The leading positions among scaffolding and ladders are aluminum stairs. These are the most demanded products in the "all for repair and construction" category.

aluminum stairs have a number of positive sides, thanks to which they are often chosen for both household tasks and professional activity... The advantages of these products are as follows:

1. A light weight. Of course, when compared with other types of similar structures. aluminum stairs are widely used in summer cottages, vegetable gardens, when harvesting from trees, during finishing repairs. When gluing wallpaper, for small household tasks such as changing an electric lamp, cleaning a balcony and much more. Aluminum is a fairly light material, so ladders made from this raw material will be easy to move and carry.
2. Appearance. Although this is far from the main property for choosing such products, nevertheless, aluminum stairs have an attractive appearance.
3. Corrosion resistant. aluminum stairs do not undergo this destructive process. This means that these structures do not need to be specially processed, painted, and they must be stored in ordinary storage rooms, basements or attics, storage rooms.
4. Withstand heavy loads. aluminum stairs able to withstand a load of more than 200 kilograms. This means that this is the best option, both for a private business and for your home. Several people can successfully work on these structures.
5. Relatively low price. With excellent functionality, a wide range of applications, their prices are really low.

But with all the advantages listed, aluminum stairs, have their disadvantages, which must be listed:

• Well done electricitybecause of what working for them. A person must be extremely attentive. Better yet, buy aluminum stairsequipped with special rubberized inserts and mats that will play a protective role;
• High thermal conductivity;

Among the whole variety of similar structures intended for household, repair and construction works, aluminum stairs are divided into several of these types:

• Multi-section: that is, one-section, two-section, three-section stairs;
• Stepladders;
• Universal ladders;
• Transformers;
• Attached;
• Scaffold;

Now it is worth considering each of the named types and types separately in order to find out their features, purpose in more detail.

These designs are considered to be solid and quite simple, reliable and stable. Their lightness and excellent physical and mechanical properties make them simply the most needed item in the country, apartment and private house.

aluminum stairs with one section can be purchased for a normal democratic price and they will cost even less than multi-section counterparts. In one-section models, there are no complex assembly mechanisms, and they will be relevant for simple tasks and small household chores.

Single-section models can withstand up to 150 kilograms of weight. This means that you can independently work on the structure, and you can also place tools for work on additional devices (special hooks for hanging a load), construction material... Can be equipped aluminum stairs also hinged shelves, handrails, rubber mats to improve them and increase their efficiency. All these "accessories" are needed not only for the comfortable work of the builder, but also for his safety, and safety belts and belts are sold separately to such high-rise products. These indispensable items will be useful for work at heights higher than 5 meters.

aluminum stairs similar patterns are used in a wide variety of sections. Perfect for simple home repairs and professional finishing, facade, country, construction work. It is precisely by their versatility that two-section aluminum stairs and have earned their popularity and incredible demand in the market for repair and building materials.

These models have two sections that are the same size. One section by means of a mechanical hinge mechanism can be folded out and extended. This function allows the employee to make a stepladder that can be climbed from either side. These aluminum stairs good because when performing the assigned tasks there is no need to rearrange them often, you can work on a fairly decent area in terms of volume.

Also, thanks to the aluminum raw material, which is quite light, it is possible to independently regulate the ejection of the working sections. The result will be increased reliability and stability functions. But this is only effective at low altitudes.

Besides that aluminum stairs can be used for their intended purpose, they can also be used as simple attachment structures. In this case, the working height will be slightly higher than with standard use of the product.

aluminum stairs, having two sections are quite stable, thanks to the hinge mechanism and guides. Also, stability is increased with the use of additional devices designed for "tuning" such ladders: hooks for hanging a load, handrails, which are very necessary for those who work on such products for a long time, wide steps for painters-plasterers who have to stay on legs and more.

These models can also be used as a telescopic ladder or as an ordinary building or garden stepladder of a two-sided plan, in which one of the working sections can be extended. All of these devices allow you to work at a decent height. aluminum stairs with three sections, they are quite stable on almost any soil, including uneven and soft. By what means? Due to the fact that they have more points of support, and you can also put sharp pins on the ends of the product, which will help to strengthen the structure.

Three-section aluminum stairs have a number of features and advantages:

• The range of heights at which you can safely work is quite wide. You can choose the height for yourself - literally from a few steps to 42 pieces in height, for example, if you use the product as a telescopic model;
• Compact model. Despite the fact that when unfolded, the structure is a rather large structure in height, when folded it is very compact and convenient for storage and transportation;
• Three-section aluminum stairs will fully pay off and serve you for many years faithfully, with proper care and proper storage;
• The detachable sections are used as separate products for work at low heights. Three-section aluminum stairs can be used simultaneously as two separate structures. It is very convenient and less time consuming;
• Rubber tips, step mats, spacer straps and wide steps for a more comfortable positioning of the worker's foot help to make aluminum stairs even more stable and reliable in comparison with other structures of this kind;

This model consists of four separate racks, which are connected in pairs. The last, top step is a working area on which you can place some of the tools, building supplies, mortars, paints and much more needed for work. A worker is also located on the same site. The distance between the steps is no more than 30 centimeters.

