wood for materials. And let's decide on our design. The features of the staircase are such that there is a supporting octagonal post, as well as flat handrails. The steps go around the rack.
Such a staircase can be located in one of the corners of the room, taking up very little space. If it is the only way up, then the opening needs to be made a little wider.
Otherwise, it will be difficult to lift objects such as furniture when necessary. Having chosen the location and shape of the opening, we begin to calculate the diameter of the structure. We measure the height, find the lower level of the structure, and determine the direction of the spiral of our future staircase. We choose the height of the risers and decide on the number of steps. Installation is carried out from below. All parts are fastened with special pins.
The central support is made of a board about thirty millimeters thick. The octahedrons need to be glued together for it. The stand should come out level. The base of the rack is a sheet of steel, to which a metal pipe is attached. We fix the stand to the floor. Now we install the steps. They rest on octagons on one side, and on consoles on the second side. We also make the handrail in a spiral shape. Job is done.
Design of stairs to the attic
An attic space can be very useful. You can make any room in this room. There you can arrange a bedroom, a nursery, or a study. You can make a very comfortable room if you implement various design solutions. It is also important to take care of the stairs. It must be safe, first of all. You can also apply some design ideas, decorating it.
The attic staircase should be a durable, high-quality structure. It should also be aesthetically attractive. The design can be very different. Fantasy can work at its best.
Let's first think about what types of stairs there are for the attic. The choice depends on how often this room will be used. If this is a country house, a simple staircase will do. If the room itself has a sense of solidity, you can choose a more interesting option.
So, there are several types of stairs. There is a screw, folding, attic staircase. And there is a design with one or several marches. Most effective option, this is a spiral staircase. It allows you to implement many stylish ideas. The design depends on the overall style of the building, and on personal preferences.
A lot also depends on the materials. There are wooden and metal stairs. And there are also designs made of glass, which allows you to especially distinguish yourself in style. Those who love the classics prefer wooden options stairs But metal also allows you to make a sophisticated and unusually elegant design. Therefore, you can combine these two materials by combining them. You can decorate a wooden staircase with forged parts. This will be a delightful way to decorate your home. The stone staircase also looks very beautiful.
Well, you can calculate the sizes. Do not forget to take into account the angle of inclination, as well as the width of the steps. This is important for comfortable use of the stairs. Sometimes it is difficult to find the line between practicality and aesthetics. But it needs to be done. Since the most important thing is the safety of the users of the future design. The interior of the staircase can give the whole house an atmosphere of comfort and warmth.
Every private house has an attic. But for easy access to it, you need a reliable ladder. If the structure is made inside, it will be more comfortable and cozy, especially in the cold months. But it happens that the house has already been renovated, everything is in its place, and you don’t want to clutter up the space, especially if there is already not enough of it. Therefore, sometimes the stairs are made on the street. Let's talk about this staircase.
There are several types of outdoor attic stairs. We need to decide on it. Some types can only be installed in a spacious yard, while others are suitable for narrower spaces. The type of staircase also depends on the chosen material. There are stairs with electric drive. They extend vertically, which makes them very convenient. But making such a staircase is not easy. You need an electric drive, the ability to work with metal, and the ceiling height must be appropriate.
Another type is the accordion ladder. You can often see such designs in stores. The elements are connected and work like scissors. When the staircase is assembled, it attracts almost no attention. This design is simpler. Another type of staircase is marching design. It takes up enough space. Marches can be prefabricated or integral. They can be straight or curved. There may be one march, or maybe three platforms. They can be metal or made of wood. They are easy to make. It is this type of staircase that we will now consider in more detail.
It is important to follow safety precautions; this is the most important point in all work. The ladder must be made strong and also stable. Therefore, you need to think about it for her good material. There must be reliable railings. It is better to make the opening as wide as possible. It will need to be insulated. Also, the ladder must be load-resistant so that you can lift things and heavy objects along it.
The dimensions and characteristics of the staircase depend on the material.
The most accessible material is wood. You don't need any special skills to make such a staircase. To prevent the wood from rotting over time, you just need to treat it with special means, and it will be durable. These products will help the material become resistant to fire and precipitation. What can you say about metal? This is the most popular material for outdoor stairs to the attic. It is very reliable and durable, can withstand heavy loads, and does not deform. But you need skills to make such a structure. Therefore, let's look at how to make a wooden staircase.
We create a drawing on which we indicate everything necessary calculations. We purchase materials for the construction. We choose wood so that it is not wet or overdried. Also, there should be no cracks or deformations on it. To make steps, we will need boards, and we will also need timber for stringers. We apply markings to the timber. We cut out the teeth and install the steps.
