Or a cottage there is no need to explain what an attic is. Often the layout internal space does not allow the installation of a stationary staircase to climb into the said room. This circumstance is due to rare visits, theft of square footage and cluttering of the interior. Of course, many will say that they do a good job with a stepladder, but regular trips to get this device, as well as its unsteadiness, make many owners think about building a compact staircase structure. To solve this problem, you need to understand the variety of types of the named element and figure out how to make a staircase to the attic without resorting to the help of specialists and without spending a huge amount of money.
General rules for the construction of attic stairs
When arranging structures of this type, it is important to know a number of basic recommendations and advice from professionals, which will subsequently help to quickly and efficiently complete the assembly work, as well as ensure reliable operation over a significant period of operation. The main ones:
- staircase width no more than 65 cm;
- height no more than 3 m;
- optimal number of steps – up to 15 pcs.;
- the distance between steps is no more than 19 cm;
- step thickness from 2 to 2.2 cm;
- classic tilt angle from 60 to 75°;
- the design is made with a margin for greater weight;
- the position of the steps at the moment of opening must be strictly parallel to the floor;
- standard hatch dimensions are 120×60 or 120×70 cm.
Compliance with all the listed requirements for arranging the stairs to the attic will allow you to complete the work with proper quality and an emphasis on longevity of operation, and will also eliminate excessive heat loss in winter periods time.
The optimal solution for arranging the structure under study, which allows taking into account all everyday aspects, is the manufacture of a folding staircase. This type can be built both externally and internally. The only thing fundamental difference The problem is that the latter option is more comfortable to use, since it eliminates the need to go outside, which makes itself felt acutely during the cold season. In addition to this, in internal version it is protected from external influences external factors and is a kind of gasket between cold streams air masses attic and adjoining room.
The assortments of modern stores offer many staircase options, but it is more advisable to highlight the most common types:
- scissor - is a ladder made of metal and, when folded, is a kind of accordion;
- folding (retractable) - includes several retractable sections, which, as they open, fold into a solid structure thanks to hinge mechanisms and hinges;
- telescopic - consists of several flights of stairs, which are stacked one on top of the other at the time of assembly (aluminum is usually used as the basis for such a design).
Making a folding staircase to the attic with your own hands is a simple undertaking and does not require deep knowledge in the field of construction, so you can cope with this task without much difficulty.
Before starting any activity, you should prepare tools and acquire materials. The toolkit does not include expensive equipment and includes a list of available tools familiar to every person:
- saw or jigsaw;
- drill or screwdriver with a set of bits;
- roulette;
- wood screws;
- anchors, corners and hanging hooks;
- one-piece staircase design with a reserve length of the side bases of 20–25 cm;
- 4–6 card type loops;
- timber with a thickness of 3–4 cm.
The diversity of this element allows the home owner not to become too attached to traditional ways and choose the optimal type for yourself depending on the available square footage, interior and other important characteristics. However, with little construction experience, it is more advisable to independently make a staircase structure for the attic using simple accessible ways, which are represented by hinged and folding types.
Hinged view
This type of staircase can easily be made in 3–4 hours. To make it, it is enough to take two beams with a cross-section of 50×50 and a length of 70 to 100 cm. We attach one of the beams to the wall, directly under the equipped hatch using dowel-nails or self-tapping screws, and the second - on the lower points of the staircase supports. Next, measure 2/3 from the top edge of the prepared wooden staircase and make a cut. Then we fasten these components and the top with the upper support beam using loops. The structure is ready, all that remains is to install a hook in the wall where the lower section is folded so that the ladder is securely fixed to the wall.
A useful measure would be to strengthen the upper supporting partition with steel corners or anchors, since most of the load will fall on this element.
When arranging a folding staircase, as a base you can choose a classic wooden staircase, sawn into several components. To do this, you will need to take 2 bars with a length that provides passage into the attic hatch, and secure them to the upper and lower edges of the prepared structure, respectively, using loops and nails. Next, you need to measure 1/3 of the total length from top to bottom and make cuts. The components are also held together using card loops.
In order to avoid spontaneous opening of the resulting staircase, you should equip the block located on the upper edge of the structure with a hook.
Before fixing the hinge devices, additionally check that all components are correctly opened. It would be useful to install with reverse side ladders, a sheet of plywood, so that when closing the ladder is completely folded into the gap between the hatch and the general surface of the ceiling.
