Features of the selection and operation of aluminum stairs. Options for the execution of aluminum stairs and their features How to make an attached wooden ladder with your own hands: expert advice

Item #2: The choice of staircase design - spiral or mid-flight.

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

Item #3: Stair safety.

Ladder safety depends on the ratio of the height of the rise and the width of the tread, as well as on the method of installing the first and last steps - 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 scaffolding? Is a ladder suitable for finishing work? We will answer all these questions and tell you what to look for in order not to make a mistake with the choice.
It seemed to be 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 are for construction and roofing. And each is unique in its own way.

For everyday affairs

Of course, in order to reach something located high, you can build a rickety structure by placing a stool on the table. But is it safe?
A strong and stable stepladder is much better suited to replace a burnt out light bulb, put something away on the mezzanine or take a book from the top shelf. It consists of four supports, connected in pairs by crossbars - steps.
The plastic or rubber shoes that such stairs are equipped with make them stable: even if you install the structure on tiles, tiles or linoleum, it will not slip. When folded, the stepladder does not take up much space, so it can be removed behind a curtain, in a closet or in a pantry, it will definitely not interfere with you. That's what makes it so popular - it's easy to store, assemble and use.
Traditionally, there are two types of such stairs - unilateral and bilateral(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 ladder, it is better to choose a double-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 do their work on it at the same time, for example, mount or decorate a tall Christmas tree.

For home renovation

If the upcoming serious and lengthy work on the transformation of the house prompted you to buy a ladder, scaffolding for wall decoration will be the best option. 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 rests on stable legs. It is comfortable to stand on it, it is impossible to slip (because it is made of non-slip materials). Next to you, you can put cans of paint, put a tool - the scaffolding will withstand everything.
By the way, we note that moving such a ladder from place to place is not difficult. Many models are equipped with rollers, so it will be enough just to lift one side of the supports to transport the structure.

The most popular are the following types.

Attention! If the scaffold will be used mainly outside the building, please note whether it is 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 humidity.

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

View	Design	Scope of application
Ladder	Two guides that are interconnected by crossbeams (steps)	Repair of a large-sized object (for example, pumping or compressor stations). Domestic use (gardening)
coasters	Platform designed for 1 person, fixed on a low support (usually up to 50 cm)	To reach an object from a small height
Two-section and three-section stairs	Two (three) ladders connected to each other, on hinges	Professional construction and renovation
Tower tours	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? Firstly, specify what it is made of, and secondly, study its characteristics.
Structures are made from different materials:

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

The most important parameter when buying a ladder is its working height. It is calculated very simply: to the height of the platform or the highest step on which you can work, add the average height of an adult with an arm extended upwards (usually 2 m).
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 will be sufficient.
For exterior decoration, a four- or five-meter scaffold is suitable.
From step spacing depends on how comfortable you will climb. The closer the crossbars 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 the stronger platform remains stable even when there is a load of 200 kg on the platform.

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

The article will tell you how to responsibly approach the choice of a reliable folding ladder, which is colloquially called a stepladder. You will learn how they differ in features 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 figure. The two most common examples of its reliability are gable roofs and step ladders. However, in the second case, the elements of the figure are a movable mechanism, the choice of which should be approached with special attention.

ladder classification

The ladder 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 the "stirrup".

All ladders differ in basic features.

By appointment

Household or amateur. Lightweight models on relatively weak connections, without 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.

Among the options that are popular today are the combination of anodized aluminum (bearing elements), wooden steps and glass railings.

In those designs where high reliability and durability are required, the elements are made of metal parts.

A staircase from a profile pipe with your own hands, made at home, is no exception.

Article content

Main types of stairs

A stepladder is a ladder that can stand on its own, using any suitable support for this (a wall, for example).

The stepladder can be single-sided or double-sided. The design has a frame to which the steps are attached, and the additional elements that the stepladder is supplied with are handrails and legs.

The calculation of the height of such a structure from a profile pipe is carried out in the course of determining the interval between the floor and the last step. The calculation is made with an emphasis on an interval of 20-25 cm. Due to the presence of various functional features, the ladder can be:

• classical;
• Universal;
• Transformer.

Designs related to the universal type combine the functionality of a conventional ladder and stepladder.

It can be folding or telescopic. The presented ladder has a frame consisting of several sections, with each section consisting of 5-7 steps.

