You can expand the space of your home by adding an attic. This convenient option, which can become a real decoration of the yard. The attic is always located on the second floor, so a staircase is required for such a building.
Peculiarities
Different stairs have their own advantages and disadvantages. But there is also general signs, which are typical for everyone.
Firstly, a staircase with a wide landing allows you to further increase the space used for living. This is very convenient, regardless of whether the family lives in the room is large or small.
If you choose a small staircase with narrow spans, then this, on the contrary, allows you to save space. That's why the owners small rooms prefer screw or lifting models.
Secondly, a beautiful staircase and a properly decorated entrance to the room will become a real decoration of a private home. Wide steps and railings, decorated forged elements or carvings will perfectly complement the corresponding interior.
And finally, the stairs leading to the attic are a traditional element that does not become outdated over time. As many decades ago, they are used to decorate houses even with a small area.
Materials
Stairs leading to the attic are usually metal or wood. The first option is perfect for the manufacture of external structures. If you cover the metal surface with additional protective equipment, then it will not lose its attractiveness over time and will not become covered with a layer of rust.
Wood is often used in the manufacture of stairs that are located indoors. Wood is a rather dual material. On the one hand, you can build wooden stairs yourself, on the other hand, wood is short-lived and flammable. Moisture usually has Negative influence for similar raw materials.
Types of designs and sizes
There are two main types of stairs: spiral and marching. The former are considered more compact, but the latter look more attractive.
Marching
If there is a lot of free space in the room, then it is better to give preference to wide staircases. They are not only beautiful and comfortable, but also safe. Not only an adult will feel comfortable on such stairs, but also a child who has only recently learned to walk.
Most nice option– this is a convenient two-flight ladder, leading to the second floor. But if there is not enough space for such a design, you can limit yourself to a one-march variation.
Some designers adapt the space under the stairs as a closet. You can also install a custom-made cabinet or shelves there.
Screw
The second type of stairs is used a little less frequently. The fact is that making them with your own hands is much more difficult, and moving around them can be quite difficult. But, if you want to decorate your home with such an unusual design, then it is quite possible to make it to order or select suitable option in a furniture store.
Staircases also differ in location. In some cases it is more convenient to place it inside the house, in others - outside.
External
Exterior stairs are made from durable materials. The most common of them are stone, metal or wood. Despite the apparent fragility of this material, sometimes preference is given to wooden stairs. If you further process them protective coating, then they will be able to last no less time than the same stone or metal structures.
True, external wooden stairs also have a significant disadvantage. They are quite difficult to clean. But even here you can find a way out. For example, use a retractable or extension ladder. It can be put away for a while and used only when it is really needed.
Domestic
You have to think longer about a design like this. It should be not only comfortable, but also aesthetically attractive. It is difficult to combine everything in one model, but, as practice shows, it is possible. Inside the house they install either spiral staircases or multifunctional ones with the space used underneath them.
Lifting
Such a staircase, as a rule, is also located indoors and leads to the attic. For those who store some temporarily unused things in the attic, or rarely visit this additional room, this model is perfect.
The arrangement of such a staircase allows you to save free space and use the room on the ground floor completely. There are folding and retractable models. The first ones fold like an accordion, and the second ones can be raised and lowered if necessary. Such simple design turns out to be surprisingly useful in everyday life.
Design options
Like any detail in the interior modern house, the staircase should be its decoration. Now there are many interesting options design. Some of them are very modern, others, on the contrary, are stylized as antique.
Many designers prefer to use in the interior marching stairs with wide steps and beautiful railings. This move leaves a lot of room for creativity. Handrails can be decorated, for example, with carvings if a wooden base is used. And metal or stone stairs will be decorated with elegant forging.
The spiral staircase can also be original. This design itself looks unusual. Therefore, making a choice in favor spiral staircase you can emphasize your good taste and love for beautiful things. This type of model resembles a spiral, so it should not be heavily decorated. Too many decorations will blend together, which will spoil the overall impression of the structure.
