First of all, you need to understand that the attic is most often used as a storage space. It is convenient to store temporarily unnecessary things on hand, or bulky, old items, as well as those used seasonally.
Therefore, to access the attic space, you do not need a permanent large structure that will take up quite a lot of space. There are special staircase mechanisms for access to the attic.
Both are convenient, easy to install, and most importantly, take up minimal space. The best option is when such a mechanism is invisible or hidden in the interior. After all, things that will not be useful for a long time are put away in the far corner.
Drawing of a folding attic ladder on strings The range of manufacturers of folding stairs is quite wide; the price of the product depends on the material of manufacture and functionality.
The folding version for the attic is a structure of 3-4 sections that fold into each other and are converted into a compact unit located under the ceiling.
Thus, it can be easily unfolded if necessary, is stable, and climbing up will not be a problem. If the room size is small even for the location of the bed and staircase design together, then the folding version will definitely fit in this case.
Drawing of a sliding attic ladder Transformers are driven by a special rod. It is activated when the hatch cover is opened, there are models with a remote control.
It is not difficult to make a retractable staircase to the attic with your own hands, although you will have to put in some effort and patience. Such structures can be wooden or metal.
Before work, you need to make sure that the opening for the hatch cover is made and equipped correctly. Also prepare in advance the right tool, materials, including for strengthening the entrance to the attic.
To work you will need:
To make a wooden staircase:
A do-it-yourself folding staircase to the attic is made from almost the same materials as the beds.
To install hatches and stairs, it is best to use silicone or rubber-based sealant.
A hatch with a cover is being manufactured and installed. To do this, you need to measure the opening, which can be expanded (narrowed). You can use dimensions of 1 m. 30 cm x 1 m. 40 cm, but it all depends on the location of the opening relative to the boundaries of the room and if there are free dimensions of the ceiling surface.
After specifying the dimensions, a sketch is created on paper (as in the bed drawings), where the dimensions of the future staircase structure are indicated. Drawings help to avoid mistakes when cutting materials.
Mechanism of operation of a folding attic ladder The hatch frame is made first. It must be made securely reinforced, since the quality of the entire structure depends on it. We need to pay special attention to her.
A frame with right angles must be made by sawing off the corners, so that when the boards are joined to each other, a frame with right angles is obtained. After fitting onto the existing opening, the corners of the frame are coated with glue.
You can install temporary spacers until the glue dries. After the glue has dried, the frame is installed in the opening using nails (100 mm).
The finished product will be placed on top of the manhole cover. The lid can be made of plywood; polyethylene is placed between the sheets to prevent steam formation.
Diagram of a stationary staircase to the attic With ready-made canopies, the lid is attached to the frame. Attached to the lid comfortable handle and a lifting mechanism.
The folding staircase system is made from pre-measured beams. The bars of each section are shorter than the previous one, starting from the top. It is important to ensure that the assembled structure is in the form of a block of stairs and moves freely when closing the hatch in the opening. This is taken into account at the drawing stage.
The first thing that needs to be made is the hatch frame, into which the ladder itself will be mounted.
The steps are also made of beams, the sizes of the sections must be appropriate. On the inside of the string of beams (the side beams of the stairs), it is necessary to make cuts to securely fasten the rungs. The steps are placed in the cut-outs and secured with self-tapping screws.
The folding parts of the product are connected with ready-made loops.
The main components of the mechanisms of a folding attic ladder These hinges are attached so that the junction of the metal strips is exactly at the junction of the sections. Assembled structure attached to the hatch cover with metal corners.
At the end, the valve is made using ready-made fittings in the form of a spring or hinges. For some rooms, only a sliding model on the street side is suitable. Well, now there is even room left for a bed.
If there is no room left for a bed, use sliding structures stairs They take more less space, acting as a tram pantograph. By folding it, we get enough space, because everything fits on the hatch cover. To extend the mechanism, just open the hatch cover, and it will move into the desired position.
Drawing of a goose step staircase For sliding doors, only metal is used, due to the peculiarities of fastening elements and parts. The bonus of metal material is the ability to choose any paint color you like.
The telescopic design is of interest; you can weld it yourself.
