Installation of fakro attic ladder, video

The attic is the space between the roofing system and the upper floor of the house. It can be residential (attic) or used as a utility room (for storing tools, household utensils and supplies). In modern low-rise construction, often, instead of stationary attic flights and unstable stepladders, neat folding systems are installed that do not occupy useful space and at the same time provide safe descent and ascent to the attic. These stairs have a simple opening mechanism. They are easy to install yourself, without the involvement of specialists.

Short description

Since their inception, the design of attic stairs has not changed significantly.
Only the parts themselves underwent minor modernization, which became more accessible, lighter and thinner. Experts are accustomed to separating such products depending on the main material. The modern Fakro attic ladder can be made not only from wood and metal, but also from reinforced plastic. Products made from natural wood are in greatest demand. The design turns out to be quite light, and in the event of a breakdown, the failed part can be repaired with your own hands. With minimal skills, a home craftsman can easily replace a problematic section of a bowstring or a step. Birch and pine are most often used as the main material.

In some models, a bowstring or steps may be made of metal. If the sections have increased rigidity, then silumin, aluminum, duralumin or other alloys can be used for their production. The solid folding section is most often made of high-quality steel.

According to their design, Farko stairs can be insulated or not. The first option is most suitable for cold attics. The cover itself is made of plywood with polystyrene foam. The non-insulated model is intended for heated attics. The lid is made of the same plywood, but without insulation. Consumers should note the fact that the appearance and types of designs of standard stairs are almost identical for all manufacturers.

Dimensions of the finished product

The final dimensions of the Fakro staircase can be very diverse, but the finished product is always hidden unnoticed in the ceiling. Each model is necessarily equipped with springs and a lock, due to which such a structure can be folded without outside help. Attic stairs from the Fakro company are sold assembled, which greatly simplifies installation.

The box lid itself is most often made of beige or white durable plastic, due to which the product merges with the ceiling. The final dimensions of the structure may be different, since everything depends on the wishes of the consumer. In order not to make a mistake with the choice, the buyer can consult with specialists. The width of standard models varies from 60 to 80 cm, and the length of a classic staircase does not exceed 1.5 meters.

The hatch must be selected so that there is still 6 cm of free space on each side. This approach allows you to achieve good thermal insulation parameters. This product boasts the following standard dimensions: maximum width 70 cm, length from 120 to 140 cm. Experts do not recommend purchasing large hatches unless absolutely necessary, since such structures do not have sufficient thermal insulation properties.

When choosing a quality ladder, do not forget about the box cover. Most often it is made of durable white plastic, which is covered with a special insulation. Thanks to this, you can minimize the likelihood of cold air entering from the attic or attic. The manufacturer Fakro produces a box cover already complete with the ladder.

Variety of models

Today there is a huge variety of products on sale. Each model differs not only in design, material of manufacture, but also in a good dimensional grid. The experts themselves note that Fakro stairs have the following technical characteristics:

When disassembled, the maximum height of the structure is 3 meters.
Wood, metal and plastic can be used as the main material.
The design can consist of 3-4 sections.
Insulated models prevent cold air from entering the room.
Additional steps are 25 cm high.
Some models have handrails.
The lowest sections are equipped with universal rubberized tips.

The huge advantage is that when assembled the staircase does not take up much space. The universal scissor folding mechanism can be used by a person as a handrail. In addition, such products perfectly resist open fire, as they are coated with special agents.

Fakro company experts note that since their appearance on sale, the following staircase models have gained enormous popularity:

Comfort. The length of the product ranges from 1.2 to 1.4 meters, but the width is 60-70 cm. This is an excellent option for those rooms where the ceiling height does not exceed three meters. The hatch cover is painted white. The presence of special grooves prevents slipping on the steps. The model has rubberized tips on the lower section, as well as comfortable handrails. Manufacturers produce products from this line in 5 different sizes.
Smart. The width of the structure is 70 cm, length 1.5 m. Ideal for ceilings with a height of 2.80 to 3.25 meters. The thickness of the insulated hatch cover is 4 cm, there is additional insulation. The product is painted in the color of natural wood. The steps are provided with universal anti-slip grooves. The model range includes 7 different sizes of Smart stairs.
LST. This is a multifunctional energy-saving design, which is made of durable metal. The width of the product varies from 50 to 70 cm, and the length is a maximum of 1.2 m. The opening mechanism is foot-operated. There are comfortable handrails, the lid is insulated with high-quality material. The ladder can easily withstand loads of up to 200 kg. The design is intended for those rooms where the final ceiling height does not exceed 280 cm. The product can be extended by installing an additional step.

