Making a wooden ladder: calculations and instructions for self-assembly. Step-by-step instructions for making a wooden ladder Making ladders with your own hands

In a country house or on a personal plot it is impossible to do without an extension ladder, because this tool is an indispensable assistant during construction and repair work. Such a product may be needed when there is a need to get into the attic, attic or climb onto the roof. Gardeners also cannot do without an extension ladder, because with its help it is easier to process trees and harvest crops.

Most often, this design is made of wood or metal; there are many models of various configurations on the market - these include stepladders and folding options that are convenient for use. Aluminum mobile structures are the most popular. But why buy such a product and spend money when you can make a wooden ladder with your own hands?

Pros and cons of wooden stairs

An extension ladder is one of the simplest types of products in this category. The design consists of two wooden planks, which are connected by narrow steps, similar to crossbars. The sides are two components, they are also called bowstrings, and act as the main supporting element.

A wooden ladder has many advantages, all of which relate to the main material of manufacture - wood. The advantages include the following:

• Wood is an environmentally friendly natural material.
• Even an inexperienced craftsman can make a staircase out of wood.
• The material is easy to process, and the resulting product is light in weight.
• It does not require a lot of processing products; one layer of varnish or paint is enough.
• One cannot fail to note the beauty of the material – the natural texture of the wood.

Despite all the advantages, the attached staircase structure also has its disadvantages. And first of all, it is necessary to note the fragility of the material. Wood does not like high humidity and dampness, so it is prone to rotting and dries out over time, which leads to unpleasant creaks when using stairs.

To ensure that the product lasts as long as possible, it is best to use high-quality wood species for its manufacture. And this, again, comes down to another disadvantage - high cost. But even stairs made from the most expensive types of wood lose their presentable appearance over the years. The most durable material for manufacturing is aluminum.

Type of design

Externally, the extension ladder is presented in the form of a non-demountable structure. This means that its manufacture does not require any additional fasteners or hinge mechanisms. Unlike transforming ladders, this model is not designed for different positions and is installed strictly vertically at an angle of 60-75 degrees.

On the modern market you can also find mobile ladders made of wood that can be folded and carried - when folded, they are compact and do not take up much space.

A portable aluminum model is an excellent replacement for a simple wooden ladder, but it will cost you a lot. To save money, you should still try to make a wooden ladder yourself. Making a simple model will not require much time or special knowledge; you just need to stock up on a small list of tools that can be found in every home.

On video: review of multifunctional transforming stairs.

A set of necessary materials and tools

The simplest solution for beginners and those inexperienced in carpentry is to make a staircase from timber. Consumables must be selected especially carefully, because the reliability of the future product and its safe operation will depend on the quality and type of wood.

The most popular are beams made from coniferous wood - this is a fairly economical option, while the wood itself does not lose strength. However, experts still recommend paying attention to species such as oak and maple - they are more reliable, and a staircase made of such wood will last much longer.

When selecting lumber, the following requirements should be taken into account:

• To make a stepladder with a height of more than three meters, beams with a cross section of 40x80 mm are needed, if less than three meters - 40x50 mm.

• To make steps, it is better to use bars made of coniferous wood, the optimal cross-section is 35x40 mm.

• Consumables must be of high quality. The presence of knots and cracks is not allowed; the beams must be perfectly smooth.

Important! After purchasing, wooden parts for the future staircase must be treated with an antiseptic - this will prevent the appearance of fungus and mold, as well as extend the life of the product.

To work, you also need to prepare the following list of tools:

• hacksaw (you can use a jigsaw);
• hammer and small hatchet;
• drill and screwdriver;
• for fastening - nails or screws;
• plane and sander;
• square, tape measure and pencil.

Design requirements

Before you start making a portable ladder from wood, you need to create a project on paper, or rather, draw up a diagram of the future product. The drawing shows not only the structure itself, but also the dimensions chosen for it. You shouldn’t just take the parameters out of your head, since in order to obtain a safe ladder, you need to take into account the requirements put forward for this design.

Things to consider:

• Extension ladders should not be longer than 5 m.
• The optimal distance between steps (step) is 30-35 cm.
• The supports must be fastened with ties at intervals of 2 m.
• The crossbars must be fastened in grooves on the bowstrings; the dimensions of the grooves depend on the width of the steps.

