Classification of transforming stairs
- Household (for home use) transformable stepladders allow you to work at a height of 0.5 to 3 m.
- Professional transforming stairs are made up of a large number of sections with an increased level of strength. They are telescopic (retractable) and folding (component parts can be connected in any order).
Folding ladder with retaining hooks
The most important feature of professional transforming ladders, in contrast to similar household ones, is the amount of weight load that the structure can withstand.
The largest value of this value is 150 kg. These specialized stepladders typically feature stronger fasteners and fixings that can support greater weight, as well as more sections that can have up to 10 steps.
Types of folding stepladders
Sliding aluminum stepladders are extremely functional. Their elements are laid out in different configurations, forming double-sided stepladders, cantilever stairs, and platforms. If the lock connections are properly secured, arbitrary unfolding of the ladder is excluded. To do this, each manufacturer provides detailed instructions.
"Double-sided stepladder" . It folds in the shape of the letter “L”, resting on 2 traverses, like the usual two-section one. The legs are shod with anti-slip pads. Convenient for working in the center of the room or at a distance from a support, for removing complex branches and other work that requires increased stability. It is characterized by the greatest stability and safety. The shape is similar to a sliding aluminum ladder into 2 sections (except for the hinges in the middle part of the working surface).
"Two separate stepladders" . Used when working at low altitude. Both designs easily fit on one table. A wooden platform is often installed on them, as supports, which is more reliable and stable than the “scaffolding” configuration. There are folding aluminum transformable ladders on sale with the ability to get two stepladders of different heights.
"Additional ladder" . All sections are sequentially moved apart in one plane, forming a classic attached structure. The length is adjusted by changing the number of sections. The configuration is used for working at high altitudes. Follow safety precautions.
Double-sided, attached, attic and even scaffolding - these are the forms the transforming staircase takes
"Attic staircase with console" . The product unfolds in the shape of the letter “G”. Used for work in the presence of protruding obstacles (roof canopy, overhang, under the balcony).
"Scaffolding" . Sections of the stepladder are fixed in the form of the letter “P” with double-sided ascent. Convenient to use as a stand when working at low heights, including in pairs. In everyday life it is also used as a workbench, with a board laid on top.
Configurations of articulated stepladders are marked 4x3, 4x4, 4x5, etc., where the first number indicates the number of sections, and the second number of crossbars. Sometimes there is double marking, for example: 2x4+2x5. This designation indicates that this staircase has sections of different lengths. The example says that the internal sections have 4 steps, and the external sections have 5.
Ladders with 3 sections accept 4 configurations, stepladders with 4 sections have 6 configurations
Video. Overview of the capabilities of the transformable staircase
Auxiliary devices for transformable ladders
Not many experts are familiar with the existing practical additions, invented and produced to bring the transforming staircase closer to the universal version. What can we say about the average novice amateur repairman. So, get acquainted!
- Rack extensions. Special parts are attached using screws located in the racks of the transforming stepladder. Useful for high-altitude work.
- Additional supports. They improve the stability of the structure. These supports are fastened using the same screws and two brackets.
- Leg attachments. These can be some kind of rollers (to simplify the movement of the structure) or nozzles with pointed ends (to ensure traction with the ground plane) or rubber balancing pads (against slipping). All these fastenings make it possible to operate the ladder under various terrain conditions.
- Parts for securing and holding loads. Such parts made of high-strength steel are placed directly on the steps or in places where they adjoin the racks. Such parts are created for comfortable placement of tools and other useful equipment at the worker’s fingertips.
How to choose a height
For stairs of all types there are classical formulas for calculating dimensions. Since each manufacturer chooses its own parameters, it is better to look at the exact data in the product instructions or in the product card. For a conscious choice, you need to clearly understand the meaning of each parameter.
Ladder Height : The distance from the floor to the work platform or top step. By calculating this parameter, you can accurately calculate the working height, taking into account the height of a particular person.