Photo of a folding wooden structure
The photographs show the sequence of manufacturing a folding ladder for the attic:
In conclusion, I would like to note that from time immemorial, the independent arrangement of auxiliary structures has been the subject of attention of most owners of private houses. Sticking to general rules construction and following the presented simple recommendations, you can easily create an excellent staircase to the attic without spending a lot of money on it.
Video
The provided video, consisting of two parts, describes in detail the manufacture of an attic ladder:
Photo
The photographs show various options attic stairs:
Scheme
If you decide to make a staircase yourself, then below is a number of diagrams that you can use as the basis for your design:
For country cottages, private houses and simple country houses equipped with an attic, the presence of a convenient and reliable staircase leading to the mentioned room is a common necessity of life.
At the same time, the staircase does not have to be capital and bulky at all - you can assemble and install a beautiful folding design, which will in no way be inferior to stationary stairs.
You can complete all the related tasks yourself, saving money and testing your own strength.
There are several types of stairs that can be installed to access your attic.
Stationary
A staircase with wide flights and railings is the most reliable, durable and easy-to-use design. However, the possibility of arranging such a staircase is not available everywhere - it certainly cannot be equipped in small areas.
Portable
They are used primarily as a temporary option, as well as for access to rarely used rooms. The main disadvantages of such a ladder are low safety and ease of use. Therefore, whenever possible, from using similar design should be refused.
Folding
They are something between portable and stationary ladders. In terms of ease of use and safety, they are almost in no way inferior to full-fledged ones. stationary structures and have, at the same time, a significant advantage - they require very little space for their arrangement. Therefore, when self-production It is recommended to give preference to folding stairs.
Selection of materials
No less important point is the choice of materials from which the stairs to the attic will be assembled. Wood is usually used to make the main elements of folding sectional stairs, and fasteners are traditionally made of metal.
Currently there are many various materials, types of controls and fasteners, which makes it possible to easily assemble a folding ladder that will best suit your specific room.
When choosing materials for the manufacture of attic stairs, you need to take into account a number of important factors. First of all, decide on functional purpose structure, its type, width, as well as the optimal number of sections.
The functional purpose of the stairs to the attic is very important in terms of determining the maximum permissible load on the steps. So, for example, wooden stairs Factory-made ones can withstand an average load of 150 kgf, metal ones - 250 kgf. For homemade stairs, these figures are slightly reduced.
This does not mean that the steps will not be able to withstand a higher load, but it is definitely not worth loading them regularly, otherwise the structure will break very quickly.
The width of the stairs should not be greater than the width of the attic opening.
When choosing the dimensions of the attic ladder, be guided by proven and approved standards.
Remember: the steps must be installed strictly parallel to the floor surface. In addition, the steps of the stairs must be non-slip. To do this, you can stuff linings of any non-slip material over the base material.
Guide to making a staircase to the attic
There is nothing overly complicated about making your own stairs to the attic. Of course, an inexperienced craftsman is unlikely to be able to assemble a structure with the same attractive appearance as factory-made models, but it’s definitely worth a try.
Before starting work, create a drawing of the future staircase. If you do not have the necessary skills, order the creation of a drawing from a specialist, or select a suitable diagram from the options presented in open sources.
Tools
Prepare everything at once necessary equipment so as not to be distracted by searching for missing tools in the future.
You will need:
Also, before starting work, you need to buy or assemble an ordinary ladder. To assemble this design yourself, you only need to fix the transverse steps between two long vertical posts and further strengthen the structure.
The finished staircase should be approximately 30 cm longer than the distance from the level of the opening to the attic to the floor.
You can also easily handle making a hatch with your own hands. The only materials you need are sheets of plywood and wooden beam 5x5 cm.
First step. Choose a location to place the hatch and determine its optimal dimensions. Add approximately 7-9 mm on each side to the dimensions of the hatch so that in the future you can easily close the lid without squeaks or other noise. Make the opening according to the specific dimensions.
Second step. Cut the wooden beam into four parts in accordance with the dimensions of the hatch.
Third step. Make grooves at the ends of the bars. Lubricate the prepared grooves and connect the bars into a rectangular (square) structure. Additionally strengthen the connections using self-tapping screws. Screw the gussets so that the diagonal does not move.
Fourth step. Attach the plywood cover to the resulting base and try on the product in the hatch opening.
Fifth step. Install a regular latch into the hatch cover. You will open the latch using a handle. Attach it to the lid and finally fix the product in the pre-aligned opening. Usually loops are used for this.
