Retractable wooden ladder to the attic. How to make a folding or retractable ladder to the attic with your own hands

For personal needs. To climb into the room, you can use various types of stairs: monolithic - mid-flight or spiral, folding or attached. Folding attic stairs are installed indoors or from the outside of the building. To get to the attic from the outside of the house, you have to go out into the yard in any weather, and this is very inconvenient. Therefore, the installation of such a device indoors will provide a comfortable lift.

It is convenient and safe to use stationary gangways, but free space is required for their installation. With rare visits to the attic, it is enough to put a stepladder and clean it as unnecessary. The disadvantage of this method is the unreliability of portable devices. To combine safety requirements and a limited area will allow the use of a folding ladder, which you can do yourself. This is an affordable and economical way.

Folding attic stairs must meet certain strength requirements, so metal and wood are used to make them. There are several types of folding structures:

• Scissor - a compact model that folds like an accordion. Lightweight and durable metal, such as aluminum, is used for manufacturing. This is a difficult option for installation, it requires skills in working with metal and numerous fasteners.
• Telescopic - the model is made according to the principle of folding segments in the side tubes. When manufacturing, you will need to bore the metal yourself.
• Sectional - compactly placed on the attic hatch. Separate sections are connected by a hinge, when extended they are securely fixed.

Deciding on sizes

Prior to the start of production, they are determined with the dimensions of the future product. It is necessary to take into account the size of the structure when folded and its total length, which is allowed up to three meters. Longer ladders do not have sufficient rigidity and are not safe to use. The width of the span should ensure convenient operation, for this it should be at least 65 cm. The optimal distance between the steps is 19, cm, a larger or smaller value will cause difficulties when lifting. The thickness of the crossbars should be 2–3 cm. The installation angle of the structure is in the range of 60–75 degrees. The steps are placed strictly parallel to the floor. When using wood for the manufacture of structures, you can count on operation with a load of up to 150 kg, a metal structure can withstand up to 260 kg.

The hatch opening is 120 × 70 cm in size so that an adult can use it without problems. A larger hole will become a place of significant heat loss.

Instruments

To work, you will need the following tools:

1. Spanners.
2. Wood saw.
3. Screwdrivers.
4. Roulette.
5. Pencil.

Manufacturing process

The simplest version of the folding design will be a device consisting of two sections. For its manufacture, wooden bars, hinges and metal strips for fastening, self-tapping screws are required.

A finished wooden staircase is taken, to the upper part of which a bar 2 cm thick is attached. A similar bar is screwed on the wall under the hatch. The bars are fastened with loops.

Having measured 1/3 of the length from the bottom of the side boards, a cut is made - it must be done between the steps. The two resulting parts are connected with loops. It is important to correctly position the fasteners so that the ladder folds in the right direction.

To hold the structure in the folded state, a loop is used, screwed in at the junction of the sections, and a hook installed at the desired height. The disadvantage of this simple design would be open placement.

Hidden folding ladder

So that there is a lot of free space and nothing spoils the interior, the device can be mounted on the hatch cover. For its manufacture, two boards 10 cm wide will be required. The design will consist of three sections: the first is equal to the length of the hatch, the second is slightly shorter, the length of the third is equal to the remaining distance to the floor. The angle of inclination of the hatch is measured with a bevel and transferred to the boards.

On the boards, the places of cuts and fastening of the loop are marked. Boards are sawn into three sections. To fix the steps in them, recesses with a depth of 5 mm are made. The steps are fixed with glue and self-tapping screws.

The elements are laid out on a flat surface and joined, loops are screwed at the junctions. Having assembled the structure, they check its ability to bend, after checking the ladder is installed on the hatch. You can fix the first section with metal strips screwed to the hatch and the edges of the bowstring. The folded ladder descends beyond the lower section.

It is not difficult to make an attic ladder, it is important that it be durable, comfortable and compact.

Video: the process of making a folding ladder to the attic

In most frequent houses, an attic or other room under the roof is assumed, so a staircase to the attic is necessary. The structure for climbing up should be not only safe, but also aesthetic, matching the design and type of frame with other stairs. An exception is a hidden or folding structure, which is used periodically so as not to clutter up the living space. How to do it yourself - we suggest using examples and tips from the article.

What type of stairs to choose?

Zealous owners try to use every meter of their personal space rationally. With a small living area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe building, a massive wooden staircase to the attic with your own hands is inappropriate; it is better to give preference to a light structure, regardless of the material. The rise to the attic floor is arranged by everyone to your taste. Even a light rope ladder is possible, folded into a net or on a shelf next to the hatch. But this option is only suitable as a temporary one, and even then for an adult single person. For children and the elderly, something more reliable is needed, for example, a ladder to the attic - photo:

Also on sale are ready-made telescopic and folding ladders and high ladders, but not all of them are suitable for permanent use. And it is important to fix the finished staircase correctly or make a device for it so that it can be removed when it is not needed, for example, in winter. And with a large area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe house, where there are several stairs, it is advisable to make all spans in the same style. All parts of the structure must be reliable in order to walk on floors without risk.

The construction of a private house involves stairs of different functionality:

• internal and external (inside the house);
• attached and fixed;
• auxiliary (working) and design (aesthetic part of the interior).

When choosing the type of stairs, it is important to be guided not only by your own preferences, but also by considerations of expediency. The operational requirements are higher for stationary ladders, and the folding design must be compact and reliable so as not to be injured during the next descent or ascent.