If there is enough space, you can install stationary stairs for the attic. This method is best used only when the attic is used constantly, for example, during renovations. Stationary stairs are also distinguished by type. Exist:
The simplest option is a model with one flight (span), that is, it is made from floor to ceiling in one solid structure. The material is chosen from either metal or wood. All parts of the ladder must be secured to each other.
You can use the method of mounting on fillies. That is, with the help of wooden supports, the elements of the stairs are connected with wooden pegs. The trims should be aligned like this: one side is aligned straight, and the other is cut to fit the beam for the steps (stringers).
The board for the step must be at least 36 mm. The steps are attached to the stringers with self-tapping screws, and the joints are treated with glue. This simple option is suitable if there is no need for a bed nearby.
Dimensions of the main components of a stationary attic ladder A single flight of stairs takes up too much space, but adjustments can be made. You can bend it at a right angle (saves space), or rotate it by a certain degree. This type is called rotary marching. There are also quarter reversible (90 degree angle) and semi reversible (180 degree angle).
If you place triangular wooden steps to the sides, and narrow ones alternately towards you, you will get a “duck step” design. In other words, step under the right and left foot.
A spiral staircase to the attic is suitable for small room. It may not be as easy to use as a marching one, but it looks more interesting.
Moreover, it will not be used very often. They differ in:
The spiral staircase has much smaller dimensions than the flight staircase, so there will be room for a bed. For load-bearing element you can take a metal pipe onto which the steps will be attached by welding. When wooden covering vertical stand secured with anchors. To attach the steps to the stand, holes are made on the narrow side of each step, similar to the stand. Next, the steps are installed using bushings taking into account the height of the vertical surface.
It is not advisable to use spiral staircases as attics due to the complexity of the design. However, aesthetically they will look impressive.
Washers are placed into horizontal surfaces and bushings to protect the wood from deformation. The bushings must be measured by adding the size of all washers. All subsequent steps after the first are laid as if overlapping and secured.
To calculate the dimensions of the elements, you need to prepare drawings in advance (as for the bed). Making a spiral staircase with your own hands will not create any difficulties; the question is more about time.
If the room dimensions are not suitable for indoor installation and for a bed, then stationary option installed on the street side. The outer structure can be large sizes, which means more convenient and safe. On the other hand, you can only get to the top from the outside, which is not very comfortable in winter, for example.
Calculation of a semi-spiral attic staircase Particularly popular are ladders, both internal and external. This type of hatch is the easiest to make - no additional reinforcements or hinges are needed. But there is an inconvenience to remove it every time, and besides, it takes up space during storage. This is the most budget option.
Such a structure can be made by welding or prefabricated (like assembling a bed). You can make a stationary and attached type, in the form of a straight, portable and screw structure.
For production, 16 cm channels and 4x4 cm sections are used. Load-bearing channels are attached to the beams by welding. Step blanks are made from the profile rectangular shape. These blanks are mounted on guides and welded to them.
Solid wood steps are laid on the frame and secured with self-tapping screws. And on the side of the guide channels, supports are welded onto which the handrails are installed. Vertical posts are attached to the steps.
You can watch a video that tells you how to properly make a folding staircase to the attic with your own hands.
For cottages outside the city, private houses and ordinary dachas equipped with any attic, the presence of a reliable and comfortable stairs is an important element.
Attic stairs can be located either outside or inside the building. Portable ladders are usually used as a temporary option.
Folding stairs can be made of wood and metal (aluminum). The combination of these materials gives best results. For wooden models you need to use solid wood. The thickness should be at least 2 cm. Wood should not be used when the folding ladder is used too often, because it will cause rapid wear. In this case, the best option is a metal product.
Plastic accessories are also used to prevent friction between components during transformation and sealing when the fixture is folded. The hatch cover is filled with polystyrene foam and provides good thermal insulation.
Folding models can be opened manually or automatically using an electric drive. Often with manual drive a weight is attached to the mechanism, which greatly facilitates the process of assembling the product; it, as it were, pulls the ladder into a special niche and, conversely, smoothly lowers it, compensating for the weight.
The main requirements for such devices are their compact size and high strength. In addition, the aesthetics of the model are important - a good staircase transformer should blend into the ceiling.