Separately, it is worth noting that, as a rule, different staircases are chosen for residential premises and places for meeting guests. In the living room, for example, you want to put a luxurious, richly decorated model. But in the corridor or hallway you can get by with simpler options.
Where to place it?
There are several options for staircase placement. It all depends on the size of the room and the characteristics of its use. For example, if there is already little space in the house, you want to save every free centimeter. In this case, it is much more rational to choose an outdoor model, preserving the free space indoors.
If there is enough space, then you can even allocate a separate room for the attic staircase. Such vestibule rooms, as a rule, are made very small, and their arrangement and design are not thoroughly thought through. The only requirement is that the room be warm and comfortable. The presence of a vestibule is especially good if you do not want children to go into the attic, or if it is simply not heated. It is enough to simply hang a lock on the door and close it tightly, and the cold will not penetrate into the house, and the path to the attic will be closed for children.
When is it possible to install a ladder in a small separate room no, you have to use the free space of one of the rooms. As a rule, this is the hallway, a little less often – the living room. In this case, the transition from the first floor to the second should be beautifully decorated. You have to select a staircase model that matches the style of the room’s interior, and think about how to use the space underneath it.
The best layout option is to place the staircase near the far wall of the living space. Ideally, on the street side, because in this case you won’t have to sit or sleep next to a cold wall.
As a rule, it is recommended to trust the installation of stairs to professionals. But it often happens that owners want to do everything themselves. It's not as difficult as it might seem at first glance. The main thing is to use simple tips.
Firstly, when planning a DIY project, you always need to think through a full-fledged project and calculate everything. First of all, the location of the stairs is determined. A lot depends on this in the future.
If the house is small, then you should not choose massive luxurious stairs.
Although they look really impressive, they always disappoint owners of small rooms, leaving no free space for the installation of sofas, tables and other important pieces of furniture.
The second thing to do is to prepare everything necessary tools. Their choice depends on what materials the staircase is made from and on the skills of the craftsman. All design details, as a rule, are made in several stages, and only then are assembled together. This also applies to staircases with several openings, and spiral or single-flight ones.
When the foundation is done, you need to take care of your safety. Any staircase should not only be beautiful, but also comfortable and safe. In order to make it so, you need to use handrails or other additional barriers, if necessary.
Finally, the structure can be decorated, but this is an optional step. Especially if the budget is too limited, or the staircase is used where almost no one sees it.
Beautiful examples in the interior
Houses with several floors and a beautiful attic staircase are considered a sign of luxury. This means that every detail in such a building should look appropriate. The same applies to external structures, because they largely change the exterior of the site. It is difficult to understand how you can turn your ideas into reality without any experience. To make the task easier, you can look at real examples.
Equipment additional room in the attic is a good option for increasing the living space in the house. After the attic has become habitable, you need to take care of installing a beautiful one. Even when designing, it is necessary to think about where the attic staircase will be installed, what type it will have, and what material it will be made of.
Depending on the installation location, the attic staircase can be internal or external. The internal staircase structure is the most used option, but takes up a lot of space. The external staircase for the attic is mounted on the outside of the building and is an element of the building facade. According to the type of construction, stairs to the attic are:
- Single-flight staircase to the attic. This attic staircase is easy to manufacture and install.
- Double-flight (turning) staircase for the attic.
- With winder steps. In this case, the turntable is replaced by steps in the form of a trapezoid. This staircase for the attic takes less space than two-flight.
- Screw. This type of attic structure takes up a minimum of space and is the most acceptable option. A spiral attic staircase will add originality to any interior. A screw attic structure is assembled from winder steps, which are mounted on a supporting pole.
- Foldable. This is the most economical type of design. It is used when attic stairs are rarely used. The folding staircase to the attic consists of separate sections and is placed in the ceiling hatch. It is easy to install, easy to operate, takes small space, reliable and simple.