Tip: Keep your attic stairs as light as possible to save materials and space. It must withstand no more than 1 person with a small load, since furniture and heavy household appliances are not lifted into the attic. Before you make a ladder to the attic, think about how it will be attached at the top and what it will rest against at the bottom.

Hanging and folding stairs are more suitable for a small country house, and massive stationary stairs - for a large country house. The type of stairs depends on the location of the attic hatch. If the entrance to the room under the roof is located in a narrow space, then a spiral staircase is installed. It is not very convenient, and overall things cannot be lifted on it. But this is the only possible solution where there is nowhere to put a classic marching staircase. For example, a spiral staircase to the attic, photo:

By type of construction, the most common:

• screw;
• marching;
• on the pains.

The best choice of stairs for attic spaces

Recently, attic and attic stairs have been singled out in a separate row, and they are classified into subspecies:

• sliding telescopic;
• folding scissor ladders;
• sliding "accordion";
• suspended (rope, rope);
• folding (attached at the top).

There are no difficulties in using or installing each variety. The simplest metal staircase to the attic in several additions can be made from 2-3 ladders. The cost of each design depends on the materials and type of the staircase itself.

Folding models are made from pipes and a corner of light alloys, mainly aluminum and stainless steel. But this requires a tool (metal cutting) and reliable fittings. It is much easier to work with wood at home, so most of the stairs are made of wood, in a classic version:

• supports;
• steps (tread);
• stringers;
• risers;
• railing;
• handrails
• mares, etc.

The attic ladder is an auxiliary device for climbing under the roof, so it makes no sense to make it wide. The optimal width is no more than 60-70 cm, depending on the build of the people using it. But the step between the steps should be classic, about 20 cm, so as not to experience difficulties when climbing or descending the stairs.

But the most important thing is the angle of inclination, if it is a flight of stairs. Any stairs to the attic, folding or spiral, should be with such an inclination that it is convenient to use - within 75 °. A very steep descent is impossible without handrails, otherwise it will be difficult to return from the attic, especially if the steps are narrow. Yes, you can also make a vertical ladder (attached, in the old fashioned way), but this is not very convenient, and it will be problematic to take things out of the attic.

Attention: Some narrow steps made of metal are very slippery, especially when condensation appears on them in cold weather. This is counteracted by special rubber pads that minimize the risk of falling and injury.

The maximum weight that a do-it-yourself staircase to the attic must withstand is within 120-150 kg if larger people do not use it. In the finished product, which remains only to be fixed at the attic hatch, all parameters must be indicated in the technical description. There are models where the folding ladder is attached directly to the hatch, which is equipped with a compact transformation method.

Types of attic stairs and their properties

Ladders to the attic or attic are brought both from the outside of the house and from the inside. The street staircase, not the attic, is most often made capital - metal with handrails. The inner product should take up little space, be light and compact. They prefer screw stationary structures and removed from the room after use:

• portable;
• retractable;
• folding.

1. Stationary one-piece attic ladder - the most convenient and safe, but requires a lot of space. The most compact screw models, which are much more difficult to make due to the calculations of wedge-shaped degrees, fixed at regular intervals on a pillar support. In addition, they must be provided with spiral handrails or made in the form of a glass capsule. A straight or marching staircase must also be equipped with some kind of support - railings or handrails. The width of the rectangular steps is made, if not under the full width of the foot, then at least ba 3/4, so that it is convenient to step on, especially when descending.

2. Mobile or portable ladders and ladders, for all their compactness, create more prerequisites for falling. Due to the increased danger and instability, they are not so in demand. And it is important to do everything to increase the stability and reliability of the stairs (non-slip flat floor, support stops). Their main advantage is the ability to bring and easily decompose, and then remove. It is not recommended to use such devices for lifting under the roof:

• sick people with frequent dizziness and high blood pressure;
• disabled people without any limb;
• the elderly and infirm;
• children.

3. Folding. The most compact is a folding staircase to the attic, which is mounted at the top and folds under the ceiling. The main requirement is that it should not literally fall on your head, that is, a phased and slow transformation is important when using a structure of several blocks. If all the joints between the segments of a folding structure are reliable, then it is also reliable, like a solid one. If it is made of metal from a hollow steel tube or an aluminum profile, then it is very light and comfortable. Among other modern devices for climbing to the attic or attic, they are the most in demand. The best option is if the folding ladder transforms along the wall, which has something like handrails. Many craftsmen make this variety with their own hands.

4. A retractable ladder is a kind of folding ladder, only its structural elements do not recline, but extend along the guide to the limiters on both sides. The conversion mechanism is somewhat reminiscent of a telescope. Such a design is made on hinges, and not only from a profile, but also from wood, but the guides are also from a metal corner.

5. An external staircase leads to the attic from the street, and the safety of the owners of the house climbing it depends on its design features. Non-slip steps and non-freezing handrails are required. Usually they are built of metal from several marches running along the walls of the house.

How to make a folding ladder to the attic on your own?

Making a folding ladder to the attic with your own hands is not as difficult as it seems. For example, it is easiest to construct from fragments of a finished staircase or stepladder. It is important to make the right articulation at the folds by choosing the right fittings. It is advisable to fix it directly on the hatch or under it in a special mount. Rigid fixation at the entrance to the attic is the main requirement.