Usually the ladders are equipped with wide steps, which give the unfolded structure the highest possible reliability. Everything aluminum stairs ladders are folding products that can withstand fairly large-scale loads.

In hardware stores, you can find ladders with additional devices. Such as a hook for placing buckets with various construction fluids and mortars, with shelves included, is aluminum stairs stepladders that move from one workplace to another using small wheels.

Stepladders are divided into two types:

1. Unilateral aluminum stairs stepladders. The steps on such a product are located only on one side. The inconvenience is that in order to use the steps, the structure must be constantly turned over, moved. This option will suit office workers more, ideal for household chores.
2. Reversible models. These aluminum ladders are equipped with steps on both sides. Designed for work at high heights. These ladders are also used on professional construction sites.

aluminum stairs of this type are further subdivided into two subspecies:

1. Designed for professional work.
2. Designed for simple household tasks at home.

There is also another type of building stairs. This is the stage. This term refers to a structure that is a platform on reliable supports. It can be moved, secured in a certain position and at the desired height for the worker, and can also move freely on the stage. It is also convenient to put on it your tools and items you need to accomplish your tasks. Very comfortable aluminum stairs a similar kind for professions a painter, plasterer, handyman. The scaffolding is convenient both in an apartment or house, and on the street.

The scaffolds, in turn, are also divided into several types:

1. Mounting. In these models, the supports are widened and the largest are 70 centimeters. The working height of this type of product is no more than 5 meters. Rollers are often sold for more comfortable and faster movement on the terrain.
2. Articulated aluminum stairs scaffold. By purchasing such a product, you can say that you are buying at once 4 types of various models: a stepladder, an attached type of stairs, directly a scaffold of two sizes: large and small, up to three meters. It is convenient to use such multifunctional equipment, because an entire construction team can do with so many devices. Therefore, if you need to choose an economical, but at the same time, multi-purpose headset for high-altitude work, purchase just such aluminum stairs.
3. Ladder scaffolding for the construction site. The height for working in such products is more than 4 meters. The raw material from which this product is made is an alloy of aluminum and magnesium. Such aluminum stairs consist of a single platform and two high-rise attachments. This model is more focused on everyday household chores.
4. Mobile aluminum stairs are 3 meters high. When assembled, they are compact, and very easy to transport, thanks to this useful property... Often these models are supplied with additional equipment such as rollers.

They are considered the most versatile models that can take on a wide variety of shapes and become the most diverse types of stairs. With the help of the hinges, on which the operation of the devices is based, you can easily transform the structure into any one you need.

aluminum stairs transformers are divided into three types according to their purpose and application:

• Household or household. The steps of such structures are made of corrugated aluminum, or they contain rubberized steps, which are convenient to work in any weather and without restrictions. Most often they are made of different aluminum alloy.
• Telescopic, hinged. Good to use at different heights, on the same site. This is possible due to the sliding sections between the work bars. From this model, you can make another one - an attached one. You can also convert the product into two identical ladders, and use the distance between them to secure the scaffold.
• Professional aluminum stairs transformers. These are usually, in addition to the main direction, dielectric, since they are most equipped for professional work. Such products are reinforced with sidewalls, additional "tricks" in the form of safety belts and other protective equipment.

Universal models are more related to professional construction equipment. These are aluminum stairs received for the fact that they are applicable in almost all known cases and at various heights. It is enough to choose the one you need.

These types of product are divided into several more types:

• Universal aluminum stairs coasters. They have a low working height and also have an area for only one person. Consists of steps that connect four identical supports. All parts located horizontally protect the worker from falling - equipped with rubberized inserts that protect the person from accidental slipping and falling from a height. Another advantage of this type is the presence of a special retainer. This is a device that will not allow the ladder to collapse when a worker is on it;
• Platform. Such a product is somewhat reminiscent of a stand. But its upper part is much larger and is 1,100 millimeters long and 300 millimeters wide. aluminum stairs stands of this type are suitable for renovation works at a height of no more than 3 meters, which means that the best option for using this design is household chores and problems solved by using high-altitude devices;

There are also other types of such structures. For instance, aluminum stairs for work on the roof. They have steps of a certain shape, slightly curved in the middle. For cleaning and washing windows, there is another type of stairs, on which a rubberized insert is inserted on the working area, which prevents slipping.

