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How install attic ladder 20 5 in opening.
Fold down attic stairs provide convenient access to your attic without taking up space in the floor below the attic.
12 slip the collapsed staircase into the attic then drop it down so that it rests on the cleats.
Installation is simple with the easy to follow online instruction video.
Be sure the 2 1 2 in.
These all inclusive kits make installing an attic ladder a very easy diy project for those who have the skills and a nice easy job for a contractor for those householders who don t know one end of a hammer from the other.
While the cost of doing this work yourself reduces the cost of the project from about 650 to 220 a professional licensed contractor should complete the job from needing a second set of hands to making structural changes and modifying existing piping wiring and air ducts this work is full of potential pitfalls and requires specialized.
Snap a chalk line between the two nails image 2.
Screw the cleats to the frame joists from the room side of the opening.
Standard openings are 22 5 x 54 but some homes have wider openings.
Screws go into solid framing.
Using a carpenter s square line it up from the point of the nail and draw out 22 1 2 inches.
Do this on both sides image 3.
Most full size ladders usually need an opening in the ceiling of at least 22 5 x 54.
Make sure there s enough headroom above the attic floor so the staircase can close properly.
Cut two pieces of 1 x 4 or 2 x 4 lumber long enough to span across the bottom of the opening plus a few inches.
In new installations a rough.
Lightweight aluminum construction boasts a 375 lb.
The ladder offers a universal fit for homes with ceiling heights 8 10 ft designed for attic openings 22 5 in.
Load capacity while gas struts ensure smooth easy door opening.
Snap chalk lines onto the ceiling to represent the rough opening of the attic staircase.
Conversely some homes have smaller openings or hatches.
Roughing an opening for fold down attic stairs.
Position each cleat over one end of the opening overlapping the opening by about 1 4 to 1 2 inch to create a lip for setting the ladder frame onto.
Hiring an attic ladder installation service.
It also has a full length handrail for added safety.
Tap shims around the staircase to center it in the opening.
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.
Step 1 cut out attic access opening photo by karim shamsi basha.