Telescopic structures are distinguished by the fact that their sections can be extended gradually. They are fixed with special latches or hooks.

The step-ladder-transformer can work in several provisions. Such products from a profile pipe are very compact, lightweight and can easily fit even in the trunk of a car.

The frame of ladder products is assembled using metal profile pipes that act as load-bearing racks, steps can be made of wood or a material less durable than the frame.

All connections of the structure from profile pipes are joined together using bolted joints.

This allows, if necessary, to quickly replace any damaged element. Some ladders are non-separable - welding is used to create them.

It should be noted that the most common and practical material for creating the described structures is aluminum or duralumin alloy. Ready will have such advantages as:

• ease;
• reliability;
• convenience in operation.

Tools and materials necessary for work

To create a ladder with your own hands, preference should be given to aluminum or metal profile pipes. Such a design can subsequently be easily transported even in public transport. In addition, this metal is resistant to the harmful effects of corrosive processes and other negative environmental factors.

The profile does not need to be additionally primed and painted, and the service life of the product will depend only on the quality of the assembly. When assembling such a structure, you can not do without:

• roulettes;
• square;
• a simple pencil;
• hacksaws for metal;
• grinders;
• drills;
• screwdrivers;
• hammer;
• drills for metal;
• bolts and nuts;
• welding machine.

In addition, you will need expendable materials, how:

• belts or chains;
• several rubber heels for the legs;
• glue for metal or liquid nails;
• a metal sheet from which steps and connectors will be cut;
• metal or aluminum profile pipe.

It must be clarified that it has a high electrical conductivity and the finished product must not be used to repair high voltage lines.

However, in everyday life such a need is not so common. Aluminum is a good conductor of heat and outdoors it heats up several times faster than metal.

So, for example, if such a ladder is left under the sun in the summer for several hours, then it is likely to get very hot, which will complicate the work.

A stepladder made of shaped pipes is easy to manufacture, and the material is generally available and has a high margin of safety. A stepladder made of a metal profile pipe requires painting to protect it from corrosion.

Manufacturing procedure

To create a ladder from profile pipes, it is recommended to follow the following sequence of actions:

1. Prepare metal aluminum or steel pipe and cut off 4 segments of the same length from it.
2. If the pipe is made of metal, then from its surface with the help of a grinder or a drill with special nozzle especially large rust should be removed.
3. Securely fix the workpiece in a vise and polish it to a shine with sandpaper or using special means to remove rust.
4. To cut steps with the same length from pre-prepared metal sheets. If necessary, rust deposits are also removed from them.
5. The frame begins to form with the welding of steps. If there is no welding machine, then you can use the corners of the bolts and nuts.
6. Plugs are welded on top and bottom of the pipe, or rubber tips are put on.
7. Crossbars are welded to the two remaining pipes in their lower and upper parts, the distance from which to the end of the pipe should be 10-15 cm.
8. The frame of the bearing profile pipes is located horizontally and a number of holes are drilled in it, in which belts are fastened with bolts.
9. To that part of the stairs on which the steps are not fixed, a metal plate must be welded perpendicular to the frame. Two metal plates must be attached to the other half of the frame - the upper step is welded to them from above.

In order to ensure reliable fixation, cuts are formed at the level with the base plate, which will act as a lock.

Self-made ladder (video)

Manufacturing of other types of ladders

Some designs can not always be conveniently transported in a disassembled state. To give the structure solidity, the part on which the steps are located is made somewhat longer.

At a distance of 10-15 cm from the highest step in profile pipe a special gap is drilled and cut.

The ends of the halves without steps are inserted into it. These parts are upholstered with milk and flattened. After that, a through hole is drilled in the frame, and the structure section is fixed with a lock nut.

In order to assemble a transformer ladder, you should initially carry out a design calculation, and then perform the following steps:

1. 8 pieces of pipes with the same length are cut.
2. Steps are cut out of a sheet of metal. You can set any step size.
3. The steps are fastened so that on both sides of the sections they are located at the same distance from each other.
4. Fitting is carried out and the sections are connected using locking mechanisms.
5. The stepladder is treated with a primer and covered with paint.

It is worth noting that the load on the locking mechanisms of the transformer ladder is in most cases quite high, therefore, it is necessary to form a welding joint between structural elements with the utmost quality.