Standard sizes of stairs:
When purchasing folding devices, please note that the product parameters must match the dimensions of the manhole cover, otherwise the folding parts will touch the hole. The optimal hatch is one that has a built-in sliding model 70 cm wide and 120 cm long. With a smaller hole size, it will be inconvenient to climb. If the hatch size is large, large heat losses are possible. Since the attic is an unheated room, it is necessary to provide a good heat and vapor barrier.
When choosing the angle of the device, it is important to consider that the smaller it is, the larger the attic dimensions need to be made and the larger the staircase should be when unfolded.
The folding model must be durable and reliable. That's why best choice there may be a combination of materials. For example, when the steps and railings are made of wood, and the parts responsible for the transformation are made of metal. Such designs will not cost much, but they can serve effectively for many years. Only those parts on which there is practically no pressure can be made of plastic or composite, since due to constant load they can very quickly fail and the device becomes unsafe to use. There are often plastic or rubber pads on the step that prevent slipping.
Sliding sliding models consist of two sections, one of which is fixed directly to the hatch cover, and the second is extended vertically using special guides.
When you add this ladder, one section will slide into the other, which is quite convenient. The only drawback is the bulky design, which requires a wide opening in the attic floor.
When thinking about a folding staircase system, it is worth remembering that attic sliding stairs may vary in design. In particular, it is customary to distinguish the following types systems:
The main types of products are:
The main criterion for choosing the type of device is compliance required height installations. The size and height of the staircase are determined from the floor of the room to the ceiling. To install the attic model, the hole dimensions are determined. These will be the dimensions of the hole directly in the ceiling. The attic model can be installed in concrete and wooden openings.
Manufacturers of stairs offer wide range attic models. In any case, installation and assembly of the product will depend on the material of production and design features, suggested by the manufacturer.
You can make a ladder with my own hands. To get the job done will be required special tools and materials:
The modern staircase leading to the attic is no longer a bulky stationary structure, but a completely new mobile and practical model. For the manufacture of attic models, the simplest and most affordable design is chosen, for example, you can make a two-section folding ladder.
Making a folding ladder to the attic with your own hands begins with measurements. To do this, measure the height of the room, as well as the expected angle of the fixture. Recall that the angle of inclination is achieved empirically. As practice shows, this angle is 30 degrees.
The height to the ceiling should be 2.5 m and the length of the staircase should be 3.0 m. Carefully draw a drawing of the staircase. For manufacturing, it is recommended to use logs for an inclined seam along the width, fastenings, upper door hinges, as well as boards for steps.
In addition, you need to purchase folding hangers that secure the hatch cover. Having prepared necessary materials, we begin to create a device. When working, you should take into account the height and width of the staircase itself, as well as the number of steps. The stages are fixed in the traditional way on both sides. This could be using the peak and groove fastening method or using screws and glue. In this step, it is recommended to apply or stick anti-slip pad. Installation of the device begins with mounting it under the ceiling. Two rods, equal in width to the ladder, are connected to each other by contours.
The main disadvantage of this folding staircase is its appearance, since everything is visible fasteners and rods.
Making a folding model for the attic with your own hands is not as difficult as it might seem at first glance.
When making a wooden staircase, it is necessary to take hard wood (oak, beech, ash, larch) with a thickness of at least 2 centimeters. The hatch is the basis of any attic staircase.
You can make a hatch with your own hands using the following materials:
First, you need to know the parameters of the width and length of the hole for which the hatch is made, and then add 6-8 millimeters to the obtained values.
The operating procedure is as follows:
Folding stairs have gained wide popularity today, as they combine two important advantages: saving space in the room due to the prefabricated staircase system and the possibility of comfortable and safe access to the attic. Whatever the function of the attic in your home, it can only be accessed with the help of a ladder, which will become a link between the two floors.
Every home has a need for additional area. When all the rooms are functionally occupied, the home owner begins to look for free space outside of them. This is where a folding staircase to the attic comes in handy. It will allow you to equip a workshop, a children's room, put a billiard table and a bar counter there. Concerned about this idea, the owner begins to think about whether to buy a ready-made staircase structure or make it himself.
An example of a folding metal staircase to the attic
But first he must familiarize himself with its various options in order to choose the right one.
