Folding staircase to the second floor: instructions for installing a fire and attic structure (photo and video)

For most individual developers involved in the construction of a country house, a folding staircase to the second floor or attic is the best solution. Very often, such structures are small in size, therefore, to save space, the interfloor structure can be made compact and convenient. In addition, the markets have a wide range of finished products that can be purchased when needed.

In the photo, the finished folding ladder made of wood.

Some features

This option is most relevant if the internal space does not allow the installation of traditional counterparts. Thus, folding stairs to the second floor or attic are installed in most cases on their own. However, at the same time, it is imperative to consider the distinctive features and advantages in order to ensure a reliable installation.

List of important benefits

Many people make access to the upper floors using ready-made solutions that involve a portable ladder and a skylight.

Having made a choice in favor of modern models, you can arrange the interior space as comfortably as possible and achieve a high level of safety.

Reliability is associated with good strength characteristics of products, as well as with a long service life.... Manufacturers of such systems pay special attention to safety.
Compactness allows you to fold the structure so that it disappears at the top... When unfolded, you get a complete system for moving to the next level.
Ease of use is achieved due to a special scheme, because usually you just need to pull the cord. It is very easy to remove the product: when it is lifted up, it automatically folds.
Great design makes it possible to fit products into any interior... That is, the installed system is unlikely to disrupt the interior decoration of a country house.
The ease of assembling the elements allows you to do it yourself, and it does not take much time and physical strength. The work is carried out in a short time.

An example of using a similar construction.

Note! The presented structures take up a minimum of space, but at the same time they perform the functions of an ordinary staircase for climbing to the attic, another floor or to any other room.

When choosing a model

If a folding attic staircase is purchased, then you can do without additional thermal insulation of the hatch, but when installing the attic structure, it is better to purchase a product with insulation. When making a choice, it is necessary to take into account certain technical parameters of the product.

Main influencing factors

The level of maximum load that the entire system can withstand must guarantee safety. Typically, the average is 160 kg. For use in the home, there is no need for a more massive structure.
Extension to the desired height depends on the location of the ceilings (the distance from the floor to the upper ceiling). In some cases, all sections are missing to the bottom plane.
The lift width has an effect on the ease of use. On steps that are too narrow, you cannot put your foot well, so there will be a risk of slipping down.
The width of the flight of stairs depends primarily on the opening, in this regard, it is necessary to prepare a gap for the model being arranged. Conversion is permitted in many situations.
Thanks to the distance between the slopes, the incline angle and operating comfort are directly determined. It is advisable to start from the middle step of a person.
The layer of insulation used affects the thermal insulation capacity of the product in the closed position, so you need to inquire about its thickness.

Addition! Having familiarized yourself in detail with the above technical parameters, you should make certain measurements before visiting the store and calculate the quadrature necessary for unfolding the structure.

General recommendations

When purchasing wooden stairs to climb to the next level, it is advisable to choose unpainted models so that you can still fit the interior of the house.
The metal system must be galvanized without fail, otherwise there may be problems with rust, especially when it comes to rooms without heating.
Based on safety rules, it is best to choose products equipped with special handrails. This is especially true for families with small children.

Space under the stairs - ideas from professional designers

Attention! Fans of modern technologies can be offered new models equipped with an electric drive, thanks to which the consumer does not have to use physical efforts.

Main works

The construction industry has developed very well these days, so even beginners try to complete many operations without the involvement of professionals. However, for high-quality performance, you will need detailed instructions that can familiarize you with the procedure.

Installation of the finished structure

The installation area is determined, while the total length of the ladder in the unfolded form is taken into account. Support rails are fixed to the bottom of the opening for temporary use.
The purchased model rises to the upper floor, after which it is placed on the prepared planks.
Spacers are made between the box and the opening to maintain the same distance along the entire perimeter.
Using self-tapping screws, the box is attached to the ceiling from all sides, after which the auxiliary boards are removed, and the staircase itself opens.
The space formed on each side is filled with an insulating material (usually polyurethane foam).
At the length matching stage, the bottom element is cut to form a straight strip.
The screws are loosened, but the sections move up or down. The bottom should be in place.

Fastening the box with the hatch to the floor joists.

Note! If necessary, you can adjust the slope of the entire structure. To do this, you need to completely change the location of the hole intended for fixing the side support.

Self assembly

Not everyone wants to buy ready-made systems, since their price is still quite high, and homemade folding step ladders will be cheap in any case.

Work on the product begins with basic measurements, thanks to which you can also find out the number of sections.
Planks made of hardwood with a section of 70 × 20 millimeters are being prepared.
They are used to make transverse elements with a length of about one meter.
The steps are fastened by twisting self-tapping screws or making nests in bowstrings.
The assembly of the component parts is carried out using hinges purchased in the store or created independently.
The resulting structure is attached to the side plane, where the hatch opening is located directly.

Addition! In addition to the hinges, special suspensions will be required to fix the cover of the manhole itself in the desired position, as well as metal furniture corners for reliability.

Additional recommendations

The steps must be parallel to the bottom of the room, otherwise there is a risk of injury.
If a wooden system was chosen, then it is best to work with unpainted elements, in order to then fit the staircase into the overall design.
To ensure safety, all of the above actions are recommended to be carried out with a partner.
To adjust the height correctly, place the middle section and then measure the distance from the front edge to the rear.
For added strength, folding metal brackets are used, which are fixed on each side.
When preparing the opening in the ceiling, it must be borne in mind that in the folded position the structure will take up a certain space.
The lower boundary of such a system in the assembled state should not touch the hatch cover.