Of course, the features of each type of high-rise device must be disassembled separately - each type, each type and model. But the most common are:

• aluminum stairs with grooved steps parallel to the floor;
• Steps can be fixed different ways... The most common are: flaring and riveting with bolts and rivets. The first method is safer, of course;
• aluminum stairscontaining additional safety belts, safety belts, handrails installed on any model of a universal type of products;
• Supports made of rubber, plugs or high-strength plastic. This allows the entire structure to stand reliably on any surface without destroying it.

aluminum stairs of the most different types: ladders, attached models, multi-section types - have their own purpose. Especially irreplaceable different types the above stairs in these cases:

1. Works related to the installation of electricity and electrical appliances. Replacement of wiring, installation of lighting devices, installation household appliances, for example, an air conditioner - in each case a stepladder or a ladder is needed.
2. Garden Garden. Here you simply cannot do without a stepladder or a two-section staircase, allowing you to get close to hard-to-reach places. aluminum stairs are good in the garden, which will not be scary at all if you forget the product on the street during bad weather. There will be absolutely nothing for him. It will not rust, and the paint will not peel off. After all, they don’t need to be painted in any color. In fact, these products are used not only for harvesting by gardeners and summer residents themselves, but also by landscape designers, for artistic pruning of trees and shrubs, and much more.
3. Construction, interior, facade repair work. aluminum stairs become "assistants" in performing such tasks. How to repair and install a new roof. Ceiling installation, suspended or tiled, painting, wallpapering.
4. At home. In the private sector of the city, stepladders, stairs, scaffolding and other high-rise equipment will always be in demand. They will help you climb into the attic, go down to the basement, get something from the mezzanine, screw in a lamp, clean the walls, peel the wallpaper from the top of the wall. In rooms with high bookshelves, as well as in libraries, universities, a staircase is not a whim, it is an opportunity to get to the oldest, forgotten copies of books.

For everyone who decides to buy aluminum stairs, there are some simple, but quite practical tips:

1. First, check the ladder for mechanical damage. Any deformation: curvature, scratches, cracks - all these are signs of product unreliability, wear and even damage. If you dismiss this point, and want, for example, to take a ladder in a former use, keep in mind that the presence of damage can only indicate that it can fail, burst or bend at any time. Therefore, it is better not to risk your health and, of course, your life.
2. Choose a place to store the purchased item in advance. How you prepare the place where she will constantly be located depends on the time frame. How much will she serve you faithfully. Or it will be forgotten on the first day of use in the wind, rain and other precipitation. It is best to choose a place where there is no excess moisture.
3. If a aluminum stairs, will be used for work of a very different nature, then you better fit universal type. Just choose a price that is acceptable to you, and the consultants in the store will select a decent option for you in terms of quality and prices.
4. If you need high-rise structures mainly in order to go down to the basement or go up to the attic, then it is best to choose attached models.

aluminum stairs have a number of advantages when compared with other similar high-rise devices that consist of different raw materials. The main achievement is, of course, the material of which they are made.

For the manufacture of such equipment, not pure aluminum is used. and its alloy with other different mixtures, which give the finished product strength and reliability.

The production of such a product does not take place in one, but in several stages at once. Each stage includes the production of each piece of finished equipment separately. Steps, load-bearing parts, railings, rungs, fasteners, clamps - all these elements are produced separately from each other and only then are attached together.

Each part, accordingly, is also checked separately to ensure the quality of the final work, the product is checked again in the already assembled form. Any customer can do this. Who wants to test the product for strength and quality. Some signs of deformation can be seen already at the first examination of the product in the window. And to check for the correctness of the geometry, for example, aluminum stairs, should be laid out on the floor, or on some other flat surface: the load-bearing parts and the ends of the steps should lie flat on the floor and not differ in size.

In order to check the reliability and safety, it is enough to shake the product and see if it is easy to do, whether the structure will stagger under your feet. If unbalanced aluminum stairs quite easily, it is better not to buy such equipment, look for another model.

Have you decided to buy a similar product and have come to the store to make a purchase? Take your time, but carefully study all the options, read the instructions. Supplied with every item offered for sale. If the seller does not have a technical passport and instructions, then it is better not to take risks and do not take a similar product - most likely, it is imported illegally or is far from new, as it may seem to you at first.

Ask the seller what alloy the structure is made of, it is better to choose a model that is made from alloys of aluminum, magnesium, silicon or duralumin. Such a product will delight you with its stability and strength for many years to come.

As for the fasteners, it is better to choose parts connected by flaring than a product. What keeps bolts and nuts. These small latches have no guarantee of service and can often "pop out" at any inopportune moment. That is why it is recommended to choose flared devices.

aluminum stairs lately, almost everything has been done with rubberized parts, or corrugations, with the help of which it will be easier for the worker to stand on his feet in case of rain. Also, the use of rubberized parts is that rubber does not conduct electric current, which means that products can be freely used for electrical work.

To begin with, you need to be sure why you need an extension ladder?

If for repair work or construction, then it is better to choose a particularly durable model, because during such work, the entire structure of the ladder is often subjected to considerable loads, which can simply deform a simple model, and the person performing the work can get injured from the sudden folding of the ladder. or simply falling from a great height.

If your profession is associated with constant "travel" on shelves, whatnots, mezzanines and other high-rise places where you cannot easily get to, then it is better to get yourself a ladder model with a not too high working height. You will appreciate its compactness, neatness and functionality.