Material selection
The main material for making stairs to the attic is wood, less often metal and very rarely stone. Sometimes the march to the attic is combined, when the string is made of metal and the steps are made of wood.
More often used inside the home wooden staircase for the attic. The wooden staircase structure can have any look and shade. Wood is environmentally friendly, reliable, and easy to process. The lumber prepared for work must be smooth, free from knots, cracks and deformations.
The staircase to the attic, made of metal, is mainly installed indoors. This attic structure is reliable in operation and is highly durable.
The attic staircase, made of stone, is installed outside the building. It is reliable and well made. After installation, the stone staircase structure is plastered and painted in the color of the building facade.
Marching design and calculation of elements
A flight of stairs for the attic is the easiest to build. It may have one or more spans. In order for a flight of stairs to be used for a long period, it is necessary to carry out the correct calculation of all elements during the design:
- The bowstring and stringer are the main load-bearing elements of the entire structure. Staircase for the attic with bowstrings is the most used option. The bowstring is made either wooden or metal. Wood bowstrings are most often used, as they are easy to process and install. Recommended dimensions of a wooden bowstring: length – 2000-5500 mm, width – from 350 mm, thickness – from 25 to 50 mm. A staircase to the attic with stringers looks more beautiful, but is difficult to manufacture and install. For installation, you need to know what length and height it will be, the depth of its steps, and the height of the riser.
The difference between a bowstring and a stringer is that on a stringer the steps are located between the beams. A stringer is the same beam, only the steps are already installed on top of the beam
- Steps and risers. They are made from flat, processed boards, with a width of 0.2 to 0.3 m, based on the free space allocated for the flight of stairs. All steps must be sanded, cuts and irregularities removed. The risers are selected in height, ranging from 15 to 20 cm.
- Number of steps. The length of the flight of stairs must be divided by the permissible step height. If the staircase structure has 18 steps or more, it is recommended to make turning areas.
- Turning area. The attic staircase can be turned 90 and 180 degrees, depending on the shape of the staircase. The width of the landing should be the same as the width of the flight of stairs. It is worthwhile to provide a platform length of more than 1 meter, which is commensurate with the length of a person’s step. This will ensure normal movement around the site.
- Steepness. The slope of the flight of stairs should be in the range from 30 to 45 degrees. This meets the conditions for its safe use and ergonomics. With a slope of more than 45 degrees, carrying heavy things and moving people will be very inconvenient. With a slope of less than 30 degrees, the staircase to the attic will be longer and take up a lot of free space.
- Structure length. To calculate it, you need to take the attachment points of the march in the floor and lower floor. Having obtained the height and width of the structure, we calculate its length using the formula for the hypotenuse of a right triangle.
Installation of marchingstaircase design
This installation procedure is typical. The set for attic stairs includes a string, balusters with railings, treads, and risers. To install the bowstring, grooves are installed in the upper ceiling for its installation. Sometimes the indicated grooves are not made, but metal stoppers are installed and firmly secured. Together bottom mount the bowstrings are installed at the level of the first step with a locking block and secured to the floor so that even minimal movement is prevented when there is a load on the stairs. Installation of steps is extremely simple. The grooves in the string prepared for the steps must be coated with adhesive and risers installed. After this, you need to make sure that the risers are aligned with the edge and attach them with nails or screws. You can lay treads on the fixed risers and secure them. In this situation, the glue does not allow the steps to creak.
Advice! For ease of use, it is recommended to start installing steps on attic stairs from the first bottom step.
