Ladders do-it-yourself schemes of fastenings. Do-it-yourself ladder is simple (step-by-step instructions for making)
If you have already built a two-story house or are the owner of a two-level apartment, then the topic of constructing a second floor staircase will be of interest to you.
In order to acquire a comfortable and high-quality ladder system, you have only three ways: buy a ready-made structure in a specialized store, order the necessary model from a carpenter, or make a ladder with your own hands.
For those who chose the third option, this article is devoted. In it you will learn a lot of useful information about the staircase design, as well as get acquainted with step-by-step detailed instructions for making stairs in photos and videos.
For owners of a two-level dwelling, the staircase of the second floor is a necessary attribute of the interior
What are the stairs - a little theory
Before you start building stairs with your own hands, you need to decide on the type of construction that will be most suitable for your home.
Types of stairs by design type
We will choose a system from three types:
- Marching.
- Screw.
- Combined.
Let's take a look at each of them a little.
Marching
This type is the easiest to manufacture and therefore, if you decide to make a staircase with your own hands, then this option will be the most suitable for you.
Single-march designs, despite their apparent simplicity, can be beautiful and spectacular. Marching stairs, in turn, are divided into types:
- single-march;
- two-march;
- multi-march.
Both the first and second types are considered not difficult to manufacture and are in the greatest demand.
screw
Such stairs are a spiral going up to the second floor. This type saves a lot of room space, but it is labor-intensive in production.
The spiral staircase is original and beautiful, but it is better to entrust its production to professionals. Combined
These systems combine the two previous types. Their manufacture is the most difficult and therefore not suitable for independent construction.
Combined systems are more complex in production and it will be quite difficult for a beginner to mount them. We make a ladder with our own hands - instructions for making
First, we will determine the material of manufacture and prepare the tool necessary for the job.
Material selection
For the production of a ladder structure, you can choose:
- wood;
- stone;
- concrete;
- metal;
- plastic.
For the manufacture of stairs, you can use a variety of materials The most suitable material for self-manufacturing stairs is, of course, natural wood. Its advantages are obvious:
- environmental friendliness and safety;
- non-toxicity;
- ease of processing;
- relatively economical price;
- long service life.
Therefore, for the construction of our stairs, we will choose natural wood. It is best if it is pine wood - spruce, pine. You can also use ash, beech, maple, oak, birch and other species.
Natural wood is the best choice for making stairs with your own hands So, we have decided on the type of construction being erected - this is a mid-flight staircase. They also chose the easiest to process and environmentally friendly material - natural wood. The next step is to prepare the necessary tool.
Cooking tool
To make a wooden staircase with your own hands, we need:
- Measuring devices - tape measure, ruler, level.
- Electric drill of manual type.
- Hacksaw for woodworking.
- Screwdriver.
- A hammer.
- Electroplaner.
- Sandpaper.
The optimal set of necessary tools Preparing the basic elements
Before installing the ladder system, it is necessary to prepare the following details:
- Processed boards of the required dimensions (according to the drawing).
- Bars for the production of steps.
- Step boards.
- Bowstrings or stringers (depending on the type of construction).
- Railings, balusters, handrails - these parts can be bought ready-made.
- Fasteners - screws, screws, bolts.
This figure shows in detail all the components of the structure. The main stages of installation
In order to make a high-quality staircase with your own hands, use the following manufacturing instructions in photos and videos.
Stage 1. Schematic drawing
Let's draw a drawing on which we denote the main elements of the future design.
Stage 2. We perform the necessary calculations
Performing design calculations is probably the most exhausting process, but it still needs to be done. You can do this in a few steps:
- determine the height of the structure - to calculate it, measure the distance from the floor plane of the first level to the floor of the 2nd floor. This will be the length of the march;
- we determine the height of the steps - usually the most optimal height for a person of average height is 17 centimeters;
- we calculate how many steps and risers are needed - for this, we divide the height of the stairs, which we have already measured, by the height of the steps (17 cm);
Before making a ladder, it must be calculated - step width - for convenience when walking, the smallest value of this parameter should be 22 cm, and the largest - 40 cm.
Stage 3. Making a kosour
We cut the beam prepared for this part to the desired size and cut out the notches of the desired size to install the steps.
Stage 4. Checking the kosour
To do this, we attach it to the place where the stairs will be located, if necessary, we make adjustments to the part.
This diagram shows detailed calculations of the kosour Stage 5. We fasten the stringers
We attach the stringers and fasten them together to the upper beam using anchor bolts.
We securely fasten the stringers with anchor bolts Stage 6. Installation of risers
Attaching the risers to the stringer is carried out using self-tapping screws.