Simple folding ladder
Start making a folding ladder. It is assumed that you already have at your disposal the previously mentioned wooden extension ladder.
First step. Attach the width of the beam to the bottom of the ladder. Attach the same block to the top of the product. In this case, the lower bar must be fixed rigidly, and the upper one - on the hinges.
Second step. Saw the ladder into 2 parts. The upper part should have a length of about 2/3 of the total length of the stairs.
Third step. Attach a pair of slats to provide additional diagonal rigidity.
Fourth step. Connect the parts of the structure using loops.
Fifth step. Secure top beam under the hatch using anchors.
Sixth step. Secure the bottom of the ladder with a hook - this will prevent it from opening spontaneously. Place the loop on the stringer above the cutting line.
Seventh step. Hold it down finished design to the wall surface and secure.
The main disadvantage is this homemade stairs is not very attractive appearance– the entire timber and fastening elements remain visible. However, such a staircase copes 100% with the main tasks - ensuring a convenient and safe ascent and return descent.
An improved and more attractive version of the previous design. There is also nothing complicated in making such a staircase; it is enough to follow all the instructions step by step.
First step. Divide a regular wooden ladder into 3 parts. Make the first part to size attic hatch, make the second a little smaller than the first, and the third so that the remaining space to the floor surface is completely covered.
Second step. Take a small tool and measure the corner of the attic hatch. Transfer the angle to the boards, thus marking the location of the steps.
Third step. Drill holes where the hinges will be located between the individual stair sections.
Fourth step. Sand the edges of the structures.
Fifth step. Saw the boards at the hinge points.
Sixth step. Cut and sand the steps.
Seventh step. Prepare indentations for the steps in the strings.
Eighth step. Insert the steps into the prepared recesses. Use glue and further strengthen the connections with self-tapping screws.
Ninth step. Connect the sections of the stairs using special loops. To do this, the sections must be placed on a stable, flat surface.
Tenth step. Check the operation of all sections. If you find any defects or deviations, try to correct them immediately.
Eleventh step. Sand everything down wooden surfaces and coat them with varnish.
Twelfth step. After the varnish has completely dried, install the structure in the attic hatch opening. If necessary, make final adjustments to the structural elements.
Thus, self-assembly stairs is extremely simple and accessible to almost every event. At the same time, the cost of a homemade staircase will be much lower compared to the price of a similar factory-made design. Follow the instructions and everything will definitely work out.
Good luck!
Also read the article on our website - do-it-yourself staircase to the basement.
Video - Do-it-yourself staircase to the attic
In almost all country houses there are 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 utility room, and there is no need to install a complex architectural structure. However, even among simple designs There are some 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 designs consist of two load-bearing strings, straight or curved shape, between which there are steps in the 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 in this case, the steps are pinned on one side to the wall, or to a wall mounted load-bearing beam. 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 to the vertical bearing support, and at correct location, all steps form a spiral march. 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 indoors small area, and “not suffering” 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 big choice. 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. Standard size hatch 120x60 or 120x70, however, you can make it in accordance with 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. Can be used furniture board. We mount a handle to the lid.
- The cover is hung on the frame.
- On prepared bowstrings (with 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!
For dachas, country houses and cottages with attic rooms A compact and lightweight folding staircase to the attic becomes a vital necessity. It should not take up much space, because country house everyone is important square meter. In addition, a big advantage of the ladder will be its mobility. Folding designs save space and are easy to install. To complete all the related tasks of constructing such a staircase, you can do it yourself.
Attic stairs can be located both indoors and in the attic itself. The second option is more profitable in terms of saving living space. According to the design of the stairs there are:
- monolithic (flight or screw);
- folding (lever, telescopic, scissor or folding);
- portable (additional or stepladders).
Portable structures are used very rarely, mainly when performing construction work. Most convenient option- monolithic products that have wide flights and are equipped with railings. However, they are not suitable for access to the attic due to their large dimensions.
Better to use retractable structures, which are safe to use and easy to install. In addition, when folded, they do not take up space in the room. Thanks to the variety of possible designs, you can choose the staircase that best suits your home.
Transformable stairs
Wood and metal (most often aluminum) are used to make folding attic stairs. This combination allows you to get best results. Wood is necessary to create flights of stairs (the weight of the structure is reduced), and metal parts are most often corners, fasteners and mechanisms that ensure the rigidity of the structure.
