Installing Attic Steps

Snap chalk lines onto the ceiling to represent the rough opening of the attic staircase.

Installing attic steps.

So stop worrying about how to install an attic ladder and let lowe s coordinate your attic stairs installation. Use a reciprocating saw to cut joists and nails holding any joists that must be removed. Contact lowe s today to help with installing attic ladders or. If you have a pull down attic ladder installed and only need to replace the stairs good news for you you can skip this step.

Certain steps specific to your model may not be covered here. Read and follow the manufacturer s instructions for your attic stair model. Make sure the foot pads touch the floor and provide a. Install the attic ladder feet as instructed by the manufacturer.

Remove joists and other obstructions. Construct the opening. Mark rough opening of new fold down staircase on the ceiling joists in the attic. Ensure that you have the right size ladder and that there s suitable landing space in the attic for safe mount and dismount from the ladder.

Then thread the washer included in the attic ladder kit onto the rope on the upper side of the door. Attach rope install the pull rope on the ladder assembly by threading the rope through the hole in the door. 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. Snap a chalk line between the two.

Make the most of all of that space in your roof with an attic ladder. Installation requires two people. The ladder length will depend on your ceiling height. Cut out the ceiling joist and any wood blocking that s in the opening.

In most cases you ll need to drill a pilot hole and install a hex head cap screw and lock nut to keep the foot in place. Measure and cut. Measure 54 inches and tap the second nail next to the same joist image 1. Using a reciprocating saw start your cut by lightly tapping the blade into the drywall and cut along the chalk.

Cut around ceiling trim with a utility knife. However if you are installing a new one for the first time you ll need to create a new opening for an attic access point you would need to use a hand saw for this and the measurements from step one to make the perfect cut by following the chalk lines with the handsaw just be careful of any tubes wire or duck that might be on your way. How to install an attic ladder step 1. Improper installation may result in serious injury.