Installation of a wooden staircase is a long and responsible process. Incorrect calculation or incorrect installation of parts can significantly reduce the reliability and durability of the structure. For this reason, the installation of wooden stairs must be carried out in a certain order, observing certain rules. Before assembly, you need to carefully calculate all the steps.
It takes place in stages: first, some elements are mounted, the second ones are attached to them, then the third, fourth, etc. Therefore, before installation, you should familiarize yourself with the names of the details of the stairs:
- steps - elements on which there is a descent or ascent;
- tread - the horizontal part of the step;
- riser - a vertical detail of a step;
- kosour - a carrier beam on which the steps are installed from above;
- bowstring - a supporting element with cutouts for steps;
- railings - a ladder railing that prevents a fall;
- baluster - the vertical component of the railing (in other words - a column);
- handrail - the horizontal part of the railing;
- platform - free space dividing the stairs to the second floor into 2 or more parts;
- support beam (so-called zero step) - a beam or crossbar against which load-bearing elements abut;
- rack - the main bearing element of the screw structure.
Construction types
Reliability, durability and ease of use of stairs to the second floor largely depend on the shape of the structure.
In the modern world, screw and marching products are especially popular.
A distinctive feature of screw structures is the radial type of the arrangement of steps. That is, the steps are attached around the post (central axis) and supported on the other side by auxiliary elements (wall or load-bearing beams). However, the design and installation of such structures is particularly difficult, and the convenience of using a spiral staircase leaves much to be desired.
Marching stairs are much more common. They are more reliable and comfortable to use. Their only drawback is the high requirements for free space. However, ease of use, reliability and a good span have made marching varieties the most popular on the stair construction market. Building such a staircase is much easier than a spiral staircase, even if we talk about.
Preparation for work
Installing stairs to the second floor is a long and costly process. To make it as easy as possible, you need to properly prepare.
For greater convenience, the preparatory work before the arrangement can be divided into 3 stages:
- design (creation of a drawing);
- selection of necessary materials;
- preparation of tools.
At the first stage, it is necessary to produce the highest quality scheme. For greater information content, it should be performed in three projections: from above, from the side and in front. In this case, in the top view, it is necessary to indicate the location and direction of the flight of stairs. Creating a drawing is usually done on drawing paper.
Advice!
If you prefer to work at a computer, there are a couple of convenient and completely free programs for designing stairs and other structures on the Internet.
We design a staircase in the Compass program
The next step is quite simple - based on the calculations, consumables are purchased in the required quantity. In this case, it is better not to be stingy and purchase materials with a margin.
Also, for the installation of stairs to the second floor, you will need certain tools. In particular:
- pencil;
- level;
- square;
- clamp;
- plane;
- a hammer;
- drill or screwdriver;
- Grinder;
- saw;
- fasteners (usually wood screws are used).
Installation order
After the preparatory work, you can proceed to the installation of the structure. As mentioned above, the installation of the stairs takes place in a certain order.
load-bearing beams
First of all, you should make cutouts for the steps. If you plan to install a ladder on bowstrings, it is necessary to make cutouts for steps on each support beam (minimum distance from the edge is 5 cm). It should be borne in mind that the grooves of the two supporting elements must be mirrored to each other.
Creating cutouts on stringers is different:
- the beam is divided into 2 equal parts;
- in the upper half, with the help of a corner and in accordance with the drawing, future cutouts are marked;
- the marked notches are sawn out;
- repeat steps 1-3 for another beam.
The next step is the installation of a support beam in the place where the stairs to the second floor will begin. To connect the beam and the supporting beams, you can go in two ways:
- make a cut in the beam;
- make small grooves in the support bar into which the beams will be inserted.
Finally, you can start installing stringers:
- in the place where the staircase ends, install a bar and fix it with steel anchors;
- connect the supporting elements with a bar on the second floor;
- firmly press the stringers to the support bar on the floor;
- fix the bar with steel anchors.
Installation of stairs on bowstrings is different. Here, steps are first inserted, and only then the structure is moved to the wall and fixed on the support bars.
steps
After firmly fixing the supporting beams, you can proceed to the installation of steps. When creating, the length of the steps must match the width of the span. If a bowstring is used as a supporting beam - the distance between the grooves, including the depth of the hole.
First of all, you should install the risers - the vertical part of the steps. To do this, you can use self-tapping screws or special glue.
Important!
Fixation must be secure.
Before proceeding to the installation of treads, they must first be made and the surface should be properly treated with a grinder. They are installed in the same way - using self-tapping screws or using glue. It is worth noting that for greater convenience when lifting, the treads should protrude forward over the vertical elements by 2-3 cm.