Assembly is easy. We fix our steps.
Glass spiral staircase
design and dimensions of the stairs to the attic in a private house - photo, attic houses outside and inside: external staircase to the attic - entrance from the street, designer interiors attic spaces-photo gallery
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The decision to convert attic spaces to create an attic is made if there is a desire to increase the living space or space used for other purposes in the house without constructing additional extensions to the building. But for normal operation of the new rooms you will need nice staircase to the attic, which is quite possible to do with your own hands. And in order not to make mistakes during its construction, you should understand in advance existing structures stairs and choose the most suitable option for your home.
Stairs for climbing to the attic floor can be divided into several categories according to:
- location;
- type of construction;
- materials used.
The last classifying indicator in some cases may not accurately determine the options for attic stairs, since sometimes different materials are combined for its manufacture.
Location of the stairs
A convenient lift to the attic can be installed not only inside the house, but also outside, on the street. In this case, to go upstairs, you will need to leave the house. But such an external arrangement will be very convenient when living in the same house with, for example, an adult son or daughter. Your grown-up child will have his own entrance and his own room.
The most common option is to install a staircase to the attic floor inside the house. To do this, choose a place where it will not take up much space and will provide a convenient and safe climb to the top. Usually this is one of the corners in common room, corridor or place near a blank wall without windows.
Types of stairs. Applied spatial structures
Among the possible options for mounted stairs, there are six various types designs:
- straight single-march;
- rotary double-flight with an intermediate horizontal platform;
- with winder steps;
- vertical spiral staircases to the attic small house;
- involute of complex geometric configuration;
- folding and lifting.
Single march stairs can be considered the simplest. This is a structure consisting of one straight flight and a railing enclosing it. Their main disadvantage is large quantities occupied internal space of the room in which they are installed.
Decreasing the length will increase the angle of elevation and make it too steep and awkward. Therefore, single-flight staircases to the top floor are installed in wide hallways or large rooms up to 3 meters high.
Two-march occupies a much smaller area, but is more difficult to manufacture and install. In addition to two straight flights, the design includes a securely fixed horizontal platform for the ability to turn at right angles or 180 degrees.
Such stairs are placed in the corner of the room or in a specially provided spatial niche. Installing a turntable allows you to obtain a convenient angle of inclination at any ceiling height.
Stairs with winder steps even more compact. This is achieved by replacing the horizontal turntable with trapezoidal steps. Their narrow side is smaller than the wide part and is directed towards the middle of the spread. They can be one-, two-, or three-flight systems that are installed in relatively small rooms at any ceiling height.
Screw The stairs are very original, beautiful, but rather inconvenient for constant use. Especially for older people. In addition, the furniture will have to be lifted through the windows or before installing a screw lift. Such structures have a central axial support and are completely assembled from winder-type steps.
Involute stairs from the first floor are an intermediate solution between marching and spiral spatial structures. They look very beautiful and original. But they are distinguished by the high complexity of manufacturing parts and assembling them at their location.
It is most likely impossible to make such a system yourself and you will have to invite a specialist. As a result, this will be a convenient but expensive solution to the issue.
Folding small structures are a system of sections that fold or slide into each other. Quite difficult to manufacture, but you can always find a wide variety of folding stairs on sale at very affordable prices.
This is a good option for installing a staircase to the attic with a small area - if desired, it can always be removed to the attic floor, and the opening can be closed with a lowering hatch.
What are stairs made of?
The choice of material for the manufacture of a stair lift depends, first of all, on the chosen design, the desired design and the financial capabilities of the developer. They are made from:
- wood;
- metal;
- concrete;
- natural and artificial stone.
Sharing is widely used various materials. For example, the supporting structure is made of metal, and the steps and railings are made of wood. Well, or the supporting one is metal, stone steps, and the railings are made of glass and wood.
Wooden stairs are not only beautiful and suitable for any interior style, but also create additional comfort and a feeling of closeness to nature. Wood is the most affordable and suitable material For self-made and installation.
However, most types of wood are not particularly strong and durable, and dense varieties are expensive and not so easy to process. When finishing steps, you should not over-polish them as they become slippery and reduce safety.
Metal in the interior of the premises it always looks elegant and attracts attention, especially if forged or chrome-plated elements are used for production. Metal structures are reliable and durable, and the plasticity of the material allows them to be given any spatial configuration.
However, to make metal stairs with your own hands, you need to have metalworking skills and experience as a welder to ensure the reliability and strength of the connections.
Stairs from concrete heavy, massive and require a reliable reinforcing frame, and in certain cases, support metal structures. The best option for installing them is to arrange an external entrance to the attic.