Working height : the one at which a user standing on the third step from the top can work comfortably. Calculation formula: height of a person of average height with an outstretched arm (2 meters) + height of the ladder from the floor to the working platform (or third step). Practice has shown that on average the working height is 1-1.1 meters higher than the stairs.
Total length : the dimensions of the ladder between its two extreme points (from the legs to the top handle or other element at the top point). The total length is taken into account if the stepladder will have to be frequently transported or stored in a room with low ceilings.
For transforming stairs, the parameters are somewhat different, which is due to their design features. So, when purchasing, take into account the length of the ladder when unfolded - this is the sum of the lengths of all sections. And also the length of the ladder when folded (as a rule, it is equal to the length of one section). The first parameter is important for operation, the second for transportation and storage.
The length of the structure affects its weight. The longer the ladder, the heavier it is. Consider this point if you have to constantly carry or move the stepladder while working.
It is also very important that the height of the stairs affects the safety of the user. Thus, a stepladder 2.5-3 meters high is much more stable than a ladder 5 meters high. To increase the stability of the product and achieve maximum safety, special devices are used (read in the “Additional elements” section).
Safety rules for using a transforming stepladder
To ensure that operations with a ladder do not result in injury, you should adhere to some rules for safe operation.
- Before climbing onto the ladder, check its stability.
- When carrying out work higher than 1.3 m, use a safety belt.
- Have someone help you from below.
- Do not place a stepladder on the steps of staircases.
- Do not try to reach objects located more than 1 m from the top of the stairs.
- Do not use the convertible ladder at the same time as welding, pneumatic or electrical equipment if you are working alone.
Algorithm for calculating working height
The algorithm is worth using if your height differs significantly from the average. To calculate the parameters, the ladder is laid out.
- determine the height from the floor to the working platform or the third step from the top;
- add your height with your arm extended. You have reached your working height.
Calculation of working height according to international standards
You can also calculate the working height, knowing only the length of the ladder, which is always indicated in the product card, including online. For example, we will consider a staircase 3.35 meters long with 12 steps on the working surface.
- 1 action . Height of the working platform or last step. We look at the product card.
- Act 2 . We calculate the distance between the crossbars.
Divide the height to the platform (step) by the number of steps
Our example: 3.35: 12 = 0.28 m
- Act 3 . For safety reasons, working on the top two rungs is prohibited. Subtract two distances between steps from the height of the stairs.
Stair height up to 3 steps - distance between steps x 2
Our example: 3.35 - 0.28 x 2 = 2.79 m
- 4 action . Most often, the working surface is located at an angle of 75° in relation to the wall. Sine 75°=0.9659. We calculate what height remains taking into account the slope:
Height without 2 upper steps x sine of inclination angle
Our example: 2.79 x 0.9659 = 2.69 m
Total: working height of the stepladder from the example is 2.69 meters
Since the inclination of the stepladder varies from 60 to 75°, use the table of sines for other angles:
The sine values are useful for accurately calculating the working height of a stepladder for your height
The most popular manufacturers of transformable stairs
- KRAUSE;
- VIRA;
- Portuleiter;
- SSS "LUCH".
However, the products of these popular brands are much more expensive than the products of unknown companies. Although, the quality of these samples is often quite tolerable. That is, if you need a stepladder at home, and not a ladder for working in dangerous places, then you can give preference to a cheaper product from a less well-known brand.
If you have the desire and certain abilities, it would be nice to build some kind of modular staircase yourself.
Working with a drawing
You can make a folding stool yourself or purchase a finished product. The purchase is not always financially affordable, so craftsmen with experience in carpentry prefer to create practical designs with their own hands. The procedure is simplified thanks to a large number of ready-made diagrams with a detailed description of the manufacturing process.
The design of the chair will depend on the type of design and materials used. It is necessary to clarify the purpose of the product. Based on this, wooden, chipboard or metal blanks, as well as suitable tools, are prepared for the work.