For stairs, choose hard wood (birch, ash, larch, beech, maple). The timber must be at least 2 cm thick. If the staircase will be used quite often, it is worth thinking about a metal structure. The hatch cover should be filled with foam for greater thermal insulation. Dimensions of stairs to the attic:
- the optimal march width is 65 cm;
- average number of steps – 15;
- the optimal step width is considered to be 19.3 cm;
- the thickness of the steps is not less than 18 mm;
- The optimal angle of inclination of the structure is 60-70 degrees.
To prevent the ladder from sliding on the floor, it is worth putting special pads on each string.
Scissor
These stairs are made entirely of metal. Their other name is accordion stairs. They are light, compact, and easily attached to the hatch. However, scissor ladders have one drawback - over time, squeaking appears during their use. They need to be lubricated periodically.
Telescopic
In this case, a folding ladder has several sections that fold into one another. They are usually made of aluminum. Domestic summer residents are wary of such stairs and prefer transformers to them.
Sectional hinged products are more in demand. They are more bulky and difficult to install, but are highly durable and durable. How a retractable staircase to the attic is made is described below.
Location
There is one main requirement for the location of the stairs - it should not interfere with residents when moving around the house. That is why it is not installed in the bedroom or hallway. Sometimes you can install a staircase as a piece of furniture - if the size of the room allows. In this case, there is no need to hide it.
Manufacturing a two-section ladder
If you need to make a simple and practical design, you should take a closer look at the option with two sections. To make such a staircase you will need a small number of tools and materials:
- hacksaw;
- ladder;
- roulette;
- timber 2-3 cm thick.
- loops along the width of the stringer;
- hook, screws, anchors and loops.
First you need to carry out the preparatory work, then make the ladder, and then install it correctly.
Preparatory work
First they dismantle old design, consisting of a staircase and a decorative frame equipped inside the passage. Then you need to select bars for the flights of stairs. Each string must have a cross-section of at least 30*50 mm. Optimal inclination attic stairs in a small room is 60-70 degrees. It must be taken into account when calculating the length of the stairs and the angle of inclination of the steps relative to the staircase posts.
It is worth installing two-section stairs when the attic passage is located in close proximity to one of the walls. The folding structure will hang directly on the wall. The presence of only 2 sections does not allow it to be hidden in the attic directly above the passage.
Making stairs
First, assemble the lower and upper parts of the stairs. To do this you will need 4 strings and steps. The bottom should be 1/3 of the total length. Then it is necessary to strengthen the upper part with diagonal slats to give it greater rigidity. The structure is then connected together using hinges. A block is attached to the top of the stairs, which will later be screwed to the wall.
The ladder is attached to the wall using a pre-screwed block. It should be installed directly under the hatch. The advantages of this design are obvious - a minimum of parts and effort in manufacturing, ease of installation, lightness of construction. The disadvantage of a two-section ladder is that it remains visible.
To avoid such a situation, it is worth building more complex design. The best option– staircase with 3 sections. It can be easily hidden in the attic, used only when necessary.
Three-section
Most compact version stairs to the attic - a hatch with a folding structure of 3 sections attached to it. Such products are sold in stores. They are made of steel, are small in size and are made of steel. You can also build them yourself. The material most often used is wooden blocks. To build a staircase to the attic with your own hands, you will need to follow a certain sequence of actions.
How to make a hatch
Before constructing a hatch, it is worth calculating its dimensions. If the hatch to the attic measures 125*70 cm, then the passage should be cut 7-8 mm larger on each side. This will make it easier to open and close the hatch. The level of thermal insulation due to such a gap will not decrease.
The materials you will need:
- Bars 50*50 mm – 2 long and 2 short.
- Plywood 10 mm thick.
Now you need to build a hatch. To do this, 4 bars are fastened together, and then a sheet of plywood is nailed to them. Before attaching plywood, check the diagonal. To prevent the structure made from bars from “driving,” you need to nail gussets to the corners. After the hatch is completed, it needs to be fitted into the opening.
To ensure that there are no locks on the outside and the hatch closes well, you should embed a door latch into the lid. It will hold the hatch perfectly and open comfortably.
Opening mechanisms
Now it’s time to tackle the most difficult part – creating opening mechanisms. In order not to complicate or delay the process, you can buy them at a hardware store. However, if you want to do everything yourself, you should adhere to certain rules.
To begin with, make drawings future design, taking into account the opening angle of the hatch. To make a hinge on which the hatch will open, you will need:
- pieces of sheet metal;
- one corner;
- two metal strips of different lengths.