When installing balusters, you need to ensure that they are all installed at the same height. To do this, you need to mount identical balusters on the first and last steps, stretch a rope between them and install the remaining balusters along the line of the stretched rope. Handrails, which can be made of different materials. The assembled attic stairs are sanded again. Sanded stairs are sealed with impregnations that repel water and protect against wood insects. Installation of a flight of stairs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cs53sgwpvEo
Screw design, installation procedure
The screw attic structure looks more attractive, but its production and installation are much more expensive than direct march ones. When installing a spiral staircase in the attic, a load-bearing pillar is most often used, where trapezoidal steps are mounted on an axis one after the other. For stability and reliability, the pole is positioned exactly vertically and concreted at the base. Cylinders are cut from a pipe whose diameter is several millimeters larger than the pole. Steps are attached to the cylinders and mounted on a pole. After the steps are put on the axial post, they are placed on required angles and attached to a pole. The tread should be from 10 cm deep at the pillar and up to 40 cm at outside. The riser should have an average height of 20 cm. The staircase to the attic is equipped with railings. Standard railings have a height of 1 meter, which can be increased if necessary. Installing screw structures for attic space, do not forget that they are all due to design features limited in use. Installation of a spiral staircase https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIAhjFjVWf4
They have also come to an end. All that remains is to build the stairs to the attic floor. But which one to choose? How to place, inside or outside? How many flights should a staircase to the attic have? In this article we will try to answer all these questions, and also tell you how to build a staircase with your own hands.
Designs and installation locations of stairs to the attic floor
Stairs for attic floors vary in type of structure and location of their installation. And your choice should be based on the needs of the residents, the area and technical characteristics of the entire building. Next, we will look at the most popular designs of those used for attic floors.
Types of staircase designs for the attic floor
The screw one is the smallest in terms of the area it occupies than all those structures that will be described below. If you have only 1-1.5 m2 at your disposal, then the screw design will be your salvation.
Attic staircase designs: from the simplest to the most elaborate
The picture below shows a classic single-flight design. It is easier to calculate and install than the others, but, as you can see, it takes up a fair amount of space. This can be corrected by increasing the angle of inclination of the flight, but in this case it will not be very convenient to climb to the floor.
The easiest way to install a single-flight staircase to the attic with your own hands is
Classic double-flight systems are straight, l- and u-shaped. The first type for attics in private homes is rarely used, but the other two are very common.
If there is not much space in the house, then two-flight attic stairs will do.
At the top you can see the layout of the marches, and in the photo below there are examples of finished structures. In the space under the stairs to the attic floor, you can either install a heating system, as in the photo, or make a storage room.
Attic stairs: photos of classic two-flight structures
It is also worth mentioning the method of connecting marches. The most familiar option for us is turning areas. However, instead of platforms they often make so-called winder steps, you can see them on the left side of the photo.
Arrangement of stairs to the attic: winder steps and a turning platform
Another type of attic stairs is folding, attic. Such structures are used more often if there is an attic on the second floor. When the ladder is not needed, it is completely retracted into the hatch in the attic ceiling.
Folding, compact stairs to the attic floor
Installation of stairs to the attic floor inside and outside the building
Climbing to the floor from the street is a good option, if two families live in one house. Both floors turn out to be isolated from each other, no one disturbs anyone: there are two entrances to the house, internal and external.
External staircase to the attic: separate entrance to the second floor
The staircase to the attic from the veranda also makes it possible to use different entrances to the living quarters, but there is no need to go outside, as happens when the staircase is external.
In the photo there is a staircase to the attic floor located on the veranda
Installing stairs inside the house is a more common option. If the building is permanently used by one family, then, of course, it would be logical to choose this type of installation.
Internal staircase to the attic. Photo of the simplest design for climbing to the second floor
How to make and install a staircase to the attic floor
Stairs can be made from almost any material, but wooden ones are perhaps the most common. They will suit almost any attic interior, especially considering how popular wood paneling is today. Let's see how this is done using the example of a straight single-flight staircase.
Calculating the parameters of a flight of stairs
- Floor height. We measure the difference between the finished floor levels of the first floor and the attic. Let it be 250 cm.
- Number and height of steps. We divide the lifting height by the recommended height of the risers - 18 cm. This means: 250:18 = 13.88 pieces. Fractional numbers should not be, round up to 14 pieces. Now we calculate the height of the steps: 250:14 = 17.85 cm. We got 14 steps with risers of 17.85 cm.