In addition to the standard requirements, the presence of special attachments is mandatory. Regardless of the type of ladder and the material of its manufacture, be it a wooden or aluminum portable model, pads are installed on the legs. When the tool needs to be secured on loose soil, pins are attached to the legs, with the help of which the ladder will be planted deeper. In the case of a smooth surface, rubber anti-slip shoes are put on the supports.

To reduce the risk of falling, the top of the ladder is equipped with removable hooks. It is with their help that you can fix the position of the product.

Calculation and assembly of stairs

To draw up a detailed drawing with dimensions, it is important to carry out preliminary calculations. And first of all you need to think about the supports. An extension ladder should be designed so that the bottom is slightly wider than the top. The optimal distance between the strings at the bottom is 40 cm, at the top – 30 cm.

Example drawing of an extension ladder

To determine the number of steps, the length of the future product is taken as a basis. Visually divide the length into segments equal to the distance from the floor to the raised foot when the leg is bent at the knee. As a rule, this value lies in the range of 25-30 cm. So, if the length of the stepladder is 300 cm, and the pitch of the steps is 30 cm, we get a number equal to 10.

Now let's look at an approximate process of how to make an extension ladder with your own hands. All work consists of the following stages:

1. You need to make marks on the support bars - the places where the steps are attached. The size of the grooves corresponds to the width of the steps, for example, 50 mm. We make similar marks on the side edges - this will be a notch, its depth should be 15-20 mm. We make a groove along the marked lines using a hatchet; if necessary, we trim and grind the resulting bevel.

2. Now let's move on to the steps. You should start by making the top and bottom rungs, remembering that the bottom of the stairs should be slightly wider than the top. This means the bottom step should be longer. Using a square, draw a line to cut the edge, and use a jigsaw to saw off the unnecessary part.

3. The resulting ends must be processed with a grinder. Stepping back from the edge about 2 cm, draw a line using a square and mark the center on it - this will be the place where the steps are attached. At the center point, drill a hole for the self-tapping screw.

4. Let's move on to assembly. To do this, first paint the supports in the notch areas in a bright color (in our example it is green). Install the upper and lower steps on the supports in the grooves, and if there are any distortions, level the entire structure. Drill appropriate holes in the notch areas and secure the steps using self-tapping screws.

5. Next you need to make the remaining steps. Their length is measured in accordance with the distance between the supports - this value will be different along the entire length. We make marks, drill, install, screw the last crossbars and our stepladder is ready.

In the video: a wooden staircase in 30 minutes using a grinder.

Painting + Coating with special compounds

In order for the finished product to have an attractive appearance and last as long as possible, it should be coated with a special compound. This can be impregnation, regular painting or varnishing. When choosing the second option, it is strictly not recommended to use oil paint, as this composition can make the steps very slippery.

The best option would be to apply drying oil. This coating will protect the wood and give it shine, and will also reduce the consumption of paint or varnish.

As you can see, building an extension ladder with your own hands is quite simple. If you have high-quality drying beams, a minimum of tools and free time, you can get a reliable stepladder. You will definitely need such an assistant both inside and outside the house.

Ladder + stepladder in one (2 videos)

Extension ladders have a durable construction. Made from metal or wood. You will need it at your dacha or at home to perform a number of certain actions. You can use it to paint the ceiling, wash the windows or hang something on the wall (clock, mirror). They are also used in professional construction projects. These stairs come in different lengths and number of steps.

An important and responsible process is the design of the staircase structure. When making the drawing and the staircase itself, it is worth considering a number of important parameters. You should use GOST parameters if you make the stairs yourself. If they are followed, you will be able to use the product without problems and it will be safe.

• Step length;
• Distance between steps.

The distance between the rungs depends on the inclination of the stairs. To do this, all indicators are taken into account. The slope of the ladder is 65-80 degrees relative to the plane of the wall.

Extension ladders have a large slope, so the parameters can be approximate and not strictly according to GOST. The main thing is that you need to take into account the distance between steps and the proportions of the stairs.

Typically, the distance between the rungs is 35 cm. Sometimes it is 5-7 cm more or less. Closely spaced steps can make the stairs uncomfortable to use.