Self-installation

Experts note that all parts of Fakro stairs are universal. The frame itself has precise parameters that are suitable for a specific opening. Only after careful preparation of all the edges of the hole can you begin the installation itself. To do the job well, you will need at least two people. The tools you need to prepare are regular screwdrivers, a screwdriver, and a 10-mm open-end wrench. All joints can be insulated with mineral wool or polyurethane foam.

The installation itself consists of several main stages:

Unpack the purchased product, check the contents, and also study the attached instructions.
Install a suitable frame for the outer part of the frame. Of course, this can be done at the end of installation, but at the initial stage it is much easier to level the purchased structure.
At all internal corners of the frame there are special fastenings made of high-quality metal. Manufacturers have provided them for temporary hanging of the product. You need to install nuts in them, into which threaded pins must be screwed.
Insert the hatch into the prepared frame and mount the back stops on the pins.
Use powerful screw rods to level the product in all directions.
To avoid possible deformation of the structure, it is necessary to secure the frame itself to the slope through a rigid lining. To implement this idea, you can use dowels or screws.
The most important point is to check the diagonal. All indicators should be as even as possible. You need to make sure that the frame is not too pinched by the screws.
At this stage, the final unfastening is carried out. All gaps can be filled with non-expanding foam. The technician can remove pins and temporary hangers.
Sections must be adjusted. To do this, the craftsman needs to unfold the structure itself and bend the lowest section onto the support. It is necessary to measure the distance from the end of the previous section to the stop. Place the resulting value on the lower section and cut it with a hacksaw. Rubberized pads are placed on the support points.

Advantages and disadvantages

Fakro attic stairs from the Polish manufacturer have some distinctive parameters. But a characteristic feature of the products is that they can be equipped with a universal insulated hatch. Due to this, stairs can be installed between rooms with different temperature conditions. An insulated hatch will prevent the appearance of drafts and a decrease in temperature in the heated part of the house or apartment.

Experts note that each model has both strengths and weaknesses, but with high-quality products, the positive aspects always prevail over the negative parameters. The main advantages include:

Simple and affordable installation that even home craftsmen can do.
High degree of design reliability.
Absolute safety of stairs, as they are connected to the floor of the building.
Wide color segment.
Huge selection of models.
Saving free space due to compact design.
Increased thermal insulation qualities.
The product copes well with loads from 150 to 250 kg.
The staircase can be equipped with various accessories.
The presence of a powerful lock prevents intruders from entering.

The only disadvantages include the heaviness of the hatch, as well as the lack of a protective paint coating on wooden models, which is why they are exposed to various adverse factors.

Creating a hatch

Making a folding model for the attic with your own hands is not as difficult as it might seem at first glance.

When making a wooden staircase, it is necessary to take hard wood (oak, beech, ash, larch) with a thickness of at least 2 centimeters. The hatch is the basis of any attic staircase.

You can make a hatch with your own hands using the following materials:

First, you need to know the parameters of the width and length of the hole for which the hatch is made, and then add 6-8 millimeters to the obtained values.

The operating procedure is as follows:

determine the location and size of the future hatch;
Next you need to cut the timber into 4 parts of the required sizes;
cut grooves at the ends of the beams;
Next, we lubricate the grooves with glue and connect the beams, strengthening the seam with screws;
then we fix the plywood;
try to place the device on the hatch;
to close the hatch well, pierce the latch in the lid;
To open the hatch, you need to make a handle that is inserted into the hole and presses the latch.

Folding stairs have gained wide popularity today, as they combine two important advantages: saving space in the room due to the prefabricated staircase system and the possibility of comfortable and safe access to the attic. Whatever the function of the attic in your home, it can only be accessed with the help of a ladder, which will become a link between the two floors.

Recommendations from experts

Modern Fakro attic stairs, in which the cutting line most often falls on the step, must be installed in such a way that it is ultimately possible to adjust the height at the side corners. For these purposes, the screws are slightly loosened, after which the structure is carefully moved. Due to this, the cutting line will be outside the boundaries of the step.

Adjusting the location on the side corners is especially important if the lower section was sawn off incorrectly. The fasteners are loosened slightly, after which the ladder is moved down or up to form a straight line. After this, the lowest section should be in the right place. In some cases, the installation of a staircase may be accompanied by adjustment of the angle of inclination of the structure. For these purposes, specialists make changes to the location of the hole in which the side support is fixed.