Installation and dismantling of electrical wiring, work in the chemical industry, require a special approach to the choice of stairs. aluminum stairs for this type of work must be non-conductive and must not be exposed to chemicals. A model made with fiberglass is ideal.

aluminum stairs for everyday tasks and household small problems and their solutions should be versatile. After all, when buying a staircase for your home, you want to use it many times, and not just one time. For household needs, an ordinary ladder is quite suitable. A model without "bells and whistles" and additional "accessories" will suit any hostess or owner, since such a model of high-altitude equipment is easy to care for, and quite convenient to store, since it folds very compactly and takes up very little space.

What else should you look at and what should you notice when choosing? There are several factors that are very important for the safe work of the employee and yourself:

1. Comfort and, of course, safe work. Look at the material from which they are made aluminum stairs... Read the focus: why it is made, what loads it can carry, how best to transport it, is it possible to fold and unfold frequently, or it needs to be transported ready-made, as it is.
2. Assembly. First of all, this applies, of course, to fasteners. Is it securely installed, whether the basic proportions are observed, whether the steps are not displaced under load, whether the structure deforms when all the weight is pressed on it. There should be no protruding parts on any part of the ladder. Roughness, chips and curvatures. All of this can be a sign that the ladder is quite outdated and may even break under your weight, which means you could fall.

Calculate the working height you need. At what maximum height can you work calmly and comfortably? So be determined. Now you can choose the most modest height parameters, up to 2 meters, or you can find three-section models, in which, when unfolded, more than 10-15 meters. Therefore, carefully consider the choice for this parameter.

The article was prepared with the participation of specialists from KRAUSE

The ladder is irreplaceable assistant during construction country house and operation of the cottage. Mounting or cleaning gutters, installing a satellite dish, climbing a roof or renovating a facade - you need a ladder everywhere. Because the modern market offers many types of stairs, in different price ranges, novice developers have questions about how to choose the best option. Therefore, in this article, with the help of an expert, we will tell you:

• What is the difference between a universal three-section ladder and a transformer ladder.
• How to choose a quality staircase.
• What kind of work are these stairs intended for?
• What additional accessories expand the functionality of the stairs.
• How to work safely on stairs.

Features of a universal three-section aluminum ladder and a hinged transforming ladder

Before buying a ladder for a country house, you need to decide on the type of work for which it is purchased. Its type and design features depend on this.

Chapolonka FORUMHOUSE Member

I have a plot with a small house. The house needs to be renovated. So I thought about which ladder to choose for work outside and inside. What should be the height of the stairs, features.

Samatik FORUMHOUSE user

I want to buy a transforming ladder. I haven't worked with them before, so I want to know what to look for.

For an informed choice, you need to figure out how it differs from a hinge.

Kalmykov DmitryKRAUSE specialist

Universal aluminum three-section ladders are necessary if you need to work at a distance from the ground from 3 to 8 meters and more. Most often, these ladders are purchased for outdoor use. They consist of a folding step-ladder (two sections) and an extension (one section) that can be pulled up. When assembled, all three sections are fixed in one plane. Depending on the type of work, the ladder can be put on a secure support, spread out to its full length and attached to the wall. Use as a stepladder or extend the third section as a console.

With the help of such a ladder, you can reach the ridge of the roof, paint the facade or clean the drain, as the user of the portal wants Semyon Udalov,at a height of 6 meters or more.

Onfair FORUMHOUSE user

I myself have chosen a high-quality and reliable three-section staircase. This one will definitely get everywhere. Side steps 30x30 95x25 mm. Metal clamps. There are plastic inserts for easy sliding. Rubber feet.

A roof rack is required to transport the three-section ladder.

T.N. transformers, more compact and versatile. They have smaller dimensions than three-section ones, and consist of several sections (usually 4), connected to each other by hinge mechanisms with locks and locking mechanisms.

The configuration of a staircase-transformer is designated as 4x3, 4x4, 4x5, etc., where the first number is the number of sections, and the second is the number of steps.

Depending on the type of work, the transformer can be turned into an ordinary ladder.

Stepladder.

Ladder with a cantilever departure in the form of the letter G.

Scaffold.

sap77 FORUMHOUSE user

I have two-storey house, and I, in order to reach the roof, bought a transforming ladder. The ladder is light, has a bunch of transformation modes, is compact, folded easily fits into the trunk passenger car, which simplifies its transportation.

Ivanrin FORUMHOUSE user

I have a transformer for 4 sections of 3 steps. Very comfortable and versatile design. In order not to carry it in my hands, I take it around the house on a trolley.

You can expand the functionality of the stairs, both articulated and three-section, as well as increase the convenience of work, using additional accessories.

This could be:

• transverse traverse - used to compensate for differences in height up to 17 cm on flights of stairs / landings, etc.;

• sidewall extension - allows you to install the ladder vertically on an uneven surface, for example, on flights of stairs, the edges of sidewalks, etc.;

• a step-shelf, it is used as a platform on which it is convenient to stand, or as a tray for tools;

• pins additionally secure the ladder from overturning on soft ground.