Moreover, only for stone buildings. In a wooden building, such a bulky structure will look ridiculous. But make concrete staircase It's not that hard to do on your own.
Steps from natural or artificial stone look beautiful. They are assembled on metal supporting stringers. Durable and reliable. If forged railings are installed, they create a feeling of luxury and speak of the wealth of the owners. The main disadvantage of these materials is high price and the need to hire experienced installation professionals.
To answer the question of how to make a staircase on top floor it is necessary to determine:
- where is it installed;
- choice of design type;
- what materials will be used for production.
Manufacturing of parts and installation
A builder without professional experience is recommended to opt for a simple wooden marching structure. In this case, a single-flight staircase will be located along a blank wall that does not have windows, where it can be further secured.
The double-flight is placed in the corner of the room or also along the wall with a small lower flight, turning 90 degrees towards the room. A good decision It may be possible to install an attic staircase on the veranda, which will become an insulated vestibule and protect the room from the cold.
What you need for work
Wood for manufacturing must be selected from dense hardwood. The most suitable are oak, larch, birch, and cedar. All purchased material must be brought into the room and kept for 3-4 days before starting work. During this time, the temperature of the wood will become equal to the temperature in the room and will acquire the correct installation size.
The right choice would be to install a 65x25 mm steel profile pipe as load-bearing stringers. This will strengthen the structure and allow the use of welding for mounting the supports of wooden steps, eliminating the use of less reliable tenons and screws. In addition, this will allow you to use metal to install the railings or make it easier to install wooden balusters.
To protect wood from moisture, wood-boring insects, in case of fire and to obtain a beautiful appearance, it is necessary to purchase appropriate impregnations, stains and varnish. For painting metal - primer and paint.
Tool
Kit the necessary tool depends on the place of manufacture of the blanks. If the step parts are made in a carpentry workshop, then this is only a tool for assembly:
- jigsaw;
- electric drill;
- electric plane;
- angle grinder (grinder);
- wood hacksaw;
- chisel and chisel;
- hammer and mallet.
When used for installation of steel profile pipes and corners, required welding machine and electrodes.
Calculation part of the work
To ensure convenient and safe operation The staircase structure must comply with the following regulatory requirements:
- the angle of rise of the marches is 20-40 degrees (maximum value 45);
- passage width 800-1000 mm;
- step depth 200-320 mm;
- riser height 150-200 mm;
- narrow edge of trapezoids at least 100 mm.
Recommended step sizes. The wide part of winder steps is not standardized. The recommended width of the intermediate horizontal platform is 800 mm, the length must correspond to the adjacent ladder.
The calculation begins by measuring the height of the lower floor room, taking into account the clean floor of the attic. To determine the number of steps, you need to divide the previously obtained value by the accepted height of the riser. It is selected in such a way that when divided, the result is an even whole number corresponding to the standard range.
So, with a floor height of 3 meters, a riser measuring 187 mm is suitable. In this case, the number of steps will be 16.04, which can be rounded to 16. Then the length of a single-flight staircase with a step width of 280 mm will be 16 x 280 = 4480 mm.
Calculation of stair steps. Now you need to measure the existing length of the room, which should be equal to 4480 + 800 = 5280 mm. If the flight of stairs does not correspond to the data received, then you will have to install a two-flight staircase.
Elements protruding from the walls building structures and the size of the free passage on the upper steps of the stairs should provide a free passage with a height of at least 1850 mm, optimally 2000 mm.
If the dimensions of the hatch are too large, then the height of the riser should be increased, which will reduce the length of the stairs and increase the angle of inclination. The length of the stringer is calculated using the Pythagorean formula: the sum of the squares of the legs is equal to the square of the hypotenuse.
The angle of inclination of the stairs. Now transfer your results onto paper in the form of a rough drawing. In this case, be sure to reduce the size of the riser by the thickness of the board used to lay the steps.
An example of a staircase calculation drawing. Manufacturing of components and installation
So, we’ve come close to how to make a staircase to the attic. The parts necessary for installing the stairs are manufactured in accordance with the drawing data. Initially, stringers are cut from two 5-meter boards.
Place the finished stringers in place and secure them with hardware fasteners, dowels or pins. If one of boards coming along the wall, then provide additional fastening to building structures.
After this, proceed to installing the steps, which can be secured with screws using self-tapping screws or wooden cotter pins with glue.
Fastening the tread. The final stage is the installation of balusters and railings. It is better to buy these parts ready-made, manufactured in a factory. This will greatly facilitate the work, making it simple and understandable.
