Varieties of attic stairs and their differences. How to make the stairs to the attic yourself: plans and calculation

The decision to remake attic spaces for arranging an attic is made if you wish to increase the residential or other area used for other purposes in the house without erecting additional extensions to the building. But for the normal operation of new rooms, you will need a good staircase to the attic, which you can do with your own hands. And in order not to make mistakes during its construction, you should first understand the existing staircase designs and choose the most suitable option for your home.

Stairs for climbing to the attic floor can be divided into several categories according to:

• location;
• type of construction;
• materials used.

The last classifying indicator in some cases may not accurately determine the options for attic stairs, since sometimes different materials are combined for its manufacture.

Location of stairs

A convenient lift to the attic can be installed not only inside the house, but also outside, on the street. In this case, to go upstairs, you will need to leave the house. But such an external arrangement will be very convenient when living in the same house with, for example, an adult son or daughter. Your grown-up child will have his own entrance and his own room.

The most common option is to install stairs to the attic floor inside the house. To do this, choose a place where it does not take up much space and provide a convenient and safe ascent to the top. Usually this is one of the corners in a common room, a corridor, or a place near a blank wall without windows.

Types of stairs.

Applied spatial structures

Among the possible options for mounted stairs, six different types of structures are distinguished:

• direct single-march;
• rotary two-march with an intermediate horizontal platform;
• with winder steps;
• vertical spiral staircases to the attic in a small house;
• involute complex geometric configuration;
• folding and lifting.

Single-march stairs can be considered the simplest. This is a structure consisting of one straight march and a railing enclosing it. Their main disadvantage lies in the large amount of space occupied by the room in which they are installed.

Reducing the length will increase the angle of inclination and make it too steep and uncomfortable. Therefore, single-flight stairs to the last floor are arranged in wide hallways or large rooms up to 3 meters high.

two-march occupies a much smaller area, but more difficult to manufacture and install. In addition to two straight flights, the design includes a securely fixed horizontal platform for the possibility of turning at a right angle or 180 degrees.

Such stairs are placed in the corner of the room or in a specially provided space niche. Installing a turntable allows you to get a comfortable angle of inclination at any ceiling height.

stairs with winder steps even more compact. This is achieved by replacing the horizontal turntable with steps with a trapezoidal shape. Their narrow side is smaller than the wide part and is directed towards the middle of the turn. They can be one-, two- or three-flight systems that are installed in relatively small rooms at any ceiling height.

screw the stairs are very original, beautiful, but rather inconvenient for permanent use. Especially for the elderly. In addition, the furnishings will have to be lifted through windows or before the screw lift is installed. Such structures have a central axial support and are completely assembled from winder-type steps.

involute stairs from the first floor are an intermediate solution between mid-flight and helical spatial structures. They look very nice and original. But they are distinguished by the high complexity of manufacturing parts and assembling at the location.

It is most likely impossible to make such a system on your own and you will have to invite a specialist. As a result, this will be a convenient, but expensive option for resolving the issue.

folding small structures are a system of folding or sliding sections into each other. Quite difficult to manufacture, but on sale you can always find a wide variety of folding stairs at very affordable prices.

This is a good option for arranging stairs to the attic with a small area - if desired, you can always remove it to the attic floor, and close the opening with a descending hatch.

What are stairs made of?

The choice of material for the manufacture of stairs depends, first of all, on the chosen design, the desired design and the financial capabilities of the developer. They are made from:

• wood;
• metal;
• concrete;
• natural and artificial stone.

Sharing of various materials is widely used. For example, the supporting structure is made of metal, and the steps and railings are made of wood. Well, or the supporting one is metal, stone steps, and the railings are made of glass and wood.

Wooden Stairs are not only beautiful and suitable for any style of interior, but also create additional comfort and a sense of closeness to nature. Wood is the most affordable and suitable material for self-manufacturing and installation.

However, most types of wood are not distinguished by increased strength and durability, and dense varieties are expensive and not so well processed. When finishing the steps, they should not be over polished, as they become slippery and reduce the level of safety.

Metal in the interior of the premises it always looks elegant and attracts attention, especially if forged or chrome elements are used for manufacturing. Metal structures are distinguished by reliability and durability, and the plasticity of the material allows them to be given any spatial configuration.

However, for the manufacture of metal stairs with your own hands, you must have the skills of locksmith work and the experience of a welder, which will ensure the reliability and strength of the joints.

Stairs from concrete heavy, massive and require a reliable reinforcing frame, and in certain cases, supporting metal structures. The best option for installing them is the arrangement of an external entrance to the attic.

And, only for stone buildings. In a wooden building, such a bulky structure will look ridiculous. But making a concrete marching staircase on your own is not so difficult.