Installation of steps in a staircase on bowstrings is as follows:
- the grooves of the first string are lubricated with glue;
- steps are inserted into the processed holes;
- the recesses of the second bowstring are processed with glue and the beam is connected to the steps.
railing
When descending or ascending stairs, people often lean on the railing. Therefore, the fences must be securely fixed and withstand a considerable load.
Installation of railings begins with preparatory work:
- At the junction of the steps with the carrier beam, places for the installation of balusters are marked. In this case, the side face of the column should coincide with the lateral end of the step.
- A hole of the desired diameter is made in the marked place.
- A small wooden dowel is made. The diameter of the rod should correspond to the width of the hole, and along the length the dowel should protrude 1-1.5 cm above the surface of the step.
- Holes are made in the lower and upper parts of each baluster, corresponding to the diameter of the dowel.
Marking a place for balusters
Then you can proceed with the installation:
- support pillars are mounted at the beginning and end of the stairs to the second floor;
- 1-2 intermediate balusters are installed (not on dowels!);
- the compliance of the angle of inclination is checked by applying a handrail to the balusters (if necessary, the height of the columns is adjusted);
- a dowel is inserted into the recesses from above to fix the handrail;
- the base and recesses of the balusters are lubricated with glue;
- columns are installed on dowels;
- the upper rod of the baluster is lubricated with glue;
- the handrail is tightly applied and fixed on the balusters.
Installation of balusters a drawing is made;
Installation of the finished spiral staircase
Installation of a wooden staircase requires a careful approach and attentiveness from the master. Incorrect calculation or poor-quality fixation of elements can adversely affect the strength and durability of the structure. For this reason, the assembly of the ladder structure must be carried out with special care.
Recently, the construction of a country house is very often not limited to one floor. In order to expand the space, a second one is being built or an attic room is being insulated and brought into a condition suitable for comfortable living. And this means that one cannot do without a staircase in the interior of the first floor.
Do-it-yourself stairs to the second floor can be assembled from a ready-made kit, which can be purchased from companies specialized in the development and manufacture of this interior functional element. In the proposed catalogs, you can choose a staircase that fits perfectly into the environment of both floors, and will be convenient and safe for all family members to climb and descend.
You can try and build a staircase yourself, but in this case it is necessary to produce it, since if the design is not well thought out, a familiar element of the house for everyone may well become a traumatic “simulator”.
In addition, you need to decide what role the staircase will play in the interior. It can be completely invisible, and not be a decorative decoration of the room, but it can become the center of the composition, around which the entire design of the room will be built.
Therefore, in order to choose a suitable instance, it is better though would schematically draw the stairs you want would see in your home, or you can find a ready-made version and adapt it for a particular room.
Before choosing a staircase model, you must definitely find out how it works and how to calculate its correct parameters.
The main components of the stairs
The design of the stairs has many components, some of them are mandatory, while others may not be included in the devices of some types of this structure.
So, a staircase cannot do without steps and supports that support them - these are the main elements of the simplest designs of interfloor stairs.
- The step itself consists of two parts - vertical and horizontal. The first of them is called riser, and the second - tread. The riser is a support for tread, but sometimes they do without it.
- Supports can be of two types:
- a bowstring is a beam that supports the steps from their ends;
- kosour - a beam supporting the steps from below.
- The railing is also an important element of the stairs, although it is not present on all of its types. But if there are children or elderly people in the house, then you can’t do without them.
- Balusters are vertically installed railing supports, which most often become not only a functional part of the stairs, but also its decorative decoration. This element can be made of different materials and have different shapes.
Since there are different types of stairs, each of them can have details that are necessary for a particular design.
- Rack - this element is used for the device of a spiral staircase. Steps of a special shape are fixed to the rack with a certain step, which form a spiral rising from the first to the second floor.
- Bolts are special bolts, which are also elements supporting the steps, they are mounted in the wall and directly on the steps themselves. They are not used for everyone, but only for certain types of stairs.
Types of stairs
Having learned what elements the stairs consist of, you need to understand in more detail how each of the types of these structures looks like, installed between floors.
marching stairs
This type of staircase is popular for any type of private home. It consists of one or more straight marches, equipped with evenly spaced steps. It is convenient to go down and up on it, but the disadvantage of this model is that it requires a lot of space in the room.
The most common - mid-flight stairs If the staircase consists of several flights, then each of them must have at least 3 ÷ 4 and no more than 15 steps. Failure to comply with this standard may result in uncomfortable stair climbing. Usually the number of steps in each march is 8 ÷ 11 pieces, and special platforms are installed between the marches. Their sizes are multiples of the average stride length.