- Total march length. Let's take the width of the steps to be 27 cm. We calculate: 14x27 = 405 cm.
Layout of the stairs to the attic. Start of calculations
Based on these calculations, we make a drawing and put down all the dimensions. Now we measure the distance from one attic floor to the other, in the drawing we mark the edge of the second floor. From it we measure the distance to the steps flight of stairs, according to GOST it should not be less than 185 cm. If this distance is less, we reduce the length of the march by reducing the number of steps and giving them greater height.
Table for determining the optimal size of steps
Stringers and treads
For stringers we need the following formula: height 2 + length 2 √22.65 = stringer length. That is: 4.05 2 +2.50 2 √22.65=4.75m. The width of the stringers is calculated so that it is twice as large as the size of the risers. In our case it is 17.85x2 = 35.7 cm. More is possible, less is not possible.
Marking the slots on the stringers is done using a carpenter's angle. If you don’t have one, we’ll make a homemade one from plywood and a couple of slats. We number the steps. We purchase boards for stringers with a reserve; if the required length is 4.75 m, we take 5 m.
Marking of stringers: a) height of risers; b) width of steps
We carried out all calculations without taking into account the boards of the steps. We measure their thickness and trim the lower part of the stringers exactly that way. Now about the width of the treads. To their width we must take into account the thickness of the riser. According to the diagram below, this is: b+d=e, where b is the width of the tread, d is the thickness of the riser. This is a calculation without an overhang; if you plan to do it, then add its width to “b”. The diagram shows both options, with and without an overhang.
DIY attic stairs: tread width with and without overhang
Important: The stringers must perfectly match each other. Otherwise, we will not be able to assemble the ladder. After both stringers have been cut, put them together and check how identical they are.Platform beam
Its width is equal to the width of the future staircase (90 cm) + two thicknesses of the stringer + 14 cm at the edges. The last figure varies depending on the parameters of the staircase. So: 90+10+14=114cm is our platform beam. You will need 2 of them in total.
In the figure you see ways to attach stringers to a platform beam: with and without a notch. You can choose the method that suits you best. IN right side In the figure there are two options for the design of the frieze step: ordinary and pushed into the platform. Cut it out required quantity steps, then sand all the parts.
How to make a staircase to the attic: attaching stringers to the landing beam and installing a frieze step
Stepping back 7 cm from the edges, we make cuts in the platform beams equal in width to the thickness of the stringers. In the latter, we also make cuts, if the method of fastening you choose involves them. Now we attach the platform beams to the floors. This can be done using anchors. The figure shows the mounting methods for the upper and lower floors.
Construction of stairs to the attic: attaching landing beams to the first and second floors
Assembling the stairs to the attic floor
We place stringers in the grooves and fasten them to the platform beams with dowels or pins. We attach the stringer adjacent to the wall to it with anchors, if the material of the wall itself allows. Now we attach the steps and risers. You can choose any method from those presented in the figure.
Methods for attaching steps and risers
Now all that remains is to secure the balusters. We do this at the top with screws, obliquely, at the bottom with dowels. You can choose any shape of balusters and steps that suits the attic design.
Attic stairs are now sold in almost any hardware store, they can be purchased and installed, saving yourself from unnecessary hassle with their construction. However, the best thing about a DIY attic staircase is that it can fit into the dimensions of your room. After all, the internal dimensions of each room differ from each other and the factory version of the stairs to the attic will be inconvenient to one degree or another.
Stairs to the attic: photos and classification
Do-it-yourself stairs to the attic must be built taking into account all safety rules, and it is also necessary take into account the square footage of the room. When wondering how to make a staircase to the attic with your own hands, you need to take all these things into account.
But remember that the safest staircase structure will be quite large, and in order for it to take up a minimum of space, it should be made too steep, and you will have to go up and down it with extreme caution. If your house is small, then the best option for a staircase for the attic would be a folding one, made of wood and metal elements.