All fragments of a folding attic ladder fold like an accordion. On the longest segment, the rest of the transformation should be attached, there should not be too many of them. Ideally, there should not be more than 3-5 folding modules, depending on the height of the ceiling or the distance to the hatch.

Attention: Watch how the structural elements are attached so as not to break the "accordion". But even if an error occurs, do not be discouraged, just dismantle the wrong joint. Modules are assembled on the floor, periodically checking the work.

To minimize the work of assembling the stairs to the attic, the dimensions of each element must be indicated in the drawings, taking into account the slope - for ease of lifting. When everything is calculated and sketched, there are all the necessary accessories, the assembly process will not take much time and effort. The most difficult thing is the choice of fittings for transformation, which will ensure the ease of use of the stairs.

Tip: It is best if the structure is attached at the top at the entrance, and the first fragment is equal to the length of the hatch. The remaining parts can be equal in size, shorter or longer, but all proportions must be harmoniously combined.

Assembly algorithm:

• a finished stepladder or a long ladder is sawn with an appropriate tool (for wood or metal);
• the first segment is connected to the next one using a hinged mechanism with latches;
• a hinge mechanism is attached to the second and subsequent segments, but this is done each time from the opposite side, so that an accordion layout is obtained;
• a non-slip floor support is fixed to the lower segment (with rubber or thick leather so as not to scratch the coating);
• with the help of a partner or assistant, we attach the structure to the hatch or entrance to the attic, once again checking how it should look in working condition;
• we fix the latch, which should fix the layout near the ceiling;
• if the folding ladder does not have latches that prevent a sudden fall when the latch is opened, it is advisable to upholster the floors with material that softens the sudden fall of the structure.

An improved version is a “clamshell” with a remote control panel, but not every master can install an electric drive on his own. Typically, such a "smart" function is available only for finished products.

The ease of use of the stairs also depends on the hinged mechanism on springs and stops, which ensures smooth opening of the modules. And it is better to spend money on a more advanced layout mechanism than to experience inconvenience every time.

Attention: In any version of the articulation of the parts of the stairs, bringing it into working condition, it is important to stand on the side of the trajectory of a possible transformation! And periodically check the reliability of fastening to the hatch or ceiling at the exit to the attic so that the ladder does not accidentally fall on someone's head!

The simplest options for attic stairs

It is better for a beginner, unsure of his abilities, to confine himself to a simple design - to fix an ordinary single-flight ladder made of light metal along the wall.

A great option for the young and energetic is to make a folding rope ladder with wooden steps and holes on the sides on each tread. They should be strung between knots of rope or thick twine. For convenience, the steps are made not rectangular, but triangular with rounded edges.

The wide sides of the triangles are attached to the sides, the narrow ones - alternately towards. Then you get a “duck step” ladder, that is, steps under the right and left legs. The rise involves a wide stance of the legs waddling, hence the name. The only inconvenience is to go down and up facing the rope (wall) holding on to its sides.

If there is no room for a full-fledged staircase, then a ready-made spiral staircase is also used, which should match the height of the support with the height of the ceiling. Details (wedge-shaped steps, support and handrails) can be ordered from the carpentry workshop. It remains to assemble the structure and securely fasten it below and at the entrance to the attic.

When constructing any staircase, it is important to provide:

• free approach for use;
• the place where it will be removed if the ladder is mobile;
• handrails or other handholds during descent and ascent (they may not be with a reliable design);
• secure fastening on top and non-slip bottom stop;
• stylistic performance or decor.

An outdoor metal staircase cannot be made without the help of a professional welder. However, some of the work can be done by hand:

• choose a design according to ready-made illustrations or drawings;
• calculate the height and width of the stairs, the dimensions of the tread, the number of marches and landings;
• make a sketch and drawing;
• to cut metal parts.

Entrust the assembly and fastening of the external metal stairs to specialists.

Tip: If the gentle march of a stationary staircase leading to an attic or attic takes up a lot of space, think about how to use this part of the room. Racks and shelves for books, souvenirs and collections are made in a niche. Or a "living corner" with an aquarium, cages for rodents and parrots, they will have to provide additional lighting under the stairs.

Many owners of private houses, in order to get into the attic, use an attached or stationary ladder installed on the street. Of course, for security reasons, such a ladder is fully justified, and will never become superfluous. However, for use in the winter, and especially in cases where a utility room or even a full-fledged living space is equipped in the attic, it will be much more convenient to provide for the possibility of entering directly from the house.

But it often happens that the stationary design of the internal staircase requires a very large area, and therefore cannot be put into practice in a small house. And even if the area is sufficient, it hardly makes sense to “squander” it if the attic is not used constantly, but only from time to time. What to do? But there is a way out - this is a “transformer” structure, which is removed as unnecessary into the attic floor. So, the topic of this publication: do-it-yourself folding ladder to the attic - the most optimal an option for both large and small private houses.

General information about folding stairs to the attic

What do they say about the advantages and disadvantages of such structures?

Folding stairs, if their design is thought out, is safe and easy to use - very convenient. However, they also have their drawbacks, which you also need to know about in advance, proceeding to similar reconstruction of one of the rooms of the house.