Holes are made on the hinges according to pre-made drawings. Then they connect everything together without tightening the bolts too much. The opening angle can be determined experimentally. To do this, open the hatch to the desired angle and make marks on the metal. Then the area that interferes with the movement of the corners is cut out with a jigsaw.
Now each corner locks in the desired position. To make the mechanisms identical, first one is completely manufactured, and then all the parts of the second are made according to the finished sample.
For greater strength, the hatch is connected to the opening with a supporting structure made of corners and metal strips. Pieces of metal are welded to the end of the upper strips, into which the lower strips will rest. The corner becomes support platform. The result is a hinge mechanism that becomes half-bent when the hatch is opened.
Ladder
The staircase itself is made of wooden planks. For the bowstring and steps, a 100 mm inch board is suitable. The first section is made according to the size of the hatch. The length of the second section can be equal to the first section, provided that it does not touch the ceiling during folding.
For the third section, select the length that remains to the floor. The angle of inclination is measured with the hatch open. Then it must be transferred to the board, marking the steps. Then the length of the sections is marked. All markings that were made on the first board should be transferred to the second. All lines must be a mirror image.
It is worth drilling holes where the hinge hinges will be located. The top one is drilled directly at the junction of the fastened boards, the bottom one is drilled at their external sides. To make the holes look more aesthetically pleasing, you should additionally go over them with a router.
Then the boards are sawn at the junction of the segments. Afterwards, the steps are cut and all elements are polished. Small recesses are made on the bowstrings into which the steps will be inserted. Once all structural elements are ready, you can begin assembly.
Loops for marches
The next stage in the manufacture of stairs is making loops to connect the flights of stairs. To do this you will need to find 8 metal strips 25 mm wide. On 4 of them you need to weld a small piece of the same strips. 3 holes are drilled in each. One will serve as a connection point to the hinge, the other will be used for screwing to the ladder.
To connect the stair segments, they must be placed on a flat surface. The hinge must be screwed so that the bolt fits into a groove specially cut for it - in the center of the connection of the sections. After screwing the hinges, it is necessary to check the section for flexion and extension. Only after the check has been completed can section 3 be screwed on. After all the procedures have been completed, you can remove the hatch and screw the ladder to it.
Every staircase, regardless of type, should be comfortable. In addition, when implementing an attic structure, you should adhere to the basic rules:
- attic folding stairs should not be more than 3 meters;
- metal steps should be equipped with anti-slip pads;
- wooden models are not installed in very dry or damp rooms;
- mechanisms and fastenings must be strong and reliable;
- From time to time, the rubbing parts of the product should be lubricated.
Such rules will be useful in the manufacture of attic stairs.
As you can see, making an attic ladder with your own hands is easy. During its manufacture, certain recommendations should be followed, and before starting work, make detailed drawing. During the work you should be careful, especially when working in the attic near the opening.
The attic is usually used as a storage room for old or unwanted items. The owners often don’t even know what is there and where it came from. In modern buildings upper level Much more attention is paid at home. It looks much nicer, finished and equipped in such a way that you can live in it. And if you consider that there is an attic in almost every building, additional living or working spaces appear. More space is good, but how do you get there? At the design and construction stage, this issue is very easy to solve, but what to do if the building has already been built? In old-style buildings, the entrance to the attic is located from the outside, which is absolutely inconvenient, and there is no need to talk about comfort at all. Alternatively, you can make an extension yourself by enclosing the stairs with a wall. But this option requires a decent investment and is not always appropriate. The simplest and most affordable solution is to have a hatch inside a room.
Key requirements for attic stairs
When making stairs with your own hands, you must first of all follow safety precautions, as well as generally accepted rules. Firstly, the folding ladder should not obstruct or block the passage in any way. Secondly, it must be strong enough to withstand frequent use. Thirdly, you need to take into account the age of the people who will climb into the attic. 
It is worth understanding that the larger the size of the opening, the wider the flight of stairs will be, which means the staircase will be safer and more comfortable. On the other hand, it will take up more space and heat loss will increase when the hatch is opened. We'll have to insulate the hatch. If your attic is heated, then this problem is not relevant. 
For even greater safety, you can install strong handrails and take care of overlays on the steps to prevent slips and falls. It is better to choose something that is least flammable as a material for stairs. 