Correct operation: instructions for ladders

A ladder is an indispensable item. Many people often use it for domestic purposes. But it is worth remembering that in order for it to be used safely, it is necessary to remember the safety precautions. The instruction manual will help you with this. They will allow you to avoid injuries and falls.

The design of a wooden ladder is quite simple, so you can easily make it yourself. We'll talk about this in the next article: .

You should pay attention to the following points:

• There must be a certain angle between the ladder and the vertical plane;
• The bottom of the ladder should not slide on the floor/ground;
• No lateral slip should occur;
• Weather conditions must be suitable for outdoor work.

Accidents when working with ladders are a common phenomenon. It is worth remembering all safety measures. A person falling down a ladder can happen for many reasons: slippery shoes, uncomfortable steps (round profile), dirty steps, structural damage or wear, heavy load.

To prevent falling from the stairs, you should check the integrity of its structure before starting work. And do not use the ladder if it has any defects.

What should be the length of an extension ladder?

The length of the stairs plays a big role. The design should not be too low or high. The optimal height of the stairs is two meters. If you work at a height of 1.3 meters, you must additionally use a safety belt. It is attached to the structure of the structure (to a wall or other vertical surface).

The length of ladders should not exceed five meters. This is the maximum length for the type of stairs.

The length of the ladder must meet all the requirements written above.

When calculating the height of the stairs, take into account:

• Number of steps;
• Distance between steps.

For work in an apartment or house, ladders are used whose height is no more than two meters. There is no point in using stairs longer than this length, since the ceiling height in apartments is no more than 3.2 m.

Choosing the angle of the ladder

The ladder must be installed correctly. Otherwise you will fall along with her. To prevent you from falling down the stairs, you need to know safety precautions when working at height.

Typically, ladders are installed at an angle of 65-80 degrees relative to the vertical surface on which it rests.

If the ladder is installed at an angle of 75 degrees or more, it must have additional fastening at the top.

High ladders must have hooks at the top ends. They engage with the supporting structure. This prevents the ladder from falling during wind or an accidental shock. Therefore, you can work on it calmly.

Practical ladder placed on a vertical plane

The balance of the ladder depends on its installation. A correctly placed ladder on a vertical plane will not fall during operation. In this case, the work will proceed without incident. You need to know the safety requirements and familiarize yourself with them in advance.

The ladder must be placed against the wall at a certain angle.

The rules for installing and using ladders are stated in the document in the form of instructions. They are provided by labor protection. All work must be performed according to the instructions.

Construction work that involves the use of ladders includes a number of rules:

• Workers must be familiar with the instructions;
• These tools can only be used by persons over 18 years of age;
• It is prohibited to use faulty or damaged structures;
• Single-grip structures must comply with the parameters of GOST 26887-86.

Stages of work: do-it-yourself ladder

To make an extension ladder you need a minimum of knowledge and skills. You can make an extension ladder with your own hands. Homemade stairs can last a long time. For their manufacture, drawings are used on which all dimensions are calculated.

At the factory, such products are tested for strength and must comply with GOST parameters.

We make the stairs with our own hands in several stages:

• We prepare metal profiles or wooden blocks of a certain size for the steps;
• We make markings on two supporting elements for the steps;
• We mount the steps (crossbars) to the supporting elements on both sides at the same distance.

Your staircase is ready. To make it, you will need a small amount of tools, materials, money and time.

A 13 m long ladder is placed against the wall: how to position it

If the ladder is 13 meters long and placed against the wall at a distance of five meters, then it will not be difficult to calculate how far from the ground the upper end will be.

The length of the staircase is the hypotenuse, and the distance from the wall to the bottom of the staircase is the leg.

To find the second leg, you should use the Pythagorean theorem.

Therefore, the upper end of the extension ladder will be located at a distance of 12 meters from the ground.

You can calculate the distance for any ladder using this theorem. And then calculate the safe angle of inclination.

High ladders are used to perform electrical work that is carried out at high altitudes. They can be up to 20 meters long. Ladders with LSA platforms are needed to perform work at high heights. You can purchase ladders of any design in 2017 from an online store with delivery, because now is the age of modern technology.