So to advantages of folding ladder construction include the following points that will greatly facilitate the operation of the attic:

• The ability to safely enter the attic at any time, regardless of the season or current weather conditions.
• The compactness and ease of operation of a high-quality design allows all residents of the house to cope with the unfolding and folding of the stairs, since no great physical effort is foreseen.
• The folded design does not take up usable space both in the living room and in the attic. If there is no need, the ladder is most often removed into the opening of the attic floor, saving free space.
• The hatch in the ceiling, which is necessary to accommodate the staircase structure, with a high-quality finish from below, does not spoil the appearance of the ceiling surface at all.
• When purchasing a finished design, it is quite possible to choose a model with an electric drive. This, of course, is extremely convenient, since if necessary, bring the ladder into working condition or remove it - you don’t have to make any effort at all. However, to install this version of the stairs, you will have to invite a specialist. Yes, and there are such kits - quite a lot.

The disadvantages of installing this design in the attic floor include the following:

• Be that as it may, folding stairs, in contrast, do not always meet the criteria for maximum convenience in terms of the steepness of the rise, the number and size of steps.
• Based on the first point, the second suggests itself - the ascent and descent of such stair structures still requires care and special precautions. This will especially apply to children, older people or people with some physical disabilities.
• No matter how tightly the hatch enters the opening cut under the stairs, it will still deprive the ceiling of tightness. Therefore, in order to prevent cold air from entering the living rooms from above (or, conversely, hot air during the summer heat), the attic room will have to be insulated. This, of course, leads to additional costs. True, you can consider this problem from the other side. If it is planned to equip a utility or residential space in the attic, then in it, one way or another, it is necessary to carry out thermal insulation work on the roof slopes and perform flooring with

Criteria that a folding ladder must meet

In order for the staircase to be used for a long time and be safe for its owners, it must meet certain criteria, regardless of its design and material of manufacture.

Prices for folding stairs

folding ladder

These product features include:

• The strength of the material of manufacture, all fasteners and connecting nodes.
• Lightweight construction. This is important not only for the ease of use of the stairs, but also so that when folded it does not give excessive additional load on the attic floor.
• Ease of use - any adult family member should be able to handle the process of bringing the ladder to “combat readiness” and folding it.
• Hinged or other components and devices that fold the ladder should function easily, without even the slightest difficulty.
• If the staircase will be used constantly, due to the fact that it is supposed to place a frequently used room in the attic, then it is better to make the product yourself or order a good craftsman to be sure of its reliability, and therefore, of your personal safety.

Why is it better to make a ladder yourself?

Today, a considerable number of models from different manufacturers are presented on the construction market. They are usually quite convenient to use, but if they are not exploited very intensively. If the ladder is unfolded and folded several times a day, then a more durable mechanism will be required, since the proposed products may not withstand such intensive use due to the fact that each of them is designed for a certain “motor resource”.

Finished stairs almost always have a small angle of inclination relative to the vertical. That is, the manufacturer makes them too steep, so it is inconvenient to climb and descend on them, especially holding a certain load in one hand, and securing yourself with the other. The reasons, as you can see, are very significant, and therefore many homeowners prefer not to buy ready-made kits, but to mount them on their own according to their own drawings, calculating them for their own weight and equipping them with durable mechanisms.

The main types of folding stairs to the attic

Before purchasing or making a folding ladder, you need to decide on its design, since there are several of them. So, the following types of ladders have been developed and manufactured on an industrial scale and on their own: retractable, folding spring, telescopic, folding with a simplified design, simple folding compact ladders.

Retractable or retractable ladder

The retractable staircase design can consist of two or three sections, depending on the height of the attic floor.

• First option

The upper section of the structure, with the help of a metal flange, is fixed on a transverse board, forming an opening box, equipped in the attic floor. Each of the sections, when the ladder is folded, slides into the part located above, as if on a rail. The sections of the stairs assembled together are transferred to a horizontal position and stacked on the floors of the attic. The hatch in this design can be fixed to the uppermost and shortest section, and in this case, when the hatch is closed, the entire staircase will be hidden. The hatch can also be closed separately, that is, first a ladder is sent to the attic, and then the hatch is closed.

1 - Attic floor beam.

2 - Screw flange.

3 - Retractable sections of the stairs.

4 - Rotary mechanism.

This illustration shows how a retractable ladder works. However, it is quite obvious that it can only be suitable if the attic is not used as a living space and is visited quite rarely, and not constantly.

• Second option

Another version of a sliding ladder, consisting of two sections - a short one, fixed on the manhole cover, and a long one, which, after unfolding, will rest against the floor surface of the room .. This option is also suitable for an attic used as a utility room. So, if you need to get to the attic, the hatch opens, and with it the stairs also fall. Then, from the folded structure, its lower part is extended until it stops on the floor.

When unfolding the stairs, the passage to the attic is freed. In ready-made, factory-made versions of sliding or folding stairs, the hatch is equipped with its own thermal insulation. And a sealant is installed along the contour of the opening so that warm air from the room does not leave through the gaps around the ceiling hatch. One should not forget about similar methods of minimizing heat losses when making stairs on their own.

Folding ladder

A folding ladder differs from a sliding one in that its sections do not slide into one another, but are folded together. This is ensured by special hinged mechanisms installed in the span junctions. The addition of the structure occurs "according to the accordion principle." Top section fixed on the hatch panelGerman folding handrails are also installed, which make it easier to climb to the top floor or attic.