Sculptor FORUMHOUSE user

I have a three-section ladder with a maximum working height of 9.6 m. I bought pins for it to fix it in the ground so that the ladder does not slide back, and a platform for my feet. Now I can't even imagine how it is possible to work normally at height without it.

Spacers allowing work in hard-to-reach places at a short distance from the wall, for example, on ledges of walls, ledges of roofs, etc.

Crosshead leveling devices. Provides safe installation of the crosshead on staircases / landings and uneven surfaces.

A platform for converting a transforming ladder into a convenient working platform and shelves for inventory.

Important: each ladder is matched to the level of heights at which it is planned to work... The size of the optimal working heights and options for folding the ladder are given in the instructions for its operation.

Criteria for choosing a quality staircase

Anyone who has worked at a height will say that the quality of the work performed largely depends on the reliability of the ladder and its safety. Agree that it is unpleasant to paint a facade or mount a drain at a distance of 5-7 meters from the ground on a shaky, swinging and not credible structure. When the head is preoccupied with thoughts of "the stairs will fold or not," it is easy to admit marriage. In addition, an emergency situation can arise when choosing a ladder that is unsuitable for certain types of work, and if the rules for its operation are not followed.

alexru_ FORUMHOUSE user

I have a three-section universal aluminum ladder with 18 steps. The folded length is about 5 m, the maximum unfolded length is 13.5 m. If you use it as a stepladder, then the height is a little more than 9 m. I tried to work with it, but climbed only up to the tenth step. Then it became scary, the stairs began to sway under me. Construction - the ladder is primitive, flimsy and unreliable. Now I think which manufacturer is better to take and how many steps.

Alexey + FORUMHOUSE Member

I have been working with a three-section staircase for several years now. The ladder is good, but one day, out of forgetfulness, I climbed up and did not fix the transverse aluminum stabilizers. As a result, seven of the eight rivets securing the galvanized locks were cut off, and the ladder collapsed under me. I fell from a height of more than 5 meters and miraculously survived and did not break anything.

Conclusion: if a ladder collapsed under someone, or a person fell, this does not mean that the design is bad. It is necessary to observe safety precautions when working at height.

So, when choosing a ladder for a home, two factors must be taken into account - the quality of the product and compliance with the safety rules.

Kalmykov Dmitry

The ladder, regardless of its purpose, must ensure safe ascent up and down, as well as convenience and comfort of work. These indicators depend on the thoughtfulness of the design, technical characteristics, maximum permissible loads and materials used in the manufacture. Not all manufacturers, in fact, have stairs that look like in photographs on the Internet. Saving on the thickness of the profile, reliability of the units, the absence of external and internal flaring of the rungs of the steps lead to a decrease in the strength of the ladder and a decrease in its service life.

A quality staircase is designed taking into account the safety factor. Those. during the tests, the ladder is subjected to higher loads than those permitted in the operating instructions. In Europe, any ladder in laboratory tests must be able to withstand a load of 270 kg in order to officially obtain a load tolerance of 150 kg. But in Russia there are no such criteria, so for most manufacturers it is enough for their ladder to withstand 150 kg.

For example, it is believed that the weakest point of transforming stairs is the hinge mechanism. It must be strong and easily accessible to the pivot drive levers. This directly affects the ease and convenience of folding and unfolding the ladder.

A simple solution for the repair of a sliding ladder is considered. The presence of modern superplastic material polymorphus made it possible to fully restore the functionality and safety of damaged equipment. This method of repair and restoration is suitable for other similar cases, as well as for self-made seals in places of contact metal parts with a protected surface.

How to fix a ladder ladder with your own hands

Loss of seal legs on stairs is fraught with two troubles. The first trouble. Metal feet damage the floor, whether it is wood or linoleum, stone floors may have small scuffs or chips or traces of metal. The second trouble. the stability of the stairs is disturbed, and this is fraught with injuries.

But it is not always possible to restore the seal to the proper level and, as a rule, this is a short-lived solution. The leg is still destroyed by external factors and heavy load at the installation site. However, there is a solution. This is a superplastic Polymorphus. Plastic has a remarkable property; it becomes soft like plasticine when heated above + 65º. Human skin begins to feel pain when heated above 70 ° C. Plastic is supplied in the form of granules whitewhich soften and become transparent when heated. When it cools, the plastic acquires the strength of a plastic product and can be sawed or drilled.

The master tried to use the material to repair the ladder. Renovation work carried out in a few steps. Strictly follow the instructions and you will succeed too. See photos and videos.

Step 1. Pour into a glass or metal dishes (do not use plastic) the required amount of plastic granules. Add a few dye granules if you need the plastic of the desired color. The colorants supplied are very juicy and intense. We clean the place of repair of the stairs from dirt.

