Everyone knows that a solid private house is impossible without a staircase, both for climbing between floors and for climbing to the attic. There is a wide variety of designs, but in this article we will focus on designs that are folding, attic stairs.
Preparing the opening
Nowadays, everyone can easily buy a ready-made staircase in a specialized store. You should be very careful when choosing a suitable model, because the staircase to the attic is an element that is not customary to change every month. Before purchasing, you must familiarize yourself with the opening dimensions required for correct installation.
Tool
You can prepare the opening with your own hands, for this you need the following tool:
- screwdriver;
- saw;
- pencil;
- square;
- roulette;
- chisel;
- screwdriver;
- pliers.
This is certainly not a complete list, everything here will depend on many different factors and design features of each particular house.
Work order
The instructions below will allow you to properly prepare the opening for the installation of the stairs.
The order of work is as follows:
- based on the required dimensions, we mark the opening area;
- cut out the opening, taking into account the thickness of the bars that will be sewn along the edges;
- we join the bars at right angles;
- coat the corners with glue and fix the corners with kerchiefs;
- we attach the resulting frame to the floor elements using self-tapping screws or large nails;
Note!
The ladder will fold over the top of the hatch, so you won't be able to leave spacers at the corners of the frame.
Next, you should fasten the purchased ladder to the finished frame according to the instructions, which must be attached to such a product.
Advantages of a folding loft ladder
The mechanism of this design has a number of advantages that must be noted:
- high reliability and safety, which are ensured by the use of wood and fasteners of the highest quality, as well as serious load tests;
- comfort and practicality, which is achieved due to the fact that the entire structure is practically stored in the attic, without taking up free space;
- good appearance, which is achieved through the use of modern materials and technologies;
- environmental friendliness, thanks to the use of only natural materials.
Ladder models
Next, we will consider the factory parameters and dimensions of the most popular models of attic stairs from the world's leading manufacturers. This data will allow you to choose the right model and prepare the opening before purchasing the product.
Prima
The manufacturing company Oman is located in Poland. The design of such a staircase is intended for climbing to a heated attic, since it does not have an insulated hatch. The Prima system is the best solution for all owners of insulated attics.
Take a look at the parameters that the Prima attic staircase has:
Height, cm | Opening, cm | Material | Manhole thickness, mm | Load, kg |
280 | 120×60, 120×70 | Pine | 26 | 150 |
The system is used when there is no need for additional insulation of the opening and stairs. It has high technical characteristics and low cost. It is in great demand among buyers.
Roto
Roto considers itself to be the best and very first attic staircase builders. Their designs are ideal for quick and easy installation. The founder of the company is Wilhelm Frank.
In modern production, the company uses only the best materials and its own developments. The range of Roto products and accessories is huge. The line of these ladders has about a dozen models.
Esca 11 Roto loft ladders are manufactured in Germany and have the following characteristics:
Height, cm | Opening, cm | Material | Manhole thickness, mm | Load, kg |
285 | 60×120 | spruce | 36 | 150 |
This is a basic model, which is not devoid of the main advantages of more expensive models. Differs in high reliability and quality of materials.
Dolle
This company was founded in Germany in 1951 by Karl Doll. The company's products are of exceptional quality and high safety.
Among the particularly well-known models should be highlighted:
- Termo +;
- Eurobest;
- Extra +;
- Mini.
The mini model differs from Termo + in its smaller opening size, but it has a warmer hatch.
Termo + Dolle attic stairs have the following characteristics:
Height, cm | Opening, cm | Material | Manhole thickness, mm | Load, kg |
285 | 120×60, 120×70 | Pine | 26 | 150 |
Lwk komfort
The stairs of the Polish company Fakro have a whole line of models that differ both in the material from which they are made and in the requirements for the size of the opening.
