How To Install Folding Attic Stairs

Do not extend the legs to the floor yet.

How to install folding attic stairs.

Secure each pine tread with four screws. Mark rough opening of new fold down staircase on the ceiling joists in the attic. Step 3measure distance a and mark the distance on the a side of the bottom stringer. Leave out the top three treads so you can easily fit the staircase between the header guide frame mounted above the door panel.

Determine the area where you want to place your stairs. Place attic assembly on supports. Pull the stairs down until the hinges are extended image 1. Tie ladder sections together to keep them from separating.

Attach temporary support boards to keep the ladder. Remove existing attic stairs with a reciprocating saw. Step 1fully extend the folding section of the stairway. Check that the assembly is level and shim between the stair frame and joists.

Then use a wrench to tighten the threaded ladder rods that pass beneath each tread. In this video this old house general contractor tom silva explains how to install attic stairs. Make sure you have someone helping from the garage level so you don t get stuck in the attic. Slip the stair treads into the angled dadoes milled in the two stringers.

How to install a folding attic ladder step 1. Press down on the stairs to ensure full extension. Use a reciprocating saw to cut joists and nails holding any joists that must be removed. Next using an electric drill pop a screw up through the drywall in the ceiling as a reference point so that when you go up in the attic you ll be able to locate it and find the general location of the attic stair.

Make sure you measure your hieght to buy the correct one. You ll then use the ceiling joists to determine the final location. Remove trim surrounding existing opening using a hammer.