To make furniture yourself, you will need drawings with dimensions including general views, assemblies, and sections. The diagrams use special symbols that must be read correctly. The lines in the drawing are deciphered as follows:
- Solid thick ones are contour lines depicting a piece of furniture.
- Solid thin - used to indicate parameters.
- External thin ones - specify part numbers.
- Dotted - used to demonstrate elements that are not visible from a certain angle.
- Dash-and-dotted lines are center lines showing the middle of the furniture.
- The intersections of 2–3 center lines reflect the centers of round parts.
Patterns for crocheting covers for chairs and stools, stages of work
In furniture drawings, all dimensions are indicated in millimeters and are given in actual size, regardless of the scale of the diagram. The parameters of each element are reflected taking into account the length of the spikes. Capital Russian letters indicate the arrows of the cuts, and Roman numerals indicate the nodes.
In the drawings of step-chairs, each element is drawn in detail. Detailing is carried out - drawing structural parts, determining their sizes. This is a creative process, not just copying images. Using ready-made diagrams, you can make all the panels and drawers to order.
How to build an exclusive transforming stepladder with your own hands?
As a rule, all work within the house is carried out at a height of up to 3 meters, and, therefore, in everyday life there is no urgent need to buy a large staircase. And you can easily make a small one yourself.
What do you need to stock up on?
- steel pipes 2 mm thick: Ø=30 mm, L=2000 mm – 2 pcs; Ø=30 mm, L=1500 mm – 2 pcs; Ø=30 mm, L=330 mm – 9 pcs (for steps);
- 22 sets of connecting bolts M8x70 with nuts and washers;
- sheet steel 3 mm thick (30 mm x 1000 mm);
- drill and drill bits;
- spanners.
Manufacturing process
- Take a 2-meter pipe, step back 300 mm from the edge and drill a hole for the bolt.
- Make 5 more similar holes along the pipe with a pitch of 300 mm.
- Do the same with the second 2-meter and two 1.5-meter pipes.
- In the blanks for the steps, drill a hole on both sides, departing 15 mm from the edge.
- Cut two clamps from sheet steel, drill a hole on both sides at a distance of 15 mm from the edges.
- Bend the clamp to shape the surface of the pipe.
- Make closed-shaped couplings from the same sheet of steel. It is better to weld or rivet their free ends. Place the couplings at the level of the second step from the top.
- Make holes at the ends of 1.5-meter pipes, 15 mm from the edges.
- Attach clamps to long pipes.
- Insert the ends of 1.5-meter pipes with couplings on them.
- Connect everything with bolts.
- Attach the steps.
- Place rubber pads on the legs.
- Make a hook 6 mm thick and 600 mm long. It is necessary so that the two sides of the stepladder do not move apart under the weight of the worker (you can buy a ready-made one at a hardware store).
Other raw materials, not just steel, can be used as a basis.
Materials from which you can make a stepladder
- wood;
- steel;
- aluminum;
- duralumin.
Making a straight stepladder from the resulting double staircase is very simple. To do this, remove the hook and lift part of the ladder from 1.5-meter pipes up, securing them with couplings.
Useful tips for making your own stepladders
Assembling a stepladder according to a ready-made drawing with dimensions is not difficult - even a novice master can do it. But, there are nuances that it is better to find out in advance so as not to encounter problems during the work process:
- When marking the “legs” of the stepladder to determine the location of the steps, you also need to mark the points for their attachment.
- On the side parts of the stairs, closer to the top step, it would be a good idea to attach two or three hooks. They are useful for hanging a bucket of paint, a bag of tools, or a harvesting basket. You can also attach a hollow piece of plastic or iron pipe at the top, inside which you can put a screwdriver, pencils and other small things that are inconvenient to hold in your hands, but also difficult to go down to get them every time.
- To prevent the legs of the stepladder from moving apart when a person is at the top, a stopper needs to be attached approximately in the middle of the sides. It can be used as a belt, thick rope or chain, which will not allow the stepladder to open further than its length.
