Installing Folding Attic Stairs

Introduction:

Gaining access to an attic can be a difficult task. Most attics have trap doors or a hatch lid that lifts out of the way to gain access to the attic. Once the lid is out of the way a step ladder is required to gain access to the attic. There is a much better way to gain access to an attic and that is with a set of pull down attic stairs that fold down in the living space for easy direct access to the attic. With folding attic stairs a step ladder is no longer needed. 

There are many different brands of folding attic stairs to choose

 from but the installation process is very similar.  The major difference is the size of the rough opening and the locations of fasteners. Always refer to the manufacturer's directions before attempting to install stairs.

Installing folding attic stairs is not a difficult task. The stairs are pre- assembled at the manufacturers.  All that is required is to cut or enlarge an existing opening in the ceiling that fits the stairs.

Installing folding attic stars:

1. The best location is in a hallway.
2. Check the existing attic opening or new location for any constraints to enlarging the opening such as pipes and wires.
3. Place a paint tarp on the floor to protect carpets or wood flooring.
4. Mark the location of the rough opening. Check the manufactures specifications for the correct opening.
5. Remove the ceiling sheetrock to make room for the stairs. Use a standard sheetrock saw to cut through the sheet rock.
6. Cut the ceiling joists as necessary to make the rough opening. Make cuts sufficient to install a blocker 2 X 6 at the end of the ceiling joist to form a neat and square hole to the correct rough opening size. 
7. Once the opening is complete move to the actual fitting of the stairs.
8. Fit the stairs in the rough opening and use a couple of pieces of scrap wood top hold the assembly in the opening. Nail or screw the scrap wood to the ceiling.
9. Square the frame in the opening. 
10. Loosely install four of the mounting screws.
11. Again check the stairs for being square. If you cannot position the stair frame into a square position you may have made the rough opening a little too small.  Remove the stairs and enlarge the opening as necessary.
12. Once the stair frame is squared in the rough opening secure it in position using the remaining mounting screws.
13. Once the frame is secured remove the temporary pieces of scrap that you used to hold the frame into position.
14. Install the trim around the stair frame.
15. Check the stairs by placing them in the down position and make adjustments as necessary.

That is how to install folding attic stairs. The most difficult part of the task is making the rough opening and getting the stairs square in the opening. Insure that you install insulation in the attic around the stairs.

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