After completing the installation of the Fakro staircase, you need to get rid of all the auxiliary parts and open the structure. It is strictly prohibited to use the product until installation work is completed. The foreman who is in the attic should lay out the ladder. He carefully secures the sides of the box with two heavy-duty screws. As a result of such work, a gap is formed that needs to be filled with high-quality insulating material. Such measures will help improve the thermal insulation properties.

The master can always independently adjust the staircase to the height of a certain room. If necessary, the lower section is sawn off so that after unfolding the structure forms a straight line. To avoid mistakes, you need to measure the height in the place where the stairs will be installed. Using a special template, you need to mark the cutting lines. You can saw off the lower element only along the marked line. Due to this, the installed product will meet all requirements and will last for decades.

Alexander Belozerov

Installing a march in the attic

Below is an approximate algorithm for installing a structure on site with your own hands. When working, you must take into account the general rules.

The size of the opening must correspond to the parameters indicated on the product packaging.
The length of the unfolded flight must be taken into account when choosing the installation location.
The work is carried out by two installers.
At the bottom of the opening it is necessary to attach auxiliary boards that will support the structure during work. Once installation is complete, the boxes are dismantled.
It is prohibited to use a march whose installation is not completely completed.

Fakro design when folded

Attic stairs Fakro (Fakro)

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Price list – Fakro

Nowadays it’s hard to imagine low-rise buildings without attic stairs. The convenience and safety of access to the under-roof space depends on their performance characteristics. According to experts, the optimal choice is folding attic ladders Fakro (Poland). Unlike stationary interfloor stairs, they actually do not occupy any useful space, being located in the ceiling. In addition, when assembled, they prevent the circulation of cold air between floors. Additional advantages are low price and ease of installation (stationary ones require careful design, and their average cost is several times higher than that of folding attic stairs). Compared to extension ladders, Fakro ladders are much safer: the frame is securely connected to the main structures of the building, so falling during use is excluded. Another practical option is two-section sliding stairs, which provide maximum savings in usable space.

The FAKRO attic ladder consists of several sections (from 2 to 4). The maximum height is up to 3.25 m. The model range includes wooden and metal stairs. The height of metal structures can be increased by installing additional steps (each height is 20 cm). Models can be equipped with various accessories: a handrail (for convenient and safe movement), rubber tips on the lower section (prevent damage to the floor covering), and an opening guard.

An important feature of Fakro attic folding stairs is the insulated hatch. A layer of thermal insulation allows you to install stairs between heated and unheated rooms (for example, a living room and an attic, or a cold corridor and an insulated attic), without worrying about drafts and increased heating costs during the cold season. A convenient opening/closing mechanism with a special lock not only makes it convenient to use, but also prevents unauthorized persons from entering the attic. The main structural elements are securely connected to each other. The main operation during the installation process is installing the box into an opening of the appropriate size prepared in the ceiling. After this, the folding ladder to the attic is adjusted in height. Installation will not require much time and effort.

Advantages of Fakro attic stairs from:

Well-known European brand.
Reliable and safe design.
Insulated hatch.
Easy installation.
Large assortment of wooden and metal models.
Low price.

Fakro attic stairs are one of the best solutions for your home!

Useful tips

In order to make an attic ladder, it is not necessary to have unique skills and be a real master, you just need to approach the work correctly and do everything correctly and efficiently. Creating a lifting mechanism will not take much effort and time if you develop a clear action plan and enlist the support of family members.

You can install the staircase only when all the elements are ready. It is necessary to strengthen the hatch well so that under the weight of the structure it does not collapse to the floor after some time. Once the main work is completed, the time will come for equally important work. It is necessary to insulate the manhole cover if the house is used all year round.

To learn how to make a folding attic ladder, see the following video.

Installing a Fakro attic ladder with your own hands: instructions and video

To climb into the attic, you can use a ladder, stepladder or other available means. But this method can hardly be called convenient and safe. Therefore, special attic stairs were developed. One of the successful options for such a design is the product of the Polish company Fakro. They are compact, practical, reliable, have an insulated hatch cover and are lightweight. All of the company's products are sold assembled, making installation of the Fakro attic ladder easy.

Fakro scissor ladder

Sizing and preparation

When choosing a model, you need to take into account that the dimensions of the existing attic opening should be slightly larger than the dimensions of the box. The height of the room for which the staircase is designed is also taken into account. Typically these parameters are indicated on the packaging.

Stair dimensions

To install an attic ladder, you will need the following tools:

hacksaw;
drill;
screwdriver;
wrench (10 or 13 mm);
hammer;
level;
tape measure and corner;
ladder.