You need to take care of your own safety!
Table No. 2. Options for stepladders
View, illustration | Description |
Mini chair | A variant of a miniature stepladder, the height of which is usually 70-90 centimeters. You can work on this design both standing and sitting. A stepladder-chair can have two, three or five steps, at the top there is a working platform, which is also a seat. |
Rack platform | This stepladder has a fixed platform at the top, which is quite spacious for a person to work from above for a long time. Typically, such stepladders are about 1.3 meters high and are used during finishing renovation work. It is not advisable to store such a ladder at home, since it is not compact. |
One-sided split | This stepladder has steps on one side only, with a support bar on the other for added rigidity. This is a fairly light, compact ladder that is convenient to use at home. But, it is worth considering that the design is not very stable. |
Double sided | This is a more stable and convenient option due to the fact that the steps are located on both sides of the structure. The advantage of a double-sided stepladder is that two people can be on it at the same time. Also, the second side with steps can be used to place tools or hang necessary items (for example, when hanging wallpaper). |
Rolling stepladder | This is a more massive structure, with locking wheels installed on the legs to facilitate movement. This model resembles an extendable one-sided staircase, but usually the rolling one has a greater height. To move the ladder, you need to raise the wheel clamps, and when the structure is installed in the right place, the clamps are lowered again to make the ladder immobile. |
The indicated options and recommendations should be enough to understand the manufacturing technology of a simple wooden stepladder, as well as to determine its dimensions and other operating parameters. Then you can proceed directly to assembling the stairs.
Video - Do-it-yourself folding stepladder
Making a transforming chair
Why is a transforming chair better than a transforming ladder?
- When assembled, the item acts as a chair and does not require a special storage space.
- Easily converts into a small ladder.
- The stepladder is long enough to screw in a light bulb or remove a book from a shelf.
- It's easy to make.
What do you need to prepare?
- a sheet of wood 15-20 mm thick (pine board or plywood is suitable);
- finishing composition (paint, stain or varnish);
- screws 45 mm with countersunk heads;
- wood glue and PVA;
- jigsaw;
- piano hinge – 400 mm.
Manufacturing process
- Cut out large legs 100x725 mm (4 pcs) and legs 38x180 mm (2 pcs), 100x420 mm (2 pcs) from wood.
- Now cut out the drawers: 120x345 mm (2 pieces), 105x345 mm (1 piece).
- Cut the top step 270x445 mm (1 piece).
- Cut out the parts to create the retractable steps:
- medium legs 100x470 mm (4 pcs) and small legs 100x215 mm (2 pcs);
- legs 100x400 mm (2 pcs);
- steps 180x298 mm (2 pcs);
- rear drawer 105x300 mm (1 piece);
- front drawers 90x22 mm (3 pcs).
- Slightly round all corners of the parts.
- Drill holes for mounting screws.
- Perform a test assembly to identify existing defects and inaccuracies.
- Correct defects, adjust parts.
- Use glue for final assembly. Connect one by one: large legs and legs, upper and lower drawers and a step-seat.
- Then attach the middle legs to the legs using the front and back drawers.
- Now attach the small legs and steps.
- Paint the step stool three times with varnish.
Depending on the available materials and your preferences, you can cover the transforming chair with stain or paint, or decorate it in some other way. Remember that this product will not be hidden in a closet, but will remain in plain sight, which means it should look accordingly.
Design features of articulated stairs
Synonyms : transformable ladder, four-section aluminum transformable ladder, folding (folding) ladder, articulated ladder, articulated stepladder, transformable stepladder.
A sliding aluminum staircase in 3 or 4 sections consists of rectangular sidewalls into which steps from a profile of a smaller section are inserted. Professional models are equipped with reinforced sidewalls. When preparing for storage, the 4-section transformable stepladder folds like an accordion in the shape of the letter “M”.