- Marching stairs can be closed and open. The first of them have risers in the design of the steps, and the second ones are arranged without them. The open version is convenient in cases where the steps are not wide enough.
- Mid-flight stairs may have steps attached to stringers or bowstrings. For these parts, boards are selected that have a thickness of at least 45 ÷ 50, and better - even 60 ÷ 70 mm.
- If a straight staircase without turns has more than 8-9 steps, then for strength it is also recommended to divide it with a platform.
- In the case when the staircase is built with a slight turn, it is called a turning one, and sometimes steps are arranged on this site instead of a platform, which are called winders.
Winder steps quarter turn stairs - In addition to the above types, mid-flight stairs can be:
— quarter-turn- the angle of which when turning is 90 degrees, and they are arranged mainly at the junction of two walls;
- half-turn - their rotation has an angle of 180 degrees;
- circular models - marches consistently form a 360-degree turn.
The design of the stairs on the bolts
The name of these ladders on the bolts comes from the German word "volzen", which means a bolt. Thus, it is a bolted ladder. In fact, it is a fastener in the form of a pin having threads at its ends. With the help of their steps and fences are fastened together and mounted in the wall. Thanks to these devices, the design looks light and airy. Contributes to this and the absence of risers.
In addition, such a model can be stretched on a certain section of the wall, or it can look quite compact. Despite the seeming lightness, the design is reliable and durable, it is able to withstand hundreds of kilograms, so the ladders on the rails are becoming more and more popular.
Despite the “airy” look, the ladder on the rails is very reliable. Naturally, such a structure cannot be located in the middle of the room, since it must be attached to the wall, the main condition for installation is its strength of the material from which it is built.
It is rather difficult to calculate the ladder on the rails on your own, but you can purchase it as a kit or place an order for professionals to manufacture it with reference to specific home conditions.
Video: installation of a wooden staircase on the rails
The installation of this design is quite complicated, and it is better to entrust it to qualified craftsmen who will be able to evaluate the possibility of its installation. Therefore, before purchasing a kit, it is best to first consult with experts.
Spiral interfloor staircase
This design is more difficult to install, but has the advantage of being the smallest of all available options, making it ideal for small spaces. In addition, such a staircase can be installed in any convenient place in the room and, if desired, make it the center of the interior composition, since the design has a fairly aesthetic appearance.
Spiral staircase - saves space, but not always convenient for carrying bulky items There can be different types, but for a two-story house, a model consisting of their racks and wedge-shaped steps is best suited. For the rack, choose a metal pipe or a wooden support.
- The rack itself is fixed to the floor of the first floor and in the interfloor or attic floor.
- Steps are fixed on it with a narrow side and rotated so that the overall design resembles a spiral.
- Balusters are installed on the wide side of the steps, the upper part of which is fixed in the handrail, repeating the spiral direction of the entire structure.
Video: installation of a spiral staircase
Inconvenient in such a model is the fact that it will be difficult to lift or lower down some massive piece of furniture. In addition, when choosing such a model for installation, you need to know that the smaller the opening in the interfloor for it, the steeper and more inconvenient the staircase will be.
It is not difficult to calculate the screw structure. To do this, the area in the room where it will be installed is determined, its center is calculated - this will be the installation site of the rack. Further, the distance from the rack to the border is measured - this will be the span width, i.e. step length.
For comfortable walking on such a ladder, the size of the middle of the step should be at least 200 mm, and the widest part should be no more than 400 ÷ 420 mm.
It is quite possible to make and assemble such a structure on your own, if you have skills in working with wood, and the ability to calculate the load on the selected material. However, if you are not confident in your abilities, then it is better to entrust the work to a specialist, since an improperly arranged structure is very traumatic.
Requirements for the design of stairs
Before starting work, you need to find out the requirements for the design of the stairs.
Safety is perhaps the most important condition. In order for it to be fully implemented, it is very important to accurately calculate all the parameters:
- the slope angle, the width and height of the steps, the method of fastening the first and last of them are calculated;
- if the staircase is not located between two walls, the fence must be installed, and its height must be at least 800 ÷ 850 mm;
- if there are small children in the house, the balusters supporting the handrail of the fence should not be located further from each other than 100 ÷ 120 mm;
- the width of the steps should be 200 ÷ 300 mm;
- the staircase must withstand sufficiently large loads - for residential buildings they are 300 ÷ 350 kg / m²;
- it is impossible for the steps to be slippery - the texture of their outer coating is necessarily thought out;
- the entire structure must be securely and rigidly fixed between floors;
- it is undesirable to install the structure at an elevation angle of more than 45 degrees;
- the width of the spans cannot be made less than 850 mm, the best option is 1000 ÷ 1200 mm;
- the ladder will be less traumatic if it is divided into two or three parts by platforms;
- fasteners for structural elements must be made of high-quality material, so they cannot be saved on;
- if wooden parts are processed independently, then you need to bring them to perfect evenness and compliance with the dimensions established by the drawing or patterns.