Step 2. Pour boiling water into a bowl and stirring occasionally, wait for the plastic to melt (it will become transparent).

Step 3. Remove the polymorphus lump from the water and knead it vigorously in order to uniformly color and remove water.

Step 4. Put the mashed ball back into hot water... For the best repair effect, I highly recommend heating the metal of the ladder legs, for example, with a hairdryer.

Step 5. We remove the lump from the water, introduce up to half of the volume of plastic inside the leg, and from the rest of the part we form a support similar to that of the second leg. You need to work energetically and accurately. It is required to have time to do everything before starting the curing process.

Step 6. We wait until the plastic is completely cured or speed up the process cold water... DO NOT STEAD LADDER on foot until cured!

Polymorphus leg

The home craftsman should be able to make a straight ladder that is irreplaceable in the household. The design must meet the main requirements - safety and reliability. To create a solid staircase, you need to correctly select the components, get acquainted with the technology, develop a drawing and complete the assembly. The stages of manufacturing an attached structure are described in the article.

A ladder is an irreplaceable thing on a personal plot

At the dacha or in the backyard, a ladder will be needed when performing work carried out at a height. Seasonal pruning of fruit and park trees, touch-up window frames, harvesting and other activities are not complete without garden tools. Ladders are characterized by mobility, light weight and simple design. In fact, these are two support beams, fastened together by crossbeams.

In hardware stores and in construction markets a wide range of modifications of ladders made of different materials. Buying a high-quality large-sized model is quite expensive, and the reliability of cheap stairs raises certain doubts. Therefore, many home craftsmen often raise the question: "How to make a ladder with your own hands?"

The feasibility of an independent construction is fully justified, since the scope of using a ladder is quite multifaceted:

• repair and construction facade works;
• repair of electrical wiring in a private house;
• installation of electricity meters, monthly readings;
• washing window panes on the first and second floors;
• decoration of the facade of the house;
• cleaning downpipes, storm drains;
• minor repairs to roofing material.

Despite the significant advantages, the mobile stepladder has some disadvantages:

• low carrying capacity - structures are not designed for loads of more than 200 kg;
• narrow support area reduces the stability of the ladder;
• not very convenient operation due to the lack of railings, a steep rise and thin steps.

The most durable and durable are metal stairs. Simple model it is quite possible to do it yourself. To do the job, it is desirable to have welding skills.

Design requirements for ladders of the attached type

The main requirement for attached models, as well as for other types of stairs, is safety. When planning the design of the stairs and performing calculations, you should adhere to a number of basic rules:

1. The maximum length of a ladder of this modification is 5 m.However, this limitation is relevant for wooden models... Metal stairs can be taller due to the strength of the material.
2. When making a ladder, it is advisable to provide for the installation of special attachments: hook hooks, steel pins and rubber pads. These elements improve the stability of the structure.
3. The optimal step for placing steps is 30-35 cm, the minimum distance is 25 cm.
4. The span width is not less than 40 cm.
5. Structural parts should not have sharp rough edges and metal burrs.
6. In the manufacture of ladders and retractable modifications of stairs, special lock connectionsthat prevent spontaneous opening / closing of the structure.
7. For the convenience of moving large-sized models, wheels are installed on the "support legs". In this case, it is necessary to provide for the presence of a blocker so that during operation the ladder does not go out from under your feet.

Important! According to safety precautions, the strength characteristics of the ladder must be checked annually. The structure is installed to the wall at an angle of about 70 ׄ °, and then a weight of at least 100-120 kg is placed on the steps in turn.

Types of ladder designs

There are several types of ladders, each of which has design and operational features.

Straight simple stairs with fixed dimensions. Uncomplicated model of two support beams and attached steps. It is very easy to make such a ladder with your own hands. Folding and sliding models are more functional and reliable.

Folding ladders (stepladders) consist of several parts connected by hinges. The main advantage of the model is its compactness and the ability to store it in a compact room. Stepladders with a platform are more convenient to use than straight structures. For the manufacture of a folding ladder with their own hands, they usually use aluminum alloys, thereby reducing the weight of the ladder.

Folding models most in demand when arranging attic rooms. The staircase saves space on the lower floor - just pull on the lower step or a special handle and the structure will fully unfold.

Disadvantages of folding modifications:

• the complexity of design, assembly and installation;
• the need to use expensive components;
• low strength of a structure consisting of several elements.

Retractable ladder with height adjustment. Models consist of two to three sections, fasteners, guides, rollers and height stops. To prevent the ladder from letting down at the right time, the working mechanisms must be regularly lubricated.

The choice of material for the manufacture of stairs

Straight staircases today are mostly made of metal, and traditional wooden structures are becoming less in demand.

Distinctive features of metal ladders:

• for self-production, aluminum, stainless steel or metal alloys are usually used;
• high strength, resistance to moisture and mechanical damage;
• aluminum does not corrode, and structures made of another metal need to be treated with protective agents;
• high carrying capacity;
• practicality and durability;
• to make a metal ladder by hand, you will need experience in performing welding.