To create a transformer ladder, you will need the same set of tools and materials as for the classic analogue of the design, but stop mechanisms will be used instead of belts.

The technology for assembling a sliding ladder is practically no different from the installation algorithm for the two previous types.

All bearing sections are made according to the principle of a transformer and are connected to each other by means of sliding mechanisms. In this case, the most extreme two sections are interconnected according to the principle of an ordinary stepladder.

A universal attribute used in the household and in production, when performing repairs and installation work- stairs. The tool is necessary to get items from the top shelves of furniture, climb into the attic, onto the roof, harvest in the garden. An especially indispensable device will be an aluminum ladder, which is a sectional structure of a folding, attached, telescopic type with a different number of steps.

Advantages of aluminum stairs

Manufacturers of products for household and industrial needs use light aluminum for the manufacture of stairs, ladders or produce steel models. The material has optimal strength, withstands loads well, is not afraid of moisture.

Thanks to good stability, impeccable technical and performance characteristics and reliability, multifunctional products are widely used for solving household, industrial and other tasks, they are suitable for laying communications, installation / dismantling, performing electrical, plastering, painting work.

By section

In household offline and online stores you can buy the most different types light aluminum stairs. Sectional ladders have several versions - a telescopic model, an attached type ladder structure, a ladder with a working platform, products with a retractable third section for working at high heights.

Key characteristics of the models:

• Attached aluminum stepladder- made of profiles (blocks, supports), between which steps are located, the height is different, increased requirements for safe use.

• - the steps are on one side, the height varies, one part serves as a support block, lightweight models are convenient for transportation.

• Double-sided stepladder– profiles are filled with steps on both sides, equipped with a working platform, highly stable, universal in use.

• - sectional type of construction, suitable for work at high heights, the device is easy to mount and dismantle.

• Articulated aluminum ladder- a universal type of construction adapted for any work, has an increased level of safety and high strength of fasteners.

• Telescopic sliding ladder of stationary or mobile type- well adjustable in profile height, consists of several sections, different number of steps.

Each model has different characteristics and advantages, provides comfortable access to objects, elements, objects located at a height. From the retractable working platform it is convenient to paint, plaster, carry out communications. When choosing a folding model, you need to pay attention to the number of sections and the reliability of fixing the stairs in the unfolded form.

Single section

The fewer sections in the ladder, the less heavy it will be. The single-section ladder has high mobility, but the maximum height of the device in working condition is 4 meters. For household repair this is enough for professional use is not enough.

A feature of the single-section model: the distance between the support rails is at least 300 mm. When using inventory in private homes and on household plots it is recommended to use models with an adjustable number of sections.

The aluminum one-piece design can be used as an attachment, but requires more space for transport and storage.

Two-section

The two-section sliding ladder contains two sections completed with steps. With a telescopic type of construction, one section extends onto another when unfolding. In the hinged model, the ladder is transformed into a folding ladder by folding the product in half at the location of the movable fixation elements. To increase the working height of the retractable ladder, the inventory can be expanded into a vertical plane.

For stability, the fragments are blocked by special fastening clips. Before work, you need to check the reliability of the snap fasteners.

Three-section

A sliding three-section ladder does not require fixing to a vertical plane, it has increased stability on the ground and flooring. The 3x9 model has flexible height adjustment options. The 3-section retractable ladder can be made as a telescopic ladder, attachment, articulated structure or a double-sided tool with a cantilever.

Features and Benefits:

• versatility of use, height adjustment;
• increased number of steps, transformation mechanism;
• the presence of a separating section for specific work;
• three-section model 3x9 has a small weight, compact dimensions;
• Easy to fold, unfold and adjust.

The universal building model improves the prospects for working and professional use of inventory. It is easy to transport it in a car, store it in a garage, on a balcony, in a utility room. The staircase in 3 sections is in great demand due to its excellent performance and affordability.

The model can simultaneously replace several working tools, is equipped with transverse traverses, rubber tips for safe work at high heights.

On the video: what is the difference between a professional ladder and a household one.

Height

When choosing household, working and production equipment, you need to pay attention to the maximum length to which you can expand the ladder. The working height is not the length of the model from the first to the last step, but the measurement from the height of the person to the line of the shoulders, added to the length of the instrument in the working position at the maximum adjustment.