Video: errors in the design and construction of stairs
Calculation of the parameters of the stairs and the manufacture of parts
Since for self-production and installation, a marching structure with steps laid on a stringer is the most affordable, as well as convenient and safe to use, it is worth considering it.
The first thing to do is to calculate the location, number and size of steps, as well as the width of the flight of stairs.
Calculation of the parameters of the stairs
Calculation of the design of the mid-flight stairs is as follows:
- The height of the room and the length of the entire or part of the wall are taken as a basis - the place that is reserved for the installation of the stairs. Having reduced these values on a scale, a right-angled triangle is drawn, in which the staircase itself will be the hypotenuse, and the legs will be the height of the rise and the floor.
An angle of 45 degrees is considered ideal for installing stairs, but it can be changed, depending on the desire of the owner of the house and on the area of \u200b\u200bthe room.
- The comfortable width of the step should be at least 200 mm, so the leg of the floor, based on its natural length, is divided by this value. The resulting number of steps is marked on the drawing.
- The height of the risers, convenient for movement, should not exceed 100 ÷ 120 mm. To calculate them, you need to divide the height of the total rise by the selected height of the risers and also transfer it to the drawing.
- Thus, it is possible to calculate the dimensions of the stringer for laying steps.
- The width of the stairs will depend on the preferences of the tenants and the size of the room.
Video: an example of the calculation of a marching interfloor staircase
Manufacture of staircase details
In order to properly manufacture parts, you need to accurately transfer the dimensions from the drawing made to the material, and select high-quality, well-dried wood.
- The most difficult thing is to cut the stringers perfectly evenly, since the reliability and strength, as well as the aesthetics of the design, will depend on this. For these load-bearing elements, a board is selected whole without cracks and numerous large knots, with a thickness of at least 45 ÷ 50 mm.
- The tread sheets can have a width of 1.5-2 cm more than the space provided for them on the stringers, plus the thickness of the risers. Steps should be perfectly even with rounded neat edges, and this is also very important to consider. For them, a board with a thickness of 30 ÷ 35 mm is selected.
- If it was planned to make the staircase closed, with risers, then they must also be done carefully. For these elements, it is not necessary to take a board of great thickness, since basically the entire load will fall on the stringers, and the risers will play a supporting role. A thickness of 15 ÷ 20 mm is sufficient.
- Balusters and handrails would be better to purchase ready-made, along with fasteners. If there are children in the house, then, for safety reasons, two balusters should be installed on each step. In the case when the children have already grown up, then one element supporting the handrail is enough.
Prices for various types of staircase elements
Stair elements
Ladder installation
The installation of the stairs is the most crucial moment after the manufacture of all structural elements, and it must be approached with maximum responsibility.
- The stringers are installed first according to pre-set marks. On the floor, they are fixed to a support beam fixed in the right place, and in the upper part they are installed in cut gaps in the floor beam. Sometimes, to fix the upper part of the stringers, metal supports are used, mounted on a beam covering the ceiling. Anchor bolts act as fasteners for these load-bearing elements.
In order for the parts to be installed perfectly evenly, they are constantly calibrated during the installation process according to the plumb line and building level.
- If risers are provided, then they are screwed before laying the canvas of the steps.
- Then, on top of the stringers and risers, the tread panels are fixed with self-tapping screws.
The fastening of the risers and steps takes place in the complex, and goes upwards.
- Then, when the steps are ready, you can proceed to the installation of balusters.
On both sides, that is, on the floor of the first floor and at the top of the stairs, support posts are installed, which will become the boundary for the overall design of the handrail (railing). They will also play both a supporting and decorative role.
Balusters can be of different sizes, and made of different materials, so they can be attached in different ways. Some of them are simply installed in drilled holes in the steps and handrails, others are screwed on with self-tapping screws, and the attachment points are closed with decorative plugs.
- , they are covered from above with handrails, which are fixed on the supporting extreme posts. If necessary, another support post can be installed in the middle of the stairs.
- If three or even four racks are installed, then instead of balusters, two or three even boards (slats) fixed parallel to the course of the stairs can serve as a reliable fence.
