Attic stairs: fixed and folding structures. Materials for making

In any private house there is an attic or attic, access to which is more convenient to do not from the street, but from the interior. For this purpose there are special stairs to the attic.

Make attic staircase yourself or to purchase a ready-made structure - it's up to you. But first it would not hurt to get acquainted with their types and features.

Types of attic stairs

Stationary and foldable

The choice of the type of stairs depends on the following factors:

• Frequency of use of the attic space. If living rooms are located under the roof of the house, then it is better to make the stairs stationary. If the attic is rarely used, then a folding structure will be a more convenient option.
• Room area. If it is not large enough to install a stationary ladder, make a folding one - it can be brought into working position as needed, and the rest of the time it will not take up space.
• The presence of small children in the house. If you have them, then it is much safer to use foldable structures that children cannot use without the help of adults.
• Location of the attic hatch. In small rooms, the installation of a stationary ladder is possible only if the hatch is located in the corner or against the wall. (see also Wooden ladders)

Folding ladder designs

Among the folding attic stairs, the following designs are most common:

• Accordion ladders or pincer ladders. They got this name due to the principle of folding and unfolding, similar to the movement of bellows of an accordion. The main advantage of such stairs is their compactness and the ability to be built into a minimum of free space. This design is actuated by means of a spring.

• Lever (folding) ladders. The structure consists of several interconnected sections, which are laid out in turn.

• Telescopic (retractable) ladders. They also consist of two or more sections, which alternately leave one of the other and are fixed in the desired position. (see also Staircase to the second floor)

For reference. The latter type of stairs is considered the most reliable. Due to the absence of lever joints, such a ladder is able to withstand heavy loads. And its design allows you to adjust the slope.

Materials for the manufacture of attic stairs

As with any stairs, wood, metal, or a combination of both is most often used for the manufacture of attic stairs.

The choice of material depends on the following factors:

• Ladder construction. For example, accordion ladders are made only of metal.
• Place of installation. In areas such as a garage, workshop or other utility room with an attic, it is better to give preference to metal structures, which are more durable. And in the interior of a residential building, it is more pleasant to use a wooden staircase.

• Harmonious combination with the interior. Wooden structures will perfectly fit into the interior in country, Provence or Art Nouveau styles. And metal ones will emphasize the brevity and clarity of the lines of the modern high-tech style.

Conclusion

Thanks to the large assortment of attic stairs offered by modern manufacturers, it will not be difficult to choose the one that is suitable in all respects. If you wish, you can make it yourself. But we will talk about this in the following articles.