You will also need wooden spacers, two thin blocks, four wedges, twine, or a special installation kit, which can be purchased separately.

Installation sequence

The Fakro company produces attic stairs made of wood and metal. The sequence of their installation is similar, so let’s consider the installation of wooden flights, which occupy the majority of the company’s assortment. The procedure is as follows:

The installation is carried out from the attic side, so before lowering the ladder into the opening, we attach two bars to its frame using twine so that we get temporary supports.

Staircase with support bars

The staircase is introduced into the opening. To adjust the depth of lowering, wedges are placed under the ends of the support beams. The bottom edge of the box should be flush with the plane of the ceiling. Check the horizontal position of the stairs with a level; if you need to adjust the height, this can be done by moving the wedges in the required direction.

Height adjustment

Insert wooden spacers (8 pcs.) between the box and the walls of the opening. Using a corner and a tape measure, check the squareness of all corners of the box and the equality of its diagonals. Drill Ø3 mm holes at the locations of the spacers. and secure the box with screws or nails.

Box fastening

Note! After fixing the box, its walls should not have a bend.

Remove the support bars and unfold the ladder. Fill the gap between the stairwell and the walls of the opening tightly with heat-insulating material.
Loosen the bolts of the side fastenings of the flight to the hatch cover, then extend the ladder as far as it will go and tighten the bolts.

March fastening brackets

Attention! It cannot be used until the installation of the ladder is complete.

Now it is necessary to adjust the height of the ladder, since for its correct operation all segments after unfolding must form a straight line. To do this, the distances from the lower corners of the penultimate segment of the march to the floor are measured. After that, these distances are laid off on the last segment and a sawing line is outlined (figure below).

Height adjustment

If the marked line falls on a step, then the required offset can be obtained by using the height adjuster on the side fastenings of the flight.

Bias adjustment

This completes the installation process. Some models have their own characteristics, for example the Fakro LWK Komfort attic ladder, installation, video shown below, which differs in that when adjusting the height, the lower part of its flight is sawed off at a right angle, since it is equipped with tips for the legs.

Models with a detachable hatch cover have a simpler installation scheme. Installation of the Fakro attic ladder, the video is given below, this design is performed from the side of the room and differs from the algorithm described above in the initial method of placing it in the attic opening:

Two bars or boards are attached to the bottom of the opening in the attic so that the distance between them is 5 cm less than the length of the opening.

Location of support boards

The staircase is inserted into the opening from below and is positioned so that its frame rests on auxiliary bars. Next, you should slightly raise the front edge of the folded flight (from the side of the castle) and fix it in such a position that the ladder does not interfere with further work.
Align the box with the walls of the attic opening, then insert spacers through which it will be fixed. In this case, you need to check that all the corners of the box are 90º and that its walls are straight.

Fixing the stairs in the opening

After securing the stairs, you can remove the support bars and lower the flight down, but do not unfold it.
Install the missing spacers and make additional fastenings. Fill the gap between the box and the walls of the opening tightly with insulation.

Additional fixation

Now you can connect the manhole cover and adjust the length of the ladder as in the previous algorithm.

After installation is complete, you can install additional handrails on the stairs and a guard on the hatch box.

Design features

The design of a wooden staircase is not much different from its metal sisters.

Screw models are not suitable for us; all the elements need to be calculated personally, and this is difficult for an amateur.
The best option would be straight flight stairs.

The spiral staircase will have an original look, but it will be problematic for an amateur to assemble it

The flight stairs to the second floor and to the attic differ only in the angle of inclination. In our case, the tilt angle ranges from 45º–75º.
The height of the steps is also determined by the angle of inclination; the steeper the structure, the more often the steps are installed, but according to the rules, for comfortable use, the height of the riser should be from 15 to 23 cm. The number of steps is calculated from the same data.
The tread size is 20–40 cm.
When making calculations, you need to start from the top of the structure, because the height of the lower first step does not matter much; it is often smaller than all the others.

For attic stairs, it is better to make the risers open

The straight marching design is made on stringers or bowstrings. The difference there is small, in the first case the step is attached to the stringers (guides) from above, and in the second it is inserted between the strings.

The height of the stairs is calculated vertically from the floor of the first floor to the finished floor of the attic

It is important here that when lifting a person does not cling to the edge of the hatch with his head. According to the rules, the minimum vertical distance from the step to the edge of the opening is 190 cm.

This is interesting: Wooden staircase to the attic of a house - types and options for self-assembly

The simplest design of a wooden staircase on bowstrings