- When the entire structure is assembled, you can proceed to surface treatment with a grinder and sandpaper. Preparation is carried out before applying protective and decorative paint coatings.
- The first layer that is applied to the tree is antiseptic compounds. They will protect the wood from rotting, mold or fungus, from domestic insects. After this, the structures are allowed to dry completely.
- Further, the staircase can be varnished in several layers (preferably water-based) with hot wax or paint.
- If you need to darken the wood, it is pre-coated with stain or other tinting compounds, and then, after drying, a varnish coating is applied on top of them.
After the paintwork has dried, the staircase will be ready for use.
Photo instruction for creating a ladder made of wood
Step 1 - drawing of the future design 
Video: another interesting option for mounting stairs to the second floor
If you need to install in the house, you need to carefully calculate each step of your work and approach it with all responsibility and accuracy.
Quite often, people at home install a wooden staircase. This design is characterized by a long service life, reliability and high strength characteristics. Do not forget about aesthetic beauty.
The installation of stairs requires an accurate calculation of the design parameters and compliance with all installation rules.
Installing stairs of this type at first glance may seem like a simple task. There are no special details and mechanisms. Simple railings and the steps themselves are combined in a single design. However, it is actually quite difficult to install it, since during the installation process you have to deal with numerous nuances that must be taken into account. So, consider how to install a ladder.
Scheme of the device of a wooden staircase.
But first, about the necessary accessories for work:
- roulette;
- hacksaw;
- square;
- grinder;
- perforator;
- a hammer;
- level and others.
Installation of a wooden staircase
Even behind such a simple design is a very complex process. It is best if such work is entrusted to specialists. They will decorate the house with the highest quality and in the shortest possible time. However, in this situation, numerous unforeseen expenses may arise. Installing a wooden staircase for a house with your own hands is the best solution to the problem.
A lot depends on how well a wooden staircase will be installed near the house. First of all, this concerns the operation and reliability of the design. If the installation is carried out incorrectly, that is, a person does not adhere to the technology, this can lead to a change in the aesthetic appearance, as well as damage.
When installing a wooden staircase for a house, you must adhere to the following rules:
Table showing the correct design of stair steps.
- It is best to install by professionals who work from an organization involved in the design of stairs. In this case, they will be responsible for their construction.
- The installation of the structure is carried out in the place that was originally described in the contract, since all structural elements are made for it.
- To the destination, the ladder must be transported disassembled. In this case, the probability of damage to its structural elements is reduced. At the same time, the installation of the structure is made from ready-made components.
- If a person applied for work to an enterprise that makes ready-made flights of stairs, then he will definitely first need to make grooves in the mounting beams for their installation.
- Only after the railing is finally adjusted to the floor level, you can begin to install the flights of stairs. When adjusting the lower bowstring, it is necessary to take into account the fact that a floor covering can be laid on the floor.
- Before starting the installation of the flight of stairs, it is imperative to make a fence. Only after it fits perfectly to the future design, further work can be continued.
- To obtain a solid and reliable design, it is imperative to fasten marches onto self-tapping screws. So the design is more durable and rigid. They are fastened in several places around the perimeter, attached through the support post and through the bowstring to the wall.
Methods for fastening structural parts
Options for attaching steps to the bowstring.
Consider how the main elements of the stairs are fastened. Any structure that is installed at home or near it has the same structure.
And we are not necessarily talking about a wooden staircase. There are always inclined parts and steps. In another way, they can be called flights of stairs and platforms. Depending on how the spans are organized, the structures can be single-march, two-march and three-march. There are several different methods for fixing steps:
- they can rest on bowstrings with two ends;
- one end is attached to the kosour, and the other to the wall;
- one end is embedded in the wall, and the other hangs freely; this method cannot always be used, it is only appropriate if the wall thickness is very large.
Ways of fastening steps to the kosour.
Before the final assembly of the stairs for the house, it is imperative to take into account the fact that it must withstand all the loads that lie ahead of it. After all, not only people walk on such structures, but also goods move. Rigidity is very important. All grooves that are intended for fastening structural elements with bowstrings must be made in such a way that the elements go into them with an interference fit, that is, as tightly as possible. Their depth should be the same, and the grooves themselves must have a flat plane. This is true for all cases, including when using glue to fasten structural elements. It will evenly fill the grooves, giving them the required rigidity and strength. If another fastening method is used, then the wedging method should be used.
In this situation, the grooves are made in the form of a trapezoid. Its top will be in front of the bowstring. After installation, the process of wedging is carried out. After everything is carefully smeared with glue, we can say that a fairly strong and powerful structure has turned out. As an additional fastener, you can always use nails or self-tapping screws.
