Attic is a special space under the roof of the house that can be used in different ways. Naturally, you need to somehow climb up. To do this, you will need an attic ladder. Doing it with your own hands is quite simple. All you need is material, a tool, a drawing, and a little time.
Attic ladder designs
Naturally, the structure presented should be comfortable and take up very little space in the house.
There are quite a few types of such constructions:
- Foldable. Most often it consists of 3 parts that are fastened together. They can be easily folded. That is, if not needed, such a ladder will be in the attic and will not take up space. You can adjust the height of this design manually. DIY folding loft ladders are very easy to set up.
- Sliding. Such a product most often has 2 parts in its composition, which are attached to the hatch. Such stairs must be equipped with handrails. However, please note that in this case you will have to think about how to properly install it in the opening.
- Scissor. Most often they are made of metal. The principle of operation of such a design is simple. Sections of steps connect with each other like scissors. In a calm state, such a ladder looks like a spring. You can also equip it with an automatic drive, which will be controlled by a remote control.
What are the building requirements?
If you need an attic ladder, even an amateur can design it with his own hands. However, certain requirements must be met:
1. Particular attention should be paid to the safety of the product. That is, all fasteners must be reliable, and the materials of manufacture are durable. And the stairs should not block the passage.
2. Keep in mind that functionality is more important than external beauty. Although this is not the last detail. For example, you should be comfortable climbing stairs. The design should be chosen taking into account all family members living in the house who will use it.
3. It is better if the stairs are equipped with railings, handrails and slips that will prevent slipping.
4. The structure must meet fire safety requirements, especially wood.
5. Consider the load capacity of the product. The optimal figure is 260 kg.
Attic stairs (it's quite easy to make it with your own hands) must fully meet the specified requirements. These will save your he alth, space and money.
Required Materials
If you need an attic ladder, do it yourself only after you decide what you will fold it from. For example, you can build it from wood or metal. In the first case, unpainted material should be used. So in the future you can decorate the stairs according to your interior. Moreover, such a design is made faster and easier.
Do-it-yourself folding attic ladders made of metal are much more difficult to build. This is due to the fact that such material is not easy to process and requires special equipment. However, such a product will last longer and is considered more durable.
Which tool do you need?
A do-it-yourself attic staircase (you can draw a drawing yourself or find a finished drawing) is constructed using a special tool. For example, you need to take:
1. Hacksaw or jigsaw.
2. Mounting foam.
3. Adjustable wrenches.
4. Protractor and tape measure.
5. Screwdrivers.
6. Screws, self-tapping screws, bolts and nuts.
7. Milling and grinding machine.
8. Wood sander.
9. Welding (if necessary).
Do-it-yourself folding attic stairs should be done only after you have decided on the type of structure. This set of tools is the main one. Therefore, you may need additional machines.
How to determine the location and size of stairs?
Make an atticstairs with your own hands is not very difficult. However, you must first choose a place for its installation, as well as determine the dimensions of the structure. So, the structure can be installed both outside the house and indoors. The latter option is more convenient, as it can be used at any time (winter, summer, rain or heat).
It is desirable that the place where the stairs will be located is isolated and does not interfere with moving around the house. Please note that the dimensions of the room where the structure will be located must be large enough. If the staircase is part of the interior, then it is better to leave it open. Otherwise, apply the closed option.
A do-it-yourself attic staircase, the drawing of which must be accurate, must fit into the room where it will be installed. That is, before starting all the actions, calculate the dimensions of the finished structure. At the same time, pay attention to the fact that the structure should be wide enough, and the steps should be conveniently located.
Features of manufacturing wooden stairs
Do-it-yourself attic stairs made of wood, you can see the photo in the article, can be made quickly enough. If you have all the materials, then the work involves several stages:
1. Wood preparation. That is, you must cut out the steps and slats that will connect them. If you have no time to do this, then you can take a ready-made ladder.
2. Fromof the finished material, make two identical parts.
3. Next, these elements should be connected using anchor bolts.
4. For the hinge mechanism, metal elements should be prepared: sheet steel, a thick corner and a strip.
5. Bowstrings and steps should be well sanded. Otherwise, you may get hurt. Further, recesses are made in the bowstrings for inserting steps. Please note that the last elements must be strictly parallel to the floor.
6. Next, the finished elements of the stairs should be connected to the lifting mechanism and the lever-spring element.
Features of manufacturing a metal structure
There are other types of structures presented. Do-it-yourself attic stairs made of metal are much more difficult than those made of wood. For example, here you must strictly observe the slope of the marches within 25-45 degrees. The height of the steps should also be within 60-64 cm. These are standard indicators that you should be guided by.
Kosoura can also be different. For example, there are stairs with a bowstring made of sheet metal, sawtooth, with a serrated section, without or with brackets. In principle, if you have a suitable drawing, you will quickly assemble the desired version of the stairs.
Installing the structure
It should be noted that the manufacture of a structure is not the most difficult stage. Do-it-yourself installation of an attic staircase must be done very accurately so as not to redo all the work later. During the implementationinstallation must follow certain rules:
1. First of all, do not do everything yourself. You need an assistant.
2. You must have the exact dimensions of the opening to which the structure will be attached.
3. Please note that the stairs should be easy to manage. That is, you need to reach for the sliding mechanism. At the same time, it must securely fix the structure in the assembled state.
4. You need to fasten the structure very, very firmly, so that at one fine moment it does not fall on your head. To do this, use large bolts and metal inserts.
5. To facilitate the operation of the structure, you can equip it with automatic mechanisms that, using the remote control, will raise or lower the product.
Before screwing, test the ladder to see if all mechanisms are working properly.
In principle, you have learned all the features of the manufacture and installation of attic stairs. Naturally, all actions should be performed accurately and carefully. Subject to all the technology, your product will last a long time and very high quality. Good luck!