The advantage of this design is that it does not take up more space than an opening in the ceiling, as it is completely hidden in a special box that frames the opening hatch. Therefore, having climbed to the attic, the stairs can be raised so that it does not interfere on the lower floor, and in order not to accidentally step on the hatch, being at the top, you can provide an upper solid hatch or an opening fencing.

Prices for stairs

stairs

The diagram above shows a finished design, one of those offered in specialized stores. However, focusing on it, it is quite possible to make a staircase on your own. How to do this will be discussed in detail in the instruction table below.

The diagram shows a box framing the opening. It is equipped with an elastic rubber gasket, thanks to which the hatch will be pressed tightly against the inner walls of the box without gaps.

The hatch of the shown design is made of chipboard, but by making such a ladder on your own, it is quite possible to replace it with boards, assembling a shield from them. For this purpose, it is recommended to choose a light, porous wood, such as linden or pine.

Wooden steps are equipped with an anti-slip coating. With the independent manufacture of stairs, it is possible to cut recesses on the steps with the help of a milling cutter, in the form of two or three grooves running along the entire length of their surface.

The steps are fixed in the side posts of the ladder sections using a dovetail connection, which is more secure than straight spikes.

Metal scissor stairs

Another version of the folding structure is the so-called scissor ladder, which is made of metal. As a rule, aluminum is used for this purpose, due to its low weight. The design has proven itself quite well, especially for those cases when the attic has to be visited quite often.

The advantages of this type of stairs include its versatility. This means that the modules that form the steps can be stretched "to the full" if the room has a high ceiling, or compressed to a certain level, of course. The main thing is that the lower step rests on the floor. Thus, the staircase is designed for a certain, and very considerable range of ceiling heights.

In the folded state, such a ladder is quite compact and does not go beyond the box intended for it, which is installed in the thickness of the attic floor.

The disadvantage of such a scissor design can be considered that for its installation and addition it is necessary to make certain efforts. This may present a problem for some residents of the house who do not have the necessary physical data.

It is quite difficult to make such a staircase on your own, since the most precise fitting of metal parts is required, and the design itself is replete with swivel joints. Yes, this is unprofitable, since the material for self-production will certainly cost no less than the cost of the finished product.

Any room in the house can and should be equipped in an optimal way for living people. This also applies to the attic. A do-it-yourself attic staircase becomes an excellent example of the correct use of space and forces to organize the space inside the room.

The ascent to the attic includes a ladder itself, a special hatch for penetration and a system of levers for fixing the installed span. A DIY attic staircase saves money and ensures excellent construction quality.

Classic view of a retractable staircase to the attic

There are plenty of options on how to make a staircase to the attic. Therefore, it is up to you to choose the optimal solution and implement it.

Ladder manufacturing, installation and testing are the main stages of work. But without the design and calculation of the future structure, construction will be complicated, and the quality may not meet expectations.

The beginning of work is the creation of a hatch leading to the top. A do-it-yourself attic ladder is a great approach if you have sufficient knowledge and skills. The correct choice of the location of the hatch, its precise creation and equipment for the stairs form the basis of the entire project.

You have 2 options: use a ready-made hatch or make it yourself. The dimensions of the hole should be comfortable for lifting, so as not to touch the head with the ceiling and slings. The place should not be crossed by beams and load-bearing elements. The hatch must be additionally insulated, because the integrity of the structure is broken and this can lead to heat loss.

If you decide to make an attic staircase with your own hands, then you should understand that this is not just a classic path to the top floor. The attic staircase has its own characteristics and requires a special approach.

The manufacture of a hatch for an attic staircase includes the following work:

1. Drawing development
2. Accounting and detailed analysis of the thickness of all structural elements, hatch dimensions.
3. Selection of necessary materials and tools.
4. Forming a hole where there will be a folding ladder or another option for climbing to the attic.
5. Assembly of the hatch frame and secure fixation of all elements.
6. Making a cover from the remains of a floor covering.
7. Decorative design and complex of insulation works.

As a result, you get an equipped hatch that closes easily for a while.

The hatch in the closed position practically does not stand out against the background of the ceiling

DIY folding ladder to the attic

In most cases, the design of the stairs to the attic seems to be exactly that. A loft ladder that can be freely folded looks comfortable and practical, saving space without sacrificing functionality.

Self-production of this type of stairs is quite complicated and time-consuming, but with proper preparation and step-by-step execution, it is quite feasible. From the tools for making a folding attic ladder, you will need the following:

• Hacksaw
• Mounting foam
• Screwdriver (preferably electric)
• Screwdriver
• Anchor bolts
• Self-tapping screws of different diameters
• Loops for fastening
• Roulette.

Before starting the production of an attic ladder, you should take care of the presence of an attached ladder, which will serve as the basis for work. A folding ladder can be made in just 1 day, if all materials and tools are available.

This design option is objectively the most popular, for which there are reasons:

1. Folding ladder allows you to significantly save space.
2. The element easily develops and is extremely simple in operation.
3. Harmonious fit into any interior.
4. Fast production speed.
5. High strength and long service life.

If you manage to make a folding staircase exactly to the planned dimensions, then you will get a spectacular and effective element in home improvement.

Standard sizes

Although the attic stairs are made by hand, there are certain well-established dimensions that are recommended to be observed. They are selected and laid down at the design stage, and during the manufacturing process they serve as the starting point for all actions. Below is a list of sizes that can be used:

1. With a ladder height of 290 cm: 60x90, 60x120 or 70x120 cm.
2. Height 280 cm: 60x120 and 70x120 cm.
3. Height up to 280 cm: 60x120, 70x120 and 70x130 cm.