Introducing others compact attic stairs, photos and descriptions of which are located below:
- marching– this design is based on stringers, bolts and bowstrings as a supporting element. To save room space, it is performed with two flights, in the middle of which there are winder steps or a platform. But a single-flight staircase will be larger, but the space under it can be used for utility purposes;
- screw– it is very compact and will fit perfectly into the design of any room. However, making such a staircase with your own hands will not be easy; it is better to purchase ready-made option together with the stringer and assemble it with your own hands, especially since it will not be difficult;
- "Duck Step"- similar in design to the marching one, but differs from it in its more convenient ascent, larger dimensions and the canvas, which is located at an angle of 45 degrees, like a duck step.
Design of attic stairs
The design of the stairs to the attic determined by the following parameters, How:
So, the calculations for building a staircase to the attic with your own hands have been completed and you can get to work. In the process of work, it is often necessary to make corrections and eliminate previously accepted inaccuracies in calculations and plans.
Several options for attic summerhouses
How to choose material for an attic staircase
The most common and optimal material for construction attic staircase on stringers - this is wood coniferous species , and Siberian cedar or larch. You can also use spruce, but it will not be very practical due to the large number of branches. But it will be easier to work with pine. Other suitable breeds include:
- ash;
And for lumber, choose dry wood, smooth, cleared of knots, so that after the construction of the staircase structure it does not have weak points.
Kosour is a board on which fragments are cut out for teeth for steps, used as a load-bearing beam. The thickness of the beam must be at least 50 mm and the width - 250 mm, respectively. As a rule, two beams are enough for work, with the exception of cases when the width of the staircase to the attic exceeds 1200 mm, then a third beam in the middle is required.
The tread is the surface that is stepped on while walking up the stairs, in other words, it is the step itself. To make it yourself, you need boards with a thickness of 25 to 30 mm, and the farther the stringers are from each other, the stronger the steps should be and not bend under the weight of a person. The projection on the step should be from 20 to 40 mm and overhang the step below. The top edge should be processed in a circle using a plane or grinder so that the tree does not chip while walking.
Distance between steps in a vertical position are called risers. If the structure is located on stringers, boards are placed in this place that do not bear the load, so they are made of plywood. Often they are not needed at all, so the stairs seem easier.
How to calculate the angles of inclination of a structure
Determining the angles of inclination of the structure is very important element work during the construction of stairs to the attic, which must be treated very carefully. If the angle is less than 20 degrees, then the staircase will resemble more of a ramp, and if it is 50, then an extension ladder for descending in reverse.
Optimal tilt angle for stairs it ranges from 30 to 38 degrees and even up to 45. And the size of the tread and risers also depends directly on the angle of inclination. If it is hollower, then the steps will be deeper and lower, and if it is steeper, then higher and smaller, respectively. But you need to comply with the following parameters:
- the maximum height of the steps should be 20 cm, and the minimum - 12 cm;
- The maximum step depth is 38 cm, the minimum is 30 cm.
So, the total dimensions of the tread and riser are 50 cm, the number can be reduced somewhat.
There are a number of special formulas for accurately calculating the ratios of the sizes of degrees in relation to the angle of inclination of the stairs, but they are used most often in complex design, but in a private house these parameters are extremely difficult to maintain. However, some rules for calculating parameters you still need to follow:
- if the angle of inclination ranges from 33 to 37 degrees, then the steps should have a height of 16 cm;
- if the angle is 38-42 degrees, then 18 cm, respectively;
- when the angle is 45 degrees, the steps should have a height of 20 cm;
- the width of the flight of stairs must be at least 80 cm, but optimal size– about 100 cm.
And the vertical passage of the stairs in height from the top edge of the step to the ceiling should be at least 200 cm. In total, there should be odd number steps, at least 3 and maximum 15, taking into account the step by top floor. This calculation will make the ascent as comfortable as possible.