All temporary step ladders should be tested periodically to confirm or prove their suitability. You will find out why and how this is done in the article:.

Design and arrangement of ladders

An extension ladder is a simple device. You can make it yourself using wooden blocks or metal profiles. The most durable stairs are made of aluminum.

The design of the extension ladder consists of two elements:

• Steps (rungs);
• Two supporting elements (strings).

The width of ladders is 0.4-0.6 m, and the most common length is 2 meters.

Before using the ladder, you must check its condition. The test is needed to assess how much weight the ladder will support. If the structure does not break under heavy load, then the device is reliable and such a ladder can be safely used for work.

Different types of ladders

There are different types of staircase designs. But the most common design is a model that has a straight shape and fixed dimensions. It has two bowstrings and steps that are attached to them. The steps are placed at the same distance and parallel to each other.

Main features: the staircase must have a reliable and stable design.

If it has the described properties and is installed at the right angle, then it is almost impossible to knock a person down the stairs with a small push.

Types of ladders:

• Non-separable model;
• Folding;
• Retractable.

A folding ladder has several parts (2-3 pieces), which are secured together with hinges. Such models have a compact design. They look like a block when folded and take up little space. If necessary, the block can be expanded and turned into a ladder.

Retractable stairs have several sections. The advantage of such stairs is that you can independently adjust their height.

How to install a ladder with your own hands (video)

An extension ladder is used in various spheres of life. They are needed in everyday life and professional activities. Extension ladders have a simple design. Therefore, you can make such a product yourself, following certain rules. This will require a minimum of knowledge, materials and tools.

Correct extension ladder (photo examples)

Without a ladder on the farm it is difficult to either remove fruit or climb onto the roof. In this master class we will tell you in detail how in just a few hours, using the simplest tool, you can make a wooden staircase for household needs: solid, reliable and with a fairly aesthetic appearance.

For such a ladder you will need two 60x40 mm timber, which will go on two bowstrings. Choose the length for yourself, in this case it is 3.6 m. A smaller beam - 50x35 mm - will be used for the crossbars. To determine the number of steps, divide the length of the stairs into sections equal to the height from the floor to the foot when the leg is bent at the knee. In the above version, this is 11 steps every 30 cm.

To work, you will need a hacksaw, a hammer, a pry bar, and a small hatchet - preferably a carpenter's hatchet, with a hammer-shaped head. Power tools include a drill, a belt sander, a plane and a jigsaw (instead of a hacksaw). Nails can be used as the main fasteners, but self-tapping screws will be more reliable. Black hardened ones are not suitable, they can burst under load, so buy regular steel ones with an anodized coating and a countersunk head.

To make the staircase more durable, and to make the upper edge of the step horizontal when tilted, notches need to be made on the short edge of the bowstring. First, mark marks along the length of the block in the places where the steps are installed, step back from them the width of the crossbars - 50 mm, and apply a second mark, drawing the edges of the notches for the square. Transfer the marks to the side edges on both sides, mark the depth of the notch on the bottom - 15-20 mm, and make a cut to this depth. Connect the labels with a slash.

Place the hatchet with the tip on the top mark and, tapping the butt with a hammer, chop off the wood.

Using the ax as a plane, trim the resulting bevel of the notch.

Make notches on both strings to speed up the process - knock them together with nails.

The bars on the bowstrings need to be lightened a little by sanding the edges.

Pay special attention to the nicks and carefully sand the bevel.

Paint the inside of the nicks and set them aside for now.

For further work with steps, you will need to make one end the base. Draw marks for a square on one of the ends.

Saw off the uneven edges and sand the end with a grinder; for beauty, you can remove a small chamfer. Similar to the bowstrings, lighten the wood a little and make the surface smooth.

Now you need to make the upper and lower crossbars. To visually quickly distinguish the top and bottom of the staircase, it is made with a slight narrowing, so the top rung is slightly shorter than the bottom. Choose the width of the stairs that is convenient, in the above version it is 65 cm at the bottom and 55 cm at the top. Mark the length using a tape measure.

And draw a cutting line under the square.

Cut off the excess timber.

And sand the ends.

Draw a line under the square, stepping back from each edge by half the thickness of the bowstring - 20 mm. Mark the center of this line, you will get this marking:

Drill a through hole at the crosshair so that the screw thread can pass through it freely.