This is the accepted order of numbers. In any case, you choose the final parameters yourself, solely from personal preferences and understanding of the ease of use of the structure.

Drawing

Here is a set of diverse stairs with detailed drawings for work.

The manufacturing process step by step with photo illustrations and a detailed description

When making stairs for the attic, it is important to follow the stages of work in order to get the best result. To do this, we offer you a universal instruction (attention: some changes and adjustments are allowed for a specific case).

1. Drawing development. It does not require high accuracy and correct design. The main thing is that your document is understandable to you personally and contains precisely calculated and verified parameters.
2. Preparatory work. This important and extensive stage includes the selection of a complete set of tools and materials that will be required to complete the work. Already at this stage, the drawing will help you a lot, because you will visualize how the staircase will look like, which means you can easily make a complete list of everything you need.
3. Base frame manufacturing. Based on the standard and selected size of the hatch, you form frames, carefully adjusting all corners and cleaning individual sections.

Installed frame and mounted sunroof in open position

1. The frame is installed in the working position and fastened with bolts and inserts. The opening fits perfectly.
2. After mounting the frame, the manhole cover is inserted into the body.
3. On the rails make grooves for stairs.
4. The ends of the support beams should be cut at an angle that will optimally fit the floor when the stairs are opened.
5. The sawn off and polished steps are carefully placed in the groove and secured with self-tapping screws.

Installation of steps on the bases

1. All elements (stair segments) are assembled into a single structure. Metal hinges are used to fasten all parts.

Metal loops for connecting structural elements

1. The ladder assembled on the floor is installed in the working position and attached to the hatch frame.
2. Be sure to carefully check how the design you created works. To do this, perform a full set of opening / closing movements several times.

Ladder of several sections in the assembled state

See how you can make a ladder to the attic with a good example

Attic ladder mechanism with hatch - articulated without spring

The design of the hatch opening mechanism is one of the key elements in the development of stairs. You can purchase a ready-to-install mechanism at any general store. If you do not want to purchase such parts, you can make it yourself.

To make a simple version of the opening system, you will need the following set of parts and tools: a corner, a metal sheet (a small piece), 2 strips with different lengths of the canvas, bolts for fasteners, drills, bevel, jigsaw, tees and clamps.

The manufacture of the mechanism for the stairs is as follows:

1. Drawing up a drawing with a detailed description of the elements. Be sure to calculate the angle of contact and the angle of inclination of the cover when opening.
2. Make a draft of the mechanism out of cardboard in order to accurately calculate the size of the hinge.
3. Take metal strips and mark holes on them. This is where the hinges will be installed. The size of the hole is determined by the size of the M10 bolt.
4. The strips are assembled together into a single structure and tightened, but not much.
5. The exact angle is determined using a bevel.
6. Extend the created mechanism to the set angle.
7. On a metal sheet, mark the part that will overlap when the hatch is open.
8. Use a jigsaw to cut this section.
9. The strips must have a presentable appearance, for which they are carefully cleaned and rounded. The processing of all elements is very important, because it is this that guarantees the exact correspondence of all elements and their optimal fit. Friction between parts must not be allowed.
10. To make the second part of the mechanism, we recommend using clamps. To give accuracy to the dimensions, it is enough to securely fasten the finished element and the source.
11. Also, with the help of clamps, you can achieve the exact location of the holes.
12. After the holes for the bolts are created, a bolt is placed in the finished one.
13. The blanks are twisted with two bolts and aligned in length.

Your task is to make 2 identical mechanisms. Completely finished opening mechanisms are installed on the hatch. Be sure to re-try the hatch with the mechanisms to the opening - make sure there are no gaps and areas where the elements are in contact.

Adjusting the structure in this area is possible and is not difficult, so be careful about this.

The hinge is easy to use and allows you to use the stairs with comfort.

Stair options

Attic stairs can have several types. The choice allows you to optimally equip any room, depending on your personal wishes and needs.

- folding ladder on hinges

A fairly common format for making stairs. The project consists of 3 sections, which are connected into a single structure. This format is suitable for equipping stairs in any room. Hinges for the opening hatch can be purchased ready-made and installed as soon as possible.

Folding ladder with hinges

- a simple wooden staircase

This option is more attractive and is a certain modernization of the previous design. For manufacturing, it is enough to saw a standard ladder into 3 sections. The smallest one should be the size of the hatch, the second one should be larger, and the third one should completely cover the remaining distance to the floor. Make grooves on and mount steps in them. Be sure to accurately handle all corners and surfaces.

- folding ladder in two parts

A variant of the attic staircase, which is suitable for a small room height or a view of a simplified design.

Folding ladder

- sliding attic stairs - retractable marches to the attic

Staircase with large retractable sections that pull out and at the same time close the distance to the hatch. Requires precise fitting of elements and sufficient space.

Sliding ladder

- stairs to the attic from the street with your own hands

Attic stairs can have an unlimited number of options - below you can admire the completed projects.

Staircase from the street

Photo gallery of attic stairs

Today on the net you can find a large number of designs of stairs for the attic. Everyone can make them with their own hands, so you should not be afraid - you just need to prepare well and do it.