Steps from natural or artificial stone look beautiful. They are assembled on metal bearing stringers. Durable and reliable. In the case of installing wrought iron railings, they create a feeling of luxury and speak of the wealth of the owners. The main disadvantage of these materials is the high cost and the need to hire experienced specialists for installation.

To answer the question of how to make a staircase to the upper floor, you must determine:

• where is it installed?
• choice of construction type;
• what materials will be used for manufacturing.

Manufacturing of parts and installation

A builder who does not have professional experience is advised to opt for a simple marching structure made of wood. In this case, a single-flight staircase will be located along a blank wall that does not have windows, where it can be further secured.

The two-flight is placed in the corner of the room or also along the wall with a small lower march, turning 90 degrees towards the room. A good solution could be to install an attic staircase on the veranda, which will become an insulated vestibule and protect the room from the cold.

What is required for work

Wood for manufacturing must be selected from dense hardwoods. Oak, larch, birch, cedar are considered the most suitable. All purchased material must be brought into the room and kept before the start of work for 3-4 days. During this time, the temperature of the wood will become equal to the temperature in the room and acquire the correct mounting size.

The right choice would be to install a 65x25 mm steel profile pipe as the supporting stringers. This will strengthen the structure and allow the use of welding for the installation of wooden step supports, refusing to use less reliable spikes and self-tapping screws. In addition, this will allow the use of metal for the installation of railings or facilitate the installation of wooden balusters.

To protect wood from moisture, wood-boring insects, in case of fire and to obtain a beautiful appearance, it is necessary to purchase appropriate impregnations, stains and varnishes. For painting metal - primer and paint.

Tool

The set of necessary tools depends on the place of manufacture of blanks. If the details of the steps are made in a carpentry workshop, then this is only an assembly tool:

• jigsaw;
• electric drill;
• electric planer;
• angle grinder (grinder);
• wood saw;
• chisel and chisel;
• hammer and mallet.

When using steel profile pipes and corners for installation, a welding machine and electrodes are required.

Estimated part of the work

To ensure convenient and safe operation of the ladder structure, the following regulatory requirements must be observed:

• elevation angle of marches 20-40 degrees (limit value 45);
• passage width 800-1000 mm;
• step depth 200-320 mm;
• riser height 150-200 mm;
• the narrow edge of the trapezoid is not less than 100 mm.

Recommended step sizes.

A wide part of winder steps is not standardized. The recommended width of the intermediate horizontal platform is 800 mm, the length must correspond to the adjoining ladder.

The calculation begins with measuring the height of the lower floor room, taking into account the clean floor of the attic. To determine the number of steps, you need to divide the previously obtained value by the accepted height of the riser. It is selected in such a way that when dividing, an even integer corresponding to the standard range is obtained.

So, with a floor height of 3 meters, a riser with a size of 187 mm is suitable. In this case, the number of steps will be 16.04, which can be rounded up to 16. Then the length of a single-flight staircase with a step width of 280 mm will be 16 x 280 = 4480 mm.

Calculation of the step of the stairs.

Now you need to measure the existing length of the room, which should be equal to 4480 + 800 = 5280 mm. If the flight of stairs does not correspond to the data received, then a two-flight staircase will have to be installed.

Elements of building structures protruding from the walls and the size of the free passage on the upper steps of the stairs should provide a free passage with a height of at least 1850 mm, optimally - 2000 mm.

If the dimensions of the hatch are too large, then the height of the riser should be increased, which will reduce the length of the stairs and increase the angle of inclination. The length of the kosour is calculated by the Pythagorean formula: the sum of the squares of the legs is equal to the square of the hypotenuse.

The angle of the stairs.

Now transfer the results to paper in the form of a draft drawing. At the same time, be sure to reduce the size of the riser by the thickness of the board used when laying the steps.

An example of a staircase calculation drawing.

Manufacturing of components and installation

So, we came close to how to make a staircase to the attic. The parts required for the installation of the stairs are made in accordance with the drawing data. Initially, stringers are cut out of two 5-meter boards.

Install the finished stringers in place and secure them with hardware fasteners, dowels or studs. If one of the boards goes along the wall, then provide additional fastening to building structures.

After that, proceed to the installation of steps, which can be fixed on screws using self-tapping screws or on wooden cotter pins with glue.

Tread fastening.

The final stage is the installation of balusters and railings. These parts are best bought ready-made, factory-made. This will greatly facilitate the work, making it simple and understandable.

Related videos

The presence of an attic in the house makes it easy to equip a comfortable and functional room for any needs without the need to add additional floors or rooms. An important element of this room is the staircase, because it is thanks to it that you can quickly and safely get to the attic floor.