Video on the topic
In their homes, most people, not wanting to lose useful attic space, convert it into a living attic space. To climb into such a room, you will need a safe and comfortable staircase. In order not to make a mistake when choosing, you need to know what types of attic stairs there are in terms of design and materials of manufacture, where it is best to place it in your home, and what dimensions to take into account when calculating the staircase structure.
Staircase structures to the attic floor are divided into two types according to the type of placement:
- external
- internal
The external staircase to the attic is located on the street side of the building and provides us with a separate entrance. The construction of such a staircase structure is advisable if the owner of the room needs to get inside without disturbing the residents. In a small house, the staircase to the attic from the street will not clutter up the living space with its structure. To avoid unnecessary financial expenses, the entrance opening for the external staircase is best designed during the construction phase of the house.
The internal staircase structure is located inside the building, the most common placement option, since you have access to the attic space directly from the inside of the house. At making the right choice design and convenient location, such a staircase design can become the highlight of your interior.
Types of attic stairs by design
There are six main types of attic stairs:
- Single-flight - a simple design that you can make with your own hands, consists of a straight flight of stairs located at an angle. This design is not suitable for all types of houses, since for a comfortable angle of inclination, which is 20-45 degrees, it is necessary to have a ceiling height of no more than 2.5 meters. If the height is large, the stairs will have a steep and unsafe descent. The construction of this staircase will require a more flat opening in the ceiling, which will lead to a reduction in living space attic room.
- Double-flight - a comfortable staircase suitable for spacious rooms, consists of flights of stairs and a turning platform, which is located at an angle of 90 or 180 degrees. At correct placement the platform can be set to a suitable angle of inclination, which will ensure safe and comfortable descent and ascent. It is more advisable to place such a staircase structure in a corner to save space.
- With winder steps - in this design, the turntable is replaced by trapezoidal steps, the placement of which occurs with the narrow side towards the center of the staircase. Due to this, this type of construction takes much less space than one or two flights of stairs.
- The spiral staircase to the attic, thanks to its design consisting of winder steps attached to support pillar, looks elegant and compact, suitable for small spaces. Various types such a design may be enough for 1 sq. meters of living space. It is very easy to trip on small structures. It is necessary to take into account that climbing in a spiral may cause dizziness in older people, and such stairs require additional lighting and more reliable handrails. It is impossible to lift large items into the attic using it; keep this point in mind; if you need to furnish the room, it is better to do this before installing the spiral staircase.
- Involute staircases look very elegant and original; in terms of design features, they are an average solution between spiral and marching options. This design it is mounted on a curved metal or wooden stringer, which is very difficult to make on your own, and therefore such a staircase is a rather expensive option.
- Folding stairs are a mechanism consisting of sections that fold or slide into each other. When folded, they are placed in the staircase box and are closed from the side of the room with a hatch, thanks to which the room is thermally insulated and there is no need to additional insulation staircase opening. This type of construction is more suitable if the house is small or you do not plan to constantly use the attic, for example, only in the summer.
What to make a staircase from for your interior
The staircase to the attic floor is an important and exclusive part of the interior, on which attention is focused when choosing an external one, and also an important architectural element. When choosing a material, focus on the interior of the house and your preferences.
Common types of materials in the manufacture of staircase structures are:
- Wood
- Metal
- Concrete (stone)
- Glass
- A wooden staircase to the attic looks beautiful in any interior, giving additional coziness to the room. For making your own staircase structure, wood is the most suitable material that is easy to work with at home. When choosing a staircase made of wood, you need to consider wooden steps should not be too smooth, since polished or varnished ones increase the chance of slipping and falling down the stairs.
- Metal staircase structures in the interior look elegant and sophisticated, their characteristics are durable and reliable, and do not require constant maintenance. A metal staircase can be given any type of design, from artistic forging to chrome plating individual parts or the entire structure. If you are not familiar with welding, then this DIY attic staircase becomes a difficult task to complete at home.
- Concrete or stone are very heavy and massive, placing a strong load on the foundation or floor slabs. Stairs made of such material look bulky in wooden houses, the best place installation, it's in brick houses or outside the building. A staircase structure made of such material will have to be tiled or plastered and painted, which will lead to financial costs.
- Glass ones are a combined model consisting of a metal stringer and glass steps, which visually add lightness to the structure. Practical and durable, but requires constant care of the glass. Quite expensive staircase structures; steps will have to be purchased in specialized stores.
How to build an attic staircase with your own hands
Before starting work, questions arise about where to start and how to make a staircase to the attic. If you have already decided on the design, then you need to choose the material that is most suitable and available material Wood is used to make the staircase structure. The wood is selected from hardwood, since it will have to withstand heavy loads, and many times over.