A ladder to the attic with your own hands is a great way to make the house more comfortable, and going to the attic is a real pleasure. The design has a small set of technical difficulties - therefore, the product is often made by hand. Basic rules for someone who decides to make an attic staircase on their own:

• Carefully draw up a drawing based on the dimensions obtained and personal wishes.
• Choose the best quality tools and materials.
• Carefully inspect all connecting elements and docking parts.
• Check the elements of the stairs more often to prevent defects and eliminate them in a timely manner.

The stairs to the attic are easy to decorate and fit perfectly into the style of any room. Comfortable handles and secure fixation form an ideal way to climb to the top, which is an excellent alternative to a standard fixed ladder.

Many people want to live in a cozy country house with an attic room or an attic. When designing and building such housing, the question arises of a convenient and safe ascent to the second floor. Therefore, it is worth considering in more detail the nuances of making stairs for the attic.

Peculiarities

An attic ladder is necessary not only in a house with an attic, it will be required even if the attic is not used for housing - for access to the roof, repair work, laying communications. There are many types and designs of it, but the main thing is that it provides a convenient descent and ascent and is safe.

One of the easiest options is an attic staircase located outside the house. It is elementary to make it, but in cold weather it will not be very comfortable to climb into the attic, and the attic opening facing the street will let in cold air, which will generally increase heat loss inside the residential building. Therefore, it is better to immediately choose a staircase project to the attic from the inside.

The attic space can be used in different ways. It can serve as a full-fledged living room, be a workshop, storage room. Depending on its purpose, it is worth choosing the type of attic stairs. If access to the attic is required several times during the season, then you can get by with the simplest folding model made of wood or aluminum, and if there is a bedroom or a nursery on top, then you should definitely make a durable and comfortable design with a hatch and railings.

The task of making an attic staircase with your own hands for an experienced craftsman is not too difficult, the main thing is to choose its type, shape, location in advance and pre-create drawings with dimensions. The simplest folding options are made in one day, more complex models with railings and two spans can be built in 2-3 days. Most often, the entrance to the attic is made in the hallway, on the veranda, but it can also be built in any other residential area.

Kinds

All types of attic stairs can be divided into portable and stationary. Portable options are ordinary ladders that are attached to the attic hatch and used for their intended purpose. Constantly going up and down them will not bring much convenience, especially for children or the elderly, and they are also unsafe. Their advantage lies in the fact that they are easy to manufacture, do not take up much space in the room, if they are not in demand, then they can simply be removed to any free place.

Portable stairs are most often used as temporary (during construction or repair), in the future it is best to build a more reliable and convenient option.

The folding structure is usually made of aluminum, as it is strong and lightweight. At the bottom there are support beams to give stability, the width can reach 65 cm. The step pitch is usually 10–20 cm, there can be one or more sections. The longest is the 4-section model, but this height is usually not required, for a floor height of 2.5–3 m, two sections are sufficient.

A folding attic ladder according to the mechanism of its disassembly can be:

• retractable;
• scissor;
• lever;
• folding.

A sliding attic ladder made of aluminum is good because it easily unfolds to the desired length and is securely fixed, and when folded it takes up very little space, it can be leaned against a wall or put in the attic. All such designs can be easily found in hardware stores, so you don’t even have to do anything yourself.

Another option is to mount a homemade ladder with a folding part. It can be mounted on a ceiling door or hatch, then it can be easily folded back and unfolded. There can be 2-3 sections, in the unfolded state it turns out to be rigid and stationary. Hardwood is used for mounting its frame and steps, and metal parts are used for fastening and folding mechanism. With a competent design and careful work, such a design can be automatic, very convenient and completely safe.

An interesting variant of compact structures that are attached from the inside to the attic hatch is scissor ladders. They are most often made entirely of metal, and when the damper is opened into the attic, they are laid out like an accordion or a tram current collector. The frame is very light, easily attached to the wooden hatch with bolts. The disadvantage is that after some time of intensive use, metal parts begin to creak. Therefore, we must not forget to lubricate them periodically.

A type of retractable is a telescopic attic ladder. It consists of many aluminum tubes that fold into one. When folded, it takes up little space, easily attached to the attic hatch. In order to expand it, a special handle is provided. But such models are not very popular.

A very common option is monolithic stairs, that is, not folding and not portable. Such lifting structures, although they take up more space, are strong, do not need moving parts, and can last for decades. They can be made from high-quality wood, equipped with railings, and the space under the stairs can be used with maximum benefit.

Single-span monolithic staircase - the easiest to manufacture, but it may have too steep a slope, which will cause inconvenience during regular use. The most convenient can be a design with two spans located perpendicular or parallel to each other. The only problem is that it will take up the maximum space. To save space, many craftsmen build a spiral staircase in a small room.

Monolithic stairs to the attic or attic with one or two spans are made of wood, but there are also models with a metal frame that have wooden steps. Most often they are made in a secluded, most unclaimed place in the room. A good solution would be to place them against the wall or in the corner of the room.

materials

Attic stairs can be metal and wooden. For sliding and folding structures, it is better to use metal, which will wear out less with constant friction of parts.

The most commonly chosen material is aluminum, which is light, strong and does not corrode.

Stair fittings include hinges, bolts, springs, which can be made of stainless steel.

