Most of the houses have an attic space. It does not matter whether it is residential, i.e. represents an attic or is simply used to store unnecessary things - attic stairs are needed to get upstairs.
You can install a stationary structure, but it will take up the usable area of \u200b\u200bthe room. An alternative option is to prefer a mobile ladder. The advantage of the solution is that you can assemble such a structure with your own hands.
Types of attic/mansard stairs
When choosing one or another design option, one should take into account all their advantages and disadvantages.
Ways to get into the attic
- Stepladders or ladders. This is the traditional, however, the least comfortable type of devices for getting up. Such stairs are usually used temporarily or if the attic is visited very rarely.
- Stationary analogues. Their design can be marching or screw. A wooden or metal attic ladder of the second type makes it possible to save space. However, it is not very convenient for the elderly and children. Marching structures take up a lot of usable space.
Note!
The space under the stairs can be used to the maximum benefit.
There you can arrange a wardrobe, bookshelves, etc.
The main advantage of stationary stairs equipped with railings is reliability and convenience.
This is especially important if the attic is residential and is visited very often.
- Folding models of stairs to the attic are the most modern. They have different designs. The most common sectional type, when the structure is divided into several parts that are laid out in series. Such a layout system as an attic scissor ladder is also common.
- Sliding structures of attic stairs made on the principle of a telescope.Sections with steps move apart sequentially. When assembled, the model takes up minimal space. The attic telescopic ladder can be extended to any desired length.
- Such stairs are made from a variety of materials - plastic, wood, metal and their combinations.
- When folded, they take up minimal space.
- Thanks to modern technology, the design of products is safe and durable.
- I have an opportunity stairwell attic insulation, so living rooms will be protected from the cold to the maximum.
Advantages of mobile structures
Note!
It is not always desirable to manually lay out / fold the stairs.
For older people and children, this is simply difficult to do.
The best way out is to use electric attic stairs.
Automatic structures
Stairs with electric control make it possible to climb to the attic without much effort.
- Such structures are made of both wood and metal.
- Usually, they are equipped with a ball-bearing unit with a drive that is connected to the mains of the house.
- In addition, the products are equipped with folding (telescopic) railings. . By pressing the control button, the structure can be expanded or folded in a few seconds.
- Electric attic stairs can be additionally supplied with a locking system. Thus, children will not be able to get upstairs from the inside, and uninvited guests will not penetrate from the outside.
The price of such modern designs is relatively high.However, they provide much more comfort in their use than manually folded/unfolded models.
Making stairs for the attic
With proper installation of the structure, you will provide yourself and your household with a convenient, durable and strong access to the attic or attic. The cheapest and easiest material to work with is wood. However, it is not particularly reliable.
As a result, many home owners prefer to opt for attic metal stairs or a combination of materials.
Site selection and design
- Stairs connecting the attic to the ground floor can be installed both inside and outside the house. Naturally, the first of the options is much more convenient.
- It is advisable to place the structure where it will not interfere. For example, in the living room or in the kitchen, such a design would not be very appropriate. The most typical options are a hall or an entrance hall.
- When designing, it is necessary to determine the dimensions of the attic stairs, the slope and location of its steps. The desired slope angle is not more than 45 degrees. Otherwise, it will be difficult to move around the structure, especially for older users.
- The instruction warns that the width of the flight of stairs / march should be at least 0.8 m. So, even obese people can easily climb / descend along it.
Note!
The distance between the steps should be such that it would be convenient for adult users to move along them.
They must be placed exactly horizontally.
Preparatory work
Attic / mansard stairs, like conventional analogues, require accurate measurements of the room before installing them. At the same time, the height from floors to ceiling is also determined.Then the amount of materials needed is calculated.
Since working with wood does not require very high professional skills, it is easiest for an amateur builder to assemble a structure from it. For example, it can be a folding ladder to the attic, with one side attached to the wall.
For the manufacture of the structure you will need such materials.
- Two beams for mounting a bowstring. Their thickness should be at least 3 centimeters. The length of the beams must be chosen based on the distance from the floors to the ceiling, as well as the length of the march.
- Boards in the required quantity, for the manufacture of steps. Their thickness should be at least 3 cm, and the length of 12 centimeters or more.
- Two card-type loops on each of the steps.
- Self-tapping screws and anchor bolts.
Of the tools you will need an electric drill, electric jigsaw, screwdriver, etc.
Manufacturing of a folding structure
- First you need to attach the first bowstring to the wall, at the required slope.
- To make it possible to recline the structure, its upper edge should not reach the ceiling.
- Next, on the bowstring, mark up to fix the steps.
- The steps must be exactly parallel to the floors.
- Attach them to a fixed and movable bowstring with card loops. Do it in such a way that in the first of the cases the loops make it possible to lower the steps, in the second - to raise them.
- Further, the entire attic folding ladder is fixed with a hook fixed to the ceiling.
- As a result, you will get a structure, tightly pressed against the wall, when folded. If you recline it, it will make it possible to easily climb into the attic.
- When insulating the stairs, the hatch must be equipped with an additional layer of material with low thermal conductivity parameters.
Conclusion
Mobile attic stairs of all varieties can be purchased ready-made and mounted according to the attached manual. This will make it possible to avoid possible errors, labor and time costs. However, a home-made design will allow you to save money and get moral satisfaction.
Automatic and insulated attic stairs are not yet very common in our country. But their increased comfort has already begun to attract more and more property owners.
Check out the video in this article. It will allow you to get a better understanding of the topic.
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