Make a small countersink with a larger drill bit.

Install the top and bottom rungs into the notches and level the ladder so that the ends of the steps are flush with the sides of the strings.

Measure the diameter of the thread rod and select a drill 0.2-0.3 mm smaller. In this case, the diameter of the rod was 2.8 mm, so a 2.5 mm drill was installed in the drill.

Through the hole in the steps, mark the bevel of the notches, maintaining the position and direction of the drill. Then remove the crossbars and drill a hole 2/3 of the way down. It is necessary to drill holes for the self-tapping screw so that it does not split the wood, otherwise all the work will be in vain.

Paint the edges of the steps on the back side where they meet the bowstring. Then return the steps to their place and tighten the screws.

Now the staircase has the required dimensions, all that remains is to screw in the missing steps. Place the bars into the notches and align the base ends flush with the side edges of the bowstrings.

Mark on the crossbars the desired length along the opposite string.

Prepare and install the steps as you did the first two: draw cutting lines for the square, cut off the excess and sand the ends. Mark the edges for drilling and make holes with a countersink. Then touch up the edges and install the steps in place, after drilling the string with a small drill.

It's time for painting. There are no special secrets here, but if you want the paint not to clog the slots in the head, unscrew the screws 3-4 turns and tighten them after painting.

If after painting the wood is visible in some places, you need to apply a second coat. Alkyd paint completely hardens in 30 hours, after which the stairs can be used.

A home craftsman must be able to make a straight extension ladder, which is indispensable in the household. The design must meet the main requirements - safety and reliability. To create a durable staircase, you need to correctly select the components, become familiar with the technology, develop a drawing and perform the assembly. The stages of manufacturing the attached structure are described in the article.

An extension ladder is an indispensable thing in the garden

In a country house or garden, an extension ladder will be needed when performing work at height. Seasonal pruning of fruit and park trees, tinting window frames, harvesting and other activities cannot be done without gardening tools. Extension ladders are distinguished by their mobility, light weight and simplicity of design. Essentially, these are two support beams fastened together by crossbars.

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

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

• performing repair and construction work on facades;
• repair of electrical wiring in a private house;
• installation of electricity meters, monthly readings;
• washing window glass on the first and second floors;
• decoration of the facade of the house;
• cleaning of drainpipes, storm drains;
• performing minor repairs to roofing materials.

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

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

Metal stairs are considered the most durable and durable. A simple model can be made independently. To perform the job, it is advisable to have welding skills.

Design requirements for extension ladders

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 higher due to the strength of the material.
2. When making stairs, it is advisable to provide for the installation of special attachments: cap hooks, steel pins and rubber pads. These elements improve the stability of the structure.
3. The optimal step placement step is 30-35 cm, the minimum distance is 25 cm.
4. The span width is at least 40 cm.
5. Structural parts should not have sharp, raw edges or metal burrs.
6. In the manufacture of stepladders and retractable modifications of stairs, special locking connections are used that prevent spontaneous opening/closing of the structure.
7. To make it easier to move 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 move out from under your feet.

Important! According to safety regulations, 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 weighing at least 100-120 kg is placed on the steps one by one.

Types of ladder designs

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

Straight simple stairs with fixed dimensions. A simple model of two support beams and attached steps. It is very easy to make such an extension 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 be stored in a compact room. Stepladders with a platform are more convenient to use than straight structures. To make a folding ladder with your own hands, aluminum alloys are usually used, which reduces the weight of the stepladder.

Folding models are most in demand when arranging attic spaces. The staircase saves space on the lower floor - just pull the bottom step or a special handle and the structure will straighten out completely.

Disadvantages of folding modifications:

• 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 or three sections, fasteners, guides, rollers and height clamps. To ensure that the ladder does not fail at the right time, the working mechanisms must be regularly lubricated.

Selecting material for making stairs

Straight stairs today are made primarily of metal, and traditional wooden structures are becoming less popular.

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, but structures made of other metals need to be treated with protective agents;
• high load capacity;
• practicality and durability;
• To make a metal ladder by hand, you will need experience in welding.