A stationary and monolithic staircase to the attic is best made of wood. It is easy to process and fasten. Usually choose hardwoods: oak, beech, pine. The material must be well dried, treated with varnish and antiseptic. For the frame and steps, bars with a thickness of at least 2 cm are taken.

accessories

When installing a wooden monolithic staircase, only ordinary nails are needed to fasten parts. For sliding or reclining ceiling options, more complex components will be required. To open the attic hatch, you will need metal corners and strips, hinges, hinges, bolts or self-tapping screws. The number of parts is selected depending on the length of the stairs and the number of sections.

Mounting

As an example of making a comfortable and safe staircase to the attic, consider the device of a folding model of three sections, which leans up onto the ceiling hatch. It can be built independently in almost any country house with wooden ceilings up to 280 cm high.

Step by step it is made in several stages.

• First you need to make an attic hatch. The ceiling opening can be of any size, for example, 80x70 cm. The hatch itself should open easily and withstand the design of the folded ladder. For its manufacture, bars of 5x5 cm and plywood 1 cm thick are taken. The bars, cut to the size of the opening, are connected with glue and self-tapping screws; for rigidity, the frame can be strengthened with metal corners. Then plywood is nailed to it with thin nails.
• Next, you need to install the hatch on the ceiling with the help of hinges so that it opens and closes easily and smoothly. At this stage, it is important to correctly select and mount the hinge mechanism. There should be enough space in the attic for the folded hatch. If the room under the roof is cold, then it is worth additionally insulating the attic hatch by placing some kind of insulation between the layers of plywood, sheathing the edges with a rubber seal so that there are no gaps.

• After that, you need to make the stairs themselves. For her, a board of 2x10 cm is taken, sections of the desired length are cut. The steps must be fixed not at a right angle, but at an angle in accordance with the angle of inclination of the ladder itself, that is, when unfolded, they must lie horizontally.
• Further, the sections are fastened with metal hinges in such a way that the whole structure can be easily moved apart and folded. The assembled ladder of three sections is attached to the hatch using metal corners.
• Next, you can attach a convenient handle, latches or locks to the attic door.

Another example of an attic staircase in a wooden house that you can make yourself is a stationary monolithic structure with one span. A place for it should be chosen in the corner of the room, so that one side of the flight of stairs rests on the wall. Since the climb will be quite steep, it is best to provide the stairs with wooden railings. For the frame and steps, 10 cm wide inch boards are selected.

Steps are sawn 650 cm wide, the step between them should be 10-15 cm, the length will depend on the height of the ceiling. For railings, you can take polished bars 5x5 cm. Installation takes place on anchors or screws. If necessary, a hatch is mounted on the attic opening, which opens with hinges with hinges.

The advantages of this design are that it is easy to assemble and install, has a pleasant appearance, and can be easily dismantled during repairs.

It is not recommended to mount a wooden staircase with one section longer than 3.5 m, as its rigidity suffers, the structure has a risk of collapse. In a private house with high ceilings, it is better to use a monolithic version with 2-3 spans. If the floor height is high and there is not enough space, then there is a good option for a spiral staircase. But such structures are not very convenient, there is a high risk of falling.

The stairs to the attic from the street can also be made stationary, adjacent to the wall of a wooden house. But this option is only good for a warm climate, or if it is used irregularly. Often such projects are used in houses with an attic for an additional entrance to the upper room. If the ability to build a solid and beautiful internal structure does not allow, and you need to use the attic regularly, then you can create the simplest temporary street option.

For ease of use, steps should have a step of no more than 20 cm, but they should not be placed too often. The optimal height is 19.3 cm.

If they are made of wood, then their thickness should be 18-22 mm, otherwise the ladder has a risk of collapse. In a building up to 280 cm high, the number of steps of a single-span staircase will be 14–15.

The optimal angle of inclination of a folding or single-span staircase is 60–75 degrees. If it is smaller, then the steepness of the rise is too large, it becomes inconvenient and dangerous to use. If the slope is greater, then the design will take up a lot of space in the room. In general, it is calculated that for a comfortable lift, the total span in such a model should be 35 cm more than the height from floor to ceiling.

The calculation shows that the optimal length of the steps should be at least 65 cm, then you can move freely along it. But if space allows, you can increase this value. A folding or single-span wooden ladder must support a weight of 150 kg. The width of the steps should be at least 20 cm, then it will be convenient to step on them.

It is possible to buy ready-made folding mechanisms for attic stairs. But at the same time, their dimensions must be correctly taken into account so that when folded they fit into the ceiling opening, securely attached to the hatch, and when unfolded, they were just the height of the room.

If it is decided to make such an ascent to the attic completely independently, then it is worth creating a detailed drawing with dimensions, calculating the possible load, making an estimate, including building materials for the frame, steps and railings, fittings and fasteners, insulation for the hatch.

Unlike railings, steps should not be made of smooth, polished wood. In this case, the surface will be very slippery and there is a high risk of falling, especially with a steep or helical version. If, however, the wood is too smooth, then it is best to provide steps with anti-slip stickers.

Successful examples and options

The scissor ladder to the attic is easy to install, relatively cheap. But it is not so comfortable when lifting, and the view is not very attractive.

A folding wooden ladder attached to the hatch looks beautiful. As you can see, the mechanism is equipped with a special handle, so no ladders and stools are required.

A beautiful version of a monolithic wooden structure with original steps can be made and assembled with your own hands.