All wood material for the stairs, we bring it into the room where we are going to directly build the staircase structure, and store it for two to three days, this is necessary so that the material is at the same temperature and humidity as the room and takes on its final dimensions.
Choosing a place to install the stairs
The choice of installation location depends on the use of the attic space, permanent or temporary (seasonal), if it will be living room with constant use, the ideal installation location is the hallway or living room. It is best to install the staircase structure near or along the far wall (depending on the chosen design), this placement saves effective area, and does not interfere with moving around the room.
Placement of staircase structure, for temporary or seasonal use attic room, a veranda is best suited; it will act as a vestibule, which will prevent cool air from entering the living space, also good decision There will be an installation of an external staircase structure from the street.
Basic parameters when calculating stairs
To ensure safety and convenient movement, there are standards for the permissible dimensions of staircase elements:
- slope of flight stairs -20-40°
- the width of the stairs is at least 80-100 cm
- width (depth) of the step – 20-32 cm (optimally – 27 cm)
- narrow part winder stage– at least 10 cm
- riser height – 15 – 20 cm
Drawing up a drawing and example of staircase calculation
This calculation scheme is applicable for single-flight staircase structures made of various materials, be it concrete, wood or metal.
We measure the total lift height - the distance from the finished floor level of the lower floor to the finished floor level attic floor, for example, let’s take equal to 260 cm.
We calculate the number of steps, for this we divide the total height of the rise by the height of the riser, take 18 cm (allowable 15-19 cm), we get 260/18 = 14.44 pcs. We round the result to the whole number 14.
Therefore, the actual height of the steps (from the top of the bottom step to the top of the top step) will not be 18 cm, but 18.57 cm (260/14).
We calculate the length of the march, take the number of steps and multiply by their width 27 cm (allowable 20-32 cm), we get 14*27=405 cm.
Having made these calculations, we transfer the resulting dimensions of the stairs to the attic to the drawing.
The headroom height is the distance from the bottom edge of the attic floor to the steps. For unobstructed passage along the staircase structure, according to GOST, this distance must be at least 185 cm. If this distance is less than permissible, then it is necessary to reduce the length of the flight by reducing the number of steps and increasing their height.
We calculate the length of the stringer, the Pythagorean formula h2 + l2 = k2 is suitable for this
l - march length
h - lifting height
k – kosour
We get k=√(h2 +l2)=√(2.62 +4.052) =4.81. It is better to take the length with a margin and round it to 5 m.
We calculate the width of the stringer - multiply the size of the riser by 2, we get 17.85*2=35.7 cm.
Video - calculation of a metal staircase structure.
Installation of attic stairs
Wooden elements of the staircase structure must be treated with special compounds (impregnations) that make the material resistant to fire and protected from moisture, and also varnished, all this is done after their manufacture, but before installation work begins.
The work begins with preparing the stringers; for this we take two boards 5 meters long, this size is taken from the above calculations. Using a square or a template, we mark the slots, draw out the places to cut future steps and number them.
Making a template:
- take a small sheet of plywood
- From the corners we measure the width of the tread and the height of the riser
- We connect the received marks with a line
- We fasten the slats on both sides along the lines made
- We apply the made template to the stringer in such a way that the slats prevent movement, and we make markings
We use the finished first stringer as a template to make the second stringer.
After the slots have been made, we apply two stringers to each other and check them for an exact match, this is necessary for a stable and reliable structure.
To install and secure the stringers, we prepare a support for them. In the ceiling of the attic floor (at the end of the staircase opening) we make grooves or fasten an additional beam on which the stringers will rest. It is easier to make grooves in wooden floors, but in concrete slabs It is better to attach an additional wooden beam. The stringers are fastened from above and below, so we need two beams. In the prepared beams, we make a cut under the grooves, stepping back from the edges by 7 cm. The width of the cut should be equal to the width of the stringer.
When selecting and installing a support (platform) beam, take into account such dimensions as the minimum cross-section equal to 5 × 8 cm. These cross-sectional dimensions prevent thinning of the structure when cutting grooves for the stringer in it.
Having completed the above work, we proceed directly to the assembly. We insert the finished stringers into the grooves and secure them with hardware, dowels or pins. We attach the stringer located along the wall to it using anchors or long self-tapping screws. The next assembly step is the installation of steps and risers, fastening occurs in one of the following ways:
- cutting
- screws
- dowels
The final stage is the installation of balusters and railings. Thanks to our step by step instructions, a do-it-yourself attic staircase is a completely feasible project if you follow the sequence of work and make accurate calculations.