What should be the staircase to the attic, what to look for when choosing a design and material, and whether it is possible to make attic stairs with your own hands - we will consider in more detail in our article.

Types of attic stairs

According to the type of installation, the staircase to the attic, the photo below, can be:

• Internal - a universal type of attic stairs, which is located inside the building. It can take up quite a lot of space, so it is important to carefully choose its design if the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room is small.
• Outdoor - located outside the building, such an ascent to the attic floor is an integral part of the facade. Thanks to this type, the attic will have a separate entrance from the street. It is better to design an external staircase to the attic at the stage of building a house.

Construction of attic stairs

Standard single-march is a straight structure, located at an angle, the value of which depends on the height of the ceiling. The optimal angle of elevation should be 30-45 degrees, so such an attic staircase should not be installed if the floor height is more than 2.5 m - the steps will be too steep and uncomfortable, and the structure will take up a lot of space. In addition, this type requires a long opening in the ceiling, which will reduce the useful area of ​​​​the attic.

In the photo - a straight attic staircase

Two-march - an option suitable for spacious rooms, since it requires the allocation of space for it, designed for a turntable. Suitable for any height of the ceiling, keeps the dimensions of the steps convenient. The turn can be either 90 degrees or 180, and to save space, it is better to install such an attic staircase in the corner.

One of the options for the location of the attic stairs

With winder steps - instead of a turntable, trapezoidal steps are installed, which are laid with a narrow side in a smaller turning radius. For convenience, the width of the middle of the step should be at least 0.3 m. Such a design will take up less space than a rotary one, while providing a comfortable climb to the attic.

Here is such an attic staircase you can do with your own hands

Screw - the most economical option of all, because it takes up the least space. Able to transform and make any interior original. It consists of winder steps attached to the central axis (support column). But at the same time, spiral attic stairs are very inconvenient, because you can easily stumble on them. In addition, it is worth taking care of installing reliable railings and additional lighting for lifting to the attic.

How to properly position the stairs to the attic without losing usable space

Folding - the simplest and most inexpensive version of the attic stairs, but it is better to install it if the attic is used intermittently, for example, in the country. It is a compact design of several sections, which, when folded, are easily removed into the ceiling hatch. Such attic stairs are easy to install, do not need planning and are convenient to use, do not take up space, are durable and reliable.

Small Folding Attic Ladder

What material is best?

The attic staircase is a full-fledged part of the interior, and in the case of outdoor installation - an important architectural element. Choosing the material and design of the stairs to the attic, you should focus on the interior of the room.

Wooden attic stairs, photo below, can be of any design, shape and color, they are very easy to fit into the interior. In addition, wood is a strong and durable material that can give the room additional comfort. But wood needs timely treatment with special compounds that can extend its service life.

Important: The surface of the steps should not be too smooth, since varnished or polished, they cannot provide a safe ascent or descent from the attic.

Metal attic stairs emphasize the unique design of the room. They are strong and reliable and look very original. They can be painted in any suitable shade or ordered chrome - it all depends on the design of the attic and the whole house. Attic metal stairs are suitable for any houses: brick, wooden, stone.

How to make a spiral staircase to the attic

Stone - solid and reliable structures for climbing to the attic floor. But it is better to install them in brick houses, because visually they are heavy and can overload the interior. It is best to install such a ladder outside. It can be plastered and painted in the color of the facade.

How to build an attic staircase with your own hands

You can buy a finished staircase to the attic, but there is a risk that it will not fit into the internal dimensions of the house. Custom-made production is a very costly and long-term production. Therefore, the easiest way is to make a staircase to the attic with your own hands.

Important: For construction, it is better to use coniferous wood: larch, cedar, pine. From hardwoods, it is better to choose oak, beech or ash. Lumber must be well dried, smooth and without knots - this will ensure the strength and stability of the future structure.

The layout of the stairs to the attic

The construction of a staircase to the attic begins with determining the place of its installation: for a residential attic floor, it is better to make an exit from the hallway or living room, and for a temporary one, from the veranda or street. The easiest way is to make a staircase to the attic along the stringers (wooden or metal beams located along the wall).

Basic concepts for calculation

A string should be stretched along the wall, connecting the upper point of the subfloor of the attic and the place where the stairs begin on the first floor. After that, you should calculate the number of steps. It is advisable to first draw up drawings with a work plan and focus on them during installation.

The dimensions of the tread and riser will depend on the angle of inclination. In this case, the maximum step height should not exceed 20 cm (at 45 degrees) and be less than 12 cm (at 30 degrees). The depth of the step should be within 30-38 cm. The optimal span width is about 100-120 cm.