Wooden stairs are easy to manufacture, but demanding in terms of storage and operation. If the air is too dry, the wood dries up, the material weakens, and cracks may appear. High humidity causes wood stairs to rot. To reduce the risks of structural failure, it is necessary to regularly treat wood with protective agents.

Important! Wooden ladders withstand loads up to 150 kg.

When carrying out electrical work, sliding stairs made of fiberglass are often used - the material protects against electric shock.

Do-it-yourself ladder from a profile pipe

Drawings of ladders

Making ladders with your own hands begins with the development of a drawing. It is necessary to schematically display the main parameters of the staircase:

• height and width;
• parameters of the material used (diameter / section of the metal, etc.);
• stair step;
• mount type;
• type of support.

As an example, existing schemes from the Internet are suitable for creating a sketch.

Do-it-yourself attached metal ladder: drawings of various modifications.

Attic ladders by hand: drawings and diagrams. Video

Required tools and materials

To create a simple metal ladder you will need the following materials:

• profile pipe - two cuts of 2.5 m each, diameter - 4 * 4 cm;
• cuts from shaped pipe length equal to the width of the ladder (30-35 cm) - 10 pcs.;
• square metal plates measuring 4 * 4 cm - 4 pcs.;
• steel corners - 20 pcs.;
• primer for processing metal surfaces;
• paint.

From the tools you need to have at hand:

• a hacksaw for metal or a grinder;
• square;
• a sander or sandpaper;
• wide sturdy table for the layout of structural parts.

Ladder assembly procedure

Let's consider step by step how to make a ladder with your own hands. The assembly diagram is as follows:

1. Place the metal supports on the table. Check that the elements are parallel to each other at a distance of 30 cm (staircase width).
2. Make marks for setting steps in 25 cm increments.
3. Weld metal corners according to the marks - they will additionally fix the crossbars.
4. Weld two 30 cm cuts to the supports from below and from above. The result should be a rectangular frame.
5. Place the rungs in sequence on the corners and weld with a double welding seam.
6. Weld metal plates to the ends of the supports above and below. This measure will prevent soil, debris and water from entering the supports.
7. Grind the welding seams with a grinder.
8. Prime the ladder and leave the metal to dry completely.
9. Cover the structure with paint, and after complete drying, apply a second coat of paintwork.

How to make an attached wooden ladder with your own hands: expert advice

When creating a straight staircase or stepladder from wood, the following points must be considered:

1. For work it is better to use conifers wood. It is unacceptable to make a ladder out of wooden beamsif they have transverse or longitudinal cracks. Bars with signs of decay, large knots are discarded.
2. The choice of the minimum cross-section of the support beams depends on the height of the structure being erected.
3. Before assembling everything wooden parts are treated with an antiseptic.
4. Structural elements are fastened together in one of the following ways:
   • overhead method - the steps are fixed to the supports with nails and self-tapping screws; this option is considered the simplest, but not reliable enough;
   • tie-in of crossbars - steps are installed in samples prepared in advance in support beams;
   • spike connection - grooves are made in the bowstrings, and projections are made along the edges of the crossbars; fixation can be performed at an angle.

Council. Spike connection in wooden structures the most durable. Prepare the nest and spike using a chisel, mallet or electric drill in a stand.

Safety precautions when working on a ladder

Attached models are not self-supporting, so basic safety knowledge will help prevent falls and injury.

1. Long-term work at a height of more than 1.5 m must be carried out with a safety belt.
2. The ladder must not be placed on boxes, tables or other objects to increase its height. It is better to "merge" two separate ladders metal clamps... Before work, the structure must be checked with a load of 150 kg.
3. The safest installation angle is 60 °. When placing the ladder at 75 ° and higher, it is advisable to fix it from above.
4. To prevent slipping when climbing, the steps must be equipped with rubber pads.

It is prohibited on a ladder:

• lift heavy objects;
• pull on electrical wires;
• use oversized welding machines and electrical equipment;
• move around without sticking to the stairs;
• more than 1 person to climb at the same time.

Compliance with the technology of design and operation of the ladder is the key to safe implementation various works on high.

Making an extension ladder from metal profiles: video

Item number 2: The choice of staircase design - spiral or march.

Marching stairs easy to use, but takes up a lot of space. Spiral staircase has a beautiful view, saves space, however, it is inconvenient when descending, especially for structures with a diameter of less than 140 cm.

Item No. 3: Stair safety.

Ladder safety depends on the ratio of the lifting height and tread width, as well as on the installation method of the first and last step - the most vulnerable places for injuries on stairs... To ensure the safety of children, the distance between the balusters in the fences should be at least 10 - 12 cm.

How do you know which ladder you need? When is the best time to use the scaffold? Is a stepladder suitable for finishing work? We will answer all these questions and tell you what to look for in order not to make the wrong choice.
It would seem like an ordinary staircase. But have you ever wondered how many different designs there are? Some are used in everyday life, others are intended for repairs, others for construction and roofing works... And each is unique in its own way.

