Attic Ladders

Attic Ladder

There are many types of attic ladders to choose from. When deciding what type to install there are a few things to consider. Lightweight wooden ladders are okay but are not as wide as the heavy duty models and may create problems if you have a/c units or hot water heaters in the attic. These will need to be replaced every 15 or so years and you will have difficulty getting them down the narrow stairs. You also have to consider location. The ladder needs to come up where you have clearance to enter the attic. At least 5 feet. We recommend aluminum attic ladders to our customers becuase they are lightwieght, more durable, easier to lift and lower, and heavy duty.

 

Installing an Attic Ladder Parallel to Ceiling Joist

Installing attic ladders are not terribly difficult but it is definitely a 2 person job. First of all, most ladders are wider than the standard ceiling joist. So you likely will have to cut one ceiling joist and install a short header joist that runs perpendicular to the original joist connecting the two uncut joist to either side with the one you cut. This will have to be done on both sides of the opening. You will want to double up with these joist on both sides of the door to give ample support. You will need to use 16d nails or heavy duty 31/2" screws. You will also have to make sure that there is no electrical, gas or other pipes running through the area you are planning on installing the ladder into. Otherwise you will have to move these utilites and possibly create junction boxes on either side of the opening to route the new electrical cables to. You will have to use a keyhole saw or sawsall to cut out the sheetrock and then the hole should be ready. You will want to lift the ladder up into the attic. Then you will place a temporary 1x4 along the edge of the hole on both of the short sides against the sheetrock with screws. This allows you to lay the attic ladder on top of the wood lips on either side as you secure it to the joist on all four sides from above. You will likely need shims since your whole will be bigger than the ladder framing. Once it is done you simply open it up from below and cut the legs to properly touch the floor. Trim as needed and prime and paint.

Installing Stairs Perpendicular to the Joist

Essentially the same set up as parallel except you will have to cut across several joist and doubled up joist running perpendicular to the original. Once you do this for both sides you then should have the opening you need to install the ladder. Below is a perpenicular cutting of the joist prior to installing the first and second headers.

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