Angles are marked on the stringer based on the number and position of the steps. In the upper part of the board, a spike with dimensions of 50-100 mm should be left, depending on the section of the beam, designed to secure the hatch to the attic. In the overlap under the spike, a groove is hollowed out with a chisel.

After that, the board should be grabbed to the wall and draw the calculated number of steps (draw the lines strictly according to the level). In this case, the first board from the bottom is drawn taking into account the thickness of the tread board.

Then the board can be removed and sawed teeth on it. The second board is cut according to the pattern of the first. For wide stairs, it is better to prepare three beams.

Installation

At the beginning, the base of the stairs is installed, which should be fixed with a bar. Kosours are screwed to it with self-tapping screws, with upper spikes they must enter the prepared grooves, smeared with carpentry glue. Structural strength will be given by strengthening the structure with metal corners and threaded studs (the stringers are connected in 3-4 places). After that, the first beam is screwed to the wall.

The lower step is mounted first, you can fix it on self-tapping screws that need to be drowned and closed with wooden plugs. After that, the riser is installed.

Important: All joints must be coated with wood glue.

The tread is screwed on the back. Thus, the braids are sewn up to the top. The outer line of steps is sheathed with board or plywood.

If the width of the attic staircase is more than 120 cm, then the railing is not necessary, otherwise the vertical posts are bolted to the stringers, and the railing to them. The optimal height of the railing of the stairs to the attic is about 85 cm.

You can learn more about how to make a staircase to the attic in the video:

The attic floor in a small house increases the usable area, but to use it as a living space, a convenient staircase is needed. It can be arranged outside, which somewhat reduces the functionality of the second floor. The internal passage upstairs turns it into a full-fledged living space. The market offers beautiful, reliable designs, but it is difficult to choose the exact size. Not everyone can afford to order. A do-it-yourself attic staircase is ideal. You can choose the most suitable type, material, calculate the optimal dimensions.

Selecting a product type - what should be considered?

Having decided to arrange a permanent staircase from the room to the attic, determine its location. If there is someone's bedroom on the second floor and you need a separate passage, then it's a good idea to place it outside. At the same time, the likelihood of intruders entering the house increases.

Most prefer to arrange stairs indoors. The limited area puts forward the requirement of a compact design. If you correctly calculate the location and all dimensions, then it will not take up much space, but will be a convenient, beautiful and reliable element of the interior. The best material for an attic staircase is wood.

How to choose the shape and type?

All stationary stairs are divided into groups. The first includes marching, consisting of one section, as well as two or more. A straight line with a single span takes up too much space, so it is preferable to arrange platforms or turns - winder steps.

Stairs of a spiral (spiral) type are twisted around a central pillar or rest with one edge on a wall. They are arranged with a strong shortage of free space. It is not very convenient to use, especially for the elderly, and even dangerous for small children. Lifting furniture and appliances on them is problematic. Manufacturing is labor intensive and requires careful calculations.

Another factor to consider is the frame. The most popular load-bearing element is the stringers. They are beams with cut out openings for steps that rest on them. Another method of fastening is a bowstring, in which recesses are made, where support pads are inserted.

It should be borne in mind that the design on the stringers takes up less space, it is more durable. All load is on the supports. Bowstrings play a supporting role, holding the steps together.

Between the two load-bearing elements at the top and bottom, a coupler of threaded studs is arranged so that the structure does not loosen.

Optimal location

The experience of professionals suggests the best places for arranging stairs to the attic:

• choose the part of the house that is used less than others;
• the platform is more economical in terms of space and manufacture than winder steps;
• a metal staircase is installed 1.5 years after the construction of the house, when it shrinks completely;
• make sure that a hole can be made in the ceiling for access to the attic floor.

An important role is played by the angle of inclination: a design with a large inclination takes up less space. On the other hand, too steep a rise is inconvenient - it is difficult for the sick and the elderly to use. The optimal value is from 27 to 40 degrees.

With any steepness, the distance from the step to the ceiling is at least 2 meters, so that a person does not touch the ceiling with his head.

Calculation of product parameters - span and steps width, height, length

After determining the angle of inclination, the width of the flight of stairs is selected. 125 cm is considered the most comfortable, but in a house with a limited area and a small number of residents, they are useless. For one person, 90 cm is enough, and if there are rarely tenants in the house, then 70 cm at all.

Determination of the dimensions of the marching stairs

Step parameters require special attention. Usually they consist of two parts: treads to support the foot and risers, on which the height depends. It is missing in some versions.