How to cut stringers
To cut stringers, stretch the string along the wall from the top of the subfloor in the attic all the way down to where the staircase begins below. Calculate the number of steps by slightly changing their inclination. Then the angles that will be obtained between the twine, the floor and ceiling beam transfer to the stringer and trim. At the top of the board, leave a maximum length of 100 mm, depending on the cross-section of the floor beam. Use a chisel to hollow out the groove for a tenon.
Tack the board to the wall, draw the required number of steps on the stringer with a special level, and also use it to draw lines for treads and risers. If a few centimeters remain, they need to be scattered between the steps. Mark the first step at the bottom according to its height, taking into account the thickness of the tread board.
Now remove the board and cut out the teeth. At the bottom of the stringer, in the direction from the sharp outer corner, you need to saw off a part measuring 50 by 50 mm. At this point, the board will rest against a block previously attached to the floor perpendicular to the structure. Now make markings along the stringer and cut the next board.
How to install an attic staircase
To start install the staircase base on the bar below. Next, screw the stringers to it using self-tapping screws, and at the top insert the tenons into the grooves, previously lubricated with wood glue. Fasten the resulting structure using metal corners. If desired, the staircase can be strengthened using threaded pins, which additionally connect stringers in several areas.
Then screw the first beam to the wall, and install the steps starting from the bottom tread. They should also be secured with self-tapping screws, and the last of them should be recessed and closed using wooden plugs. Do not forget to treat all joints with wood glue.
Installation of the riser is a screw-on tread from the back of the stairs. Now we sew the stringers up to the top. Finally, the side line of the steps can be supplemented with plywood or a board.
The staircase to the attic is ready. If desired, you can install railings if its width is more than 120 centimeters. Now climb to the top two-story house It won't be difficult for you.
Most often, in order to climb into the attic of a private house, they resort to using retractable or ladders, but this is not always convenient. And the question arises how safe it is to climb such a structure. But if you wish, you can make a staircase to the attic with your own hands, spending only a few days. This option will not only be convenient, but will also be cheaper than store-bought ones.
Stair location
In order to choose the most convenient place, you need to consider the following factors:
- Most best option placement of the entrance - separately in a special room, reminiscent of a small vestibule. This option will allow you to arrange a staircase with convenient dimensions and provide thermal insulation. When the door is closed, the possibility of cold air from the attic entering the house is eliminated.
- If it is not possible to organize a vestibule, then it is best to place the stairs at the far wall of the room. This will allow for smooth movement around the room and save space.
- A good option would be to organize a hatch before entering the attic. This option, as with the vestibule, will prevent heat loss.
- The best option in most cases may be a single-flight staircase. But in conditions of insufficient space, you can resort to a screw or double-flight device.
If the room under the roof is not planned for frequent use, then you can limit yourself to those that go up to the ceiling and, if necessary, go down. In addition, such a staircase can also be made independently.
Calculation
When calculating the stairs, take into account the following requirements:
- The width of the stairs should be between 80-100 centimeters.
- Handrails and railings are installed at a height of 90 centimeters. At the same time, do not neglect the installation of handrails. Even if the staircase is between two walls, handrails can make the climb easier and safer.
- The most convenient lifting angle is determined within 30-45 degrees.
At the same time, for a tilt angle of 33-37 degrees, the riser should be 16 cm, for 38-42 degrees - 18 cm, at 45 degrees - 20 cm.
- The optimal dimensions of the riser are 12-20 centimeters, the treads are 30-38 centimeters. It is important to remember that the steeper the climb, the higher the steps.
- The material selected for manufacturing must be treated with antiseptics and fire retardants.
- There should be at least 2 meters from the step to the ceiling, so as not to kill your head when climbing.
To correctly select the ratio of the riser height (j) to the tread width (e), three formulas are used: convenience, step and safety. In this case, the step formula is the most important. It is important to take into account the correct relationship between the two quantities (j/e), which is satisfactory for all three formulas - 17/29. The convenience formula looks like this: e - j = 12 cm; step: 2j + e = 62 (60-64) cm; safety: e + j = 46 cm
Material selection
Can be made of wood or metal, but for self-made Welding can be difficult and requires specific skills. Therefore, let's consider wooden stairs.