The stability of the device is ensured by the lateral stabilizers of the support. The legs are protected with dielectric anti-slip attachments (not always included in household models).
They have 2-3 paired hinged joints with locking mechanisms and locks that prevent self-opening. The hinges are movable and provide instant change of position from 0 to 180°. The connections between the hinges and the sidewall (string) are held in place by bolts or rivets, since aluminum and carbon steel are not welded. For maintenance and repair of stepladders, bolted connections are preferable.
Structurally, there are from 3 to 20 steps. The crossbars are either fastened with rivets on all sides, or they are rolled into the grooves of the side posts. Rolling is a more reliable method.
Rolling steps (see picture) is a technological operation that is performed only automatically. In this case, two guides are installed in the machine and equal holes are punched on both sides. Steps are inserted into these holes. On one side of the guide, the machine expands the step, forming a convex section. On the other hand, the machine rounds its edges, forming a reliable, durable fixation of the crossbars.
The standard distance between steps is 30-35 cm. This span height is convenient for stepping over the steps. In addition, the smaller the span, the higher the rigidity of the structure.
The volumetric pattern (corrugation) of the aluminum profile and the surfaces of the steps increases the decorative effect of the product and creates an anti-slip effect. Corrugation also increases the strength of the product, since the edges of the pattern act as stiffening ribs and reduce the wear of surfaces. Which coating to choose, read below.
Now every manufacturer of stepladders has the opportunity to register their own technical specifications (technical conditions). Therefore, the parameters of stairs of different brands differ. The article gives average indicators and classic options.
Types of corrugated surfaces:
- lentil (diamond, diamond) - the simplest corrugation, consisting of single notches;
- duet - similar to “lentils”, but consists of paired notches;
- quintet (foreign synonym for Galaxy) - the elements consist of five stripes and are located perpendicular to each other.
Corrugation is a mandatory attribute of a safe stepladder.
The “quintet” pattern has the best anti-slip qualities. However, manufacturers of aluminum sliding stairs often create their own design of corrugations applied to the steps. Please note: whatever the design of the corrugation, the pattern should be parallel to the length of the step, and not perpendicular.
Advice from Chistyuli. Despite this concern from manufacturers about worker safety, it is better to purchase rubber pads for steps and the working platform. Rubber mats have maximum anti-slip effect and dielectric properties.
Video. Aluminum sheet corrugated quintet
terms of Use
Before starting work, check the functionality and integrity of all parts: sidewalls, steps, hinges, clamps, etc.
- You should not install unnecessary parts on the stairs in this case.
- After finishing work, clean the stairs and dry them if necessary.
- Fold and store.
- If you frequently wet clean the stepladder, purchase a suitable anti-corrosion coating and periodically treat the surface.
- If you find that fasteners, locks have become loose or other defects have appeared, contact the service center and have the problem fixed. Working on faulty equipment is dangerous.
Advice from "Chistyuli" . According to reviews, if putty or other building mixtures get into the hinges, over time the stepladder stops folding. During dirty work, protect connections by wrapping them with unnecessary rags, film, and packaging materials.
Articulated ladders of different brands
The assortment of construction stores includes folding transformable ladders made of aluminum, manufactured in domestic and foreign factories. Sellers will offer the buyer Alumet, Intertool, Sarayli, Sibin, Hailo and other brands. An overview of some popular models in this section of the article.
Krause
A German brand offering excellent quality products. The Krause Corda, Krause Dopplo line is intended for household work; the number of steps is 3-8. For professionals, the company offers the Krause Solidy and Krause Stabilo series. These stepladders are made of anodized aluminum, the steps are rolled, and all safety accessories are included. The number of stages in popular models is 4-7. Builders claim that Krause stairs do not wear out and more than pay for their high cost.
Advantages of a stepladder: very high stability, lightweight, durable, aesthetically pleasing. Cons: high price, sometimes the top step gets loose (within 1 cm).