Depending on the location of installation, attic entrances can be internal or external. Folding attic stairs are usually not installed outside. A stationary structure installed outside is not entirely comfortable in winter, but it does not take up a single meter of useful living space; Another option is insulated.
To prevent metal parts from being exposed to the destructive effects of precipitation, they are most often made of galvanized metal or painted with special paint.
Attic stairs are made of wood and metal. Both options are quite durable devices. However, they may squeak or rumble, although not everyone finds these sounds annoying. In addition, they can be eliminated or at least muffled if you use various floor mats or anti-slip pads. Wood and metal are often combined to create very attractive multi-stage structures.
A monolithic structure with steps, usually made of wood, with handrails and railings is installed on. During active daily use of the attic space, it is complemented by a door. You can’t do without it when it is equipped as a comfortable room in the house for adults, a relaxation room, or a workshop that you have to visit every day.
Option for installing a stationary wooden staircase to the attic
For stationary device sometimes a separate area is allocated - a staircase.
You can also buy them or make them yourself. They are installed in rooms with limited space, when it is impossible to build a monolithic staircase structure. Folding attic ladders have several varieties, but all of them are not bulky, but light, but weight does not limit strength, because they use hardwood and aluminum for manufacturing.
This retractable structure is attached to the hatch cover and unfolds all the way to the floor, similar to a tram current collector or accordion. This design is only metal, so over time it begins to creak without proper lubrication. Used in private homes for light use of the attic.
Working diagram of a scissor ladder to the attic
The carrying capacity is small, but it can reliably support the weight of an adult.
A ladder made of several sections that are packed one into another is called telescopic. It is usually made of aluminum, so it is lightweight and durable. But such folding stairs to the attic are not very popular among consumers. More often they are used on construction work in the form of stepladders. When packed they are so compact that their dimensions allow them to be transported in the trunk of a car.
This is one of the types of folding ladder devices, usually consisting of two sections. The first is rigidly attached to the base of the hatch. A second one is attached to it from below with special hinges that allow it to fold forward.
Drawing with dimensions of a folding ladder
When there is no need for it, and the entrance to the attic is closed, then folding design is in attic. If you open it, it reclines and falls to the floor.
If there is not enough space, a retractable staircase to the attic is installed. It can be made of wood or metal. Pulls out from the hatch, which opens manually or electrically.
The main requirements for such a design are compactness, strength, and low weight. To achieve this, during manufacturing they combine durable wood and light metal.
She demands more space than foldable devices. May be with or without railings. It looks very light, regardless of whether it is made of wood or metal. Original design, but the ascents and descents are difficult and sometimes risky, especially for elderly residents of the home. 
Such attic stairs are used in houses in which the attic is not used so intensively. They can be arranged so that all the steps are attached to a pole, which is located in the center of the system. There are also staircase spirals in which the steps are held by curved load-bearing bowstring beams.
They are folding and can be bought without any problems at a building materials store that sells pine, oak, and also metal ones, usually made of aluminum. The cheapest product is made from pine, but is not inferior in strength to other materials.
We should not forget that purchased ready-made staircase installation needs to proper care, which includes processing wooden surfaces fire-resistant impregnation, varnish or paint coating.
Metal parts, hinges, rollers must be lubricated with machine oil. 
But it is not always possible to find a suitable staircase structure on the market. Then best option- a do-it-yourself attic ladder, which you can make in accordance with your own wishes and tastes. How to do it? Today there is no shortage of relevant information on the World Wide Web. All you need is desire, the necessary materials, tools and creative enthusiasm.
The attic staircase is a risk area, so it must meet the following requirements:
A home craftsman who has decided to build a staircase structure on his own should familiarize himself with its components.
Elements of the design of the staircase to the attic floor
Then he will have a better understanding of the question of how to make the stairs to the attic in the best way.
Any attic staircase consists of parts, the names of some of which may not have been previously known home craftsman. It would be nice to get a drawing on which they are depicted and signed.
These include:
This is a strong beam in which cutouts are made to attach the steps from above, so that their ends are visible from the side. There are staircase structures in which there is one in the middle, and wooden planks are horizontally attached to it. But more often, the installation of an attic ladder for greater strength is done on two stringers.