There are formulas by which you can calculate the dimensions, determine which are the most convenient and safe. The result will still be something like this: height 17 cm, width 27–28. It is not always possible to adhere to the optimal values. They are changed in one direction and the other, but one should not go beyond: the height of the steps is from 15 to 22 cm, the width is at least 22 cm, maximum 40. For ease of use, an odd number is chosen.

At the next stage, they find out the height of the stairs: they measure the distance from the base to the attic floor. From this value, the number of steps is calculated. The total height is divided by the number of steps. For example, with a staircase height of 2.9 m and steps of 17 cm, 17 platforms will be needed.

The length is calculated by multiplying the number of steps (minus one) by their width. In the example: 16×27= 432. These are quite large sizes. If you reduce the steps to a minimum value of 22 cm, then 16 × 22 = 352. But this is not the only way to change the parameters of the stairs.

Products with turns - platforms and winder steps

Direct single-march construction requires a fairly large space. With its lack in a small house, products with turns are built. A platform is arranged between the two spans. Its length is from 100 cm, and the width is equal to the stairs.

When turning with the help of winder steps, they are satisfied with at least three. Requirements for them:

• wide edge from 40 cm, in the middle part at least 20;
• rotation is carried out with a radius of 30 cm;
• for a comfortable ride, the winder steps gradually follow the span line.

The minimum width of the tread from the narrow edge is 14 cm. Then the dimensions of the middle part, along which they mainly move, will be sufficient for the human foot.

Spiral design - calculation features

A spiral staircase consists of steps arranged in a circle with different edge widths. It occupies a much smaller area, and this is its advantage. There is a support post in the center, and treads around the circumference. Their length is equal to the radius of the entire structure. The height of the steps are calculated similarly to the marching stairs.

When arranging a spiral staircase, take into account important factors:

• the length of the tread and the width of the span are equal to the distance from the rack to their border;
• steps have a trapezoidal shape with a minimum width of 20 cm on the narrow side and a maximum width of 40 cm on the opposite side;
• for convenient ascent and descent, the height of the tread is made as small as possible;
• the vertical turns are arranged at a height equal to two diameters.

"Goose step" - the most compact ladder

The name was given due to the original shape of the treads. They are installed in a small house when significant space savings are required, slope from 45° to 65°. Only half of the step is wide, the second is the minimum size. First determine the angle, then carry out the rest of the calculations, taking into account the following:

• for leg support, the width of the step is 30 cm, it can be less;
• the dimensions of the narrow side depend on the strength of the chosen material;
• the height of the tread is 15 cm, you should not increase it much - it is unsafe for people.

Structurally, the staircase to the attic "goose step" is made in the form of a marching or spiral staircase.

Bases - manufacturing process

The support for spans are stringers. This is the simplest and most reliable design. But its manufacture should be approached responsibly: the slightest error, and the steps will be crooked. A board 80 × 160 is sawn off in length with a margin.

The most delicate operation is to machine the ends at the right angle so that they fit snugly against the floor and floor beam. The workpiece is loosely fixed at the location of the future location of the kosour and the upper part is sawn off so that it stands on the side of the ceiling. Then the same operation is done with the lower end.

It should be borne in mind that the first time it is unlikely that it will be possible to accurately cut off and will have to be repeated. It is important not to cut off the excess.

The kosour is divided along the length into three parts, not necessarily absolutely equal. According to the marks (there are two of them), horizontal lines are drawn using the level. Now each segment is divided into equal parts, the number of which corresponds to the number of steps. Draw along the horizontal marks.

A line is drawn along the entire board, departing from the edge of 50 mm or more. At its intersection with horizontal markings, angles are formed from which verticals are drawn. Remove the temporarily fixed board, check the distances, if necessary, make changes. The finished kosour is laid on the second board and an exact copy is cut out.

The marking of the bowstring is carried out in a similar way. Only instead of cutting out pieces of the beam, it is required to make grooves in it for the steps. It is better to work with a portable router. The use of hand tools requires hard work and a lot of time. To maintain accuracy, a pre-made plywood template is used.

To support the spiral staircase, a thick-walled metal pipe with a diameter of 50 mm or more is installed. It is attached to the floor in a strictly vertical position. For the installation of steps, bushings are made, which are freely found on the riser, and washers are installed between them. The total height of each individual node is equal to the distance between the treads.

Assembly of products of various types

Despite the difference in design, stairs with stringers or bowstrings are almost the same, except for the initial stage - the manufacture of the supporting parts themselves.

One board is bolted to the wall, fixed from above and below. Along the width of the march, a second one is installed in parallel and the places where the steps are attached are checked for horizontality. They must match in both products. Deviations are corrected by moving the loose structure up and down.