For the conditions of the Russian climate, the company's specialists have developed a number of products with insulated hatches. For example, a lwk komfort attic staircase has the following characteristics:
Height, cm | Opening, cm | Material | Manhole thickness, mm | Load, kg |
280-325 | 60 × 120 to 70 × 140 | Pine | 36 | 160 |
Polarextreme
The manufacturer of this model is a company from Austria Minka. One of the best Austrian systems - the Polar extreme attic ladder has the following technical characteristics:
Height, cm | Opening, cm | Material | Manhole thickness, mm | Load, kg |
280 | 120×60, 120×70 | spruce | 87 | 150 |
A good option for middle-class buyers is the Minka attic staircase.
Velta
Velta stairs are produced in Denmark, this is a model range from Velux. All steps from this manufacturer have special anti-slip notches.
Velta loft ladders are produced in several versions:
- economy;
- basic;
- compact;
- prestige.
Velux attic stairs are very popular among Russian buyers. Consider the technical data of each model:
Economy
Height, cm | Opening, cm | Material | Manhole thickness, mm | Load, kg |
284 | 120×60, 120×70 | beech | 16 | 150 |
Basically, such a system is used for installation in garages or in the country. The model consists of 3 sections and takes up very little space. The set includes protective caps on the legs and a rod for easy opening of the hatch.
Basic
Height, cm | Opening, cm | Material | Manhole thickness, mm | Load, kg |
281 | 120×60, 120×70 | spruce | 26 | 150 |
Such a system is used in any premises, the price-quality ratio made the model especially popular.
Compact
Height, cm | Opening, cm | Material | Manhole thickness, mm | Load, kg |
281 | 92,5×60, 92,5×70 | beech | 36 | 150 |
This model is used in small rooms in which a standard system cannot be placed. It features a reduced opening size.
Prestige
Height, cm | Opening, cm | Material | Manhole thickness, mm | Load, kg |
274 | 120×60, 120×70 | beech | 76 | 150 |
The products are guaranteed for 3 years. The model is distinguished by improved indicators of heat insulation of the hatch and excellent quality of the materials used.
Nozycowe
These stairs from the Oman company are particularly durable, thanks to the use of a metal structure as a basis. They are scissor type. The parameters are presented in the table:
Height, cm | Opening, cm | Material | Manhole thickness, mm | Load, kg |
290 | 120×70, 100×70 | metal | 26 | 160 |
Accessories
Each design provides for the use of additional accessory elements that increase the comfort and safety of use, and improve the appearance.
Opening fencing
This accessory is used:
- to improve operational safety;
- to facilitate the descent from above to the steps of the staircase.
The element can be made of wood or metal.
Handrail
This element also has protective functions.Installed on both one and two sides.
Feet tips
This element performs several functions at once:
- give the whole structure a more finished, aesthetic look;
- improve stability;
- prevent the floor surface from damage.
Such tips are put on the last segment.
Decorative strip
This element serves:
- for finishing the opening after installation;
- to give a finished look to the entire opening.
Can be made of wood or plastic.
Price
The price of a particular model directly depends on several factors:
- from the material;
- from the manufacturer;
- from the sizes.
When choosing a particular model, be sure to make sure that it is suitable in size and functionality for your home. The Prima staircase is a universal option, which has already been used by thousands of people in our country.
Installation of the Oman Prima system
Work order:
- we remove the packaging from the new design;
- in order not to damage the hatch, place the ladder on a flat surface;
- we check the completeness of the purchase;
Note!
The delivery set must include such elements as: instructions, warranty card, a set of fasteners, brackets, a rod for opening, handrails.
There should be no additional charge for these items!
- we carefully read the installation instructions from the kit;
- we open the box and insert the bolts into the special holes;
- we install the ladder into the finished opening;
- we fix the box in the opening using brackets;
- to install the handrails, open the stairs and slide them down;
- carefully fix the handrails on the staircase;
- close the finished structure with the back of the opening rod;
- Installation completed.
As you can see, there is nothing difficult in installing the purchased ladder. It is quite within the power of everyone to complete the installation, thereby saving a fairly decent amount.
Output
The choice of a particular design is determined by the comfort of frequent, daily use and depends on personal preference. Each customer can choose the appropriate option and carry out the installation on their own or with the help of professional installation teams. In the video presented in this article, you will find additional information on this topic.