A wooden ladder is easy to manufacture, but is demanding in terms of storage and operating conditions. If the air is too dry, the wood will dry out, the material will weaken, and cracks may appear. Under the influence of high humidity, wooden stairs are subject to rot. To reduce the risk of structural destruction, it is necessary to regularly treat wood with protective agents.

Important! Wooden ladders can withstand loads of up to 150 kg.

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

Do-it-yourself ladder made from a profile pipe

Drawings of ladders

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

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

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

DIY metal ladder: drawings of various modifications.

Attic ladders by hand: drawings and diagrams. Video

Required tools and materials

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

• profile pipe - two sections of 2.5 m each, diameter - 4 * 4 cm;
• sections from a profile pipe with a length equal to the width of the stairs (30-35 cm) - 10 pcs.;
• square metal plates measuring 4*4 cm - 4 pcs.;
• steel corners - 20 pcs.;
• primer for treating metal surfaces;
• dye.

The tools you need to have on hand are:

• a hacksaw or grinder;
• square;
• grinding machine or sandpaper;
• wide, durable table for laying out design parts.

The procedure for assembling an extension ladder

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

1. Place metal supports on the table. Make sure that the elements are located parallel to each other at a distance of 30 cm (the width of the stairs).
2. Make marks for installing steps in 25 cm increments.
3. Weld metal corners along the marks - they will additionally secure the crossbars.
4. Weld two 30 cm sections to the supports at the bottom and top. The result should be a rectangular frame.
5. The crossbars are laid sequentially on the corners and welded with a double weld.
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. Clean the weld seams with a grinder.
8. Prime the stairs and leave the metal until completely dry.
9. Cover the structure with paint, and after complete drying, apply a second coat of paint.

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

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

1. For work it is better to use coniferous wood. It is unacceptable to make stairs from wooden beams if they have transverse or longitudinal cracks. Bars with signs of rotting or large knots are rejected.
2. The choice of the minimum cross-section of the support beams depends on the height of the structure being built.
3. Before assembly, all 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 using nails and self-tapping screws; this option is considered the simplest, but not reliable enough;
   • insertion of crossbars - steps are installed in samples prepared in advance in support beams;
   • tenon joint - grooves are made in the bowstrings, and protrusions are made at the edges of the crossbars; fixation can be performed at an angle.

Advice. The tenon joint in wooden structures is the most durable. You can prepare the socket and tenon using a chisel, mallet or electric drill in a stand.

Safety precautions when working on a ladder

Attachable models are not self-supporting, so knowing basic safety precautions 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 “join” two separate ladders with 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° or higher, it is advisable to secure it at the top.
4. To prevent slipping when climbing, the steps must be equipped with rubber pads.

On a ladder it is prohibited:

• lift heavy objects;
• tension electrical wires;
• use large welding machines and electrical equipment;
• move without holding onto the stairs;
• More than 1 person can climb at the same time.

Compliance with the technology of design and operation of an extension ladder is the key to the safe performance of various works at height.

Making an extension ladder from metal profiles: video

In any private home, wooden ladders are indispensable devices. Such simple designs allow for unobstructed access to the roof for thorough removal of snow or accumulated debris. It is quite possible to make them yourself if necessary. The instructions in this article will help with this.

Key requirements for various ladders

Today, some requirements are being put forward for the design of such a plan. You should familiarize yourself with them in more detail so as not to risk your own health when operating the structures, photos of which are posted in this article. All basic rules for the manufacture and use of stairs are set out in the following documents:

1. GOST 26887-86 “Platforms and stairs for construction and installation work.”
2. GOST 24258–88 “Means of scaffolding. General technical conditions".
3. SP 12-135-2003 “Labor safety in construction. Industry standard instructions on labor protection" (part 1).
4. POT RM-012-2000 “Inter-industry rules for labor protection when working at height.”

All information in these standards is extremely often duplicated. And since the first document is the main one on this list, it will be enough to read only it in order to make high-quality attachments intended for personal use.

What should you keep in mind when creating structures?

After watching various videos about ladders, you can understand that they should:

• have a height not exceeding 5 meters;
• have special fastenings made in the form of hooks and placed in the upper parts of structures;
• be equipped with some kind of stop at the lower end;
• have a pair of reliable load-bearing supports, neatly fastened with coupling bolts.