Suitable coniferous species:
- Larch and cedar. These rocks have a pleasant appearance, are easy to process and are almost not subject to rotting. The downside will be the cost of such wood.
- Spruce. The technical characteristics of the material are good. Claims can only be made to appearance. There are often knots on it.
- Pine. The cost will be cheaper than others. In addition, the material is easy to process.
Hardwoods are used:
- Oak. Has the best technical characteristics. Has an excellent appearance.
- Beech and ash. They have average characteristics.
- Birch. The material is more economical in cost. The characteristics are not inferior to beech. Well processed.
Any type of wood must be well dried. Before purchasing material, you need to make sure there are no cracks or other defects, including signs of woodworm damage.
Manufacturing
For an attic staircase, the best option is one with stringers or bowstrings. This will reduce labor costs, unlike other types of stairs.
Materials and tools:
- one or two beams for attaching steps (depending on the type of staircase);
- circular saw or hacksaw;
- edged boards for steps 25 mm thick;
- building level;
- screws and glue for attaching steps;
- hammer, screwdriver.
The stringer and bowstring are a supporting beam onto which the steps are attached. They differ in the method of this attachment. A comb is cut along the top into which the steps are installed. For these purposes, grooves are used on the bowstring, which are cut from the inside of the beam. Suitable material solid beams cross section 5x25-30 centimeters. In this case, you need to know that when the width of the stairs is more than 120 centimeters, two stringers are used.
The workpiece is planed along its entire length to remove chips and slivers. Treads (the horizontal part of the steps) are cut out on the stringers. This is done using circular saw or hacksaws. If you decide to make a staircase on bowstrings, then grooves are cut out in the beams, the size of which corresponds to the side section of the step. Next, the ends of the beam are cut so that they can be installed on the base.
We cut risers (the vertical part of the step) and treads according to the dimensions from edged boards. To reduce the risk of injury, you can round the corners of the steps.
When the main parts are ready, we begin assembly. First we secure load-bearing beams. To do this, we attach its lower part to the rough floor bars. In this case, it may be necessary to dismantle a part flooring. To avoid this, a small lifting platform is installed. The fastening is carried out rigidly, fixing the elements with a saw. When installing stairs, it is important to ensure that the cutouts in the beams are at the same level. In this case, the cutouts on the stringers can be adjusted using wedges.
When you are sure that the beams are installed evenly, proceed to. We start with the tread. When mounted on a stringer, the boards are laid, leveled and fastened with screws “in a hidden manner”. The screw heads should “sink” into the wood or they should be covered with a wooden plug. After this, it is planed flush with the plane of the step.
If the installation is carried out on a bowstring, then the treads are inserted into the grooves, having previously been lubricated with glue. Self-tapping screws can be used to provide additional fastening. They are screwed in from the side.
Fastening the risers is not necessary, but if you want to make a full-fledged staircase, then you need to install them from the inside. To do this, use special brackets or wooden wedges.
After the staircase assembly is completed, we proceed to attaching the railings, if necessary.. Their installation begins with the installation of a fence around the entrance attic floor. Next we make the fastening support pillars. We install one at the bottom, the other at the top. After this, we lay and fix the railings. They are supported by balusters mounted on the steps. Provided that the staircase is located against the wall, you can attach the railing to it.
Finally the time has come finishing. To do this, you should start with rough grinding of the finished structure. Then, using putty, fill all the cracks and irregularities. There won't be many of them, unless you make a mistake in the sizes. When the putty is dry, we move on to final sanding. Next, cleaning - you need to use a vacuum cleaner to remove shavings and wood dust. The next stage is painting with varnish or interior paint. You can also prime all elements of the staircase, giving it time to dry.