Video. Krause staircase
Hailo (Hailo)
Another German brand, the main competitor of Krause. The brand's assortment includes modifications for household, repair, construction and industrial work. Here you can buy literally everything - from mini-stepladders to multi-section and high-rise ladders. The load capacity of industrial options reaches 150-225 kg. This is an absolute record in staircase technology.
Pros: thoughtful design, stable, lightweight, aesthetic. Cons: high cost.
Video. Stepladder Hailo
Intertool
The Ukrainian brand pleases with affordable prices. Safety elements and additional accessories for modification are available. However, the relatively young manufacturer still has some work to do. Thus, stepladders are simultaneously intended for household and professional work, which affects the performance characteristics. Installers and builders claim that the staircase is only suitable for occasional use.
Pros: easy to carry, easy to use, multifunctional, inexpensive. Cons: the plastic headset wears out quickly, poor stability when working on the upper platform.
Video. Stepladder "Intertool"
Zarges (Tsarges, Zarges)
Stair technology from a German manufacturer that has been providing users with quality products since 1933. The equipment is intended for professionals and fully justifies this status.
Video. Stepladder Zarges or Alumet
Alumet
A Russian brand operating on the market since 2007. The range includes stepladders consisting of three sections and heights of 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 meters. Manufacturing material – anodized aluminum. The models are equipped with additional safety elements: wide restraint belts, safety ties, and brackets. The legs of the ladder are covered with anti-slip plugs. The steps are rolled. Permissible load 150 kg.
Stairs of the Alumet brand are intended for domestic and professional use. Pros: high strength due to thick profile walls, stable due to a set of wide stabilizers, compact. Disadvantage: the metal used for the steps is thin, the hinge attachment points become loose, in some models the steps are not wide enough, and the coating gets dirty on your hands.
Biber
An old German brand that has been producing stairs since 1950. The range includes stepladders and tools for all kinds of construction work. Some products are produced in factories in Russia and China. Professionals characterize the quality as unstable - if you are lucky, the product will serve reliably and for a long time. In other cases it fails unreasonably quickly. Bieber is used for low-intensity home use.
Pros: compact, convenient, aesthetic. Cons: You can purchase a low-quality model.
Dogrular
A Russian brand that offers compatriots decent products for household and professional work. When folded it is very compact. Durable plastic parts. Sophisticated security system.
Advantages of stairs: light, comfortable, good stability, durable, multifunctional, inexpensive. Cons: there are models that bend under heavy loads, supporting a maximum weight of up to 100 kg.
Sibin
A Russian brand that offers comfortable, well-thought-out products. Maximum load up to 150 kg. Sophisticated security system.
Pros: light weight, easy to carry, low step, stable, inexpensive. Reliable and convenient locking mechanisms. Disadvantages of some models: there is no lock when unfolded. You need to buy more or come up with something yourself.
Video. Comparison of transformer stairs 4x3 and 4x5
Bison
They have all the advantages of high-quality aluminum products. The working height of stepladders is 2.6-3.45 meters. Wide working platforms are convenient for work - you can comfortably stand on your own and place a bucket of paint nearby. The stairs meet safety requirements (anti-slip dielectric nozzles, corrugated steps, handrails). For household needs, choose stairs with 3-4 steps. For professional work from 5 levels. Pros: lightweight, comfortable, stable, aesthetic.
Video. Comparison of transforming stairs
Segmentation of ladder brands by quality
Indicative information about brands offering the highest quality products and options:
High quality:
- Krause
- Hailo
- Sbtabilo
- Centaure
- Sarayli
- Rigger
"A budget option":
- Startul
- SevenBerg
- Sibin
- Vira
- Practice
When choosing a stepladder from the second list, carefully consider what parameters you need (operating conditions, required height, your weight, etc.) and choose a ladder with a reserve of characteristics. Then you can confidently use even an inexpensive stepladder. Pay special attention to safety elements, metal thickness, permissible load, and the presence of additional elements.