But that is not all. If the required work is carried out on the ground, it is recommended to use a stop made in the form of a steel plate. And when they are performed on concrete or asphalt surfaces, it is worth using a device that looks like a kind of rubber “shoe.” Although, in principle, it is allowed to use universal removable elements.

Any wooden extension stairs must have steps with a “step” ranging from 30 to 34 cm, and a cross-section of 2x4 cm, this is really important. Such parts must be installed in special grooves made exclusively in the vertical posts of structures.

But the tie bolts of load-bearing supports must be located not only under the upper and lower steps of staircase structures, but also along the entire length of the products. Their “step” should not exceed 2 m. It is also desirable that the diameter of such fasteners be exactly 2 mm.

Good tie bolts are very important for timber staircases. Therefore, special attention should be paid to their choice

Nowadays there are even special design requirements that relate to longitudinal cracks. The formation of such defects in bowstrings or in steps during work is quite acceptable. However, their length cannot exceed 15 cm and depth - 5 mm. Although, in general, the presence of various cracks and chips significantly worsens the quality of fastening of all kinds of elements.

Competent production of wooden structures: choosing suitable materials

The detailed instructions in the article will help you create not just a good, but a truly reliable staircase, characterized by a long service life and external aesthetic appeal. However, in order to make the structure, the photo of which is posted below, you need to be extremely careful about the choice of materials.

Wooden blocks that have transverse cracks and noticeable knots should be discarded immediately. Elements with signs of rotting are also not suitable for the construction of products. After watching a video about the creation of attached structures posted on various network resources, it becomes clear that such stairs need to be made only from absolutely flat, well-dried wood.

In addition, attention should be paid to the cross-section of individual bars. For bowstring structures with a height of 3 m, it should be 40x50 mm. If we are talking about more impressive products, then these parameters immediately increase to 40x80 mm. And in order for wooden ladders to be as strong as possible, the bars used to create the steps must have a cross-section of 35×40 mm.

Having carefully studied the design requirements, you will find out that ideally these structures should be made from coniferous wood. And all elements of products of this type must be treated with special antiseptic substances.

List of the most necessary tools

To create a wooden staircase yourself, craftsmen will have to prepare in advance:

1. Special circular saw.
2. Professional grinding machine.
3. Reliable electric planer.
4. Convenient electric drill and drill bits.
5. A simple chisel.
6. Hammer.
7. A shaped screwdriver.
8. Roulette.
9. Carpenter's pencils.
10. Crafting table.

Detailed instructions for creating an extension ladder

The entire process of manufacturing wooden structures, photos of which can be seen in the article, is divided into a couple of stages:

• First, craftsmen carefully trim the vertical posts to the required dimensions, and then process them with a plane.
• After this, the elements are laid so that there is exactly 40 cm between their lower supports, and at least 30 cm between the upper ones.
• The prepared bars are connected using fastening strips.
• All elements of future steps are also planed with a plane.
• The beams are distributed directly on the upper supports, and the workpieces are cut to the required size.
• Using a circular saw, tenons are cut out at the ends of the bars, intended for securing the steps.
• Then the craftsmen hollow out grooves in the temporary fastenings.

After this, the specialists begin assembling the stairs. They lubricate the tenons and grooves with ordinary wood glue, and then simply insert the bars into prepared holes placed directly in the load-bearing supports. When all the steps are in place, you will need to make small holes for the tie bolts.

Next, the craftsmen install couplers in 2-m increments along the entire length of the structure and secure them with special nuts with wide washers. When the glue has completely dried, it will be enough to plaster the resulting structure and then treat it with innovative wood impregnations. At the end, the staircase is painted or varnished. All this is clearly visible in this video.

How to save time and money?

It is quite possible to create wooden ladders with your own hands, but this is a rather complex and extremely time-consuming process. Using the services of our experienced specialists, customers will be able to purchase absolutely any design of this type at the lowest prices in Moscow. Finished products are distinguished by external aesthetic appeal, increased reliability and durability.

We make sure to take into account all the wishes of our clients so that in the end the stairs meet the stated requirements one hundred percent. By contacting us, people can be completely confident that the created structures will meet their expectations.