For everyday affairs

Of course, in order to reach something high up, you can build a wobbly structure by placing a stool on the table. But is it safe?
A sturdy and stable ladder is much better for replacing a burned-out light bulb, stowing something on the mezzanine, or taking a book off the top shelf. It consists of four supports, connected in pairs by crossbeams - steps.
Plastic or rubber shoes, which are equipped with such stairs, make them stable: even if you install the structure on a tile, tile or linoleum, it will not slide. When folded, the stepladder does not take up much space, so it can be removed behind a curtain, in a closet or in a closet, it will definitely not interfere with you. This is what makes it so popular - it's easy to store, collect and use.
Traditionally, there are two types of such stairs - unilateral and double-sided (there are steps on one or two supports). The first ones usually weigh little (from 2.5 kg), but they have to be constantly moved, turned to the right side. If you plan to use the ladder rarely enough, it will not tire you, so you can safely take one - it costs less. If you often need a stepladder, it is better to choose a two-sided one - it is a little more expensive, but you can climb it from either side. In addition, it is very convenient that two people can simultaneously perform their work on it, for example, mount or decorate a tall Christmas tree.

For home overhaul

If you were prompted to buy a staircase by the upcoming serious and lengthy work on the transformation of the house, the best option would be scaffolding for wall decoration. This is the best option when you need to repaint the facade of a building or plaster a room. Why? Their main design feature is the presence of a wide platform, which is supported by stable legs. It is comfortable to stand on it, it is impossible to slip (since it is made of non-slip materials). You can put cans of paint next to you, put a tool - the scaffolds will withstand everything.
By the way, we note that it will not be difficult to move such a ladder from place to place. Many models are equipped with casters, so it will be enough to just lift one side of the supports to transport the structure.

The most popular are the following types.

Attention! If the scaffolding will be used mainly outside the building, pay attention to whether they are covered with a special anti-corrosion compound. Models protected from rust can be left outside overnight - the metal will not oxidize under the influence of moisture.

We have told you about the most popular stairs among users. But besides them, there are several other types of such equipment, less known. They are also designed for different tasks:

View	Design	Scope of application
Ladder	Two guides, which are interconnected by crossbars (steps)	Repair of a large-sized object (for example, pumping or compressor stations). Domestic use (gardening)
Stands	Platform for 1 person, fixed on a low support (usually up to 50 cm)	To reach an object from a low height
Two-section and three-section ladders	Two (three) ladders, connected to each other, hinged	Professional construction and renovation
Towers tours	They are similar in design to scaffolding, but have a lower height (usually up to 22 m)	Professional construction

What to look for when buying?

So what do you need to know about stairs in order to choose the most suitable one? First, find out what it is made of, and secondly, study its characteristics.
Structures are made from different materials:

• aluminum ladders are the most popular. Many manufacturers additionally anodize this metal to protect it from oxidation. Such ladders are very light and durable, they can be used in rooms with high humidity levels, as well as outdoors;
• fiberglass - from a mixture of fiberglass and polymers. These ladders are non-conductive and therefore ideal for wiring work.

The most important parameter when buying a ladder is its working height... It is calculated very simply: the average height of an adult with an arm extended upward (as a rule, 2 m) is added to the height of the platform or the highest step at which one can work.
If you plan to use the ladder only in the apartment, you will not need a very high ladder. A working height of 3 m is sufficient.
For external decoration, a four- or five-meter scaffold is suitable.
From distance between steps depends on how comfortable it will be for you to climb. The closer the bars are to each other, the better. It is optimal if this distance is 22 - 25 cm.
We must not forget about workload... This characteristic shows how much weight the structure can withstand. On average, aluminum and fiberglass ladders are designed for 150 kg. But stronger scaffolds remain stable, even if there is a load of 200 kg on the site.

We've told you everything you need to know about stairs. We hope that choosing the right one will be very easy for you now!

The article will tell you how to responsibly approach the choice of a reliable folding ladder, which is colloquially called a step-ladder. You will learn how they differ in terms of characteristics and design features, as well as in purpose. The article will help to distinguish a professional ladder from a household one.

The triangle is the most rigid geometric shape. Two of the most common examples of its reliability are gable roofs and stepladders. However, in the second case, the elements of the figure are a movable mechanism, the choice of which should be approached with special attention.

Classification of ladders

The stepladder consists of two conditionally rigid frames connected by a hinge. The ladder got its name from the safety connection - soft (tape, cable) or hard (metal strip) - which is called "stirrup".

All stepladders differ in basic features.

By appointment

Household or amateur. Lightweight models with relatively weak connections, no reinforcements. In their manufacture, cheap materials are used and they are designed for periodic use at home. They can have a complex structure (transformer) and can withstand a maximum weight of up to 100 kg.

Popular options today include a combination of anodized aluminum (load-bearing elements), wooden steps and glass railing.