It s important to understand the opening size you have or will create to ensure you select the correct attic ladder product for your home.
Cut opening for attic pull down ladder installation.
When you find it remove the insulation from the area and determine which of the joists you re going to cut.
Basic space requirements for an attic ladder.
Attic ladder installation typically requires a space that is at least 25 inches by 55 inches.
Some householders have already converted the roofspace into liveable rooms to accommodate an ever expanding family but other homes still haven t felt.
Cut out the ceiling joist and any wood blocking that s in the opening.
Measure the rough opening in your ceiling both the width and length.
Unless you re replacing an older attic ladder a new ladder when installed will need a large hole cut inside of the ceiling and are reinforced with headers without destroying the strength of the joists.
All homes that have a pitched roof also have an attic or loft space under the roof and above the upper floor.
Full size attic ladders usually need an opening in the ceiling that is at least 22 1 2 x 54 inches.
Construct the opening.
Remove joists and other obstructions.
Standard openings are 22 5 x 54 but some homes have wider openings.
Looking for a space adequate to this opening is your first step.
One will be used as your stationary the other you ll cut header it off and put your attic stair in.
The unit is then bolted into the opening and trimmed with molding and paint to finish the look allowing it to blend in.
How to install pull down attic stairs cut out attic access opening.
This will make in and out access even easier.
Smaller spaces may be hard to access especially if you re carrying items to or from the attic.
We put together a guide on attic ladder cost installation as well as up to four free contractor quotes you can access on our website.
The screw should be between two joists.
Once you re in the attic locate the screw.
Retract both right hand side catches and rotate both upwards into the locked open position.
The cost of buying a new pull down attic ladder differs in the range of 80 1500.
We ll show you how to cut out frame the opening then install a fo.
The spiral attic ladders are a bit more costly in comparison to pull down attic ladders.
Snap chalk lines onto the ceiling to represent the rough opening of the attic staircase.
Conversely some homes have smaller openings or hatches.
If you consult any professional to do the job the cost varies between 240 425.