Inside our homes, every day, we challenge ourselves with many different levels: from the shelves on the shelf to the clothes sorted along the highest shelf of the wardrobe. The need for a ladder therefore seems to affect everyone's needs, even those who are still looking for approximate solutions to take objects out of their reach. The ideal ladder for the home, which can also become a beautiful furnishing object if necessary, is the foldable one made of wood. In DIY stores it is possible to find ladders of numerous and varied models, but who is to say that you cannot gain fun and reduce costs by making it yourself? Today the practice of do-it-yourself is capable of involving everyone, even those who do not see themselves in labor activities. The ladder, as part of the DIY, is one of the simplest objects to make, although it may not seem so. The ladder allows you to clean the highest shelves, paint the walls, fix paintings or take down the curtains. The ladder is an excellent domestic helper and, for this reason, we should all have one at home, which is also the result of our efforts. The steps to build it are simple, but the following is worth reading in the article.
The first step: what tools are needed?
Like any self-respecting DIY activity, even to make your own folding wooden ladder, you undoubtedly need tools. Initially, wooden strips are needed, preferably already cut to the correct size, together with regular murals and boards for the construction of the steps and the structure. In order to facilitate the carpentry work, purchasing the strips is highly advisable, especially if you consult an expert who will certainly be able to guide you on the right measurements suitable for creating a folding ladder. Among the numerous tools are added: A chain and an arched hinge. The chain will be essential, because it will affect the stability of the object during use and when the ladder is folded. In order for your wooden ladder to be stabilized, you will need the help of a drill to make the holes into which you will need to insert the dowel screws. The dowel screws will be useful for securing the steps to the entire staircase, i.e. in the lateral parts of the murals.
The materials to be recovered
To create a folding wooden ladder, it will be useful to work on the wooden slats, tablets and murals which will be essential to build the lateral parts of the staircase, together with the supports of the steps themselves. Once these initial problems regarding the structural materials have been resolved, it will be necessary to consider the quality of the wood to be used. Generally, knotless fir is abundantly resistant and simple to work with and, to make your folding ladder, it will be necessary to obtain triangular structures. These structures will be useful for the lateral parts of the steps and for the rods that will allow it to be supported. Chains will be positioned on the side of the structure, which will allow the ladder to have a fixed stability, without spreading apart causing unpleasant falls for those who are using it.
The operational phase: how to build the ladder
At first, once you have gathered the tools and materials, creating a ladder could be a complex job, especially for those approaching the world of do-it-yourself for the first time. In truth it is only necessary to take into account a few small precautions and the staircase practically builds itself. In fact, building a ladder does not fall into the category of expert builders, because it is an excellent exercise for beginners. First of all, to create the structure of the staircase, it is necessary to go to the carpenter and buy the wood and, subsequently, go to a hardware store to provide arched hinges. Once this is done, we will need to proceed gradually.
Firstly you will need to think about the steps, for which you will need murals and dowel screws (maximum two on each side). The last step must be inserted in the upper end of the murals, so that it can be used in the part dedicated to closing/opening the staircase. Following this step, we must concentrate on the rear part, which must be created using two murals with two rods joined to form an X. In the upper section of the staircase it will be essential to apply a transversal mural, as done in the last step. Once the structure is complete, you need to focus on the part that allows you to fold the ladder: you will need to apply the chain and apply an articulated hinge directly on the upper end of the ladder, on both sides.
Safety testing
To ensure safe and careful construction using the right tools, it is necessary to use the right hinges, which must open at 30°, thus allowing an inclination of 60° to be achieved. These are the measures required by accident prevention regulations, or by law, for safe use of the tool.
Your DIY ladders, although they are made with extreme precision and in a workmanlike manner, must in no way be subjected to excessive loads: they are always useful objects but made at home, which is why it is advisable to always use them with extreme caution.
Once the staircase has been completed, it will be necessary to make some small finishing touches. In fact, it is possible to paint the staircase in relation to your personal needs and tastes. For a good painting it is possible to apply simple transparent varnish that can be purchased at any hardware store. Once the painting is finished, you will need to let the paint dry and store your ladder in a dry place away from annoying changes in temperature and humidity.