The installation of the stairs begins with the fastening of the risers. For manufacturing, a dry board with a thickness of 20 mm is taken. It is much easier to install along the stringers than into the grooves of the bowstring. In any case, carpentry glue and self-tapping screws are used. There are products without step support, which gives them a lighter, more elegant look.

For supporting platforms, a board with a minimum thickness of 36 mm is used, the width of which is equal to or greater than the steps. They may show up a little. The blanks are ground, the edges are rounded. Attached with glue and screws.

The components of the railing are balusters and handrails. Balusters are made from a square rail or bought made on a lathe. Stronger elements are installed above and below, intermediate between them at each step. Fastening is carried out with screws or spikes. There are railings on top. The acceptable height of the fence is 85 cm.

The design of a marching staircase with turns is more complicated, respectively, and installation too. The following scheme is recommended: 3 steps to the platform, then the rest. If winder steps are used: first two straight steps, then three rotary steps. Additional supports are installed under the rotary elements.

The assembly of the spiral staircase is shown in the figure. Node A - connection of the support pipe and the fence in the attic. There is a bolt on the rack, on which a handrail is put on through the slot. Everything is closed with a decorative cover. B - threaded connection of the support and the bushing inserted into the stage. B - washers and sleeves. G - fastening the support to the base.

Everyone can choose the most suitable design according to their capabilities. Only the calculation stage presents difficulties. If you perform them accurately, correctly install the bearing supports, then a reliable staircase will come out.

If you have an attic in your house, then the stairs to it must be provided for by the layout. It is quite possible to make such a design with your own hands, but for this you need to acquire some knowledge.

This article will tell you how to make the stairs to the attic yourself, how to correctly calculate it and correctly position it in the house. You will also get acquainted with photos of various stair systems and a useful video for their installation.

Stairs to the attic - which type to choose

So, you set out to make a high-quality and reliable staircase to the attic with your own hands. And the very first question that will be in front of you is what type of staircase is better to choose.

There are only three main types of stepped systems in the attic:

• Marching.
• Screw.
• Foldable.

And, since we are talking about planning and installing stairs with your own hands, it is better to opt for the simplest marching structure made of natural wood (for these purposes, it is better to use pine tree species). It is about its calculation, choice of location and manufacture that will be discussed further.

The layout of the stairs to the attic

Before proceeding with the calculation of the staircase structure, you should decide on its layout, that is, the location of the system in the living room.

Most likely, when building a house and an attic, the designer has already determined the place where the structure will be located, and then you just have to calculate and build it yourself.

When designing a house, the place where the staircase leading to the attic will be located must be selected and taken into account.

Calculation of the ladder system

The calculation of the stairs to the attic is carried out according to the following plan:

• Determining the dimensions of the structure.
• Making the necessary calculations.
• Building a drawing.

Sizing

First you need to determine the height of the structure, for which the distance from the floor to the ceiling (attic floor) is measured with a tape measure. This value is recorded.

Other required dimensions can be taken from generally accepted GOSTs:

• step height - no more than 20 cm;
• small clearance width - about 80 cm;
• step width - no more than 40 cm;
• riser height - about 20 cm;
• fence height - 90 cm;
• the angle of inclination of the stairs is not more than 45 degrees.

All measurements must be recorded in order to be used later for the production of a ladder structure.

Making calculations

At this design stage, two missing values ​​\u200b\u200bshould be determined - the length of the stairs and the number of steps in the structure.

Since we took the slope of the stairs at 45 degrees, then its length should be slightly greater than the height. For example, the distance from the floor in the attic is 285 cm, which means the length of the system will be about 320 cm.

Based on the length value, you can determine the number of steps. To do this, divide the length of the stairs (320 cm) by the height of the steps (20 cm):

320: 20 = 16 steps.

Building a drawing

We draw a sketch of the staircase structure based on the measurements and calculations made (see photo below).

The main components of the design

A practical and easily accessible option for production on your own is a single-flight wooden staircase on stringers. This design consists of the following main elements:

• stringers;
• tread;
• risers;
• fencing (balusters and railings).

This figure schematically shows the main structural elements in the attic

Kosoura

The kosour is a side deck, which is the bearing support for the steps. In order to make a kosour, a glued beam of coniferous wood with a thickness of at least 65 mm is used. The outer part of the kosour is milled and processed by a grinding machine.

tread

Tread - the surface of the step, which is stepped on when walking. For its manufacture, boards with a width of 35 to 50 mm are used.

risers

Riser - a vertical plank between steps 1–2 cm thick.

fencing

The railing is a supporting structural element designed for comfortable and safe movement up the stairs.

Quick Installation Guide

Now let's talk about how to make a high-quality installation of stairs to the attic yourself.