An inexpensive ladder can be useful in the house, in the country, when performing repairs. Domestic and foreign manufacturers produce a wide range of devices, adjustable in length. To select the model of interest in the online store, you need to specify the height of the model in the custom filter of the product catalog.

2 m

The compact Alumet ladder, 2 m long, is suitable for indoor use at low heights. Features and type of execution:

• Attached model with 7-9 steps, light weight, fixed type.

• Folding articulated - the number of steps 2x4, 2x3, height - up to 2 m.

• Transformer ladder, 4x2 steps arrangement, light weight.

The use of small ladders is suitable for going down to the basement, going up to the attic, washing windows, painting, whitewashing on the ground floor, getting objects that are not high (chandeliers, lamps).

3m

Ladders "Alumet" with a three-meter working length can have several varieties with different characteristics and features:

• Single-section attached professional and household model - equipped with 10-12 steps, does not unfold.

• Two-section folding ladder 3 meters long - equipped with feet on both sides of 6-7 pieces.

• Three-section retractable telescopic ladder with an equal number of steps on all sections, working length within 3 m.

• Hinged device of compact dimensions and low weight - when unfolded, it bends in half, has 2x5 steps.

• Transforming staircase of professional performance - equipped with steps according to the scheme 2x2 and 2x3 or 4x3.

The inventory provides comfortable access to a height of 3 meters in order to perform various work or solve household tasks.

4 m

A 4 m aluminum ladder can be single-section attached to 12-16 steps, two-section (2x8, 2x9), three-section in the form of a stepladder. The articulated structure up to 4 m high is equipped with reliable locking mechanisms, the steps are arranged according to the 2x8 scheme.

Transformer stairs are equipped with steps in two versions 4x3 or 2x3 and 2x4. Products can be used for household needs and as a professional tool.

5 m

Climbing to a great height is provided by long staircases of large dimensions, equipped with an increased number of steps. Among the five-meter models, there are three-section models (3x8 steps), two-section structures (2x10, 2x11 steps). Manufacturers produce single-section devices (16-18 steps) in such a working length.

A reliable option for professionals - ladders with rope pull, providing a lift to a five-meter working height (2x10, 2x11). For different purposes, you can use a building model (2x8, 2x9 steps) or a transformer ladder in the configuration 4x4 or 2x4 and 2x5 with stable legs and a working platform.

6 m

To perform work at a considerable height, a ladder is required, the working length of which starts at 6 m. Long structures "Alumet" allow you to perform communication, repair, Finishing work indoors and outdoors.

Model options:

• one-, two-, three-section 3x9, 3x10;
• professional attached to 6 m;
• with cable traction, articulated;
• folding ladder-transformer.

The number of steps varies depending on the number of sections. For greater reliability and safety, long models are equipped with traverses and stabilizers.

8 m

Taking into account the safety requirements for working at a considerable height, stairs of 8 m are made of several sections with reliable connections, which ensures the stability of the structure. One of the options is a ladder with a rope pull, which unfolds to a working height of 8 meters (12-16 steps).

Models from several sections are laid out in a length of more than 8 meters, which is necessary condition work at high altitude. For domestic purposes, designs are rarely used, they are used at a professional level.

9 m

Ladders with a significant working length reach a height of nine and a half meters. Due to the use of several sections with reliable fastenings, the models have the required stability, withstand a good load, and are suitable for any type of work at high heights. The complete set of steps depends on the length of each section of the structure.

When choosing a universal ladder, you need to pay attention to the manufacturer's markings. Some companies indicate the length of the product in the assembled and disassembled version and separately indicate the working height of the inventory. Aluminum structures have the required strength, stability, are effective for use in domestic and industrial purposes, therefore they are in great demand among consumers.

Overview of different models of stairs for home and work (3 videos)

for repair, construction works or household affairs, a stepladder is needed. On the stairs it is convenient to carry out whitewashing, cut leaves from trees, and it is also indispensable for climbing to the attic or roof.

Today, the construction market has a wide range of fixtures and tools for various works on high, Special attention Deserve sliding aluminum stairs - light, durable, easy to transport and store, and very easy to use. The price varies from one and a half thousand rubles to eight.

The sliding ladder has a special design, thanks to which it can be used as a sliding, attached and double-sided. The parts that slide out are secured with special ties that prevent disclosure. To prevent the stepladder from sliding on the surface, special plastic inserts are provided, which are attached to the base of the racks.