However, in this case, the appearance of the stairs may deteriorate. To prevent this from happening, the hats must be buried in the tree, and then covered with special overlays. Now the aesthetics will be on top. The appearance of the entire structure will not be spoiled. To increase the strength of the stairs for fastening, several nails or self-tapping screws are used.
Ladder installation: features
The scheme of fastening the railing posts, lower and upper.
So, consider the independent installation of stairs. This is done quite simply. Moreover, all the components of the structure are delivered ready-made, but disassembled. Here you need to be extremely careful to observe all the nuances of the technology.
The first step is to prepare the upper and lower marches. The side parts must strictly comply with the parameters of the opening. Marking must first be applied, according to which preparation is carried out. If it is not made by the manufacturer, then you must perform it yourself.
Now you need to move on to preparing the upper support rack. Grooves are cut in it, which will serve to fasten the upper plank of the span.
For marking, you can use a regular pencil.
With it, a horizontal line is applied on the bottom edge of the groove. Then you need to measure the distance from the ceiling to the floor and draw another line. It must be equal to this distance. Risers are installed in all grooves, and then their lower part is sawn off to size.
The assembly of modern stairs for the house is carried out with the help of glue. Only high quality material is used. Glue all structural elements in the following sequence:
- the upper support post is connected to the side structural elements;
- further join the fences and railings;
- connect the lower ends of the railing and the lower support post;
- the side parts of the structure and the lower rack are glued together.
Only in this sequence should the correct installation of the stairs be carried out. In those parts of the rack that are used for connection, wooden spikes are hammered. After all the elements are prepared, be sure to give them time to dry completely.
Now you can proceed to the assembly of the structure. One person can't handle this. Be sure to get helpers. At least three people must be additionally involved in helping. One of them is located at the top, and the rest - at the bottom.
Next, the ladder itself is installed on the floor, and then leveled with a level. Special marks are made on the floor, which will serve as markings for future pillars. In these places, holes are made with a drill. They should also be in the pillars, and the same size as on the floor. Fastening is carried out using special bolts. The tread is attached to the cross beam with two nails.
The lone side part is attached to the wall with self-tapping screws or bolts. They must be used a lot so that the connection is very strong and durable. If necessary, you can do additional sheathing of the stairs. This is done using drywall sheets or other material. You can use a tree in a similar situation. For example, lining or grooved board. In this case, the wooden staircase will not lose its original beauty and aesthetics.
Summarizing
Thus, the process of installing stairs for the house is completed. There is nothing complicated in it. The main thing is to strictly follow the instructions given above. This is the only way to achieve the desired result. When performing work, be sure to use only high-quality glue. With it, you can get a really solid and reliable design.
When performing work, be sure to call assistants. Only with their help you can achieve a quality result. A wooden staircase is a very heavy structural element. It needs to be mounted and installed only by applying the efforts of several people. To achieve the desired result, when installing on the street, you can use specialized equipment.
No building can do without stairs: in one-story buildings, stairs are needed in order to safely descend to the basement or climb to the attic, and in multi-storey buildings and multi-storey apartments, the stairs are the only element to go to another floor. What dimensions should a safe and comfortable lifting installation have and how to assemble stairs with your own hands, different in design and materials - read the article.
The standards for installing stairs are determined by GOSTs, building codes and rules. Adhering to the optimal dimensions approved in them for the manufacture of stairs, you can assemble a safe and comfortable structure for use by each family member (both adults and children, the elderly) with your own hands.
So, a properly designed and installed staircase should have:
- The width of the flight of stairs is 1.25-1.50 meters. The width can be reduced to 760-800 cm for stairs leading to the utility rooms, basement, to the attic through the ceiling hatch.
- The height of the risers is within 15-20 cm and the depth of the treads is 25-35 cm.
- Be inclined at an angle of 35-45 degrees.
- Have handrails 900 cm high, spaced at least 15 cm apart.
- Have a passage height of 2 meters or a minimum of 5 cm more than the height of the tallest resident.
In addition, a safe staircase should have a railing and be well lit.
It is better to entrust the design of stairs to professionals who will be able to correctly calculate any design in accordance with the norms and wishes of the tenant.
Installation of stairs in the house to the second floor: metal frame and its assembly
Metal is an excellent material for creating a lifting element with a high level of load capacity, long service life. A ladder of any design can be installed on the metal frame: from a simple one (on one or two stringers and beams) to a cantilever one.
The assembly of a typical staircase on a metal frame involves the following sequence:
- Cutting materials according to the calculated project.
- Installation of the transition platform frame. Welding of bases and rectangular frame.
