Installing Attic Stairs

Check that the assembly is level and shim between the stair frame and joists.

Installing attic stairs.

Mark rough opening of new fold down staircase on the ceiling joists in the attic. Make the most of all of that space in your roof with an attic ladder. Pull the stairs down until the hinges are extended image 1. This step is necessary regardless of whether you re expanding an existing hatchway or creating new attic access.

Read and follow the manufacturer s instructions for your attic stair model. Labor costs vary by individual or business and range from 240 to 425 for the entire project. In this video this old house general contractor tom silva explains how to install attic stairs. Improper installation may result in serious injury.

Lowe s will coordinate your attic ladder installation service to remove your old attic ladder handle your new attic stair installation and haul away the old unit. Make sure you have someone helping from the garage level so you don t get stuck in the attic. Cut out attic access opening photo by karim shamsi basha. Here are a few important things to keep in mind before you install an attic ladder.

Install the pull rope on the ladder assembly by threading the rope through the hole in the door. Do not extend the legs to the floor yet. Certain steps specific to your model may not be covered here. Place attic assembly on supports.

Whether you already have an existing cavity in your roof or need to create a new one t. Peek into the attic to make sure there aren t any ducts wires or pipes in the way. Pretty soon you ll be wondering why you didn t add an attic ladder to your home years ago. Labor cost to install pull down attic stairs.

Things that would increase prices include removal of an existing set of stairs structural modifications and the moving of wiring air ducts and piping. Use a reciprocating saw to cut joists and nails holding any joists that must be removed. So stop worrying about how to install an attic ladder and let lowe s coordinate your attic stairs installation. Snap chalk lines onto the ceiling to represent the rough opening of the attic staircase.

Attic stairs installation can make accessing previously unused storage space a breeze. Then thread the washer included in the attic ladder kit onto the rope on the upper side of the door.