How to build a do-it-yourself attic ladder
If you choose between purchasing finished product and building a staircase with your own hands, then the 2nd option is the most profitable from all sides (except for the time spent). All you need: necessary tool, good drawing, work plan and good mood.
The construction of such a structure consists of several important stages:
- selection of a suitable location,
- definition with dimensions,
- choice of material,
- definition with the shape of the structure,
- carrying out preparatory work,
- and, in fact, construction.
Selecting a location
The first thing you need to decide is where the entrance to the attic space. You can, of course, do it outside, but you need to immediately come to terms with the cold, rain and snow. From the point of view of comfort and convenience, it is better to place the hatch inside the house. The stairs should not interfere with those who will live in this room. You should immediately discard installation options in the room and kitchen, because these are the most visited places in the house. The staircase is usually placed in the corridor, hall or hallway. 
If space allows, you can select separate place and even equip it. In this case, you won’t have to think about how to hide the hatch so that guests don’t see it. If the attic will be used relatively infrequently, then you can use the living room. It is enough to free up space under the hatch or organize a themed area. Some people prefer to use the staircase as a design element rather than a functional structure, so they leave the passage to the attic permanently open. 
How to choose dimensions
If the dimensions are chosen correctly and the structure is assembled well, then it can be used long time. Otherwise, there is a possibility of injury. After each measurement, you need to enter the data obtained on paper, and then draw up a drawing. The final result largely depends on how detailed and accurate it is. 
Important! Even minor errors are unacceptable, because they can lead to unreliability of the structure as a whole. It’s better to check yourself and try on several times.
In order to ensure comfortable movement along the stairs, the steps should be parallel to the floor. There is no need to put a large distance between them. In this case, you will have to raise your legs too high, which is quite dangerous at heights. Optimal distance considered 650 mm. These steps are convenient for an adult to climb; there is no need to take too big or too small steps.
Important! According to the rules fire safety doors in the building, including attic doors, must open outward so that in the event of a fire nothing prevents evacuation.
When making stairs with your own hands, we must not forget that it should not be at a right angle perpendicular to the floor. Experts recommend an inclination angle of about 20-25 degrees. 
Material selection
The folding staircase structure is made of metal or wood. If we talk about making the entire structure with your own hands, then it is much easier to work with wood. The main difficulty is what to do necessary processing metal at home is quite difficult. 
Most suitable material is pine. It is strong enough to withstand heavy loads. It has good wear resistance and durability. Less susceptible to moisture. There are minutes- conifers may release resin, so the wood must be well dried. Before production metal stairs, it is worth consulting with a specialist. Most people recommend using galvanized coatings because this material is resistant to corrosion. Metal structure much stronger than wood, so some elements can be significantly thinner, which will have a positive effect on the overall design and save space. To prevent friction and wear of metal parts against each other, you can insert special plastic elements. All such nuances must be marked on the drawing before work begins. 
Advice! No need to rush and paint raw material. Firstly, there is a possibility of accidentally damaging one of the parts. Secondly, once the structure is assembled, painting it is much easier.
Which form to choose
First of all, you need to choose the shape of the staircase that will match the interior and size of the room. It should be:
- compact and ergonomic;
- convenient and comfortable.
The most popular among stationary ones is the option with a single-flight staircase. You can do it yourself without any problems. It is usually used if the height of the room does not exceed 3 meters. If more, then from a safety point of view, it is better to choose between 2 and 3 march ones. 
Preparatory work and construction
Before starting work, to save time and prevent excessive consumption of building materials, it is worth drawing up an estimate and preparing all the necessary tools. The main attention should be paid to the base of the structure. The strength of the ladder will determine how much load the ladder can withstand. You will need:
- 2 boards 30 mm thick and 200 mm wide.
- For the steps, a board of the same thickness, but 120 mm wide, is suitable.
- 2 cooking loops for each step.
- Hook and anchor bolts.
- Tape measure, ruler, pencil.
- Self-tapping screws for wood.
- Construction level and square.
Then you need to mark the location of the steps according to the drawing and attach them using hinges. Assembled structure install under the hatch, while the hinge of the moving part must be fixed at such a height that it can be reached without jumping. If you follow all the recommendations and approach the matter diligently, a ladder assembled with your own hands will be not only a means of transportation, but also a source of pride. If you decide to access the attic, then successful work will make you doubly proud of yourself. This option will allow you to significantly save on the purchase of a finished staircase. To get the job done faster and more efficiently, it is better to do it with an assistant. DIY folding ladder