Products are often used in large supermarkets and libraries, with the help of them you can get to the top racks, as well as in the household: your own house, cottage or garden.

Height - is the main advantage of a sliding aluminum ladder. It is much larger than ordinary ladders, thanks to this, work is carried out at the height of the facades of houses, buildings and roofs. From two and a half to eleven meters the distance from the floor to the highest step varies. Working with construction ladders that fold at the base is justified if it is not possible to install scaffolding near the building, and it is difficult to use winch structures.

Aluminum products are used for garden plots- if there is a need to repair the roof or harvest from the upper branches of trees. In the field of repair and installation (ventilation equipment, air conditioners), sliding aluminum ladders are much more convenient to use than all other ways to get to the required height. They are very easy to transport (if the structure is folded, it is compact enough and can be carried in a car and stored (very little space is needed to install this model). Why aluminum products?

• They are lightweight. The weight of an aluminum folding ladder is less than steel, but it is no less durable, reliable and safe. It is much more convenient to use, store and transport.
• They are affordable. The price of sliding aluminum ladders is slightly higher than steel ladders, but it is more favorable than the price of ladders made of new materials. This is a good and budget purchase. For a low price, you can buy a durable and durable product.
• Aluminum products are durable. The design does not have an expiration date. Ladders can last more than one decade with proper and careful operation. An alloy of magnesium and aluminum, which is used in the production, does not darken, does not rust or oxidize. Mechanisms that are very strong do not need special maintenance.
• Durable aluminum ladders. The metal, which is very durable, guarantees safety during work that will take place at height. Construction ladders have seamless profile posts, and the ties, which are professional, will not allow accidental folding of the ladder.

The three-section aluminum sliding ladder is a universal model. It performs the function of a retractable and double-sided ladder, a telescopic ladder. This type is multifunctional, they have the following advantages:

1. It is possible to adjust the working height.
2. Time is saved significantly.
3. The dimensions are compact.
4. Safety and reliability.

Sustainability is achieved through:

• rubber tips;
• spacer belts;
• Cross traverses;
• non-slip steps;
• Wide corrugated crossbars.

The advantages include the strength of aluminum and its lightness, as well as the low cost of aluminum products. The only and main disadvantage is the poor tolerance of high and low air temperatures.

In order to avoid difficulties, the following must be observed operating rules:

• The ladder must be installed on a firm and level surface;
• The tool must always be clean;
• You need to transport the tool in a case and it must be folded;
• Use the ladder only in an upright position.
• Elderly people and children should not be allowed to use the stairs.

So that it does not break and lasts for a long time, it is necessary to remove all contaminants before starting work and after it. It is recommended to store the product in a dry place, where there is no temperature difference. It is also necessary sometimes to check whether everything is in order in the places where the connections responsible for strength are installed.

Before starting each work, it is necessary to visually inspect the stairs and make sure that there are no irregularities. Personal safety directly depends on these actions. If any malfunctions are found, it is recommended to take it to a specialist, because self-troubleshooting can lead to the fact that the owner of the tool can be seriously injured.

Three-section models are essentially the same ladders, but with more features. The advantages of this model:

• Large load capacity, can withstand up to one hundred and fifty kilograms;
• The ratio of the weight of the product and its length is ideal;
• Increased stability and an increase in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bsupport due to the traverse - a long transverse bar with "shod supports";
• The system on which the sections are attached has increased strength and reliability, the same system is installed on fire escapes;
• Aluminum in all products is presented in the form of an alloy, there is also an anti-corrosion coating, this reduces to zero additional costs for processing or the purchase of special protective mixtures.

There are also downsides in this model:

• The price is above average, but it is justified;
• Long arrow. The support withstands it, however, under the weight of an adult, the ladder sometimes bends slightly. It may give the impression that the product is not reliable, this is a mistake, the design is quite stable and reliable.

Features of three-section models:

1. You can turn the product into a hut. This is very convenient when working with ceilings, for example, fixing a chandelier or changing wiring;
2. The model is extended. With its help, you can reach both the roof and the tops of the trees;
3. The arrow is one. This model is no different from a simple attached ladder. It is easier to assemble such a ladder, it has less weight;
4. A combination of a three-section ladder. You can remove one section and use it as an independent product as an attachment. Thus, there will be both an attached ladder and a folding one.

Today aluminum products are the most demanded and they have practically no competitors in the market.