- Installation of stringers. For strength, the stringers can be connected with brackets to the walls adjacent to the stairs.
- Making and welding fillies at an equal distance from each other.
- Installation on the corners of the crossbars and brackets for installing steps.
- Sanding and priming metal, if necessary - painting.
- Installation of treads and risers (if the structure is closed).
- Installation of balusters and railings.
- Painting the structure in the desired color or varnishing the wooden steps.
For sheathing a metal frame at home, drywall and wood are most often used. In addition, a metal staircase can be made with glass steps and railings. For extraordinary modern interiors, you can choose a metal mesh as a material for steps.
How to install a ladder made of wood
Almost any wooden staircase: from simple structures to spiral ones (for example, the LS-01u staircase from the Temp company) can be installed by yourself.
In order to assemble a wooden staircase with your own hands, you need to stock up: chopped elements, a screwdriver and metal corners, anchors, studs, screws and nails. You can cut the wood for the stairs yourself at home (if you want to save a little and, along with work, do not pay corporate tax). And you can order ready-made parts from professionals: an experienced carpenter will make elements even for a complex design.
Before work, an estimate must be drawn up that will prepare the tenant for the upcoming expenses.
Installation of a wooden two-flight staircase with an intermediate platform includes the following steps:
- Installation of an intermediate platform. A rectangular platform is placed on the retaining bars, reinforced in the middle with stiffeners.
- Installation of stringers. Stringers are attached to the finished floors with the help of metal corners. The bowstrings along the walls are fixed to them with the help of screwdrivers.
- Installation of slopes along the perimeter of the passage to the second floor (the height of the slopes should be equal to the thickness of the floor of the second floor, on the flight of stairs - the height of the riser).
- Installation of formwork (risers if the staircase is closed and ceilings for open structures).
- Installation of steps on the formwork. Treads are mounted with nails and self-tapping screws or cut into bowstrings.
- Grinding and puttying of the structure.
- Installation of balusters, fences and handrails with anchors or studs.
- Painting the stairs in the desired color and varnishing the structure in several layers.
To make the staircase stronger, the stringers can be pulled together with metal, threaded ties at a distance of several steps.
Assembly of stairs on modules
Stairs from prefabricated modules are a simple solution for self-installation. Such structures are distinguished by high carrying capacity, durability, and quick assembly (you can assemble the structure in 3-4 hours). And, if necessary, the dismantling of the installation can be done quickly and easily.
The set of modular stairs includes steps, modules (stringers and vertical supports), bolts, railings, intermediate plates, fasteners and plugs. From one set, you can assemble up to four types of structures (with different angles of rotation). Often, step-by-step instructions or an assembly diagram are attached to modular stairs, which allows you to correctly mark and install the elements of the set.
The assembly of modular stairs takes place according to the type of constructor:
- Stringers are assembled from the modules, which are placed on supports.
- The supports are screwed to the floor and walls with a screwdriver.
- Intermediate plates are installed on each module, which are fixed with countersunk screws.
- The steps are fixed on the platforms, and bolts are passed through their edges.
- The railing posts are mounted on the bolts and secured with a bolt and washer from below.
- Handrails are installed on the railing posts.
Modular structures can be ordered from companies that have positive reviews and a patent for the manufacture and sale of stairs (for example, the companies LLC "Architect", "Arlion").
Installation of stairs outside the home
The method of installing an external staircase depends on the material of manufacture and the appearance of the structure. So, simple metal ladders (for example, for a fire escape) are installed quickly and easily. While the installation of the front structures of the entrance group can take a lot of time and effort. Most often, entrance stairs are made of concrete.
The process of assembling a concrete staircase includes:
- Carrying out calculations and drawing up a drawing.
- Laying a platform for a staircase made of rubble and sand.
- Installation of strong and rigid formwork.
- Installation of reinforcement along the march and the supporting beams of the formwork.
- Filling the structure with concrete (starting from the bottom step).
- Installation of railings and finishing.
You can finish the entrance staircase with wood, natural or artificial stone, brick or any other material with a rough surface. Concrete steps can be additionally equipped with anti-slip thresholds: this will increase the level of safety of the stairs in winter.
Important! Formwork and supports can be removed no earlier than three days after pouring the structure with concrete.
Do-it-yourself staircase assembly (video)
The staircase is the main architectural element in any home. The installation of the structure can be ordered from trusted companies, or you can save money and assemble the stairs with your own hands. Moreover, the assembly of some installations (for example, modular ones) does not take much effort and time. The choice is yours. The main thing is that the resulting design is reliable, and its operation is comfortable!