Types of stairs for the attic
The attic ladders allow easy and safe access to the attic. A distinctive feature of such structures is the ability to fold and hide in the ceiling. There are several types:
- folding - lever;
- scissors - claw-like;
- sliding - telescopic.
Loft stairs, the sizes of which are different, consist of several sections, which are superimposed one upon another when folding or sliding. But each of the varieties is compact, durable, easy to use, functional, besides, it differs in original design and simple installation.
Material for attic stairs
The manufacture of attic stairs is mainly made of pine. But often the tree is combined with metal. This design has its advantage, which is the optimal ratio of strength and weight. In this combination, guides are made of metal, and steps are made of wood.
To prevent the metal from rubbing against the metal, plastic components are used. There are also pure metal staircases, in which the surface of the step is corrugated. A removable plastic inserts do not allow lateral sliding. Such lofts withstand a 250-kilogram load. Thanks to this, you can move heavy objects around them.
It should be noted that there is as yet no alternative to metal for these purposes. In addition, it is good to use in fire-resistant structures, the hatch of which does not allow the fire to spread. The hatch box is also made of refractory material, and the sealant on the contour increases with temperature and does not allow smoke.
We make an attic ladder with our own hands - instruction
Before making an attic stairs, you need to prepare a tool - a screwdriver, a wrench, a hacksaw, a protractor, mounting foam, screws and the ladder itself. But first, of course, you need to decide on its variety. What they are, it was told above. So, we need to measure the stairwell and its height. It is important to measure the height not from the floor of the lower room and up to the floor of the attic, as for stationary staircases, but from the floor to the ceiling of the attic.
Now it is necessary to buy only the variant of the correct sizes. Next, you need to deal with the opening, since the installation of the attic stairs should be done in a prepared place. Once again, it is necessary to re-measure the opening and compare the data with the dimensions of the structure purchased. If necessary, it is necessary to adjust the size of the opening.
Before you make a ladder to the attic, you need to fix the auxiliary bars in the lower part of the attic aperture. They will be supported by a ladder during installation. Now, in order to carry out the installation of the attic stairs, you need to raise it to the attic and lean against the bars that have been prepared. Between the edges of the staircase and its box are inserted spacers. With the help of four screws the ladder box is fixed.
Then you can remove the auxiliary bars and spread the culprit of the whole idea. Then the sides of the box are fixed. And all the cracks that were formed, it is necessary to blow out the mounting foam.
Then the bolts in the side of the structure are loosened. The ladder completely unfolds, after which the bolts are tightened tight. Now it remains to adjust it under the opening. It is necessary to outline the line on which the sawmill will be made, in accordance with the dimensions. As a final action, you can saw off the bottom of the marked line. Then, the accessories for attic stairs are screwed on. At the end, you should adjust the angle and height of the first stage. That's how a ladder is set up in the attic with their own hands.