The construction is carried out in stages:

• First, stringers are made using a circular saw.
• Next, the stringers are installed in the place where the stairs will be located. They are fixed to the floor and ceiling with anchor bolts.
• Then risers and treads are attached to the stringers with a screwdriver and self-tapping screws.
• Next, a fence of balusters and railings is installed.
• The production of stairs to the attic is completed by painting the system or coating with a special varnish for wood.

Video: making stairs to the attic with your own hands

From this video you will learn how to make a spiral-type staircase to the attic yourself.

In order for you to have a beautiful, stylish and safe staircase to the attic in your house, it is not at all necessary to spend a lot of your own efforts, nerves and time. After all, you can make it much easier - visit our online store and choose your favorite magnificent staircase system for your home from the best craftsmen at an affordable and competitive price.

An elegant staircase system from the Prestige series will perfectly fit into a modern interior, its cost is only 42 748 rubles
Spectacular and fashionable design called "Modern" will cost you 125 262 rubles

Below are just some of the photos of the elegant, stylish and comfortable stair systems that we have in our range. You can get acquainted with the catalog of our products in more detail by visiting our convenient and colorful website.

A beautiful staircase from the “Duet” model range with steps made of oak and with forged elements in the railing costs only 75 136 rubles

Stairs

Having equipped the attic space in the attic, you can get an additional cozy living room in the house. An integral part of this space is the staircase. It should harmoniously fit into the interior of the room and provide a safe lift. The designs of wooden stairs meet ergonomic, environmental and technical requirements.

Types of attic stairs

By location, there are two main types of stairs to the attic:

• internal;
• outdoor.

Internal ladder structures are the most versatile. Since they can occupy a large usable area, special attention should be paid to the choice of the type of structure at the design stage.

Internal staircase

Structures are located outside the premises. Usually, such marches should harmoniously fit into the design of the facade of the house. They also need to be designed during the construction phase of the building. Most often, outdoor stairs are installed in a residential building, where a separate entrance to the attic is required.

The main types of stairs to the attic

Country or country houses do not differ in large areas. Therefore, when designing a staircase, it is necessary to take into account the dimensions and correctly position it indoors. In the interfloor ceiling, it is necessary to install additional beams for fixing the stairs. Compact, comfortable stairs to the attic are presented in the following options:

• A compact folding ladder is the best option for small buildings. Allows you to save more space. After use, the ladder folds and slides into the hatch located in the ceiling.

Folding stairs to the attic

• Spiral staircase designs are also compact, but at the same time they look very impressive. Comfortable and ergonomic stairs that are easily able to fit into any interior, decorating it.

• One- or two-flight stairs to the attic can be quite compact. These capital structures are the safest and have a fairly solid, attractive appearance.

• Attic ladders are rather a temporary element. However, if you install it in a small country house that does not serve as a permanent residence, it can be used as a stationary structure. It should be noted that such a design is quite simple.

What material to choose?

The flight of stairs is an integral part of the interior, so you should carefully approach the choice of material. Namely, based on the selected material, the type of the entire structure is finally determined. Wooden stairs for the attic come in a wide variety of designs, colors and shapes. Wood is a very strong and durable building material. But still, wooden products need additional treatment with antifungal and moisture-repellent protective agents that extend their service life.

Advice! Smooth glossy, varnished and polished treads are traumatic. To prevent the surface from slipping, it is recommended to lay anti-slip mats on top of the steps or use matte product protection products.

Staircase made of metal can become an interior decoration, and is able to surprise with its simplicity. Metal structures are reliable and durable, they are both safe and ergonomic. The product can be given any shape and color. Metal, like wood, requires special protective coatings.

What style to choose?

So that the staircase does not stand out from the interior, it must organically fit into the overall design of the room and match the style of the whole house. Most popular styles:

• traditional;

traditional interior

• vintage;

Vintage interior

• modernist;

Modernist interior

• high tech;

• provence;

Provencal style in the interior

• South American;

• loft.

The design can be decorated with paintings or forged details, which highlights and emphasizes the main style of the building.

The layout of the staircase

Before cutting a wooden opening for the stairs in the floor, you must finally select the location for the stair structure. Being at the stage of designing a staircase, the following parameters should be considered:

• opening height from floor to ceiling - at least 2000 mm;
• the steepness and width of the opening is determined on the basis of the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room in which the construction of the staircase is provided;
• the opening should be 50 mm wider than the staircase itself, since after its installation it will be necessary to perform decorative work;
• the depth of the steps should accommodate the human foot and be comfortable when going up and down. The most acceptable depth is 300 mm;
• step height cannot be more than 200 mm;
• march width - 1000 mm;
• the number of treads in a march can only be odd. Optimally - from 3 to 15 pieces.