Price categories
The cost of a stepladder plays an important role when choosing a product. Here is an approximate selection of price categories based on an analysis of the assortment of online stores:
Inexpensive stepladders:
- New Height
- Sibin
- Nika
- Dogrular
Average price:
- Sibin
- Vortex
- SibrTech
Premium stepladders:
- Krause
- Alumet
- New Height
If you are purchasing a ladder for household work, the cost is even more important! – you always want to get a decent product at an affordable price. To avoid overpaying for unnecessary features, stick to a basic model with a minimum of features. And also think about how intensively the stepladder will be used and how high you will climb. So, for roofing work it is better to take a more reliable stepladder and not think about its price.
Professional equipment cannot be cheap a priori. By laying out a tidy sum at the checkout, you are not paying for a “promoted brand,” but for your own safety, confidence in your work, and the durability of the product.
Good luck!
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Professional and household models
Now let’s start choosing a suitable transforming staircase. First of all, it is important to decide for what purposes it is needed: professional or economic (household). Professional models are much more expensive and it is unlikely that you need to overpay for them if they are used rarely, lightly and only for light work.
4-section professional transforming ladder
Here are a few signs that make it easy to distinguish a professional model from a household one.
- Price . As is the case with any other professional and household equipment, it is better to compare costs within the framework of products of the same brand (brands will be discussed a little below). It is likely that a “professional” Chinese transforming ladder will cost less than a “household” European or American one.
- Materials . Professional models are often made of steel, fiberglass, or a combination of steel and aluminum.
- Maximum permissible load per step. For professional models, it should not be lower than 150 kg. For household models, a value of 100–150 kg is allowed.
Table of approximate ratios of the sizes of single-section stairs, depending on src=»https://stroyday.ru/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Table-ratios-of-approximate-sizes-2-section-staircases-depending- from the manufacturer.jpg" class="aligncenter" width="990″ height="343″[/img] Table of the ratio of the approximate sizes of 2 section stairs depending on src="https://stroyday.ru/wp- content/uploads/2019/06/Table-ratio-of-approximate-sizes-of-3-section-staircases-depending-on-manufacturer-1024×344.jpg" class="aligncenter" width="1024″ height= "344"[/img] Table of the ratio of the approximate sizes of 3-section stairs depending on the manufacturer - Profile wall thickness. For metal models, the thickness of the steps should be 1 mm for steel and 1.5 mm for aluminum.
- Functionality and equipment. The functionality of professional articulated ladders is often expanded with additional devices that expand the possibilities of working at height: bucket hooks, organizers and holders for tools, paint trays, etc. Standard equipment may include solid metal flooring, removable work platforms and shelves.
- Number of steps and length when unfolded . As a rule, the number of steps in professional models is higher than four in one section. The length of a fully unfolded ladder sometimes reaches 7–8 m. For domestic purposes, a length of up to 4–6 m is sufficient.
- Connection elements. Professional “transformers” use forged elements, while household ones use stamped elements.
Table of staircase angles, width and height of steps
Indirect signs of the professional purpose of an articulated ladder may be the inscriptions “heavy duty” and “professional”, but you should not believe them too much, because this could be a marketing ploy. This is especially true for products from little-known Chinese brands.
Design Features
The design has its own original features. Regular legs serve as fastenings for steps. From an ordinary chair or stool, a ladder or stepladder is obtained in a few movements. There are several categories of such furniture that you can completely create with your own hands:
- Stationary option. This is a fairly high stool, the legs are inclined several degrees, and between them there are special slats that act as steps;
- Folding option. This option has the appearance of a chair, which, through mechanical manipulation, can be turned into a ladder or stepladder. It can be used as a stool or stored in a compact folded form in the pantry;
- Transformer. This option can be called the most original, practical and interesting, which is not only functional equipment, but also a convenient and interesting piece of furniture. In one movement the chair turns into a ladder or stepladder.