Then, even visually, the entire structure looks durable, capable of withstanding heavy loads. The metal support is often made not straight, but in a stepped shape. Making it at home is very problematic; it’s easier to buy it ready-made.
This is the name given to a load-bearing inclined beam, and it differs from a stringer beam in that it hides the ends, and the steps are attached to it using special grooves. Therefore, there must be two of them - on both sides of the staircase. Even a folding staircase to the attic cannot do without these beams if it is made of wood. 
With them, the stationary structure looks massive and solid, while on stringers it seems visually light and spacious.
You should figure out whether there is a difference between these concepts. Railings - fencing on the outside flight of stairs. They are connected at the top by handrails - this component a fence against which one rests one's hands. Together they ensure safe movement. These elements can be metal, wood, even glass. They look very attractive if they are made of stainless steel: no protective equipment is required, much less painting, and their service life is almost unlimited. But not every consumer will decide to buy them because of the high price.
Option for installing stair railings on the attic floor
The railings need good quality, reliable. If the attic ladder has a hatch, then they should end at the very base and not interfere with the functioning of its cover.
There are also some mandatory requirements for handrails:
The vertical part of each step is the riser. It closes the space between adjacent steps and also provides additional support for them. Such steps are called closed, and open ones will be those that consist only of horizontal planks for the feet - the so-called treads. Folding stairs to the attic are also equipped with these parts.
This is the element that connects all the components in single design. It has a maximum of 18 steps, mounted on supporting beams - a bowstring or a stringer. There are single-flight stationary systems without turns from the floor to the entrance to the attic and multi-flight systems with several spans. They must meet the same requirements that apply to all staircase parts: strength, convenience, safety.
Design of a flight of stairs
The useful width of the march is determined by the distance from the wall with the finishing to inside handrail
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?
If you intend to equip 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 stacked compactly on top after use, saving a lot usable space. A beautifully decorated hatch can become a fresh element of the interior.
Manufacturers offer wooden options for small loads (up to 150 kg) and metal for more serious loads. Prices for such stairs vary from 7,000 rubles to the limit of the consumer's wallet. Choosing the most cheap 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 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.
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:
Kosour is load-bearing beam stairs 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 more distance from the floor to the hatch approximately 30 cm.
We take short bars:
To make the structure more reliable, you need to take two slats and nail them with reverse side march obliquely. 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.
Constructions attic stairs
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 damaging the thermal insulation.
Necessary materials:
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 from 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 a cylinder of 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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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:
Hatch angle open position, which we previously measured with a small spoon, we transfer it 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.
To assemble the structure into a folding mechanism, you need to make a set of hinges.
Necessary materials:
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 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.
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.
There is an attic in any country house. Very often this is an unused room, but in some cases some unnecessary things are stored here or even a room is being furnished. In any case, there must be access to it, and for this purpose stairs are made to the attic. They can be made from wood and metal - in this case, you can make them yourself. Or they can be beautiful forged - such designs are usually created to order.
Before building an attic staircase, you need to consider several of its features. Firstly, it must be convenient and safe to use. Moreover, these two indicators depend on the design principle of the stairs and the attic itself. An important role is played by taking into account the type of staircase, the width of its steps, and the height of the rise. The height of the stairs is calculated depending on what its design will be. If it is a folding type, then you need to carefully consider its dimensions when folded.
The steps must be of such a size that it is comfortable and safe for anyone to climb them. The correctness of the design also depends on the location of the steps: the distance between them should not be too small or large. Failure to comply with these requirements will violate safety regulations.
The width of the flight of stairs to the attic must be at least 0.8 m. It is important that the angle of inclination is maintained: this needs to be thought through at the stage of designing the structure.
The choice between these two types of structures depends on how big square at the attic. Of course, a stationary staircase is more reliable and safe, but it is also solid, that is, it requires a lot of space. This is why many people prefer folding attic ladders: they are convenient, take up little space, due to the fact that they can be folded. Most often, such structures consist of several sections that overlap each other, thereby saving space. Moreover, they can always be adjusted depending on the required size.
These designs are becoming increasingly popular, due to their advantages:
All these advantages make retractable stairs so in demand. How to make it yourself?