1. the width of the opening for the stairs; 2. the height of the opening between the ceiling and the floor; 3. march width; 4. step height; 5. step depth

Determining the correct angle of inclination of the structure when designing a staircase to the attic will allow you to build a comfortable staircase. The slope of the stairs cannot be flat or steep. The optimal angle of inclination is 30-45 degrees.

The most popular formula for the convenience of a flight of stairs: a + b \u003d 450 ± 20 mm, where a is the height of the riser; b is the depth of the steps. The graphical representation greatly simplifies the design of the entire structure. It allows you to first evaluate the appearance of the stairs. Then, the dimensions are transferred to the drawing. Stair structure design formula: (2a + b), where: 2a - two riser heights; b - step depth. The ideal design indicator is 600-650 millimeters.

The formula for calculating the steps of a ladder

Possible design errors

The size of the steps must be strictly observed. Different sizes of treads are the most common mistake that can lead to negative consequences during installation, such as excessive gaps between the bowstring and the tread. It is very difficult to eliminate such defects. The second error is the different heights of the risers. Muscle memory remembers the gap between the tread of the first and second steps and automatically lowers the foot to the next step by this amount. This allows you to calmly move around without thinking about where the next step is. Failure to comply with the standard requirements for the height of the riser leads to inconvenience in operation. Too high steps complicate the passage of children and the elderly. When designing bowstrings and stringers, it is important to take into account the clearance for fastening beams located in the ceiling.

Making an attic staircase with your own hands

Having decided on the location, material, type and design of the flight of stairs, you can begin independent work on the manufacture of stairs, which are carried out in several stages:

• Determine the width of the opening. It is not recommended to make a narrow staircase less than 900 mm wide.
• We calculate the height and depth of the steps. The optimal height size is up to 200 mm, and the depth is at least 250 mm.
• We take into account the location of handrails and fences. It is recommended to install them at a height of 900–1000 mm.

• We determine the slope and calculate the number of steps in the march.

Calculation of the number of stairs steps https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrqxQO_Nb0s

• We install load-bearing beams in the opening of the attic floor.

• Prepare the kosours by first sawing recesses for treads in them.

Cut out notches for steps

• Reinforce the stringers from below and to the beams in the floor.

Install stringers

• Prepare boards for treads, at least 35 mm thick. Resize and carefully sand the surface. Then, cover with a protective layer of varnish or other means.

Cut steps to the required dimensions and process them

• Prepare balusters and railings. Thoroughly sand and polish all surfaces.

Prepare the necessary elements for the fence

Installation

When all the elements of the staircase structure are ready - it's time to start its installation. It is necessary to carefully fix the stringers to the floor and beams located in the ceiling, then screw them with self-tapping screws.

After installing the stringers, they must be securely fastened.

Important! Steps and risers are fixed strictly at an angle of 90 degrees. All joints must be pre-glued with wood glue to give additional reliability to the structure.

We mount steps to the reinforced stringers starting from the bottom. Self-tapping screws or fastening spokes can serve as a fastener. In closed stairs, risers are installed.

When installing steps, lubricate the joints with glue

Thus, steps and risers are installed in a closed type of stairs

To give the stairs strength and rigidity, all load-bearing parts must additionally be reinforced with corners and threaded studs.

To make the ladder strong, reinforce it with threaded studs.

Balusters are fixed to the installed treads, on which handrails are installed.

Install balusters and railings on stairs

or on her steps

Treatment of stairs with protective coatings

All components of the ladder are solidly fixed and carefully sanded. It remains only to process the structure with antifungal and moisture-repellent protective equipment to extend the service life.

Internal stair structures decorate the room with their appearance, while harmoniously fit into any interior. Lacquer-and-lacquer materials give the product an elegant appearance. The stairs can be covered with colored varnish or stain to give the wood a shade, or you can apply the effect of bleaching the structure of the tree (this method is extremely fashionable today).

By covering the staircase with protective equipment, you will not only extend its service life, but also be able to harmoniously fit it into the interior.

The whole process of protecting stairs with special coatings can be divided into 3 main processes:

• treatment;
• primer;
• varnish coating.

As experience shows, the production of stairs on your own is a rather difficult and lengthy process. But it is quite doable, and the result may please the owner. The main thing is to correctly calculate and prepare the constituent structural elements in accordance with the drawings. Assembling correctly verified parts will not be a big hassle.

Ksenia Skvortsova. Chief Editor. Author.
Planning and distribution of responsibilities in the content production team, work with texts.
Education: Kharkov State Academy of Culture, specialty “Culturologist. Lecturer in History and Theory of Culture. Experience in copywriting: From 2010 to the present. Editor: since 2016.