It is difficult to choose the staircase to the attic, second floor or porch that would meet all the stylistic and practical needs. Wooden stairs on a metal frame can be an excellent option for combining the classic design and safety. They have the advantages of both materials and a long service life. In this article, we will consider what types of metal frame stairs are available on the market and how to build the internal or external attic steps.
Main types of constructions

The most popular combined models are:

  • open metal frame with two stringers and wooden steps;
  • closed metal frame, finished with the wooden panels;
  • modular construction with one stringer.

The second construction looks at the photo and in the premises just like a completely wooden march. The main advantage of this product is its maintainability. If one of the panels deforms, you can easily replace it with the new one.
Metal fences should be installed for the open frame marches. They look good at the photos of interior and will be a harmonious complement to the high-tech style. Modular analogs with one metal stringer are collected in a constructor manner. They can be easily tailored to the required height.

How to make the metal frame march with your own hands

Examining the photos of the ready-made objects will help you choose the right model and prepare a draft. It is recommended to process the finished metal frame with the anti-corrosive coating, especially if you’re planning an outdoor construction. To build a staircase with your own hands, you should prepare the following details:

  1. shaped tube for the load-bearing elements;
  2. sheet metal;
  3. channel bar or corners for the step frame;
  4. set of balusters;
  5. wood panels for the facing.

Focusing on the project, use the shaped tube to cut out the stringers. They must be attached to the floor and the ceiling of the next floor with the aid of anchors. In this, the binding must be designed for the load of 300 kg and more. Use the steel corners to weld the frames for the future steps. Ready-made frames must be welded to the supporting beams. Drill the holes in the frame at a distance of 20 mm from the edge.

At first, you should only start to weld the staircase frame. And only after installing the steps on the stringers, checking their level and making sure the definition of angle, you can make the welding seams.

You can start to bind the wood panels. It is preferable to fix them with the taping screws on the lower side to preserve the integrity of the tread. If it is impossible to make such a mount, it is necessary to drill the grooves in the plates for the fasteners. When the steps are ready, you should step back 50-100 mm and mark the outside edges for the installation of balusters.

Then you should start to mount them with your own hands. The simplest racks you can see at the picture are made in the form of metal tube bars. You should use the shaped tube for the handrail, finished with the wooden overlay. Drill the holes before the installation of anchor bolts. You should initially mount the first and the last racks to lay the fastening. Then stretch the cord between them and align all other balusters. All you need is to fix the handrail, and the construction will be ready.

Constructions of external marches

Attic step can be made in the form of the wooden stringer ladder. Depending on the size of the premises, you can build both the external steps (which look advantageous at the photo) and the internal marches with your own hands. Entrance steps are made in a similar way. Before starting to build the attic step, you should determine its location. The following options are possible:

  • for accessing the heated attic – in the lobby or in the hall;
  • for accessing the open attic – on the veranda;
  • outdoor construction – provided that the external steps are protected from the precipitation, and the door to the premises is provided with the proper furniture.

To make the hand-made external steps to the attic comfortable, the slope angle of the passage must not exceed 45 degrees. Looking at the photos, you can find the proper construction. With enough free space, you should choose the straight march. However, if there is not enough space, you can set up a spiral construction with your own hands.

The simplest solution for the attic step is to build a wooden stringer ladder. It is designed and made in the same way as the entrance steps. If you use creativity and look at the photos of the finished buildings, you can build the original and safe attic march with your own hands. Leave a comment and share your own experience of planning and building the outer marches.