The very first step should be a thorough analysis and check of the dimensions of the hatch opening. This is necessary to ensure that the parameters you choose coincide with the dimensions of the stairs. Then the location of the bars is thought out - first at the bottom, then at the top. Special spacers are located between the opening and the staircase - they will help better fix the structure. When it is laid, the spacers can be removed.
If space does not allow you to install retractable stairs, you can replace them with an external structure. It will provide communication between the outside world and internal space your house. The main thing is to remember the safety rules, since the operation of such a structure has its own characteristics. When installing an external staircase, it is important to choose the right material: it must be resistant to sun rays, have increased abrasive wear, reliable and wear-resistant.
Wooden stairs to the attic are the simplest option, which you can create with your own hands. There are several ways to do this. Let's look at the simplest and most practical ones.
Method 1
To make an attic staircase, you first need to take measurements: we need parameters for the height of the room, the expected angle of inclination, which most often reaches 30 degrees, while the height is about 2.5 m. In order for the staircase to be reliable and correct from a design point of view, you need to think through and draw up the drawings correctly. The simplest wooden stairs are created on the basis of bars for stringers, bars corresponding to the width of the stairs for fastening, overhead hinges and boards from which we will make the steps. Yes, and don’t forget about the folding hangers - the hatch cover will be fixed on them. The installation process itself is as follows:
This is the easiest way to create a staircase to the attic.
Method two
This is a more labor-intensive method of making a staircase, which can easily be installed even in a country house. It looks more aesthetically pleasing and has more reliable design, which is important in conditions of heavy load on it. The structure itself will be movable on one side, and the other half will be attached to the wall. To create such a staircase to the attic we will need:
It is important to arm yourself with a drawing - it will allow you to complete all the work efficiently and accurately. After determining the angle of inclination, you need to saw off the bars at the top and bottom so that they rest firmly on the floor. The boards along their entire length are divided into equal segments- here the steps will be located at the distance you need. The steps are fastened with card loops, and after the structure is completed, you can make it elegant by varnishing or painting it.
Attic stairs made of aluminum look very beautiful, especially if your country house is decorated in the style of “minimalism” or “high-tech”. What's good about metal? Firstly, it is more reliable. Secondly, such structures are treated with special compounds that protect the surface from mechanical impact or corrosion. Third, metal constructions able to withstand heavy loads.
The most popular among buyers are retractable metal stairs, which take up little space. They are relevant for rooms that are small in size, that is, where it is required rational use space.
Despite all the difficulty technological process, do metal staircase You can do it yourself. Moreover, it can be made of either metal or a combination of materials. To make the simplest metal staircase we will need to prepare:
Please note that the quantity of materials is calculated based on the drawing. Welding machine we will make strong seams, so the staircase will be a monolithic and durable structure.
Such an aluminum or steel staircase will be constructed on the basis of a channel (size 8-10). The steps are made of sheet steel; if they are without additional finishing, you will need a grating on the steps that will protect against falling. The fences are made of angle steel, and the supports for the treads are made of reinforcement. First, support devices are installed and welded onto the beam, then brackets for fastening are welded.
Metal attic stairs can have wooden treads, but first you need to think about where the additional fasteners will be located. On metal steps, the holes for self-tapping screws should be located at a distance of 15 cm from each other. A plywood backing is mounted to the metal treads - it is attached to assembly adhesive, which after hardening retains its shape.
Very often many people prefer to buy ready-made designs rather than installing them yourself. But even in this case you will have to work hard, since they are delivered disassembled. How to assemble? General scheme the work is approximately as follows:
Very often in country houses The rooms are connected with the attic or attic by wrought-iron stairs. Moreover, they can be simple screw ones, or they can have ornate designs, which allows them to fit into any room stylistically. All spiral staircases can be divided into several types:
The most convenient are stairs, the span width of which is up to 900 mm with a diameter of the entire staircase structure of up to 2200 mm.
If you don’t want to do the installation yourself, you can always buy the same forged stairs, which are quite difficult to install yourself, much less come up with and make. Big choice Attic stairs are offered by many brands, not only in Russia, but also in other countries of the world. Let's look at the most popular:
Now you know how to make a staircase to the attic with your own hands. Having the most at hand simple materials, you will create a laconic but comfortable wooden or aluminum structure.
